The inaugural Far East Heritage Festival 2013 is set to bring travellers and locals on a journey through the Singapore story via informative and experiential trails at popular, centrally-located leisure spots. The heritage-rich urban adventure runs from 19 July to 18 September 2013 and is expected to attract 20,000 participants.
(TRAVPR.COM) SINGAPORE - May 14th, 2013 - Singapore, 8 May 2013 – The inaugural Far East Heritage Festival 2013 is set to bring travellers and locals on a journey through the Singapore story via informative and experiential trails at popular, centrally-located leisure spots. The heritage-rich urban adventure runs from 19 July to 18 September 2013 and is expected to attract 20,000 participants.
Bringing to life the culture and heritage of Singapore, the Festival is Far East Hospitality’s latest initiative to connect both travellers and locals with authentic elements from Singapore’s yesteryear. As part of the festival period, participants who book their hotel or residence stay between 19 July and 18 August can also join specially-designed festival trails to sample local food and play traditional games. From personalised experiences to guided tours, guests will be able to immerse in specially-designed activities that are available only for the month. They can also redeem a dual-purpose bag worth SGD98 at the hotel stay after collecting two stamps from any three Trail stops.
The trail experience will cover cultural activities and sights at the Indian and Malay enclaves of Little India and Kampong Glam, the street dining experience of the former Glutton’s Square, and a walk down memory lane on Singapore’s postal system.
Said Mr Arthur Kiong, Far East Hospitality’s Chief Executive Officer, “As a home-grown operator and Singapore’s largest operator of hotels and residences, we believe in taking the lead to share Singapore’s success story. With our unique style of Singapore-inspired hospitality, we hope that more travellers and locals can rediscover or be introduced to our country’s past and present. The first-ever Far East Heritage Festival is our way of thanking our guests, whether they are foreigners or locals.”
Guests can experience the Far East Heritage Festival 2013 when they book their stay directly at www.stayfareast.com/heritage with any of the 16 Far East Hospitality hotels and residences in Singapore during the two month period. To incentivise participation in the Festival, guests will receive a Festival Heritage passport and be rewarded with SGD80 cash vouchers to spend at Orchard Central with every room booking.
A heritage journey your way, at your own pace
Participants can also create their own heritage journeys by trying out activities at four key landmarks at their own leisure.
Highlights of itineraries participants can enjoy include:
- The art of parrot astrology, one of the vanishing trades in Singapore. Ink yourself with a unique motif the traditional way with the help of a henna art artist, and join a multi-sensory guided tour of the area. Venue: Village Hotel Albert Court (Passport Stamp Stop)
- Hop onto a guided tour of the famous eclectic neighbourhood in the Bugis area. From Malay heritage sites to hidden fashion finds in Haji Lane, every step is a surprise along this shopping and cultural walk.
Venue: Village Hotel Bugis
- Be transported back in time to Glutton’s Square, one of the famous dining streets of Singapore back in the 70s. While the area is now home to a sparkling new modern mall, have a taste of the nostalgic past, learn more about the history, and even strike a pose with some of the props available as you take a breather from your shopping spree.
Venue: Orchard Central ($80 cash voucher redemption and Passport Stamp Stop)
- Send a note back to your loved ones the traditional way with paper and pen. Step into a gallery of an iconic building that used to house Singapore’s General Post Office. Try out games that were popular decades ago at a pop-up Mamak Shop (convenience shop). Guests can also enjoy traditional snacks like roasted nuts and beans more commonly known as “KacangPuteh”, or “white beans” in Malay.
Venue: The Fullerton Heritage Gallery @ The Fullerton Hotel (Passport Stamp Stop)
Far East Heritage Trail
Participants of the Far East Heritage Trail during the Festival’s first month will be equipped with a Heritage Passport with a suggested itinerary for an urban self-guided tour, as well as SGD80 cash vouchers at Orchard Central, one of the latest shopping malls at the heart of the Orchard Road shopping belt. Every room booking will be entitled to one Heritage Passport and SGD80 worth of cash vouchers. Shoppers will be able to redeem the vouchers at various participating outlets at Orchard Central, ranging from fashion, tech gadgets, novelty items and dining.
