Exciting new and treasured old

The rough and ready port of rickshaws, opium dens, pearl luggers and pirates is past history. 

Yet in Singapore, you can still recapture the colonial era with a gin sling at the historic Raffles Hotel, dine out at the renovated quays along the Singapore River, where merchant ships once berthed and visit the numerous Victorian relics that have survived the city's relentless development. This carefully stage managed combination of western modernity and a treasured eastern and colonial past, makes Singapore such an accessible slice of Asia. 

Budget accommodation is available in dormitories concentrated around Bencoolen Street or Chinese hotels in Chinatown, Jalan Besar or Beach Road. There are a few moderately priced hotels and plenty of international standard hotels. For those with bottomless wallets, there is always Raffles Hotel. For tasty budget Indian and Chinese food, try one of the hundreds of hawker centres scattered throughout Singapore. For shopping, Orchard Road, the colonial district, Chinatown and Little India offers a wide choice in both quality and price.

"We offer special incentives for those making bookings up to December 31, 2000", says Rodney Koelmeyer, Chairman/Managing Director of Superlink Travels one of the largest outbound tour operators in Sri Lanka. Purchasing an air ticket from Superlink Travels entitles the traveller to a 24 carat gold coin. Flying to Singapore, Bangkok or Hong Kong on a package tour or booking overseas accommodation through Superlink Travels gives you the opportunity to win a super luxury BMW car.

"We offer some luxury hotels in Singapore at very attractive prices," Mr. Koelmeyer added. The Excelsior Hotel, one of the special offers from Superlink travels is located in the hub of Singapore's business and leisure district. It is five minutes walk to the 73 storey Raffles City Convention Centre and the Marina district. Orchard Road is two stops away by Singapore's Mass Rapid Transport (MRT). A stone's throw away is the historic Fort Canning, inspiring temples, architectural churches, Chinatown, National Museum and the familiar Singapore River.

Five well appointed Executive Suites and seven Jewelled Suites promise the comforts of home lavished with charm and luxury. The Executive Suites are elegant and comfortable with a living room, classy furnishings and separate bedroom. Each of the Jewelled Suites enjoy a distinctive decor and colour scheme with a spacious living and dining area with one or two attached bedrooms. A total of 271 guestrooms in pastel shades exude warmth and elegance while affording a panoramic view of the city.

Eastern and Western food is served in the restaurants and one can relax in the lounge with a refreshing cocktail and soothing piano music. A swimming pool on the fifth floor commands a spectacular view of the city. Three shopping complexes conveniently linked together offer an extensive variety of goods and services.

The Peninsula Hotel is located adjoining the Excelsior on Coleman Street, easily accessible from the financial, shopping and entertainment districts in Singapore. It is five minutes by MRT to the bustling Orchard Road, a shoppers' paradise. 

The impressive suites are tastefully furnished in warm hues and elegant furnishings. Each Executive Suite comprises an idyllic living room and bedroom. A total of 307 spacious, elegant rooms create an inviting ambiance with a spectacular view of Singapore harbour. All rooms are equipped with safe, colour TV, IDD telephone, hair dryer, mini bar and coffee and tea making facilities. Restaurant, entertainment and recreation facilities are also available, while three shopping complexes are conveniently located. 

The New Park Hotel, at the corner of Serangoon Road and Kitchener Road, is ideally located for business, shopping and sightseeing. Arab Street, Little India and Bugis Street are all within walking distance or easily reached by Singapore's MRT. The financial district, Chinatown and Orchard Road are only ten minutes away by MRT and the airport a 30 minute drive. Guests are provided with a free scheduled shuttle service to the marina Square and Orchard Road shopping areas. 

Rooms are equipped with mini bar, colour TV, in-house movies, radio, taped music, IDD and other facilities. Rooms on the three penthouse floors enjoy enhanced facilities, including complimentary buffet breakfast and cocktail at the exclusive Penthouse Lounge. Five food and beverage outlets offer distinctive cuisine and atmosphere. 

An 18 meter swimming pool with an expansive deck area, steam bath, a kiddies pool and a brand new gymnasium are available for the exercise conscious guest.

Small is indeed beautiful where Dicksons Court Hotel is concerned. This 51 room hotel is situated in a conservation building project site, on Dickson Road, close to Little India, one of Singapore's heritage attractions. 

Though small, the hotel is fully air conditioned with guest service lift, IDD telephone, TV piped music, health spa centre and karaoke lounge. Located just outside the Central Business Area, the hotel is easily accessible to the airport, MRT station and only five minutes to the heart of Singapore's shopping paradise, Orchard Road. It is also just next to one of Singapore's mega electronic marts, Sim Lim Tower. A great variety of foods, from local favourites to exotic southern and northern Indian specialties are available in the vicinity of the hotel. 

The national carrier, Sri Lankan Airlines operates daily flights to Singapore.

Sculptor and artist Sarath Chandrajeewa who first burst on the local scene with his exhibition of a hundred heads of eminent Lankan personalities in 1994, is back with another show. This time titled 'Form and Feelings', the exhibition which will be held at the Lanka Oberoi's Atrium will be from November 24 - 29.

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