Singapore Flyer - World's largest observation wheel [Archive]

Charging Bull

April 13th, 2008, 02:37 AM

If business so good, why should you cut ticket's price?
Everyday when I look at the flyer from my office, 99.99% of the capsule are empty.
What they mentioned earlier that all capsules were fully booked for first three months was a big joke.

Some S'poreans say Singapore Flyer tickets priced too high
By Chio Su-Mei, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 12 April 2008 1942 hrs

Some S'poreans say Singapore Flyer tickets priced too high

SINGAPORE: Many are saying that ticket prices for the Singapore Flyer – which will be officially opened on Tuesday 15 April – are too high for students and senior citizens.

A 30-minute ride on Singapore's latest iconic attraction costs almost a dollar a minute. Tickets are selling at S$29.50 for adults, S$20.65 for children and S$23.60 for senior citizens.

The 40-storey attraction costs about S$240 million to build.

"I think it should be S$20 for adults and S$5 for kids. I mean I've been to the London Eye, and it's the same as this. So this is costlier than the London Eye," one said.

But not everyone agree with this view.

"I believe if you go on any Ferris wheel or any other fun fair, you'll end up spending a similar amount of money. For a ride that lasts this long, that is so unique and spectacular, it's good value for money," another said.

People behind the Singapore Flyer said sales have been good.

Steven Yeo, General Manager, Singapore Flyer, said: "Singaporeans have been quite responsive. Over the last weekend, we set new records in terms of number of visitors. We had a promotion and we had taxi drivers come in with their families, and we probably had a good 2,000 people from that event alone. We'll be reviewing the prices as we go along."

Food and retail outlets are also happy with business at the mall.

Maxim Kang, Managing Director, Kenko Reflexology & Spa, said: "When we first started, we had more corporate (clients) and fewer walk-in customers. But since March, when the Singapore Flyer opened to the public, we've had more locals and tourists."

Lamine Guendil, Director, Senso Holdings, said: "Business has been pretty good, way beyond my expectation. We've had some great events with banks and corporate clients. The flow of Singaporeans and tourists is also increasing every day."

Organisers have planned concerts, street performances and spectacular lighting effects for the official opening on Tuesday evening.

PreciseDrive

April 15th, 2008, 01:45 PM

What a beautiful firework! The little ones coming off the capsules are amazing!

Luckily the rain stopped, otherwise PM Lee and other VIPs will be .....

kurakura

April 16th, 2008, 12:22 AM

heh...it's really quite ex. will not be visiting anytime soon.

zhiemi

April 16th, 2008, 07:49 AM

Cov Boy

April 16th, 2008, 02:46 PM

Very impressive.

RafflesCity

April 16th, 2008, 02:52 PM

From today's issue of The Times of India; AP sourced.
http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/getimage.dll?path=CAP/2008/04/16/23/Img/Pc0231100.jpg

Caption reads, "BURNING BRIGHT: Fireworks are released at the grand opening ceremony of the world’s largest observation wheel also known as the Singapore Flyer on Tuesday, in Singapore "

Looks artificial, must be one hell of a pyrotechnic display :)

:eek:

It would be great if it could put on such a performance every night, or at least on Friday nights. After all, there is a plan to light up the buildings at Marina Bay and this is one of the most iconic structures there.

Singapor3

April 16th, 2008, 04:27 PM

Omg it looks great. Too bad I couldn't make it there, Singapore Flyer did not email me that there was such an event until on the day itself.

Charging Bull

April 17th, 2008, 03:43 PM

Uncle very cheeky, never give face but he is very honest & frank:-:lol::lol:

Quote: "Shipping manager Tan Ser Tian, 58, felt the ride here should be priced at $10."

$10 for family of ten? :lol::lol:

Is this view worth $30?

UNTIL Formula One racing hits our roads in September, the Singapore Flyer is the big tourist attraction of the moment.

And tourists love it, judging from what they told The New Paper.

But some Singaporeans are hard to please.

The New Paper spoke to five tourists and five locals picked at random.

All had gone on the Singapore Flyer, which opened to the public on 1 Mar. All the tourists gave the world's biggest observation wheel the thumbs-up.

The 42-storey, $240-million observation wheel was inspired by the London Eye.
The view from the Singapore Flyer capsule, seen in the day (top) and night, is stunning for tourists.

Mr Shao Wei, 24, a Singapore student gave a different perspective.

