Colonial Charm of Albert Court Village Hotel

Albert Court Village Hotel reflects the dynamism of the growing arts sub-culture; and also echoes the vibrant atmosphere of Little India. On the fringe of the arts and cultural district, this charming boutique hotel comprises restored pre-war shop houses with Straits Chinese carvings and motifs. Access to the Central Business District and other parts of Singapore is minutes away – at the Little India MRT station – thanks to this hotel’s central location. A short walk away, the Singapore Art Museum, National Library, art schools and more cultural heritage beckon. The nearby Waterloo Street has the popular Goddess of Mercy temple rubbing shoulders with a Hindu temple and a church. Such are the unexpected neighbours you can find here – in Singapore’s multi-cultural enclaves.

More photos of Albert Court Village Hotel on Facebook

The hotel’s 210 rooms and suites offer all the modern amenities valued by today’s contemporary business and leisure travellers. Its Albert Café & Restaurant, Shish Mahal Restaurant and the cosy lobby bar lets you sample international cuisines as well as local favourites such as spicy curries and vegetarian choices from nearby Little India.

The published price for a vacation package at Albert Court Village Hotel is from $215++. SHIMWORLD readers enjoy a special 10% discount when making a reservation from this link (valid till December 31, 2012).

A Trishaw Ride to Singapore’s History by Debbie Too | The Brunei Times

The Brunei Times journalist, Debbie Too, is greeted and welcomed by hotel staff

A perfect crossing between old and new, our guestrooms and suites are housed in carefully refurbished pre-war shophouses that have been thoughtfully designed with handy conveniences for both the business and leisure traveller. | more rooms info

This is the actual room I stayed in for a night. The colonial style bedposts make this photo unique as you cannot find this on the hotel web page. I’m uncertain if this is a Deluxe room.

The colonial nostalgia of Albert Court Village Hotel’s architecture makes it a wedding solemnisation and banquet hotspot.

You can marvel at the hotel’s architecture left and right but don’t forget to look up – you may just be surprised as I was to find this Peranakan (Straits Chinese) style window panes.

Albert Café serves a delectable selection of local and international dishes throughout the day. The Straits Chinese architecture adds to the charm of this cosy café, which overlooks the Albert Court Village Hotel courtyard. Its décor also features intricately carved wooden furniture and distinctive water-colours of local flora and fauna, giving it the perfect ambience for leisurely meal.

Albert Café & Restaurant lets you sample international cuisines as well as local favourites such as spicy curries and vegetarian choices from nearby Little India.

Hotel guests have access to Apple iMacs — the contrast between cutting edge computer technology the hotel’s colonial architecture seems appropriately poetic.

The published price for a vacation package at Albert Court Village Hotel is from $215++. SHIMWORLD readers enjoy a special 10% discount when making a reservation from this link (valid till December 31, 2012).

Albert Court Village Hotel reflects the dynamism of the growing arts sub-culture; and also echoes the vibrant atmosphere of Little India. Well connected by the abundance of buses and two MRT stations (Little India and Bugis), one is only a 15-minute journey away from both the Central Business District and Orchard Road. A short walk away, the Singapore Art Museum, National Library, art schools and more cultural heritage beckon. The nearby Waterloo Street has the popular Goddess of Mercy temple rubbing shoulders with a Hindu temple and a church. See location map.

Culture@Village: Ride along distinctive local iconic landmarks such as the Mustafa Centre, Sungai Road Thieves’ Market, Sri Veeramakailamman Temple and not to mention, hidden gems along Arab Street that presents you a unique side of Singapore!

Catch a glimpse of the iconic Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple on the trishaw along Arab Street

One of my favourite trishaw moments returning to the hotel compound after a 30-mins round trip. Click on image to see more photographs from our tour de ride. Check out the other attractions around the hotel.

A Trishaw Ride to Singapore’s History by Debbie Too | The Brunei Times

Trishaw Tour Route  Albert Court Village Hotel > Short Street > Rochor Canel Road > Serangoon Road > Campbell Lane > Dunlop Street > Serangoon Road > Syed Alwi Road > Weld Road > Arab Street > Queen Street > Middle Road > Prinsep Street > McNally Street > Short Street > Albert Court Village Hotel

Kookaburra Restaurant & Gastrobar has a slew of impressive special mains such as Char-grilled Rump Steak, Kurobuta Rendang, Barbequed Kangaroo and Duck Leg & Goose Rillette amongst other rare treats. Each created specifically for the new outlet by resident Executive Chef Roland Graham, the menu at Kookaburra is a showcase of originality and uncompromising taste and quality. | More dining options.

More photos of Kookaburra’s amazing culinary creations | also on Facebook

Kurobuta Rendang – Kurobuta Pork Jowl slowly braised in herbs and spices toasted fresh coconut green bean sambal, sticky rice.

Fluffy Pancake Stack caramelized apples, crisp pork belly, swirled cinnamon rhubarb ice-cream.

