Pinnacle@Duxton Skybridge

In central Singapore, it is hard to miss the tall and large residential buildings called The Pinnacle@Duxton. Although named like a condo, these large apartment complex are actually public housing buildings. They are built on the same site of the first 2 ten storey HDB's of Singapore. The area is called the Duxton Plain.

What makes Pinnacle@Duxton interesting for me (and probably for you) is that it provides one of the best bird-eye view of Singapore from its 50th storey skybridge. There are actually 2 skybridges on these buildings,  but the one on the 26th storey is only open to the residents. Nevermind, 50th storey offers a much superior view than 26th floor bridge. This is also a cheaper option to Singapore Flyer, Marina Bay Sands sky park and 1-Altitude.

Pinnacle@Duxton

The 50th storey skybridge on Pinnacle@Duxton is open to the public from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily. They let only 200 people to access to the skybridge per day and be sure to check the daily quota left from its web site before heading to the skybridge. Also note that they do not allow you to enter the skybridge during rain.

You need to pay 5 SGD per person per access to the skybridge but they only accept a card compliant with the Singapore Standard of Contactless ePurse Application (CEPAS), for example, EZ-Link card!

We have been to this skybridge yesterday and enjoyed the great bird-eye view of Singapore city center. Getting there is quite easy. We have took East-West MRT line and left at Tanjong Pagar MRT Station. Outram MRT station is also just fine. From there, we took a 15 minutes walk to the The Pinnacle@Duxton.

Unfortunatelly, getting up was not straightforward. The web page does not exactly describe where is the starting point. Since this is an HDB there is no security. We have directly headed to the 50th floor only to find out that we should actually first visit the management office in Block 1G Level 1. Here we have used our EZ-Link Card to pay 5 Singapore Dollars (Net FlashPay card is not supported). It is important to bring your EZ-Link Card since here they register your card so you can open the door automatically on the 50th floor to enter the skybridge. So even if they wanted to, they cannot accept cash.

After the payment we have taken the lift A (B also goes to 50th floor) and climbed up to 50th storey and we were greeted with a great skybridge experience.

Singapore Central Business District from Pinnacle@Duxton

The Port of Singapore with Sentosa island in the background

50th Storey Skybridge on Pinnacle@Duxton

Below photo shows 3 tallest building in Singapore. From left to right, United Overseas Bank Plaza One, Overseas Union Bank Centre and Republic Plaza. These buildings are all 280 meters high which is the maximum height a structure can have in Singapore. This restriction is due to the proximity to Changi Airport (See Interesting Facts About Singapore).

Tallest Buildings in Singapore CDB (The middle one has a rooftop bar named 1-Altitude which
has the best bird-eye view of Singapore.

Central Business District blocks the view to the East of the island but the deck provides a great view to the south and west. It is a good place to have jogging or running also.

Being there reminded me how small Singapore is. All the prime area can fit in a photo frame and you can see even Bukit Timah is not that far. Sentosa from tip to tip is under your feet. There is no time limit for a visit once you are  on the skyebridge, you can stay there until 10 PM. I suggest you go to there around 4-5 PM so you can stay longer to see the sunset and Singapore skyline in the night.

Finally, below is a video I have taken from this skybridge towards Singapore CDB and Chinatown.

Singapore CDB from Pinnacle at Duxton

Related articles: Top 5 best rooftop views in Singapore and Marina Bay Sands Skypark - 360 degree view of Singapore

Vietnam Memories - Cham towers (Poklongarai Towers) in Ninh Thuan

A couple of years ago I had a chance to take a 5 days long local tour from Ho Chi Mihn City to central Vietnam. On this trip, we have also visited these beautiful buildings called Cham Towers. These towers were built were built to worship King Poklongarai, who had good deeds for the Cham people.

Cham people are an ethnic group in South East Asia with an estimated population of 500,000 people. They are concentrated between the Kampong Cham Province in Cambodia and central Vietnam's Phan Rang-Thap Cham, Phan Thiết, Ho Chi Minh City and An Giang areas.

