Best places for mangrove tours

Best places for mangrove tours

KUKUP Island and Tanjung Piai in the south-west of Johor are carpeted with the country’s biggest colony of mangroves, which is home to many unique species of flora and fauna.

In view of their rich natural heritage, both have been declared as national parks and are known worldwide as the best destinations for mangrove tour.

The national parks are located next to each other.

Kukup Island is famed as the biggest mangrove island in the country, while Tanjung Piai is known as the southern-most tip of mainland Asia.

The i647ha island is surrounded by 800ha of mudflats.

Found aplenty in the mudflats are mud-skippers, mangrove crabs and many bird species which feed on tiny creatures found on the mudflats during low tide.

The island is just a stone’s throw away from the 150-year-old fishing village of Kukup, which sees droves of tourists coming from near and far during weekends and public holidays to enjoy seafood and put up for a night or two at the homestays.

A one-hour boat trip is more than sufficient to tour the island.

There is a 30m tall viewing tower for the convenience of tourists to get a 360-degree view of the vast green vista of mangrove trees covering the island.

Apart from the rustling leaves, the chirping of birds also join in the chorus of the mangrove forest to provide the only audio entertainment for anyone taking the boat ride and enjoying the breeze.

Remember to bring a pair of binoculars, as there are plenty of opportunities for bird-watching.

There is a suspension bridge across the forest for those who dare to walk across the shaky bridge.

You can cover the whole island by foot as the 800m of boardwalk will take you around the eastern part of the island, and the journey takes about two hours or less.

Walk slowly and quietly if you want to have a close encounter with the creatures of the mangrove and the different types of vegetation on the forest floor.

Remember, some long-tailed macaques and birds may be watching you without your knowledge.

There are boards which carry information about the mangrove forest along the way.

In Tanjung Piai, eight kilometres of mangrove forest front the Straits of Malacca, and about 400ha of intertidal mudflat.

It covers an area of 926ha, and 526ha consist of coastal mangroves.

It was declared a Ramsar site in 2003. The Ramsar Convention is an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands, which recognises the fundamental ecological functions of wetlands and their economic, cultural, scientific, and recreational value.

The entrance to the Tanjung Piai national park is a huge landmark.

The boardwalk leads visitors to a rotating globe, which marks the southern most tip of mainland Asia, as well as the best spot for photography.

Expect strong wind and waves here as it is the intersection of the Johor Straits and the Straits of Malacca.

During fine weather, it is possible to spot some of the Karimun Islands of Indonesia.

At the end of the tour, one will be sufficiently educated on the importance of mangrove trees as a natural barrier in reducing coastal erosion.


A long boardwalk at the Tanjung Piai National Park which leads to the middle of the sea.

~News courtesy of New traits Times~

Giant wall mural at Legoland

Giant wall mural at Legoland

Legoland Malaysia Resort visitors will be amazed to see a giant wall mural along its walkway to the Water Park.

The giant mural, measuring 12.27m x 7.53m, is the biggest painting assemble done by children and is certified by the Malaysia Book of Records.

The mural work was a joint effort between Legoland Malaysia Resort and Wall’s Paddle Pop to celebrate World’s Children Day recently.

A total of 725 children from various orphanages, kindergartens and visitors in the state joined hands to create the mural, which is made using individual tiles.

Legoland Malaysia Resort general manager Mark Germyn said the event was held to spread cheer to needy children.

“We are proud of this achievement and excited to have collaborated with Wall’s Paddle Pop.

“This is just an example of how Legoland brings joy and hope to our children,” he said.

Legoland has planned a range of activities for the holidays, including a special Holiday Extravaganza programme staged at Lego City stage.

There are also special promotions available during the holidays. For details, visit www.legoland.com.my.



The record-breaking mural has 725 hand prints by children.

~News courtesy of New Straits Times~

Legoland shines for Christmas

Legoland shines for Christmas

LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort launched its exciting Holiday Extravaganza 2014 promotions which include an Advent calendar and performances by cast members who were specially flown in from Europe.

With newly completed upgrading and refurbishment works at Lego City Stage, which now includes air-conditioning, the cast members are staging a festive musical show which is tailor-made for Legoland Malaysia guests, including their brilliant performance of When Santa Got Stuck Up the Chimney.

The Advent calendar giveaway incorporates numbered flaps representing each day of this month leading up to Christmas.

The rectangular installation features 24 windows. Every evening at 7pm a lucky guest will have the chance to open a window and win the special prize hidden behind it.