TRANSFORMERS The Ultimate 3D Battle Premiers at Universal Studios Singapore

Universal Studios Singapore on 3rd December launched the world’s first theme park attraction based on Hasbro’s iconic TRANSFORMERS brand. Taking the Transformers movie franchise from reel to reality, this motion thrill ride showcases the most advanced evolution of immersive theme park entertainment. The breakthrough attraction features 12 scenes, comprising sets blended seamlessly with hyper-realistic 3D digital media and special effects to bring tactile realism to every moment; the inability to discern illusion from reality as guests get transported on-board advanced motion-based ride vehicles into the Transformers universe, and partake in the ultimate 3D battle against the Decepticons right alongside the Autobots.

For more info and updates: visit blog dedicated to everything Transformers The Ride

Guests are placed in the very centre of the TRANSFORMERS universe right from the pre-show queue, where they become recruits of NEST — a military command and control bunker created by humans and AUTOBOTS to protect Earth from the DECEPTICONS. As the new recruits are getting their orientation, Decepticons attack NEST to steal the ultimate power source: the ALLSPARK.

More photographs from TRANSFORMERS The Ride at Universal Studios Singapore

"Cowards run, heroes fight!" ~ Transformers The Ride @ Universal Studios #Singapore @rwsentosa #shimworld—
JAN SHIM (@JanShim) November 30, 2011

You're greeted by a 4.88 metres tall Bumblebee at the entrance of The Ride. In human terms, Bumblebee is older than most current civilizations, but the other Autobots consider him young. He is a fine soldier and totally devoted to Optimus Prime.

What luck! Brand new Transformers The Ride @ Universal Studios Singapore open to public for 'Technical Rehearsal' in the queue now. #fb—
JAN SHIM (@JanShim) November 29, 2011

Enlisted as NEST recruits, guests are tasked to help the Autobots protect a remaining shard of the ALLSPARK — a powerful energy cube that gives life to the Transformers. As the Decepticons attack the facility in a bid to obtain the shard, guests are introduced to a new Autobot — EVAC — created exclusively for this ride.

[ TRANSFORMERS The Ride: Scene-by-scene preview by Brady MacDonald, Los Angeles Times ]

The queue winds through the NEST military base, with video screens explaining the ride's back story, and past an AllSpark containment chamber that houses a glowing module containing the source of life for all Transformers.

AllSpark containment chamber that houses a glowing module containing the source of life for all Transformers.

Very cool studded Transformers 100% cotton tee shirt featuring Autobots and Decepticons. Jewel picked the purple item I suspect mainly due to the colour than a dark side preference.

Lunch at Transformers Starbot Cafe compliments of Universal Studios #Singapore. Thank you @rwsentosa for the hospitality! #shimworld #fb—
JAN SHIM (@JanShim) November 29, 2011

Anyone familiar with IKEA cafeteria concept will immediately warm up to how food and beverage is served here right through to the check-out.

Michael Bay said, "I am very excited about the debut of this attraction at Universal Studios Singapore. Finally, Transformers fans will not only have a chance to watch the Autobots battle the Decepticons on screen; they will actually be part of the action."

MICHAEL BAY is one of the world's boldest and most successful filmmakers. His films have grossed over $5 billion worldwide and redefined the action genre. A graduate of Wesleyan University and Art Center College of Design, Bay began his career as a commercial and music director. He has won virtually every major award in the commercial industry. His "Got Milk?" campaign resides in the permanent collection of New York's Museum of Modern Art.

Thierry Coup is the Senior Vice President of Universal Creative — the creative studio of Universal Parks and Resorts. One of Thierry's current responsibilities is leading the development of Transformers The Ride at both Universal Studios Singapore and Hollywood.

More photographs from TRANSFORMERS The Ride at Universal Studios Singapore

We were very fortunate to have been one of the early visitors to have experienced The Ride before the official opening. There was no massive crowd normally associated with the launch of a new attraction so here's a clean group photo with EVAC, a new recruit to the Autobot team stationed on Earth.

Anyone who has been on Universal Studio's Spiderman will love Transformers The Ride. It's awesome!—
JAN SHIM (@JanShim) November 29, 2011

TRANSFORMERS, the first in the film’s trilogy, debuted in 2007 and garnered three Academy Award nominations. The first sequel, TRANSFORMERS: Revenge of the Fallen, opened in 2009 and earned an Academy Award nomination. The third in the franchise, TRANSFORMERS: Dark of the Moon, opened on 29th June 2011 with stellar box office results worldwide. The three TRANSFORMERS films were directed and jointly executive produced by Michael Bay and Steven Spielberg, and released by Paramount Pictures. Spielberg also serves as creative consultant to Universal Studios Singapore.