Cham Towers - Source: AsiaSingapore

Poklongarai Towers consist of 3 towers beautifully crafted and decorated with valuable sculptures:

The first one is the Main Tower which is 13.8 meters long, 10.71 meters wide and 20.5 meters high. It was the main site for religious ceremonies. A bust of King Poklongarai was respectfully placed inside the Main Tower for worshiping. 

The second one is the Gate Tower at 5.10 meters long, 4.85 meters wide and 5.65 meters high. This was where the king received his guests. The last one, the Fire Tower, at 8.18 meters long, 5 meters wide and 9.31 meters high, was the kitchen. 

Source: Vietnam.net

Cham Towers - Source: AsiaSingapore

A stone carved sculpture on one of the towers

2+1 HDB flat for rent in Singapore - Average price trends

If you are looking for an 2+1 HDB flat for rent in Singapore and trying to find out how much you should pay for rental you are at the right place. You may have already browsed the web to have some idea about the asking prices but you have also another reliable source for information: not suprisingly Housing Development Board (HDB).

HDB quarterly publishes HDB flat rental data based on subletting approvals by town and flat type. This data provide the average rents of HDB flats in various locations. You should note that half the HDB units were rented above indicated value and half are below. It is wise to take a look at these figures before going into a rental aggreement.

HDB rental data for the fourth quarter of 2010 is just published. Below is the data in tabular format and some charts showing the trends in different towns.

Update:

See also Cheapest places to rent an HDB flat in Singapore. As of Q2 2011, HDB rental prices accross the island are still on the rise. See our article on this topic: Singapore HDB Flat Rents are still on the rise.

TOWN	Q12009	Q22009	Q32009	Q42009	Q12010	Q22010	Q32010	Q42010
ANG MO KIO	1500	1400	1400	1450	1450	1500	1530	1610
BEDOK	1460	1400	1400	1500	1500	1500	1500	1580
BISHAN	1500	1380	1440	1540	1470	1500	1520	1610
BUKIT BATOK	1400	1400	1350	1450	1400	1500	1500	1550
BUKIT MERAH	1600	1530	1580	1600	1600	1650	1800	1800
BUKIT PANJANG	1200	1400	1250	1400	1280	1300	1400	1500
BUKIT TIMAH	1700	1800	1600	1000	1800	1700	1800	1730
CENTRAL	1800	1600	1670	1730	1900	1800	2000	2050
CHOA CHU KANG	1300	1200	1350	1250	1400	1450	1450	1300
CLEMENTI	1500	1450	1530	1550	1550	1600	1700	1700
GEYLANG	1400	1400	1400	1480	1400	1500	1500	1630
HOUGANG	1400	1400	1400	1350	1380	1450	1500	1600
JURONG EAST	1500	1400	1450	1400	1400	1500	1500	1600
JURONG WEST	1400	1400	1300	1350	1330	1400	1400	1500
KALLANG/ WHAMPOA	1500	1500	1500	1530	1500	1550	1600	1700
MARINE PARADE	1500	1600	1640	1580	1640	1710	1800	1900
QUEENSTOWN	1600	1500	1600	1650	1600	1650	1700	1780
SERANGOON	1500	1400	1500	1500	1480	1500	1580	1700
TAMPINES	1500	1450	1500	1500	1550	1580	1600	1700
TOA PAYOH	1500	1500	1500	1550	1500	1550	1600	1700
WOODLANDS	1230	1200	1200	1300	1300	1300	1350	1430
YISHUN	1300	1300	1300	1400	1350	1400	1480	1500
OVERALL	1500	1400	1500	1500	1500	1500	1600	1700

2+1 HDB flat rent trends in central, Marine Parade vs. overall

2+ 1 HDB flat rent trends in Hougang and Serangoon vs Overall

2+1 HDB flat rent trends in Ang Mo Kio, Bishan, Toa Payoh vs. overall

2+1 HDB flat rent trends in Bukit Batok, Bukit Merah,
Bukit Panjang, Bukit Timah, Cho Chu Kang vs. overall

2+1 HDB flat rent trends in Jurong East, Jurong West vs. overall

2+1 HDB flat rent trends in Bedok, Tampines vs overall

See also Cheapest places to rent an HDB flat in Singapore.