The gifts are sponsored by Legoland’s partners — Unilever (Malaysia) Holdings Bhd, Malayan Banking Bhd, Celcom Axiata Bhd, Edaran Tan Chong Motor, Traders Hotel, Thistle Hotel and Pulai Springs Resort.

Legoland Malaysia general manager Mark Germyn said that this month, the resort would be open until 8pm allowing families to stay longer and enjoy the evening light-up of the Lego Christmas tree, Legoland Advent calendar giveaways and carolling activities.

“We’ve given the Lego City Stage a refreshing new look and feel, and we are delighted to have it ready in time for the festive season.

“Our new show has started and has been getting great feedback from guests,” he added.

Legoland Malaysia resort is the ideal Christmas holiday destination for families with children aged between 2 and 12.

It brings together a Theme Park, Water Park and Hotel in one Lego themed location. As well as the rides, slides, shows and attractions, guests get to enjoy a host of activities during the Holiday Extravaganza at Legoland Malaysia Resort.

Adding to the festivities this year is the daily lighting ceremony of the Lego Christmas tree, which is made from 427,695 Lego Duplo bricks.

The tree’s unique feature is its trimmings of hand-built Lego ornaments.

Guests will also be able to visit the Lego Santa model, which was made with more than 250,000 Lego bricks.

There are many festive treats including Christmas carol singers, mascot appearances and Christmas-themed Lego building activities.

Legoland Malaysia Resort is also offering a special promotion for the holiday season with a buy-3-get-1-free offer for both standard and premium annual pass new sales. For annual pass renewals, guests are entitled to up to RM170 in savings for a limited time.

The special renewal rate applies to passes which expired in 2013 and expiring this year.

All renewals can be done online and at the ticketing counter.

For details, log on to www.legoland.my


Mark Germyn lighting up the Lego Christmas Tree.

~News courtesy of New Straits Times~

JB - Woodlands KTM shuttle train

wef 1 Dec 2014

Legoland bags tourism award

Legoland bags tourism award

FOR the second time, Legoland Malaysia Resort clinched the coveted Excellence Award for Best Attraction & Tourism Experience at the ninth edition of Expatriate Lifestyle’s Best of Malaysia Award, which was held at Club Esperance in Fraser Business Park, Kuala Lumpur on Oct 28.

Other attractions competing in the same category included Sunway Lagoon, Aquaria Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre and the Kuala Lumpur Tower.

The Best of Malaysia award celebrates the finest in the travel and hospitality industry and is organised annually by Expatriate Lifestyle.

The nominees are nominated and voted for by well-travelled expatriates living in Malaysia.

This year, a record-breaking 30,000 votes were cast in over 18 categories, all chosen from shortlists over a 13-week voting period. The voting period ended on Oct 1.

Upon receiving the recognition, Legoland Malaysia Resort general manager Mark Germyn said: “We truly appreciate this recognition. It really goes to show that our resort is a great place for families.

“We will continue to strive to be the best, not just in Malaysia, but in Asia as well.

“This marks a great way to end 2014 and we look forward to more success in 2015.”

The awards were presented by the event’s guest of honour — the newly appointed British High Commissioner to Malaysia Vicki Treadell, Expatriate Lifestyle editor Ian Johnston and Guinness Anchor Breweries marketing director Bruce Dallas.

The night saw 18 trophy winners, with 54 others receiving Excellence Award certificates.

Legoland Malaysia Resort brings together a theme park, water park and hotel in one Lego-themed location in Nusajaya.

It is a family holiday destination, with more than 70 hands-on rides, slides, shows and attractions, designed for families with children aged 2 to 12.

It is the first of its kind in Asia and offers adventure, education and fun for action-packed day trips or as a short break destination.


Legoland Malaysia Resort, in Nusajaya, Johor.

~News courtesy of New Straits Times~

Visit Johor tourist spots by train

Visit Johor tourist spots by train

THE state wants foreign and domestic tourists to start using trains to visit places of interest in Johor.

This is in view of the 11 Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) train stations in the state, with each located either near or a short distance away from numerous tourist attractions.

State Tourism, Trade and Consumerism Committee chairman Datuk Tee Siew Kiong said tour operators are encouraged to come up with packages that incorporate train rides.

“Singaporean tourists can, for instance, take the train service from Woodlands to Kluang to enjoy Kluang coffee. From the Kluang train station, they can also visit some of the eco- or agro-tourism destinations in Kahang or Ayer Hitam.

“For those disembarking at JB Sentral, various tourist attractions are within walking distance such as the Heritage Walk near Jalan Tan Hiok Nee.

“They can even take a connecting bus service to Legoland and Sanrio Hello Kitty theme park in Nusajaya.