Fun Facts:

• TRANSFORMERS The Ride has been installed in a two-storey building within Sci-Fi City. The Sci-Fi City zone is also home to another thrilling attraction, Battlestar Galactica — the world’s tallest duelling roller coasters.
• The TRANSFORMERS ride vehicle is a roving motion simulator that transports guests past huge photo-realistic projection screens, theatrical scenery, physical special effects and a dynamic sound track to create the ultimate virtual reality experience.
• The ride experience lasts approximately four minutes, but the intensity of the experience makes it seem MUCH longer.
• The ride took nearly four years to design, engineer and produce.
• EVAC can transform into three modes: street vehicle, hybrid battle vehicle, and robot.
• The ride vehicle is a new AUTOBOT stationed on Earth, and his specialty is transporting personnel and classified materials at hyper speeds.
• There are 12 scenes in the main show (for a review of each of the scenes by Los Angeles Times).
• The show features a total of eleven Transformers characters — four Autobots and seven Decepticons. They are: Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, Sideswipe and Wheelie as well as Megatron, Ravage, Sideways, Grindor, Devaastator, Bonecrusher and Starscream.

Shop and shop and shop at the Great Singapore Sale 2011

Ready for the much‐anticipated, two‐month‐long sale in Asia? Then, gather your friends and family and head to the ongoing Great Singapore Sale (GSS) 2011, which lasts until July 24. Grab the best deals on fashion apparel, luxury goods, electronics and experience late‐night shopping amid good food and company. Now in its 18th year, the GSS offers tourists eight whole weeks of great discounts and freebies, tourist privileges and benefits, exciting activities and fabulous finds.

With up to 70% discounts on almost everything, bargain hunters, shopaholics and fashionistas can splurge on trendy retail brands like Dorothy Perkins, Kenneth Cole, Forever 21, Warehouse, Ben Sherman, Club 21, BCBGMAXAZRIA, Kipling, Mint by MeIM, Topshop and Topman.

Photo courtesy of Marina Bay Sands / Singapore Tourism Board

Visitors looking for more than a fashion and apparel sale can also find their own niche during this great shopping extravaganza. Brands like Urban Beach Bar, Erabelle, TSUYA TSUYA, Lee Hwa Jewellery and The Body Shop also have good offers on home accessories, spa packages, luxury deals, watches, jewellery, toys and beauty treatments. But more than the participating top‐notch brands, tourists also take center stage with all the great privileges and promotions made especially for Singapore’s beloved visitors. If you are planning to spend most of your time mall hopping in Singapore’s shopping district, it’s your chance to make the most out of your tourist privileges.

Don’t forget your passport and boarding pass, because in premium shopping hotspots like ION Orchard, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, Central, Millenia Walk, The Centrepoint, VivoCity, Marina Square Shopping Mall, Orchard Central, The Heeren, Wisma Atria and Suntec City Mall, you can get attractive privileges, freebies and discounts as a tourist.

For great shopping and gift ideas from Singapore, visitors can check out the fantastic GSS offers and MasterCard® privileges from ‘GET SINGAPORE’ – a collection of brands that represents eclectic and stylish Singaporean brands and merchandise. Tourists who charge S$100 to MasterCard® at GET SINGAPORE brands’ outlets will receive a free TravelPAC ‘I love SG’ laptop sleeve!

Even better news for holders of MasterCard®, you can avail of discounts and accumulate rewards from over 100 shopping, dining, hotel and spa establishments. Visitors also stand a chance to win an exclusive return trip to Singapore when you charge $100 to your MasterCard® and claim GST refunds at Global Blue. Still hungry for more bargains even well into the night? Not to worry. The GSS doesn’t close when the sun goes down. Sift through great discounts while enjoying late‐night shopping, dining and entertainment in Orchard Road and Marina Bay. And don’t forget to drop by Little India, Chinatown and Kampong Glam if you want to add authentic ethnic finds and souvenirs to your shopping adventure.

“The Great Singapore Sale is an experience that gets bigger and better each year,’ said Ms Sherina Chan, Singapore Tourism Board’s (STB) Area Director for the Philippines and Brunei. “Bruneians will be spoilt for choice with the multitude of offers and spending rewards in store. In addition, visitors can also enjoy value deals from 30 hotels around Singapore, discounted dining vouchers from over 100 of Singapore’s favorite restaurants, and great sightseeing tours for a total lifestyle experience. Basically, there will be something for everyone.”

“This year to make it extra special, we are thrilled to bring GSS to the global online community where retailers can engage with consumers and share attractive GSS deals using Twitter at #GreatSingaporeSale. Likewise Bruneians can check out the latest GSS activities and share all the great deals with their family and friends,” she added.

To find more about the GSS 2011 offers, promotions, and events, visit the GSS 2011 official website at www.greatsingaporesale.com.sg.

About the Singapore Tourism Board
The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is a leading economic development agency in tourism, one of Singapore’s key service sectors. Known for partnership, innovation and excellence, STB champions tourism, making it a key economic driver for Singapore. We aim to differentiate and market Singapore as a must‐visit destination offering a concentration of user‐centric and enriching experiences through the “YourSingapore” brand. For more information, please visit http://www.stb.gov.sg/ or http://www.yoursingapore.com/

For media inquiries, please contact: Laila Opiña at +632 635‐9355 (extension 161) or email laila.opina@agatep.com.