Chinese horoscope 2011

Goat

(1943,1955,1967,1979,1991,2003)

Luck : ***

The past year has been a fulfilling one as you have received what you deserved. For now, just be contented and bask in the rewards. Being unsatisfied will not only throw you into confusion, it may even cause you to lose what you have achieved last year. Also, be extra wary as Wu Gui star will arouse greediness ehile Guan Fu, Nian Fu and Fei Fu stars may get you involved in legal disputes. Hua Gai star will be a boost to your intelligence and charisma, thus make some plans to upgrade yourself through attending enrichment courses. Place the Five Fortunes enblem at home to ensure that everything goes smoothly for you.

Horse

(1942,1954,1966,1978,1990,2002)

Luck : ****

Lady luck has been shining on you for the past few years, letting you indulge in your own likes with flourishing wealth. 2011 is no exception, as the romance star Tai Yin shall bestow good fortune. But be careful not to fall into love traps set up by Guan Suo and Guo Shen, or risk a bad reputation and monetary losses. Exercise caution wherever possible to shun accidents, which are brought about by the Tian E star. Utilise the aid from Tai Yin and exhibit your charisma in the right way to excel in career. Further development can be considered as it can bring in extra profits. Honesty is needed to lay a firm foundation.

Snake

(1941,1953,1965,1977,1989,2001)

Luck : **

A major setback may arise the yearning for freedom, distrupting your train of thoughts and in turn bringing things to a standstill. Amid the search for your desired goals, the aimless drift throws you into deeper confusion. A clear and precise direction is needed whatever to do. With a specific goal in mind, you'll never feel lost and shall focus achieving it. For a smooth path ahead, settle down and set your mind on a definite target. Watch out for conniving characters who will strike when you are down. It is also advisable that you excuse yourself from celebrations and funerals to avoid conflicts on your luck. You may want to carry an amber gemstone, which will aid in enhancing your luck, removing obstacles from your path to success.

Dragon

(1940,1952,1964,1976,1988,2000)

Luck : ****

The dark period is over and Tai Yang star shall bring you a bright career path amid the sunny days ahead. Make the best of your time to strive for career achievements now, as the arrival of Tai Sui next year will plunge you into darkness once again. Always look on the bright side of life. Clear your mind of unnecessary burdens and input more vitality into your life. Cunning villians will then live you alone, allowing you to focus on career development. It is important that you avoid being hesitant in making decisions so as to not miss numerous opportunities.

Rabbit

(1939,1951,1963,1975,1987,1999)

Luck : * * *


The arrival of lucky stars shall diminish the adverse effects brought by Tai Sui this year. With support from the Jiang Xing star, you can dash forward with full confidence to strive for career advancement. However, due to the presence of harmful stars Da Sha and Jian Feng, a slight mistake shall hinder your path to success. To walk on a path void of obstacles, shun arrogance and proceed prudently at all times. You may consider investing properties and value sustained items to prepare for unfavourable upcoming dragon Year.

Tiger

(1938,1950,1962,1974,1986,1998)

Luck : * *

Alas! Happiness comes alone while misfortune loves company. Last year had been an unfavourable year and as you look forward to having a better year this year, your hopes are dashed. It is natural that you would feel upset and frustrated that things are not moving in the direction that you want them to be. But bear in mind that your anger or unhappiness may in turn worsen the situations. As your luck cycle meets with Tian Guan star this year, possibilities of getting yourself involved in lawsuits are high. Do avoid acting rashly and try not to quarrel with others over trivial matters as you might unknowingly offend your benefectors who are ready to provide you with their assistance. Always keep positive attitude and avoid lamenting.