“At the Kulai train station, it is just a short distance away to the Johor Premium Outlets.

“If one intends to go to the Endau-Rompin National Park, the Bekok station is an ideal stop,” he said.

Tee said taking trains would offer an exciting and unique experience for tourists, as the rail tracks usually cut through rural areas, which offer verdant and rustic scenery along the way.

He noted that most people are not exposed to trains as a mode of travel, although it is a popular mode of transport overseas.

“Travelling by trains will become a trend in future. I hope KTM Bhd will increase its frequency to cater to the needs of the people,” he added.

“This is also a viable option for those coming from districts outside Johor Baru but want to travel to Singapore,” Tee said, adding that the train service provides a cheaper alternative, as it is the only mode of transport not subject to toll charges and vehicle entry permit fee at the Causeway.

“Train service and facilities have improved over the years. More importantly, there will be no traffic congestion which means travellers will arrive at their destinations on time,” he said.


Datuk Tee Siew Kiong (centre) at the launch of Student Tourism Programme at the JB Sentral recently.

~News courtesy of New Straits Times~

Convenient taxi transit point

Convenient taxi transit point

THE public can now take a taxi from Johor Baru to Singapore at Larkin Sentral transport hub, which now has a new taxi waiting area.

The terminal, which was recently upgraded, saw the re-location of operators who were formerly at the Kotaraya 2 bus and taxi stands, here.

Damansara Assets Sdn Bhd head of corporate communications Ungku Abdul Aziz Ungku Hasnan said that the refurbished Larkin Sentral was now a transit point for taxis and buses.

“The bus stop is poised to receive more than 60,000 local and foreign tourists.

“To make it more convenient to the public, a taxi waiting area was incorporated into the plans,” he said, adding that the waiting area had seats and offices for operators, and was built at the cost of RM1 million. It was opened on Nov 1.

Ungku Abdul Aziz said the existing taxi stand in Jalan Garuda 2 was still operating.

“The old taxi stand is part of the car park of the transport building, so taxi drivers can still pick up and drop off passengers in this part of Larkin,” he said.

Ungku Abdul Aziz said the construction of the taxi stand and offices started last June and was completed last month.

This was about the same time the refurbishment works started at the terminal itself.

“The new taxi wing has been well-received by the public.”

“There are about 50 taxis plying the Johor Baru-Singapore route and 80 budget and executive taxis which offer rides around Johor Baru stationed here.

He said the facility houses the offices of Johor Baru-Singapore taxi companies and taxi cooperatives.

“The facilities are convenient for those who want to travel long distance as both long and short-distance taxi operators are stationed under one roof here.”

“We want to make it convenient for the public and reduce traffic congestion.

“These features will improve the image of the terminal.”

Abrizah Abu Bakar, 50, a trader, said she liked the new terminal.

“It is not congested like the old terminal at Kotaraya 2, and it is easy to get taxis as the queue is systematic,” Abrizah said.

Zainureeza Zainudin, 31, who takes taxis frequently said the terminal was impressive.

“I used to wait for taxis at the market. Now they are here, it is more convenient, and there are seats for those waiting their turn,” she said.

Md Azman Yusof, a taxi driver for 13 years, said the terminal made it easier for taxi drivers to pick up passengers.

“Take for example the Komtar Johor Baru City Centre mall in the heart of the city — when we pick up passengers, we have to look out for the traffic police.

“If there is one in sight, we do not dare to stop for passengers as there is no taxi stand at the shopping mall,” he added.


Designated lanes for budget, executive, and long-distance taxis.

~News courtesy of New Straits Times~

First indoor Angry Birds park in SE Asia

First indoor Angry Birds park in SE Asia

Johor Corporation (JCorp) is targeting 150,000 visitors to its Angry Birds Activity Park (ABAP), the first indoor park of its kind in Southeast Asia during its launch on Friday.

The RM17 million ABAP is located on the third floor of Komtar Johor Baru City Centre (JBCC).

The park, spanning 2,415 sq metres, was developed by Damansara Assets Bhd, a subsidiary of JCorp, in collaboration with Angry Birds founder Rovio Entertainment Ltd which is based in Finland.

JCorp president and chief executive officer Datuk Kamaruzzaman Abu Kasim said children would enjoy the Red Bird Sona interactive playground, Lazer Maze Spaceship, Classic Tower Plan, Go! Kart and Anti-Gravity Trampolines.

“Youths will be thrilled by the Lazer Bird Shoot, Space Drop Airbag, Panna Soccer, Red Bird Goat and Air Parkour Track.