A Festival and Adventure – Experience more of Singapore
Held in conjunction with the Singapore HeritageFest 2013, the Far East Heritage Festival 2013 is supported by the National Heritage Board and the Singapore Tourism Board.
“We are excited that a new partner has joined the Singapore HeritageFest by launching their own version of a heritage festival. Such partnerships and ownership by the community helps us to make heritage accessible to more audiences. We welcome this initiative and look forward to participating in this inaugural event,” said Ms Angelita Teo, Director, Festivals & Precinct Development, National Heritage Board.
“As we reach out more to increasingly discerning consumers with ever-changing needs and expectations, it is essential that hoteliers constantly evolve by offering interesting product and experiences to stay relevant and to build customer loyalty. We are thus heartened to see Far East Hospitality embark on this initiative to create and deliver both a differentiated and enhanced experience for their hotel guests, contributing to the unique and compelling story that Singapore has to share as a destination,” added Ms Heng Li Lang, Director, Hotels, Singapore Tourism Board.
For more details on the festival and festival highlights, members of the public can check out www.stayfareast.com/heritage.
About Far East Hospitality
Far East Hospitality Management is Singapore’s biggest hotels and residences operator. It is the hospitality management arm of Far East Orchard Limited, a listed company under Far East Organization, Singapore’s largest private property developer. First established in the mid-2000s, Far East Hospitality offers home grown world-class Singapore hospitality services for business and leisure travelers for short and long term stays, across a wide variety of premium accommodation options in choice locations. Far East Hospitality’s portfolio in Singapore comprises of eight hotels and eight residences with a combined inventory of more than 3,500 units as well as the Sri Tiara Residences in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. They include the multi award-winning Quincy Hotel, as well as Oasia Hotel Singapore, Village Hotel Changi, Orchard Scotts Residences and Orchard Parksuites. For more information, visit www.stayfareast.com.
For media enquiries, please contact:
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Annex 1: Far East Heritage Festival 2013 Trail – Calendar of Events
The Far East Heritage Festival 2013 is held from 19 July to 18 September 2013.
Guests who stay during 19 July to 18 August 2013 will also be able to participate in the Far East Heritage Trail.
Activities for the Trail include:
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Event/ Activity (19 July to 18 August 2013)
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Time/ Date
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Venue
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Parrot Astrology
Henna Painting
Food demonstrations
Note: Get your Passport Stamp here
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Daily: 11am – 6pm
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Village Hotel Albert Court
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Guided Weekend Tours
(1.5 hours per session, inclusive of food tasting)
- Stops include visiting a traditional wet market and food court, and food sampling of Malay delicacies
Note: Get your Passport Stamp here
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Fridays:
4pm – 5:30pm
Saturdays: 1:30pm – 3pm AND
4pm – 5:30pm
Sundays: 10:30am – 12pm
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Starting from Village Hotel Albert Court
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Guided Weekend Tours
(1.5 hours per session, inclusive of food tasting)
- Stops include visiting the fashion area of Haji Lane, Singapore’s oldest mosque and food sampling of Malay delicacies
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Friday:
1:30pm – 3pm
Saturday: 10:30am – 12pm AND
1:30pm – 3pm
Sunday:
2pm – 3:30pm
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Starting from Village Hotel Bugis
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Revival of Glutton’s Square
- Street food stalls
- Exhibition panels
- Photo-taking areas
- Spend your $80 cash voucher at various participating outlets in Orchard Central
Note: Get your Passport Stamp here
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Daily:
11am – 9pm
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Orchard Central
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Annex 2: Far East Heritage Festival 2013 – Booking Details
Booking your Far East Heritage Festival 2013 Experience
Promotion is subject to room availability. Bookings can be made directly online with Far East Hospitality’s official website – www.stayfareast.com/heritage, as well as your preferred local travel agency.