Pat on the back after completing a task. Too much stress and pressure can bring you to a breaking point, which would hurt you emotionally and physically. Therefore, stay cool and calm. Avoid meddling with others' business.

A cheap flight to Singapore with Qatar Airways

I have experienced my first Singapore - Istanbul flight with Qatar Airways in December 2009. At that time I had to fly to Istanbul urgently for a company meeting and both Singapore Airlines and Turkish Airlines did not have an available flight on the day I had to return to Singapore. After some googling I have came across Qatar Airways and booked an economy class flight with it. It was also a cheaper flight than both Singapore Airlines and Turkish Airlines.

Qatar airways use Doha, the capital city of Qatar, as a hub for international flights. The plane between Singapore and Qatar is a large airliner, Boeing 777 300 ER. You change the plane at Doha International Airport. The transfers are served exclusively by bus gates, it has been the first time I took an airport bus in an international flight. The plane between Istanbul and Doha is a smaller Airbus 320. These planes do not have private entertaintment system but this did not bother me so much since it is only a 4 hours flight.

Doha International Airport is a small airport, far smaller and basic then Dubai Airport (where Emirates stops), Singapore Changi Airport or Istanbul Ataturk Airport. But it has a service I have not seen in these others. There are quite rooms where you can rest and sleep while waiting for your flight. These rooms are really quite and seats for sleep are confortable. Do not oversleep and miss your flight.

Qatar Airways Logo (The animal on the logo is a qatari oryx,
an antelope species native to Qatar)

This week I had another (cheap and comfortable) flight from Istanbul to Singapore with Qatar Airways. My previous flight was with Singapore Airlines. But since October, Singapore Airlines started to fly directly between Singapore and Istanbul and it seems like ticket prices are doubled. Turkish Airlines is out of option for me unless my company is paying because they were always very expensive (but the direct flights are very comfortable). This time I again saw that Qatar Airways is cheaper and I have booked a flight with it.

There are occasional Qatar Airways special offers in their web sites so I tried to use one. There was none during the days I fly but I have still paid around 550 SGD for a one way ticket from Istanbul to Singapore which is not a bad deal (If you are flying from Singapore I suggest you to check Qatar Airways deals from Singapore). At that time SIA was around 1000 SGD and Turkish Airlines was a little higher. But this came with a price. The flight started at 18:30 local time in Istanbul and we were in Doha at around 11:30 local time. I had to wait 3 hours in the airport for my flight from Qatar to Singapore. It would be no problem if the free wireless internet in the airport was working but unfortunetly it did not. So I ate something, got bored for 3 hours and took my plane.

Qatar Airways Boeing 777-300ER at Doha International Airport, Qatar

One thing you need to be careful about is that when you leave your first plane for transfer, there are more than one terminals that your next flight can depart from! If you have more than one hour between your flights you will end up in "Transfer & Departure" terminal. There is also another terminal for flights with less than an hour gap between its legs. Be sure that you keep your ticket and its envelope + your cabin lugagge strip visible on the bus and ask questions if you are not sure where you will leave the bus.

The second leg of the flight starts at morning time of Singapore and ends at 15:00 Singapore time. I usually try to sleep with the local time of destination but with this flight it was not possible.

Cheaps does not mean lower quality. I really enjoy Qatar Airways in-flight entertaintment system, Oryx, on its Boeing 777s. It is far better than Singapore Airlines' or Turkish Airlines'. It is fully on demand like a DVD, its screen is larger, movie, TV show and game choices are better. You can never get bored on one of this planes. I also like the food served and the service on the planes, the food is nearly as good as the food on Turkish Airlines and the service is comparable to Singapore Airlines (their cabin crew was voted Best Cabin Crew in the Middle East for the seventh consecutive year at the 2009 Skytrax airline awards!). Cheap here means a transfer and a 3 hours waiting time and it is OK for me since I do not think these 4 hours extra worth 500+ SGD to pay.