“For younger kids and toddlers, there is the Spinning Time Machine, Piggy Shooting Gallery, Captain Black Bird Ship and Sand Castle Ball Pit.”

Kamaruzzaman said this at the pre-launch of the park on Sunday.

He also said that the main attraction of the park is that it would provide a new form of entertainment for Angry Birds fans from overseas and locally.

“We are expecting 150,000 visitors within a year of its launch, but the number may reach up to 200,000, with the support of our partners,” he said, adding that they are constantly on the lookout for international brands to bring into Johor.

“We want to restore Komtar JBCC to be the city’s premier shopping, lifestyle, dining and entertainment centre.

“We have brought 30 per cent new branded retailers who are making their first appearance in Johor Baru in the mall,” he said.

Also present at the pre-launch were Rovio Entertainment director of sales and relationships Yonna Nummela; Damansara Assets executive director Yusaini Sidek and Mutiara Johor Corporation chairman Datin Noor Laila Yahaya.

“Angry Birds is popular among people of all ages around the world, and fans in Malaysia and neighbouring countries,” he said.

Admission to the park is RM75 while holders of MyKad or MyKid pay only RM60.

“We have a wide range of individual tickets and unlimited annual passes for visitors to choose from, as well as for student groups with a minimum of 30 people.

“Children can also celebrate their birthdays here with our Angry Birds package deals,” he said.

Angry Birds brand has become an international success since its creation in 2009.

The park will open daily from 10am to 10pm.


A view of the Angry Birds Activity Park at Komtar JBCC.

~News courtesy of New Straits Times~

New shops join Johor Premium Outlets fold

New shops join Johor Premium Outlets fold

JOHOR Premium Outlets, a popular shopping mall here recently added more brands to give shoppers more choices to gear up for the holiday season.

It has more than 130 leading designer brand outlets, offering fashionable apparel, sportswear, shoes and accessories.

The latest outlets include Anakku, Animation World, Cafe Barbera, Cole Haan, Hugo Boss, Kate Spade, La Perla, Marc Jacobs, New Balance, Obermain, Porsche Design, Polo Ralph Lauren Children, Renoma Paris, TCBY Frozen Yogurt and Tocco Toscano.

To make shopping more exciting, many of the stores are offering up to 65 per cent savings during the year-end holiday season.

Complementing the shops is a spacious, food court with improved facilities and new outlets such as Madisons Cafe and Subway, offering international and local cuisine.

Since its opening in 2011, the mall has grown to become a major shopping destination, attracting millions of visitors from Malaysia, Singapore and around the region.

Strategically located at the intersection of the North-South Expressway and Second Link Expressway, it is open daily from 10am to 10pm.

For details, visit the www.premiumoutlets.com.my.


The popular mall is a major shopping destination, attracting millions of visitors from Malaysia, Singapore and around the region.

~News courtesy of New Straits Times~

Halloween spell grips Legoland

Halloween spell grips Legoland

FOR the first time, Legoland Malaysia Resort is organising a Halloween celebration dedicated to children.

This special celebration — with the theme, Brick or Treat — is planned for the next two weekends, from Friday to Sunday; and Oct 31 to Nov 2.

The main attraction is a giant Lego pumpkin and children who come dressed in the spookiest costumes will be rewarded with free entry into the park.

Head for the Lego Kingdoms to see how the castle area has been transformed by Halloween themed decorations.

There will be a pumpkin carving challenge, face-painting, and an opportunity to learn from master builders the art of constructing mini pumpkins, bats, spiders and other spooky monsters using Lego bricks.

There will be photo opportunities with the park’s giant pumpkin which took more than 300 hours to build, using more than 28,000 Lego bricks.

There will be fun activities centred around a specially decorated Nissan Almera car such as a pumpkin colouring contest, and mystery giveaways.

“This is a celebration for our most important guests — the children,” said Legoland Malaysia Resort general manager Mark Germyn.

“We will continue to create more exciting activities at the resort to give the guests something to look forward to every time they visit us.”

In addition to the Halloween attractions, the new Lego Star Wars Miniland is a fully air-conditioned indoor attraction where the younger generation will be introduced to Star Wars characters such as Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, Yoda, R2D2 and C-3PO and their adventures “in a galaxy far, far away”.

The excitement begins with a brief video introduction and followed by a journey through scenes from the six Star Wars blockbuster movies and The Clone Wars animated series.

Look out for life-size Lego Star Wars characters and have fun with taking photos with them.

Opened in stages since 2012, Legoland Malaysia Resort comprises the Legoland Theme Park, Water Park and Hotel in Nusajaya.