"Some buildings taller than the Singapore Flyer marred the view for me.

He said he has not been on the London Eye, so he was not in a position to compare.

There has been about 100 corporate events and functions since the Singapore Flyer's soft launch in February.

OFFICIAL OPENING

The wheel will open officially today amid much fanfare like a pyrotechnics and laser lights display.

Mr Alimahmud, 52, a taxi driver, was not blown away by his experience on the Flyer. He was on the wheel with his wife and daughter.

He added that the view was spoilt by the construction going on in the area.

Once the integrated resorts and the Gardens by the Bay are ready, it will be a different story, of course.

An adult ticket costs $29.50, while a child ticket is $20.65. Each ride lasts 30 minutes.

Mr Alimahmud said an adult ticket for Malaysia's ferris wheel, Eye On Malaysia, costs only RM15 ($6.40).

Shipping manager Tan Ser Tian, 58, felt the ride here should be priced at $10.

He suggested having a recorded audio guide installed in each capsule to describe the cityscape.

True to Singaporeans' foodie instincts, student Jonathan Lim, 20, wanted snacks to be served onboard or some kind of "in-flight entertainment".

"They need to offer more activities and events."

But won't this mar the experience of soaring to the sky?

Other Singaporeans might well take a different view.

Mr G H Cheng, director of a hospitality and tourism company, who had previously booked 20 tickets for a corporate team-building exercise, said:

"I don't think it's something I can do more than twice - once in the day and once at night to see the different views."

VIEW NEVER STATIC

The Singapore Flyer team is taking such comments in its stride.

A Singapore Flyer spokesman said: "The view from Singapore Flyer is never static, as the cityscape transforms by the minute.

"In any project launch, there will be feedback, both positive and negative. Every piece of feedback is taken seriously and appropriate steps have been taken to address all suggestions and concerns highlighted."

But Italian tourist Alberto Cappato, 42, found the ride thrilling.

"I really enjoyed myself. The panoramic view of the city was impressive and seeing it run like clockwork from afar was breathtaking."

British tourist Roger Senior, 56, a teacher, agreed.

"The view was interesting and the ride was very worthwhile."

The Singapore Flyer's spokesman said there are plans for in-flight hosts to be present in each capsule of the Flyer to serve as guides.

Event packages catering to all kinds of visitors will be rolled out over time as well. He added that ticket sales are in line with projected sales targets even before the Flyer's official launch today, but declined to provide figures.

- Melody Zaccheus, newsroom intern

This article was first published in The New Paper on April 15, 2008.

spikeshamz

April 17th, 2008, 10:03 PM

Singaporeans will always be Singaporeans. One shall not compare nor shall it distinguish from the other. Of course eye for malaysia is cheaper when compared to Sing dollars but to the malaysians $15RM is a lot of money. Same goes for Singapore Flyer, $30 is a reasonable price. Even the hot air balloon at beach rd is about the same price. Did anybody complain that it is expensive?????? People even hand out petition not to bring it away. Singaporeans are WEIRD creatures. $10 for a ride, this is not the 1980 gayworld/happyworld funfair at geylang. Time has change uncle. He should have known better being a shippig manager. Even oil prices has increased to $110US dollars.

xtemujin

April 19th, 2008, 02:06 PM

First and foremost Singaporeans are not weird, we don't know the reaction of the Malaysian or British as we mostly spend our time here in Singapore.

The ride here in Singapore is expensive if you compare just the prices and not the currency exchange where the London eye is priced at £15.50 for adults, children(5-15 years) at £7.75 and free for children under 5.

http://www.londoneye.com/FlightsAndPrices/Flights/Default.aspx

The Singapore flyer, Adult(≥ 13 years old) at S$29.50, Child(3-12 years old) at S$20.65 and free for children under 5.

Singaporeans will always be Singaporeans. One shall not compare nor shall it distinguish from the other. Of course eye for malaysia is cheaper when compared to Sing dollars but to the malaysians $15RM is a lot of money. Same goes for Singapore Flyer, $30 is a reasonable price. Even the hot air balloon at beach rd is about the same price. Did anybody complain that it is expensive?????? People even hand out petition not to bring it away. Singaporeans are WEIRD creatures. $10 for a ride, this is not the 1980 gayworld/happyworld funfair at geylang. Time has change uncle. He should have known better being a shippig manager. Even oil prices has increased to $110US dollars.

redstone

April 20th, 2008, 06:29 PM

I think it's too expensive. Also the area is now very disconnected from other places. The nearest MRT station is City Hall, 15 mins walk away.

ncon

April 21st, 2008, 12:05 AM

^^ yes i agree it is kind of "isolated" but when the Circle Line complete, the nearest MRT should be in Suntec ?