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Stays from
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Festival experience per room booking includes:
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19 July to 18 September 2013
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· SGD80 Cash Voucher (Redeemable at Orchard Central)
· Complimentary 24hr Wireless Internet Access
· 20% off Adult Admission Fees at 4 Museums
(Asian CivilisationsMuseum, National Museum of Singapore, Peranakan Museum, Singapore Art Museum)
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19 July to 18 August 2013
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In addition to the above, guests will also be able to enjoy trail exclusives:
· Heritage Festival Passport
· Dual-Purpose Bag Worth SGD98 (redeemable at the hotel after collecting two passport stamps at trail stops)
· Trail activities at four locations
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Booking period: 8 May to 18 September 2013, unless sold out prior.
Participating hotels and residences
To enjoy Far East Heritage Festival 2013 offer, simply book ANY room rate on www.stayfareast.com/heritage website for stays from 19 July to 18 September 2013. Promotion is valid till 18 September 2013, unless sold out prior.
All Far East Hospitality Hotels and Residences provide complimentary 24-hour Internet access for guests.
Terms & Conditions:
- Rate shown below is only indicative and will be subjected to change during peak periods.
- All rates are before 10% service charge plus 7% goods and services tax.
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Hotels managed by Far East Hospitality
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Starting from:
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The Quincy Hotel
A luxurious and trendy boutique hotel, The Quincy Hotel is an all-inclusive hotel* that appeals to well-heeled travellers with its hip and quirky design accents such as an LED-illuminated infinity pool. Seated along Mount Elizabeth road, the hotel is just a short walking distance from Orchard Road, Singapore’s celebrated shopping belt.
*The hotel offers complimentary one-way limousine airport transfer services, unlimited Internet access, buffet breakfast, set lunch and dinner, in-room mini bar & coffee machine, evening cocktails, laundry and local calls.
22 Mount Elizabeth Singapore 228517
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S$240 (US$194*)
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Oasia Hotel Singapore
The Oasia Hotel Singapore is located within Novena – a prime district in Singapore and home to premier medical hubs such as the Novena Medical Center, Thomson Medical Centre and Tan Tock Seng Hospital.The hotel is also minutes away from shopping malls such as United Square Shopping Mall and is directly connected to Novena MRT Station, which is just two train stops away from Orchard MRT Station.
8 Sinaran Drive Singapore 307470
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S$170 (US$138*)
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Village Hotel Katong
The latest addition to the Village brand, Village Hotel Katong, as its name suggests, brings with it the Nonya flavors of Singapore’s Eastern regions of Katong and Marine Parade. This non-smoking 229-room hotel, which features Superior, Deluxe and Club categories, provides great value for travellers. Village Hotel Katong draws its inspiration from the Peranakan heritage of its surrounding, which can be reflected in the hotel's Straits Chinese design accents.
25 Marine Parade Road Singapore 449536
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S$195 (US$158*)
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Village Hotel Albert Court
A heritage boutique hotel restored from century-old pre-war shophouses, Village Hotel Albert Court appeals to cultural lovers with its close proximity to the Singapore Art Museum, Goddess of Mercy Temple and Haji Lane. The hotel itself sits in the ethnic enclave of Little India.
180 Albert Street Singapore 189971
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S$175 (US$142*)
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Village Hotel Changi
Boasting well-equipped meeting rooms, complimentary 24 hour Internet access and the serenity of the Changi coastline, Village Hotel Changi provides both business and leisure guests alike with an idyllic hotel experience. Conveniently located near Changi Village Food Centre, a major food centre, as well as Changi International Airport, the hotel also provides free airport shuttle and daily transfer to Changi Business Park.
1 Netheravon Road Singapore 508502
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S$185 (US$150*)
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Hotels managed by Far East Hospitality (Continued)
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Starting from:
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Village Hotel Bugis
Strategically poised in the Kampong Glam precinct and Arab Street along with its close proximity to Little India, Village Hotel Bugis provides guests an opportunity to explore the cultural side of Singapore. The hotel’s Poolside Courtyard also offers a bird’s eye view of the Central Business District and the Singapore Flyer.
390 Victoria Street Singapore 188061
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S$165 (US$134*)
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Orchard Parade Hotel
Seated in the heart of Singapore’s prime shopping belt, Orchard Parade Hotel appeals to business and leisure travellers who are interested in exploring Orchard Road. The hotel is also within close proximity to the Central Business District and Suntec Singapore International Convention & Exhibition Centre.
