Travel News – December 2018 – Including New Year’s Eve Fireworks at Victoria Harbour Hong Kong and Marina Bay Singapore


[Travel News]
Hong Kong Welcomes 2019 with Pyromusical over Victoria Harbour
Fireworks over Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong
  
The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) will present a spectacular pyromusical at the Hong Kong New Year Countdown Celebrations 2019 to usher in the New Year above Victoria Harbour on 31 December 2018.
The 10-minute pyromusical will take the stage against the Hong Kong’s iconic skyline once the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve. The featured landmark Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre will display the numerals “2019” and deliver New Year blessings to the global audience in various languages on its façade. The celebration of light and music culminates as the “Celestial Kaleidoscope” dazzles Hong Kong with brilliant flashes of technicolor hues. Its morphing patterns and varying colours further enrich the visual and musical feast and step up the celebratory ambience. The grand finale of the 10-minute fireworks splendour will feature 45 different patterns of pyrotechnics and fireworks in one minute, projecting patterns such as smiley face and heart to fill the hearts of the audience with hope and joy for another bright year ahead.
Adorned by the exquisite fireworks by an award-winning maker in Italy, the extravaganza of vibrant fireworks, pyrotechnics and beam lighting effects illuminates the Victoria Harbour across multiple levels, from sea, land to rooftops of skyscrapers. The fireworks display and lighting effects are gracefully choreographed as perfect partners in synchrony with the festive soundtrack, highlighted by a tint of traditional Chinese music. From 11:00pm on New Year’s Eve, the public are also welcome to make wish on the pyrotechnic shooting stars launched from rooftops of high-rising buildings at the Victoria Harbour.
Here’s a look at what happened last year:

 
For more information about the Hong Kong New Year Countdown Celebrations 2019, head over to http://www.discoverhongkong.com/countdown
Visual and video courtesy of Hong Kong Tourism Board. 
  

  
Marina Bay Singapore Countdown 2019

 
Marina Bay and the Civic District will once again be transformed into Singapore’s largest countdown celebration venue come this New Year’s Eve.
Members of the public can look forward to a whole host of activities across various partner event hubs around Marina Bay and Civic District. There will be light projection shows on key landmarks around the bay; Mediacorp’s Let’s Celebrate 2019 countdown concert at The Promontory, made free for the public for the first time; the Food Truck Fest at the Marina Bay Sands Event Plaza, offering modern local gastronomical delights; Esplanade Presents Come Together outdoor performances by local acts at the Esplanade Outdoor Theatre and the Prudential Marina Bay Carnival at the Bayfront Event Space. 
There will also be the CarFree New Year’s Eve (Car-Free NYE) at the Civic District, where the roads around the Padang will be closed to vehicular traffic for activities such as movie screenings, live performances, bazaars, salsa dancing and more. Enter the New Year with an awe-inspiring fireworks display set against the iconic Singapore’s city skyline with STAR ISLAND Singapore Countdown Edition.  
Continuing with the theme “Bay of Hopes and Dreams” and in partnership with the National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre, Marina Bay Singapore Countdown 2019 presents the Build a Dream initiative, a collective effort to support the less fortunate in fulfilling their dreams and personal development. As part of the initiative, artworks created by students and beneficiaries of local schools and welfare organisations will be transformed into a series of dazzling light projections on the facades of key landmarks around Marina Bay. These whimsical artworks portray the world seen through the eyes of these youths, as well as their aspirations for the future. 
From 26 December to 31 December 2018, the façade of The Fullerton Hotel Singapore will be illuminated nightly with artworks by beneficiaries of the Metta Welfare Association (Metta) and the Association for Persons with Special Needs (APSN). From 29 December to 31 December 2018, the public can catch light projections adapted from artworks by beneficiaries from the AWWA and the Cerebral Palsy Alliance Singapore (CPAS) on ArtScience Museum, as well as artworks by students from the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) on the Merlion.
Mr Lim Eng Hwee, Chief Executive Officer of the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) said, “The Marina Bay Singapore Countdown has been a signature countdown event that draws both locals and overseas visitors, as it offers a unique cityscape and vibrant atmosphere for everyone to enjoy the New Year’s Eve. As we come together to celebrate the New Year and enjoy the activities that have been lined up, we hope that the public will also be inspired to play a part in helping the less privileged through the Build a Dream initiative.” 
Should you wish to help the talented youths from these schools and welfare organisations fulfill their dreams and aspirations, head over to http://www.marinabaycountdown.sg/build-a-dream
  