LondonBVE

April 21st, 2008, 01:40 PM

Mr Alimahmud, 52, a taxi driver, was not blown away by his experience on the Flyer. He was on the wheel with his wife and daughter.

He added that the view was spoilt by the construction going on in the area.

Once the integrated resorts and the Gardens by the Bay are ready, it will be a different story, of course.

I agree with him about this, it seems that the Flyer is not at its most beauty as the crane jungle just a river away can't be miss and it totally spoilt the view, even the one on the same side as the Singapore Flyer has quite a few constructions going on (Marina Barrage, etc...). Actually I am more surprised to hear that this Flyer was planned in the early 2000s, 5 years before the real construction of Marina Bay, Bayfront etc... is ready. Also about transportation, I have to agree too, the road to there is not really well-connected and for some reason it sounds like Burj Dubai in the middle of a desert. Maybe that is the reason why the $30 is consider a lot though frankly speaking, I think we are too used to those in funfair where it is $5 - $10 for a ride so the "high" price seems a lot to us. Well we are Singaporeans after all.

RafflesCity

April 21st, 2008, 03:54 PM

While the view of a massive construction site may not be conventionally tasteful, for me it's quite exciting, and it means each ride...if taken perhaps once yearly would offer lots of dramatic changes

ddes

April 21st, 2008, 05:53 PM

Well, just 1.5 years more and the scenery will be significantly different.

I notice a number of tourists who hang out at the Esplanade roof terrace actually take pictures with and of the construction sites. Kind of silly seeing Japanese/Korean/Chinese posing with the view of Marina Bay Sands under construction but it does mean something...

So yes while the scenery is distasteful, it is nevertheless interesting because it will never be the same again...

kurakura

April 22nd, 2008, 02:47 AM

RafflesCity

May 8th, 2008, 03:13 PM

Taken from the Flyer website:

http://www.singaporeflyer.com/images/stories/downloads/multimedia/wallpaper/wallpaper-02.jpg

RafflesCity

May 8th, 2008, 03:14 PM

http://www.singaporeflyer.com/images/stories/downloads/multimedia/wallpaper/wallpaper-07.jpg

Excelsvr

May 8th, 2008, 04:57 PM

Wow, breathtaking photos, RafflesCity! By the way, did you seek permission with Singapore Flyer? When I see the "All Rights Reserved", it makes me think ... :lol:

Anyway cool pictures but do you think it is digitally enhanced (Photoshop)?

RafflesCity

May 8th, 2008, 05:16 PM

^^

Thanks!

nope...the wallpapers are available for download from the Flyer's website, and are duly credited. Usually there are no issues with regards to hotlinking images from other sources on the internet...unless the bandwidth is excessive. Well I hope there aint problems with that, and yes I think the pics were enhanced slightly. :angel1:

babystan03

May 10th, 2008, 02:41 AM

Finally had some time for night pictures.....went to the singapore flyer and here are some pictures....

1.
http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd24/ylstan05/singapore%20flyer%20night/DSC_0022.jpg

2.
http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd24/ylstan05/singapore%20flyer%20night/DSC_0016.jpg

3.
http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd24/ylstan05/singapore%20flyer%20night/DSC_0020.jpg

4.
http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd24/ylstan05/singapore%20flyer%20night/DSC_0019.jpg

babystan03

May 10th, 2008, 02:44 AM

5.
http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd24/ylstan05/singapore%20flyer%20night/DSC_0086.jpg

6.
http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd24/ylstan05/singapore%20flyer%20night/DSC_0088.jpg

7.
http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd24/ylstan05/singapore%20flyer%20night/DSC_0024.jpg

8.
http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd24/ylstan05/singapore%20flyer%20night/DSC_0080.jpg

babystan03

May 10th, 2008, 02:46 AM

9.
http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd24/ylstan05/singapore%20flyer%20night/DSC_0071.jpg

10.
http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd24/ylstan05/singapore%20flyer%20night/DSC_0040.jpg

11.
http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd24/ylstan05/singapore%20flyer%20night/DSC_0051.jpg

12.
http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd24/ylstan05/singapore%20flyer%20night/DSC_0062.jpg

Thats all....:)

sandstorm6299

May 10th, 2008, 06:55 AM

It looks pretty deserted for a tourist attraction. I thought they said they were at full capacity? Or did I miss some damning news article?

