18 July 2012
Top 5 Must-Dos in Singapore
Singapore launches Gardens By The Bay The KU DE TA Battle has begun 1-Altitude celebrates its second birthday
Conservatories at Gardens By The Bay
Editor’s Note
Gardens By the Bay
Singapore, known best for its clean and environmentally friendly surroundings is one of the most sought after tourist destinations for its food and shopping. This week, we check out the top 5 must-dos while in the lion city. Also, new sustainibility initiative by NParks Singapore - Gardens By the Bay - officially opened to the public on 29 June 2012. Explore the latest news in Singapore’s nightlife as KU DE TA Bali and Singapore battles it out for its signature trademark. Lastly, Asia Travel Exclusives wish 1-Altitude a very happy 2nd birthday. Read on to find out more. James Chen Editor, Asia Travel Exclusives james.chen@asiaxclusives.com
Contents The KU DE TA Battle has begun
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Top 5 Must-Dos in Singapore
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Singapore launches Gardens By the Bay
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1-Altitude celebrates its second birthday
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Publisher Raymond Wong • raymond.wong@asiaxclusives.com Editorial James Chen • james.chen@asiaxclusives.com Francesca Tay • francesca.tay@asiaxclusives.com Web Sam Soh • sam.soh@asiaxclusives.com Ophilia Leung • ophilia.leung@asiaxclusives.com
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• Published by Asia Xclusives Pte Ltd 10 Ubi Crescent, #05-60 Ubi Techpark Singapore 408564 TEL: +65-6635 3173 | FAX: +65-6635 3174
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18 July 2012
KDT BALI
VS KDT SINGAPORE 4
18 July 2012
The KU DE TA Battle has begun Bali club partners of the Ku De Ta trademark take the Singapore nightclub of similar name to court over trademark issues.
De Ta SG Pte Ltd, which operates Ku De Ta at the Marina Bay Sands SkyPark, the partners alleged”
1-year old popular nightspot atop the Marina Bay Sands of Singapore recently ran into some trademark issues with regards to their distinct name. Original trademark owners of Bali’s Ku De Ta have issued a courtroom battle with Singapore’s to fight for the trademark.
This is turn results in MBS club’s claim that there is no cause of action that can be taken against them, also defending wth the fact that it was too premature procedurally to take them to court. However, Asistant Registrar Chew wrote, “On the contrary, the plaintiffs had set out clearly in their pleadings that ‘Nine Squares had no right to apply for the registration of or to register the name/mark Ku De Ta in the Singapore Registry of Trade Marks.’”
Issues that will be addressed in court would be whether the Singapore high-end nightclub would be able to keep their name over concerns of fraud and subterfuge. Bali’s founding owners believe that the misuse of their name has benefited and led to a profitable business by Singapore’s Ku De Ta, therefore requesting an accounting of profits from them with the use of their name.
Bali’s Ku De Ta, which consists of Australians Guy Neale, Aki Kotzamichalis and Arthur Chondros; Indonesian Made Wiranatha and the White Horse Trading Co, is seeking to invalidate the nightclub’s use of their name at the Sky
Singapore nightclub that recently turned one
The founding members of the Bali club has ran the trademark Ku De Ta since 2000 that has been registered in Indonesia. In 2004 and 2009, two unauthorised use of the trademark has been registered in Singapore via Nine Squares, who then licensed it to Hong Kong businessman Chris Au. Mr Au later assigned the marks for Ku De Ta Singapore’s use. Nine Squares is founded by Mr Chondro himself.
KU DE TA Bali parties the night away
5 Park venue as well as in corporate materials and website as it was done without knowledge. According to Business Times Singapore, the case surfaced after the “alleged infringement was discovered after the partners did a search of the trade name in the Singapore Registry of Trademarks in December 2009.” Effects taken into consideration include the dilution of goodwill accruing to Singapore’s Ku De Ta’s use of their trademark. This damage is not easily accessible in monetary form. The battle in court between Ku De Ta Singapore and Bali will began on Monday.