Qatar Airways In-Flight Entertaintment System - Oryx

I have a trick in economy class which usually works and ensures a comfortable flight for me. I buy window side from one of the last 3-seat rows or 2-seat rows. The planes usually fill from front to back and from window side to corridor side and then middle seats. Occasionally I end up with 2 empty seats next to me and a great bed to sleep :) This was also the case in my last flight. So I have comfortably slept 6 hours of 7 hours of flight between Qatar and Istanbul.

Qatar Airways is in the Worlds Five Star Airlines official list by SkyTrax and I think it well deserves it. 

Hostel In Singapore - Cozy Corner Guesthouse

Cozy Corner Guesthouse is a centrally located hostel on the North Bridge Road, just opposite of Bugis Junction. Today I had a chance to visit this centrally located hostel. This hostel occupies second and third floors of a traditional chinese shop house and its address is "490 North Bridge Road | 2nd Floor" (telephone +65 63396128 or 62246859).

If location is everything for you this hostel is one of the best hostel choices in Singapore. Its location is really central and convenient. You can even arrive here from Changi Airport by merely MRT (leaving the green line train in Bugis station). It is just on the opposite of Bugis junction and within walking distance to the tip of Orchard Road, Suntec City, famous electronics heaven Sim Lim Square and Little India. But since it is very closed to an MRT station, it is actually near to anywhere on the island.

The staff on the counter was very cold and was really indifferent to me when I checked for the prices. She looked like a person who can be very rude if you push. That face is not good for a service business.

The hostel looks like you will get what you pay for. A dorm bed within an air conditioned room for 6 pax would cost you 15 SGD per night and for 4 pax will be 15 SGD per night. This hostel also provides private rooms without bathroom or windows. A double room with aircon, free breakfast and all day free internet access is 50 SGD per day and a twin room with aircon, free breakfast and all day free internet access is 50 SGD per day. Check both the aircon and internet before checking-in.

Cozy Corner Guesthouse

The hostel offers broadband internet access, laundry (10 SGD per load) and luggage services, lockers and travel information on Singapore and South East Asia. In their brochure they have mentioned that they provide a rooftop garden equipped with a color television to relax. I seems like hostel occupies all 3 stories of this chinese shop house.





Below is a photo of this hostel. Sorry for the resolution I lost details while trying to have a large cover of the surrounding. The hostel is the third shophouse from the corner in this photo.

North Bridge Road

Demand must be high because I have checked for a dorm bed (Sunday) at around 3 PM and there was no bed left for rent. The woman at the counter told me to come around 11 AM in the morning to find a bed.

I have also checked the trip advisor for the comments on this hostel. Over 21 comments 13 of them are "poor" or "terrible"! It did not look that bad to me but I cannot say anything before staying there. I have also checked the toilets and the showers and they looked OK. I will probably stay in a hostel on next wednesday and I am flagging this hostel to be considered but will check others and share my experience here in this blog.

See also Singapore Hostel Choices articles for other hostels in Singapore.

Will Singapore property prices fall in 2011?

Will Singapore property prices fall in 2011? This is the most asked question after rounds of property cooling measures. The property developers in Singapore think that although sales volume might have fallen, it is still too early to assess the impact of the cooling measures, according to The Straits Times.

It is really still (by mid Feb 2010) too early to talk. 1,189 (private) units are sold in January 2011, 11% down on December 2010 and 40% down on November 2010. But whether cooling measures really cool the market or not will not be apparent until March 2011 when the Feb 2011 figures are released.

The last property cooling measures on Jan 14th this year are followed by Chinese New Year period so it is really early to talk about the effects. But acccording to vice president of Redas (Real Estate Developer's Association Singapore),  "projects launched after Jan 13 still had very decent take up demonstrating that there is still a pool of buyers genuinly in need of homes."