RafflesCity

May 10th, 2008, 07:29 AM

Great pics stan!

Have always wondered what the night scene over there would be like. I like the night lighting effects. Were there lots of people at that time?

eighth8

May 10th, 2008, 08:50 AM

Maybe when the location is better equipped with convenient transport and more enhancement of the surrounding environment with lesser construction works will then people come in and tour the attraction.

definitely one main cause is the lack of retail and dining outlets but it's still the same reason why they ain't coming in yet. they would rather wait till everything is about to be done before they move in. not pt holding on for 1st few months with big losses..

babystan03

May 10th, 2008, 10:22 AM

Great pics stan!

Have always wondered what the night scene over there would be like. I like the night lighting effects. Were there lots of people at that time?

Thanks....:yes:

Surprisingly, there were quite a lot of visitors that day.....the restuarants are quite full....:yes:

sandstorm6299

May 10th, 2008, 12:30 PM

Perhaps so... once the F1 event is over, the Flyer will get much more exposure, and will get a generous increase in visits later.

ScaniaLuver

May 11th, 2008, 08:14 AM

I generally feel that the place is still new and the exact location is unknown to tourists. I've seen many tourists came asking for the location of the Flyer, much to my surprise. Maybe they should build a permanent bus terminal where passengers can alight there? That way tourists can have a more direct way of going to the Flyer.

sandstorm6299

May 11th, 2008, 11:57 AM

That's a brilliant idea. Maybe they could get the buses that currently loop near Suntec City to loop at the Singapore Flyer instead? It's only a short distance away, and it wouldn't affect the route much. Now that there is an attraction there, I'm sure the change in route would be viable.

JoSin

May 11th, 2008, 06:04 PM

Are the lighting effects constantly changing? I see a variation of colours.

kurakura

May 13th, 2008, 01:48 PM

Maverick713

May 14th, 2008, 03:25 AM

very nice pictures! SLR cameras are much better :)
anyway, the place is really deserted. i went on it once. dun even have to wait.
0 waiting time. and the capsule only had my gf and another foreign tourist!
I went there yesterday (weekday) afternoon for my first ride. There was a big family of tourists (about 10 adults and kids) in my capsule and I can see many more tourists at the ground floor driveway waiting for their tour coaches.

I think busloads of tourists mostly come to the Flyer when we locals are slogging away in the office so that's why we don't get to see them much.

Given that, I would still say the place can be better patronized. Maybe just encourage more tour groups to make a trip here and offer commissions to their guides.

kurakura

May 15th, 2008, 06:07 AM

I went there yesterday (weekday) afternoon for my first ride. There was a big family of tourists (about 10 adults and kids) in my capsule and I can see many more tourists at the ground floor driveway waiting for their tour coaches.

I think busloads of tourists mostly come to the Flyer when we locals are slogging away in the office so that's why we don't get to see them much.

Given that, I would still say the place can be better patronized. Maybe just encourage more tour groups to make a trip here and offer commissions to their guides.

actually i think most tourists do not know how to get there if they r not with tour groups. that place is so inaccesible! even some locals do not know how to go.

the flyer will not see many tourists unitl the esplanade, F1 and the bay seats area are completed so that there will be seamless walking path to the flyer. also have to wait for the IRs to open. I remember i read some reports that the flyer was not feasible if the IRs are not taken into consideration.

RafflesCity

June 12th, 2008, 01:31 PM

Orang utans debut at the S'pore Flyer to raise conservation awareness

12 June 08

SINGAPORE: It was monkey business at the Singapore Flyer on Thursday when two orang utans were lifted 165 metres into the air. This was part of a green effort by the flyer and the Singapore Zoo to highlight the dwindling numbers of the primates in the wild.

12-year-old Chomel and three-year-old Merlin took some time getting used to the mechanical capsule of the Singapore Flyer. Half way through the 30-minute ride, they got a panoramic view of the city jungle.