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KU DE TA Singapore
18 July 2012
Violating trademark rights under section 55 of the Trade Marks Act, Bali’s club owners are out to take back their rightful name. Nine Squares’ registration for the trademarks will also be taken into consideration as to whether the action was illegal. According to singaporelawwatch.com, “Nine Squares also did not have the authority to license the trademarks to Chris Au, chief executive of Ku
Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
Top 5 MustDos in Singapore This week, Asia Travel Exclusives brings you the top five must-dos and must-gos while in the sunny island of Singapore city. Eat local delicacies One of Singaporean’s favourite hobbies – eating. Whether you prefer fine dining, or love to tingle your senses with the local delicacies, be sure to eat your fill on your trip here. The extensive range of Asian cuisine available at the multifarious hawker centres are a must-try, from the famous Chilli Crab, Boon Tong Kee’s Hainanese Chicken Rice, Katong ‘Laksa’ to Armenian Street ‘Char Kway Teow’. Popular hawker centres such
as Chomp Chomp Food Centre, Maxwell Market and Old Airport Road Hawker Centre are often jam-packed with foodies every evening, so be sure to secure your seats early and try as many dishes as possible. Hotels also offer their take on local cuisine, so for those who can’t take the weather, chill out and relax at the luxurious hotel restaurants while enjoying Singapore’s famous delicacies. For the more adventurous, be sure to try out the king of fruits, the durian – Geylang is a good place to go for cheap and high-quality ones. Whether in the form of puff, pancake or just the pulpy fruit itself, it is bound to be an experience. End off a meal with the famous Lao Ban beancurd at Maxwell Market or Old Airport Road Hawker Centre, or even the one-dollar ice cream kiosks located all around the island. Singapore food blogger ladyironchef also recommends the traditional ‘Kaya’ Toast for breakfast, with soft-boiled eggs and ‘Kopi’ to complete a hearty meal in the morning.
King of fruit, Durian
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18 July 2012
Shopping From luxury brands of Chanel, Louis Vuitton to local designer goods, or even ‘pasar malam (Malay for night market)’ steals, you can be sure to have the time of your life in the various kinds of retail outlets in Singapore. If you’re looking for big brands such as Topshop, H&M or Uniqlo, head down to Orchard Road where a diverse stretch of shopping malls will welcome you. ION Orchard provides a convenient and ideal location for luxury fashion goods, while smaller but trendsetting designers are hidden in the cosy Mandarin Gallery. The number of shopping malls is astounding as Orchard Road progresses towards becoming an international shopping district. For
those who prefer a quieter and more relaxing shopping experience, check out the shophouses in Ann Siang Hill or Haji Lane, the places where local designers set up shops with their quirky and avant garde apparel. Also head down to Little India’s very own Mustafa Centre, which is open 24-hours so
Fullerton Bay district skyline at night, Singapore
Attractions at Gardens By The Bay
if you’re craving some buys after hours, you’re likely to be pleased with your buys. If you’re lucky, you might be able to check out the traditional ‘pasar malams’ where you can get cheap and unique items. The Marina Bay Sands district The newly-developed city of Marina Bay Sands is an integrated resort that promises not only exquisite dining and wonderful shopping, but also many other recreational activities. Try your luck at the casino, or wind down a day with the range of bars available. Catch exhibitions at the Arts and Science museum, or purchase your very own art pieces at the private galleries littered around the mall. Be sure to also check out the new environmental haven Gardens By The Bay, a magnificent horticultural hub that spans 101-hectares at the promenade. Rooftop bar Ku De Ta also offers a panoramic view of the city skyline that is bound to take your breath away. Avalon nightclub by the bay is also the after hour place to be, so have a sexy night at Marina Bay Sands if you’re a night owl.
Singapore’s very own beach sanctuary that features three different beaches and recreational attractions, Sentosa Island also has an extension of Resorts World Sentosa. There are different ways to enter the island – from drive-through, skytrain from Harbourfront Vivocity to cable car, one can easily find their way in.
Local delicacy, Chilli Crab
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KU DÉ TA, Marina Bay Sands
18 July 2012
Visit Sentosa Island
Siloso Beach Singapore, Sentosa Island
Visit the Underwater World and Dolphin Lagoon, or the iconic Merlion and walk with the exotic butterflies in Butterfly Park & Insect Kingdom. Enjoy an aeriel 360-degree view on the Tiger Sky Tower, or zipline down the shores with the MegaZip Adventure Park. Get a feel of skydiving with iFly, a skydiving replicator that enables one to ‘fly’. The wide range of beach bars and clubs are also a place to relax and enjoy the sun with a drink in hand. Wavehouse Sentosa also offers surfing simulators that allow one to ‘surf’ the shores. You can also visit Fort Siloso to explore the heritage and culture of Singapore city. Resorts World Sentosa is another place to see, with a variety of hotels to choose from. Theme park Universal Studios also promises a fun-filled day whether on a romantic getaway or family vacation. Catch theatre production Voyage de la Vie or walk the Lake Of Dreams, whatever you choose to do, Sentosa Island promises a day of entertainment and amusement.
Zouk Singapore
Explore the nightlife With Singapore’s nightlife coming alive, especially with the launch of many new club names, it is definitely worth checking out during your trip. Club maestro Zouk Singapore located at Jiak Kim Street is a spot not to be missed as tourists flock to the 3-part dance club every weekend. Comprising of three different subclubs that cater to different crowds such as Top 40s, house and alternative fans, Zouk has a rich heritage of 20 years and is the most popular nightspot in Singapore. Do check out Mambo Jambo on Wednesdays, where people of all ages crowd the dancefloor to party off classic hits. Other popular clubs include Helipad, The Butter Factory, Pangaea, MINK, Zirca/Rebel and Filter’s Members Club. For those who prefer a quieter evening, head down to Robertson or Clarke Quay for a beer or two, where one can pick from an entire street of bars and pubs to enjoy your night, or simply head to one of the rooftop bars in Singapore to enjoy the skyline.