The last measures are aimed at short-term speculators or flippers (people who buy and sell in short cycles with pure speculative investment motives) not real buyers. And it is obvious that it is designed to prevent a bubble form, not to create a price fall. Since the markets are flooded with liquidity and interest rates are historically low, they will probably translate into a slower price increase not a price fall.

For this reason, Singapore property developers look more focused on the market forces and next budget to base their plans on, rather than cooling measures. Singapore economy is tightly integrated with larger world economy and I believe the market forces were very strong in 2010 to support the prices and sales. Singapore government measures would help stabilize the property market and help to decrease effect of a sharp downturn, which is unfortunately still not out of question after 3 years of financial crises coping measures.

NUS Singapore Residential Price Index

Whatever government or markets does, the property prices and their directions are determined by simply supply and demand. Currently property demand in Singapore are supported with:

historically low interest rates,

increase in the population from 4.5 million to 5+ million in just 4-5 years!

decreased number of individuals in an average house

increased wealth of average Singaporean household.

So demand was well supported in 2010.

In 2011, there are some clouds on the demand side. First of all PR influx is significantly reduced since 2009 (although it is still not so low) and this will have an impact on the demand. Second the interest rates will eventually rise, the question is when (2011, 2012?). When the interest rates start to rise or when rumours about their rise are firmly heard the demand will take a real hit (*).

On the supply side, it looks like a significant number of new properties are coming to the market between 2011 and 2014. The question is will this supply be enough to satisfy the demand or will the demand be enough to take up the supply? Putting the question in that way will provide you a more solid answer.

Below is quoted from The Straits Times on Feb 16th 2011:

"As it stands, the cumulative units launched but unsold have been increasing over the past few months, indicating that supply has already started to outstrip demand... Therefore, some downward pressure on mass market home prices could be expected in the months ahead"

Christine Sun Senior Manager at Savills Research & Consultancy 

My answer based on my observations (but no real number crunching yet) is that there will be a price drop towards the end of the year due to decreased demand compared to 2008 - 2011 versus a good supply of new properties coming into the market and , government measures to throw speculators out.

(*) My advice is instead of concentrating on the prices, concentrate on your plans about future interest rates. Never naively assume that the interest rates will be forever near zero and calculate your mortgage based on different interest hike scenarios. Even marginal interest rises from these low levels can have dramatic effect on your monthly payments! Also watch the trend from the property price indexes carefully.

See also Will Singapore property prices fall in 2012 and Singapore property update for 2012

Disclaimer

This blog article is to provide general information only and should not be treated as an invitation to buy or sell any property or as sales material.  Users of this report should consider this report as a one of the many factors in making their investment decision. Users should make reference to other sources of information and specific investment advice to obtain a more objective view of the property market. Asia Singapore shall not be responsible for losses suffered.

Singapore PR (Permanent Residency) rejected? What to do?

As we have written before Singapore PR approval criteria is tightened since 2009 and it got really hard to get Singapore PR recently. It seems like 2011 will also be tight and the criteria will stay tight for a while since Singapore public and government opinion is that in the past few years too many PRs are approved and a significant number of these does not have enough qualification to contribute to Singapore society. Also, financial crisis of 2008 shrinked qualified manpower requirement significantly.

What to do after rejection? The first thing you need to realize is that Singapore PR is there to enrich Singapore workforce with badly needed skills. So your PR application should show that you are a good candidate to contribute to Singapore. Second, even if you are actually someone with those badly needed skills, there is a quote based on total number of applications, race, industry, education level, etc. So if enough number of applicants are better qualified than you, your application would be rejected.

The first thing you can do after rejection is to appeal. But if you cannot demonstrate significant new facts or a material change in circumstance (i.e. a significant salary, job position or work pass upgrade) there is a little chance that your appeal will work. Some people appeal to ICA with a company support letter from their employer but this also does not have so much effect alone. Your appeal will probably go to the desk of the officer, who have rejected your application in the first place and well, put yourself in his shoes and think what would you do if you see an appeal which is done just to appeal.