Fanni Lai, Group CEO, Wildlife Reserves Singapore, said: “As we go up to the top of the flyer, we all can see that at a 160-metre height. So it is important when we do city development, to ensure we continue to conserve and protect our natural habitat."

Steven Yeo, General Manager, Singapore Flyer, said: "When we met with Fanni and talked about it, she was telling us about the need for conservation and the support of the orang utans and we thought it was a good idea to support that message."

Chomel is being groomed to be the zoo's next ‘green’ ambassador but she has big shoes to fill. She is the fifth granddaughter of the zoo's renowned ape, Ah Meng, which died earlier this year.

There are now only 7,500 such Sumatran orang utans left in the wild and their numbers are dwindling due to the massive destruction of forests in Sumatra and Borneo.

The Singapore Zoo has pledged over US$20,000 to build housing facilities for the displaced animals.

Other conservation efforts include breeding 34 orang utans, some of which have been sent to wildlife preserves overseas. - CNA/vm

boy8293

June 15th, 2008, 01:16 PM

WoW!!! Very Nice!!!

superflyer

July 11th, 2008, 05:03 AM

there's an ongoing Jalapeno's pepper promotion at the Singapore Flyer! It consists of a flight and dine thinggy for $35.90 with Soup of the Day, Choice of Main Course (Fish & Chips, Chicken Primavera Pasta or Vegetarian Baked Rice), Dessert (Hazelnut Mango Roulade), Beverage (1 Soft Drink, Coffee or Tea) and 1 Singapore Flyer Ticket .. it is so worth it!! check out the promo at http://www.singaporeflyer.com/en/promotions/shopping-at-the-flyer.html

eyetoeye

July 11th, 2008, 02:21 PM

My unit went to the Singapore Flyer for a retreat on Thursday. Apparantly, we're the first naval unit to do this, which is not saying much since the navy is tiny...

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3272/2658561336_ed815c135c_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/opposition-perky/2658561336/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3214/2658561678_15b6d789cb_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/opposition-perky/2658561678/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3037/2658562094_07eca44222_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/opposition-perky/2658562094/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3267/2658562678_cd3cd54127_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/opposition-perky/2658562678/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2086/2657736867_ecaea2c051_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/opposition-perky/2657736867/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3278/2657736397_a416e1b64d_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/opposition-perky/2657736397/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3145/2658560868_d202443e30_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/opposition-perky/2658560868/)

RafflesCity

July 11th, 2008, 02:28 PM

Fantastic pics there!

I've been meaning to go back up as my first visit was marred by less optimal weather conditions. Good to see the progress around the bay, and love the view of the Straits :)

Love the cloud patterns and in the 3rd last pic, you can actually see it raining over that portion of sea.

ddes

July 11th, 2008, 06:43 PM

Yeah, cloud formations are very nice...

But it's hell trying to depart/arrive in an aeroplane; the turbulence....

babystan03

July 12th, 2008, 01:10 AM

Wow....the clouds look spectacular....post more...:colgate:

Lifestyle-1881

July 12th, 2008, 05:41 AM

Great photos everyone :okay: Love those cloud backgrounds...

Here is my first pic of the Singapore Flyer...taken yesterday from ORQ.

http://www.smugmug.com/photos/329993564_XQmN8-XL.jpg

eyetoeye

July 13th, 2008, 04:23 PM

Yeah the clouds that day were awesome, because it was raining throughout the day and the sky was just clearing out as the sun was setting.

That's all the photos, actually. I took more lah, but not so nice, and about half were off my colleagues and stuff.

RafflesCity

July 14th, 2008, 03:00 AM

Singapore Flyer crowds skipping the shops

14 Jul 08

Businesses pinning their hopes on upcoming F1 race, integrated resort

http://www.straitstimes.com/STI/STIMEDIA/image/20080713/ST_IMAGES_JUEMPTY.jpg

SHOPS and restaurants around the Singapore Flyer say they are losing money because most visitors head straight for the newly minted ride and skip their businesses.
Owners used words like 'slow', 'drip and drab' and 'pathetic' to describe the number of visitors to the grounds that surround the $240-million attraction which opened four months ago.

The businesses had hoped to capitalise on the promise of a torrent of riders on the 165-m observation wheel, the world's largest.

Instead, they told The Straits Times the area around the Flyer is a ghost town on weekdays. While Saturdays and Sundays are better, businesses say they cannot survive on just the weekend crowd.