1 Tanglin Road Singapore 247905
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S$190 (US$154*)
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The Elizabeth Hotel
Strategically located along Mount Elizabeth road, the Elizabeth Hotel provides guests with a quiet retreat from the bustling main city area. The hotel is also several minutes’ walk away from Mount Elizabeth Hospital – one of Asia’s top leading medical centres and Orchard Road, Singapore’s prime shopping district.
24 Mount Elizabeth Singapore 228518
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S$170 (US$138*)
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Residences managed by Far East Hospitality
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Starting from (daily)
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Orchard Scotts Residences
Seated conveniently along the belt of Singapore’s Orchard shopping district, Orchard Scotts Residences provide guests with a touch of luxury and exclusiveness with resort-like amenities such as four swimming pools, spa pavilions and a state-of-the-art gym. The award-winning residence also offers guests with a picturesque view of the Orchard skyline and furnishings by KSS International, one of the world’s leading interior design companies.
5 Anthony Road Singapore 229954
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S$474 (US$384*)
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Orchard Parksuites
A stone’s throw away from Singapore’s premier shopping district with its exclusive rooms, ranging from one-bedroom lofts to penthouses, Orchard Parksuites appeals to business and leisure travellers with its luxury standards and its close proximity to the Central Business District.
11 Orchard Turn Singapore 238800
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S$437 (US$354*)
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Residences managed by Far East Hospitality (Continued)
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Starting from (daily)
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Regency House
Located just behind Orchard Road, Regency House is just minutes away from some of the major shopping malls in Singapore’s prime shopping district. Its central location also provides close proximity to the Central Business District and local attractions that include the Istana, the Official Residence of the President of Singapore.
121 Penang Road Singapore 238464
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S$389 (US$315*)
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Far East Plaza Residences
Located just behind Far East Plaza - one of Singapore’s popular shopping malls that is well-known for its affordable and trendy apparels, street snacks, and manicure and tattoo parlours, Far East Plaza Residences offer guests with easy accessibility to the Orchard Road shopping district. Its central location also makes it easy for guests to travel around Singapore.
14 Scotts Road Singapore 228213
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S$401 (US$325*)
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Village Residence Clarke Quay
Seated in the middle of well-known districts that are known for their rich cultural heritage, Village Residence Clarke Quay feature Straits Chinese design accents that will appeal to cultural lovers. The residence’s central location is also a stone’s throw away from entertainment spots such as Clarke Quay and Robertson Quay.
20 Havelock Road Singapore 059765
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S$376 (US$305*)
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Village Residence Robertson Quay
Conveniently located along the Singapore River, Village Residence Robertson Quay is also within close proximity to prime locations such as Chinatown, Orchard Road and entertainment hotspots such as Clarke Quay. The residence also caters to business travellers by offering complimentary shuttle services to offices and building within the Central Business District every weekday morning.
30 Robertson Quay Singapore 238251
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S$401 (US$325*)
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Village Residence Hougang
Village Residence Hougang is located above the Hougang One retail podium – a shopping mall within one of Singapore’s popular suburbs. Guests will have the opportunity to experience the local way of life by shopping at the local wet market and heartland shopping malls. The residence is also in close proximity to the Business and Industrial Parks in northeast Singapore and a short car journey from Orchard Road and the Central Business District.
1 Hougang Street 91 Singapore 538692
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S$376 (US$305*)
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Residences managed by Far East Hospitality (Continued)
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Starting from (daily)
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Village Residence West Coast
Poised just above West Coast Plaza, a shopping centre that offers a variety of food and lifestyle establishments, Village Residence West Coast also offers a close proximity to academic institutions and Research & Development hubs such as the National University of Singapore, School of Science and Technology, Fusionopolis and the Science Park. The residence also allows guests to explore the rich surroundings such as Clementi Woods and the Pasir Panjang beach park in the West Precinct.
154 West Coast Road Singapore 127371
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S$376 (US$305*)
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