What you should do is wait for at least 6 months (practically one year) and apply again. But occasionally, ICA (Immigration and Checkpoint Authority) will state a reapplication period, for example they say "reapply after 2 years". Unfortunately if this is the case, the best way to increase your approval chance in your next application is to wait for the stated period end.

Number of Singapore PRs approved per year (2001 - 2010)

Some people do the opposite and reapply PR 6 months later even if it is clearly stated that they should reapply 2 years later. What these people usually get is a rejection after a couple of months with the same statement to reapply 2 years later and extend the waiting period to 3 years!

Do not forget, there are a lot of people out there who applies for Singapore PR to have an extended and hussle free stay in Singapore without any intention to actually permanently reside in Singapore and integrate into Singapore society. You can see these kind of people 5 years after their application asking questions like "I got my PR 5 years ago and left for USA/Australia/bla bla and it is about to expire now can I extend it?" in forums. These people, called PR collectors, tend to fly away from Singapore to USA or Australia and behave their PR as a spring to jump to these countries.

So be sure that you improve your qualities to contribute to the society before applying again and try to do the following:

1. Wait for the stated reapplication period! If ICA states that you should apply 1 year later they mean it and I do not think they will like to see your new application just 6 months later. This will just look desperate and what kind of benefit Singapore can have from a desperate person?
   
   
   
2. Try to find a new job with increased salary, better work pass, a better position, etc.
   
   
   
3. Do regular charity. Show that you are not a selfish foreigner just enjoying what Singapore gives and you actually care people here and contribute to the society.
   
   
   
4. Have you ever paid tax before applying PR? If not wait for at least one tax payment before reapply. But I do not mean just paying a tax is a significant change in your qualifications and will significantly increase your chance. I always think paying tax in a country is a bond between you and that country and looks good in terms of your integration.
   
   
   
5. Learn a local language, i.e. Chinese, and certify yourself with this language. Since virtually all Singaporeans speak English, most foreigners just waste this opportunity to learn a local language while surrounded with great practice chance! And it is also a significant sign that you are working hard to integrate into the society.
   
   
   
6. Do not just socialize in the limited space of your homeland community. Socialize with locals, other foreigner groups.
   
   
   
7. For more information google "Singapore PR rejected" and carefully read the advices of experienced residents of Singapores in the forums.
   
   
   
8. Last but not the least do not make stupid comments about ICA, Singapore, ICA officers, etc. with your emotional mood after rejection! I see a lot of people doing this in their facebook pages, in forums, etc. Do not forget, world is small, Singapore is really small! 

See Part 1: Singapore PR Rejected? Appeal or not?

Related Articles:

• Best time to apply for PR in Singapore

Pulau Ubin (Ubin Island)

Of the 64 tiny islands of Singapore, Singapore main island and Sentosa are the most famous and visited. But there are also other islands worth visiting. The largest and the most interesting one is Pulau Ubin. Pulau Ubin is a small island just in the north east of  Singapore. Unlike Sentosa, which is highly developed with resorts, golf courses, casinos and high end condos, Pulau Ubin is largely underdeveloped and accomodates the last kambung (village) in Singapore. It is a great place to get away from crowded Singapore island, cycle and witness how Singapore was in the past.

How to go to Pulau Ubin? From Changi Point Ferry Terminal near Changi Village, you need to take a bumboat operating to Pulau Ubin from as early as 6 am until at least 8 pm. The bumboat ride to Pulau Ubin takes ten minutes and costs $2.50 per person. If you are bringing your own bike, you need to pay extra $2 for it both way. There are no scheduled departure times to and from Ubin, as bumboats set off only when there are 12 passengers. Although the boats fill quite fast, you can pay the difference for the boat to leave immediately.

Where is Pulau Ubin?