'Sometimes there is hardly a customer coming into my shop on weekdays,' said Ms May Auyong, manager of Sunglass Hut. 'And if they do, they often browse and then rush off because their coach is waiting or they have tickets for the ride,' she said.

The businesses complained that tour groups are herded from their buses to the ride and then back to the buses again, without stopping at the shops. Meanwhile, Singaporeans told The Straits Times that they are bypassing the shops because prices are too steep.

Singapore Flyer officials said the attraction is on target to draw 2.5 million people this year.

General manager Steven Yeo declined to give exact numbers but said most visitors come on weekday evenings, weekends and public holidays.

The Straits Times visited the Flyer grounds thrice this week: Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday.

During the weekdays, there were only a handful of visitors. The shops and restaurants were largely empty, save for the fastfood and seafood outlets.

While there were several busloads of people on Sunday, most avoided the restaurants and shops.

Retiree Madam Loh Ah Kiew, 78, was there with five friends, all in their 70s.

'We wanted to have coffee first, but one cup at one of the cafes costs almost $14. Too expensive for us senior citizens,' she said.

A total of 20 businesses occupy the space around the Flyer. Some, who did not want to be identified, told The Straits Times they are about two months behind in rent.

Others, like Mr Abdul Naseer, 49, are luckier: they have managed to break even.

The owner of Shalimar Palace, the only Indian restaurant at the grounds, said: 'Hardly anyone comes during the weekdays so there is no way we can see profits rolling in anytime soon.'

Mr Naseer is banking on September, when Formula One racing arrives, and later, on the integrated resorts.

'In the meantime, we must make sure we have the stamina to sustain ourselves till then.'

The general manager of City Tours, Ms Wendy Leong, said the Flyer is fast becoming a tourist must-see sight. But businesses there must market themselves aggressively to pull in patrons.

'Give discounts, special offers and it will definitely help ring the till,' she said.

By Judith Tan
Straits Times

Lifestyle-1881

July 28th, 2008, 07:03 PM

Was trying to get some nice cloud formation on the background today but was not successful :-(

http://www.smugmug.com/photos/340479421_7YqGq-L.jpg

RafflesCity

July 31st, 2008, 02:41 PM

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j67/RCSSC/flyerpic.jpg

S'pore Flyer crosses 1m ticket sales in 5 months

31 Jul 08

The Singapore Flyer has crossed the one million mark in ticket sales, just five months after it took off.
Nearly half was sold to tourists, and the rest to locals, mainly to grassroots organisations and corporate groups.

Mr Florian Bollen, chairman of The Singapore Flyer, on Thursday said the $240 million attraction - the world's largest giant observation wheel - is on target to draw 2.5 million visitors in its first year of operation.

He was speaking at the opening of a new visitors centre jointly organised by Natas and the Association of Singapore Attractions.

By Judith Tan

xtemujin

August 11th, 2008, 01:19 AM

Feng shui masters turn 'wheel of fortune' in Singapore's favour
AFP - Saturday, August 9

SINGAPORE, Aug 9, 2008 (AFP) - Officials in Singapore have changed the direction of the world's biggest observation wheel because feng shui masters said it was taking good fortune away from the city, a report said Saturday.

The Singapore Flyer, which opened earlier this year, had originally revolved so that it rose to face the business district and went down overlooking the sea, the Strait Times newspaper said.

However, masters of the ancient Chinese art of geomancy convinced the wheel's management to reverse it so that it was not taking fortune away from the city.

"A number of feng shui masters had approached us to tell us that the Flyer is on the perfect site to pick up the good qi (energy) flowing into Singapore, but it was going in the wrong direction," said Florian Bollen, the Singapore Flyer's chairman.

"The Flyer was going against the sun and taking fortune away from Singapore."

Bollen likened the change to the "completion of a perfect movie" to give a better story, but added that it cost the company a "six figure sum," the report said.

For visitors now riding one of the wheel's 28 air-conditioned capsules, their view starts with beaches and housing estates in the east and culminates with a vista of the business centre.

At 165 metres (545 feet), or 42 storeys, the Singapore Flyer is 30 metres higher than Britain's London Eye, said builders Great Wheel Corp.

Despite being a modern city Singapore is a largely ethnic Chinese nation, where traditions still hold sway.

http://sg.news.yahoo.com/afp/20080809/tap-lifestyle-singapore-society-wheel-fe-06f3cb7.html