HOW I CELEBRATED MY BIRTHDAY?

Well, let the photos do the talking at the end of this post.

Thanks to My Paper's "Make Love Happen" Event, I managed to get 1 of the 100 places available. Lucky me, especially when thinking of the occasion which was just a day before my birthday. The experience of boarding it is similar to cable cars but of course with wider and taller panaromic views. They built a small garden or forest just below the wheel. Of course, experiencing the garden will give you a very different feeling since you know you are below such a gigantic wheel.

It was opened earlier for Chinese New Year celebrations and for Valentine's Day. My ride is on the eve of the official opening on 1 March 2008. This observation wheel exceeds The Star of Nanchang (at Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China) by 5 metres, the London Eye (Millennium Wheel) by 30 metres as well as taller than The Eye on Malaysia. It is so far the tallest in the world. My only regret? For not owning a DSLR camera to shoot the city scenery at night.

SINGAPORE FLYER

(Bangkok, 23 Jan 2008) Singapore's most anticipated new tourism icon, Singapore Flyer, is all set to lift ASEAN tourism to thrilling new heights when the S$240-million giant observation wheel takes flight on 1 March 2008.

Singapore achieved a new record for its tourism sector when it received its 10 millionth visitor in Dec 2007, and is poised for greater growth as a key ASEAN destination venue with exciting attractions like Singapore Flyer, as well as the first-ever Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix night race in September 2008 and the two upcoming Integrated Resorts to be completed in 2010.

Singapore Flyer, Asia’s largest observation wheel when it starts operations, will present a Uniquely Singapore experience with breathtaking top-of-the-world views at a height of 165 metres in the sky. Visitors will be treated to a panoramic 360-degree view of the burgeoning Marina Bay area and even parts of neighbouring Malaysia and Indonesia, from the comfort of 28 air-conditioned capsules. Each scenic ride lasts for about 30 minutes.

Fact and Figures

Groundbreaking: 25 September, 2005

Constructed: 2005-2008

Use: Observation Wheel

Cost: S$200M

Architect: Kisho Kurokawa Architects & Associates, DP Architects

Structural Engineer: Arup

Contractor: Mitsubishi - Takenaka Consortium

Developer: Melchers Project Management

Owner: Singapore Flyer Pte Ltd

What is the Singapore Flyer?

The Singapore Flyer is a giant observation wheel from which visitors can experience some of the best views in the entire region.

Diameter of the wheel:
150 metres

Height:
165 metres (the height of a 42-storey building) or 541.3 feet

Duration of ride:
About 30 minutes

Capsules:
28 fully air-conditioned and UV protected capsules with capacity for up to 28 people each.

Each capsule measure 4 metres by 7 metres.

View from the top:
Singapore's city; from Changi Airport to Sentosa Island, and beyond into parts of Malaysia and Indonesia.

Location:
Raffles Avenue, Marina Bay. The Flyer is within walking distance to over 4,000 five-star hotel rooms, the Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre, the Esplanade - Theatres By the Bay, and the new Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort (casino), due for completion in late 2009.

Land Area:
33,700 square metres

Transport/ Accessibility

• MRT (Circle Line); Promenade MRT (Ready in 2010)
• Parking for 33 tour buses and 280 motor vehicles
• Pedestrian access via the waterfront, Raffles Avenue, and the New Bridge from the nearby Integrated Resort.

Easy Access for the Elderly and Wheelchair Bound
A synchronised double door entry/exit system enables access from both sides. A "step on" platform at each entry/exit makes it convenient for the elderly and the wheelchair bound.

Revolutionary Wheel Rim
The slim ladder truss rim represents an engineering design breakthrough, moving away from the conventional triangular truss 'ferris wheel' configuration.

Precision Wind Engineering
The wheel design, based upon an extensive study of wind speeds at high altitudes ensures that passengers will be able to enjoy Singapore's spectacular skyline without experiencing lateral movement or vibration. The emphasis is on comfort and safety.