A trip to Pulau Ubin is a throwback to Singapore in the 1960's. The island is home to Singapore's last villages or kampongs, and there are still about a hundred villagers living here.Ubin residents rely on wells for water and noisy diesel generators for electricity. Some villagers depend on traditional farming and fishing for subsistence, while others tend to their provision stores and eateries. At the main village, near the jetty, some houses have been converted to bicycle rental shops to support a quiet tourist trade. Just after you go out of the Pulau Ubin Jetty, you will directly enter into a kambung (village in Malay) where you will be greeted(!) by bicycle renting shops. Although you can enjoy the island by walking, it is much fun and easy to rent a bicycle here. Try your bike carefully and bargain for the price. Since there are many small hills on the road, you will need good breaks, and gears. Last time, (June 2012) we have rented a bike for $10. Rent is usually for all day and the prices changes with the bicycle type.

Many skip renting out a helmet with the bike, which can be rented for 2 dollars. If you do not ask, the rental shop will not offer you one. But the roads have many ups and downs, sometimes with steep descends so be on the safe side and rent a helmet with a bike. Fatal cycling accidents do occur in Pulau Ubin and most of the victims would survive if they have had a helmet.

Do not forget to bring mosquito repellent with you to Pulau Ubin. Otherwise the island can be a very annoying experience.

Pulau Ubin is 1020-hectare large and it was once a cluster of five smaller ones separated by tidal rivers. The building of bunds for prawn farming has since united these into a single island. Two other islets, Pulau Ketam (Crab Island) and Pulau Sekudu (Frog Island), lie to its south. Ubin is largely a series of undulating, granite hills. In the early days, granite mining supported a few thousand settlers. Much of the original vegetation was cleared for the cultivation of rubber and crops like coffee, pineapple, coconut and jasmine. Today, abandoned granite quarries remain as picturesque relics of Ubin's history, while forests and grasslands have regenerated to cover up the ravages of the past.

The first place to head on the island is Check Jawa Wetlands. Check Jawa is one of the main attractions on Pulau Ubin. This is a unique nature area housing some of Singapore's richest coastal and intertidal ecosystems. It is located on the south-eastern tip of Pulau Ubin.

The best time to go to the wetlands is the low tide. During high tide,  Coral Rubble and the Seagrass Lagoon can be under water. You can find Pulau Ubin maps on every intersection, just follow the map towards east of the island to reach Check Jawa visitors center. You live your bike outside and head to the wetlands.

Pulau Ubin Map

Where to stay in Pulau Ubin?
For most, Ubin Island visit is a 1 day activity. But you can also stay in Pulau Ubin. There is Celestial Resort Pulau Ubin on the island.

Towards the wetlands after Pekakak Hut, there is a colossal Common Pulai tree. Common Pulai is a very tall tree (up to 40m tall) found in this region. It is easily recognisable from its pagoda-shaped branching pattern and simple leaves that are arranged in whorls. This Heritage Tree  is 35m height and the surrounding of it has been recently cleaned so it is hard to miss. It stands out among the canopy and can be seen from a distance.

Common Pulai on Pulau Ubin

When you arrive to Check Jawa, you need to alight from your bicycle and leave the bicycle at the entrance. I have done it many times and the bike was always there when I have came back. Around this area, you can come across with some wild boars. The ones we have seen were quite "domesticated" but still it is wise to stay a little away from them.

There is a tower at Check Jawa which is called Jelawi Tower. This is a 20 metres high tower. It is a great place to have a bird eye view of the wetlands and for bird-watching. For aviation enthusiasts, you can also observe the landing airplanes to Changi Airport from here.

But the main attractions here are the coastal board walk and mangrove board walk. The area was unknown until 2000s when the area's rich biodiversity was discovered almost by chance during a nature outing at low tide. The government had plans to reclaim here but a public effort prevented it at least for now. Still it may be reclaimed because Chek Jawa may still be re-used by the government in and after 2012.

View from Jelawi Tower - Pulau Ubin

The Coastal Boardwalk

The Mangrove Boardwalk

Happy Chinese New Year of Rabbit!

See Chinese Horoscope 2011 here.