Marina Bay
Marina Bay will be bustling with activities on New Year’s Eve that will excite the senses. On 31 December, The Float @ Marina Bay will host the STAR ISLAND Singapore Countdown Edition in conjunction with Marina Bay Singapore Countdown 2019, marking the international debut of this landmark Japanese production by the Japanese entertainment group Avex. 
For the first time, a series of breath-taking fireworks will light up the bay for a full hour leading to midnight. This multi-sensory fireworks musical will take the fireworks display to the next level. Look out for a combination of the dazzling fireworks and pyrotechnics, lights, 3D surround sound and performance acts by Taiko drummers, dancers, fire performers and more. There will also be fringe activities including a F&B marketplace, roving performances and family-friendly activities. For ticketing details, visit http://www.starisland.sg
At the stroke of midnight, the spectacular fireworks that can be viewed from around the bay will bloom against the backdrop of Singapore’s city skyline, lighting up the whole of Marina Bay and marking the grand finale to the celebrations. 
Over at The Promontory, Mediacorp’s Let’s Celebrate 2019 countdown show will be hosted by Chua En Lai and Sonia Chew, featuring top Mediacorp artistes and acclaimed local acts as they usher in the New Year.
Visitors will get to enjoy live performances by Taufik Batisah, Gentle Bones, Joanna Dong, Sufi Rashid, Shabir, as well as the newly-crowned SPOP Sing! winner Jarrell Ng and the top three finalists. On top of that, artistes Joel Choo, Pierre Png, Sheila Sim, Romeo Tan, Carrie Wong will collaborate with Singapore’s top fashion models and Aisyah Aziz to showcase works done by local designers. Entry is free and starts from 7pm. For more details, visit toggle.sg/LetsCelebrate2019
At the Marina Bay Sands Event Plaza, riding on Singaporeans’ renowned foodie culture, Food Truck Fest will feature a delicious line-up of modern local food, with a gathering of food trucks, caravans and kombi vans. Food Truck Fest celebrates local culinary craftsmanship by showcasing local food and beverage talents. Visitors can expect to experience an array of Singapore’s favourite dishes all in one location, such as the humble, kampong-style New Ubin Seafood, and the newly-awarded Michelin Bib Gourmand, Fishball Story. 
Returning to the Bayfront Event Space for the second year is the Prudential Marina Bay Carnival. This year’s edition will be bigger than ever, featuring 50 rides and games from Europe and around the globe. The Carnival will also be introducing new rides and games, an array of festive programmes, innovative promotions such as monthly themed dress contests, and new elements such as food challenges and a dance competition, to keep visitors engaged. 
Groove into the New Year at the Esplanade Outdoor Theatre with Esplanade Presents Come Together that will feature six different performances with acts by Nick Zavior, Amni Musfirah, Bloco Singapura and NovoBloco. Timothy Nga hosts this stellar line-up of musical talent that will serenade listeners into 2019.  
  
Car-free Civic District
The adjacent Civic District will be turned into a car-free activity hub where public can participate in various complimentary activities such as a pop-up craft market that promotes sustainability at The Incubator at Esplanade Park, movie screenings and live band performances at Empress Lawn, salsa dancing at the Asian Civilisations Museum and a bazaar along Connaught Drive. There will also be fitness workouts and activities by the Health Promotion Board along St Andrew’s Road and The Cenotaph as well as family-friendly activities by the Families for Life spread across Angsana Lawn and Empress Lawn. 
In addition, there will be ticketed programmes that the public can enjoy, such as an exhibition on Minimalism in Southeast Asia at the National Gallery Singapore and a concert by The Philharmonic Orchestra (Singapore) at the Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall. 
St Andrew’s Road, part of Fullerton Road, the stretch of Connaught Drive between Esplanade Park and The Padang will be closed to traffic from 4pm on 31 December 2018 until 5am the next morning.
For more information, head over to http://www.marinabaycountdown.sg
 

  
Dusit International Continues Expansion of its dusitD2 brand in Thailand and Bhutan
dusitD2 Ao Nang, Krabi
  
Dusit International continued its global expansion by soft opening two new resorts under its upscale dusitD2 brand – dusitD2 Yarkay Thimphu, Bhutan and dusitD2 Ao Nang, Krabi (Thailand).
Opened on 15 December 2018, dusitD2 Ao Nang, Krabi is located within walking distance of the beach and other major attractions in this popular beach town, in Southern Thailand.
Besides 173 guest rooms and suites with a choice of sea, mountain or pool views, the family-friendly resort includes an All-Day-Dining restaurant, a lobby bar, an outdoor swimming pool with a separate children’s pool, a fitness centre, a spa, a 200 sq m ballroom, and an extensive children’s playground. Rock climbing excursions, jungle treks, and boat trips to nearby paradise islands can all be easily arranged at the hotel.
  