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Rooftop bar, 1-Altitude
Supertrees situated at all parts of the Garden
Singapore launches Gardens By The Bay Singapore launches Gardens By The Bay Set in the presiding new town Marina Bay Sands of Singapore city, 101-hectares superpark Gardens By The Bay is the new icon to pay a visit to. Asia Travel Exclusives explores the landscaping paradigm.
spired from the tropics of the national flower, the orchid, visitors can find Conservatories, themed gardens and the main attraction Supertrees in this vicinity.
Situated just less than five minutes away from integrated resort Marina Bay Sands, Gardens By The Bay is more than just an ordinary walk in the park.
of a tropical Garden City with NPark launching Gardens by The Bay on 29 June 2012. Planned since 2006, The Gardens’ architectural design was decided on after an international master plan competition that inspired more than 70 entries from 170 different firms all over 24 countries. The winning entries from Grant Associates for Bay South and Gustafson Porter for Bay East, are both from the UK and the designs were exhibited in September 2006 at the Botanic Gardens – both receiving positive feedbacks.
Featuring a massive 101-hectares worth of greenery with exotic tropical horticulture, Gardens By The Bay is built with a concept of environmental sustainability throughout the entire Bay South Gardens.
Divided into three prominent zones of different themed gardens, namely Bay South, Bay Central and Bay East, guests can experience an entirely out-of-the-world showcase of horticulture in all parts of the greenery.
These glass biomes are fitted with a unique type of glass that reduces a large amount of heat, and the roof is equipped with sensoroperated retractable sails that provide shade for the orchidaceous plants if the weather gets too hot.
Already graced by popular artistes such as Jason Mraz and Boys Like Girls for their concert this year, Singapore is moving towards a vision
The largest of the three, Bay South, spans a majestic 54 hectares and displays the best of topical horticulture and garden artistry. In-
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18 July 2012
Walk into the Bay South district via the south entrance and one can find orchids beckoning them at the waterfront. With the most attractions in this zone, the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest Conservatories are a must-go, two glass biomes parked along the edge of the pristine Marina Reservoir.
Guests can witness an energy efficient display of sustainable building technologies and an
Cooling waterfall ambience that accompanies the plants
Exotic greenery in the surroundings
The Flower Dome replicates cool-dry conditions and features a fixed showcase of plants that can be found in the Mediterranean and semi-arid tropical areas. The larger of the two Conservatories, it’s highlight would be the changing display field that has been designed to enable flower shows to be held within the area. The Cloud Forest recreates the cool-moist conditions in tropical mountainous regions that are usually 1000 to 3000 metres above sea level. The ‘Cloud Mountain’ is not to be missed out, whereby visitors can descent a ‘mountain’ through a circular path where a 35-metre waterfall towers over.
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all-weather educational-entertainment space as the applied cutting-edge technology saves at least 30% in energy consumption.
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Feast your eyes on tropical blooms
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The exciting centerpieces are of course, the Supertrees, tree-like structures of heights between 25 to 50 metres tall. Designed as ‘vertical gardens’ that can execute a an extensive range of functions such as shading, plating and an environmental engine, it showcases a mass of exotic ferns, vines, orchids and a special immense assemblage of bromeliads.
Bay South entrance
Fitted with a technology that replicates the ecological function of trees, the Supertrees are able to harness solar energy via photovoltaic cells as in real trees in photosynthesis. Rainwater is also collected for irrigation and fountain showcases. This solar energy and rainwater is then used for the lightings and the breathtaking project media at night. Another use developed for the Supertrees are the air intake and exhaust functions for the Conservatories’ cooling system. Visitors can also enjoy a panoramic view from the larger and taller trees. Linked together with Bay South via Bay Central, the smaller Bay East is a mash-up of landscaping genius, filled with lush greenery, palm trees and pavilions all in a series of leaf-shaped gardens. Each garden possesses its own theme and is for those who enjoy a quiet stroll down the park. Visitors can enjoy an unobstructed view of the Marina Bay skyline, all along the generous waterfront promenade that spans two kilometres.
For more information, visit http://www.gardensbythebay.com.sg Unique trees in the Gardens
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18 July 2012
1-Altitude celebrates its second birthday Standing 282 metres above the ground, Singapore nightspot 1-Altitude held their second birthday party last Saturday with a black and white theme. The world’s tallest alfresco bar atop 1 Raffles Place celebrates its second year with on 7 July 2012. Let’s just say it went spectacular.
Fresh oysters, yummy!
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