dusitD2 Yarkay Thimphu, Bhutan
Opened on 19 December 2018, dusitD2 Yarkay Thimphu, Bhutan serves as the first and largest internationally-branded hotel in the enchanting kingdom. Drawing inspiration from the Four Harmonious Friends, a beloved national folktale about four animals working together to harvest fruit from a magical tree, each guest floor of the hotel is dedicated to a different animal from the tale. Colourful and contemporary motifs of the creatures adorn the walls of each of the 83 well-appointed guest rooms and suites.
Alongside a beautiful lobby showcasing local artworks, current hotel offerings include a Thai spa, a fully equipped gym and an international all-day-dining restaurant. A vibrant bar and the first authentic Thai restaurant in Bhutan will follow soon.
Popular attractions such as Buddha Point (Kuensel-Phodrang), the iconic Tashichho Dzong, the Royal Botanical Park, and Clock Tower Square are all easily accessible from the hotel’s prime inner-city location in the kingdom’s capital, Thimphu.
“Designed to reflect and anticipate the needs and desires of today’s hyper-connected travellers, our dusitD2 resorts feature a unique combination of comfort, convenience and style, creating vibrant places for guests to socialise and interact,” said Mr Lim Boon Kwee, Chief Operating Officer, Dusit International. “We are delighted to welcome dusitD2 Yarkay Thimphu, Bhutan and dusitD2 Ao Nang, Krabi to our fast-growing portfolio of global hotels, and we look forward to delighting guests with our unique brand of gracious hospitality.”
Special Opening Offers at both properties include 40% off the Dusit Best Available Rate, daily breakfast, exclusive dining discount and more great benefits.
  

  
The Beach Club at Lubi Plantation Island, Managed by Dusit
The Beach Club at Lubi Plantation Island
  
Dusit International marked the launch of The Beach Club at Lubi Plantation Island, Managed by Dusit on 26 December 2018. The resort is managed by Dusit, and is an island retreat in the Davao Gulf, Philippines located at the heart of Lubi Plantation, an 36-hectare master-planned leisure township within a former coconut plantation, and offers a relaxing upscale island lifestyle experience amidst unspoiled reef, coral gardens, exotic marine life, and lush tropical fauna.
The family-friendly resort is accessible by boat from the mainland, and features a large swimming pool, a children’s play area, an events hall, the Tarictic Grill & Snack Bar serving barbecued favourites, and a private beach stretching 50 metres. Visitors can also easily arrange to explore the island’s prime snorkelling and diving sites.
Owned by Torre Lorenzo Development Corporation, The Beach Club at Lubi Plantation Island, Managed by Dusit marks the first stage of a three-pronged project which will also include two hotels – dusitD2 Davao and Dusit Thani Residence Davao. Both of these properties will be located in the heart of Davao City’s new central business district, Lanang, only 30 minutes by boat from The Beach Club, and just 15 minutes by car from Davao International Airport.
 
dusitD2 Davao
 
Slated to open in February 2019, dusitD2 Davao hotel comprises 120 well-equipped guest rooms and suites decorated in a contemporary, vibrant style. The focal point of the hotel is a lush, landscaped courtyard featuring a lap pool, a wading pool, a children’s pool, and deck areas for relaxation. From here, guests will enjoy direct access to an international restaurant, lounge areas, and a lobby set within a striking, glass-enclosed pavilion.
Other hotel offerings include Namm spa, a state-of-the-art gym, four meeting rooms, and two large ballrooms accommodating up to 1,000 guests. Dusit’s signature Benjarong Thai restaurant is expected to open in mid-2019.
The Dusit Thani Residence Davao hotel, meanwhile, is slated to open adjacent to the dusitD2 property in April 2019. The hotel will comprise 178 studios and suites.
Mr Lim Boon Kwee, Chief Operating Officer, Dusit International, said, “The opening of The Beach Club at Lubi Plantation Island signals an exciting time for Dusit in Davao, and we are delighted we can give visitors the opportunity to experience this beautiful sanctuary ahead of the opening of the two hotels – dusitD2 Davao and Dusit Thani Residence Davao. Ideal for day trips, special events, and memorable meetings, The Beach Club at Lubi Plantation Island offers a unique escape amidst nature, and we look forward to delighting visitors of all ages with our unique brand of Thai-inspired, gracious hospitality in this stunning island setting.”
For more info, head over to www.dusit.com
Images courtesy of Dusit International.