It is a holiday destination with more than 70 rides, slides, shows and attractions, designed for families with children aged 2 to 12.

The first of its kind in Asia, it offers fun, adventure and education.

For a limited time, Legoland Malaysia is offering Johor residents unlimited park access with a Resident Annual Pass or Premium Annual Pass.

Just bring your MyKad or proof of residence to the ticketing window for application or renewal.

For details on special ticket prices and resort events, visit www.legoland.my or call reservations at 07-597 8888.


Children have fun climbing the giant pumpkin.

~News courtesy of New Straits Times~

Pulau Aur

Boost for Endau seafood sector

Boost for Endau seafood sector

THE RM1.5 million “ikan bakar” food court which takes on the “Rumah Limas” concept will be operational early next year.

The facility, which is expected to change the landscape of Sungai Endau, which borders Johor and Pahang, is currently a work-in- progress and is scheduled to be completed by end of the month.

The project is an initiative of the East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC) and among the facilities available include four kiosks, surau, gazebo, platform and jetty where visitors can buy fresh seafood directly from the fishermen.

Johor Housing and Local Government executive committee chairman Datuk Abdul Latif Bandi said the construction of the food court at the location is appropriate as Endau is popular among those in the fishing and seafood industry.

He said the construction of the food court would boost the local economy by creating new jobs and business opportunities, as well as promoting tourism in Mersing, especially those travelling from Johor to the east coast.

“We also took into consideration the need to protect the river and its environment during the construction process.

“In fact, local fishermen will also benefit by making the jetty the transit centre for river tourism,” said Latif.

Kampung Sungai Padang village head Mohamad Khalid welcomed tourists to the food court once it is ready for operations.

“This will become a hit among tourists, especially those using the Johor Baru-Kuantan route,” he said.


Datuk Abdul Latif Bandi (in red cap) visiting the food court in Sungai Endau. Latif (centre) at the project site.

~News courtesy of New Straits Times~

Street art livens up Bazar Karat

Street art livens up Bazar Karat

THERE is a new tourist attraction at Bazar Karat Johor, here. A 100m stretch which is known as Lorong Pasar Karat has been renamed Stesen Seni.

Walls on both sides of the 0.9m wide lane are filled with murals and graffiti art by Johor artists.

Artist Taib Abu Razak, 35, who is popularly known as Taib Aur, said Art Untuk Rakyat had gathered a group of artists, including himself, to spend two full days filling the walls with vibrant street art.

The other artists are Iskandar Noor Rahim (who goes by the moniker Akeem), Jefri Abdul (Jeps), Nurul Izzati Ramli (Jaie Ramlee), Iqbal Hareez Osman, Nik Nazhar Nik Kamaruddin, Ismail Arshad, Chong Xiao Yun, Chong Yong Chin, Anthony Leow Cheng Ting, Chong Zi Ning, Muhammad Azri Zahri (Jizu Two), Md Rafy Md Idris (Jack Rafy) and Ghazali Bunari (Tok Rimau).

The graffiti and mural works include Akeem’s Monapod, which is his version of Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. Mona Lisa is depicted as taking a selfie using a smart phone with a monopod. Akeem used an existing hole on the wall to create the image of the smart phone.

There is also a painting of a 3D green scooter. Jaie Ramlee’s work features a little boy sitting on a stool. His elbows are on the table and local delicacies are on the wall.

Anthony Leow Cheng Ting has drawn a map of the state and used wood panels to label the 10 districts.

Taib Aur, who is known for 3D drawings and watercolour works which depict Johor scenery, said Stesen Seni was made possible with the collaboration of the Johor City Council, Johor Tourism Department and Iskandar Regional Development Authority (Irda), which had got Nippon Paint to sponsor the materials.

He said it was still a work in progress and more masterpieces would be added to the walls.

“Some people call street art an act of vandalism but, in reality, it is not. What we have here is graffiti which is also a form of art,” he said.

Taib Aur said it had to be considered an art form as the pieces required planning and imagination, and contained artistic elements such as colour and composition.

He said it would only be considered graffiti if the medium used was paint from a spray can.

“The walls were bare before this and it is the back lane behind the shops. Now, people are here to capture pictures of our art and take home a piece of Johor with them,” Taib Aur said, adding that city council representatives had reached out to shop owners and operators and they had welcomed the project.

Johor Tourism Department director Dr Badrul Hisham Kassim said the idea was mooted about a year ago.

“Besides beautifying the facade, we also wanted to provide our local and bona fide artists with a platform to hone the skills and introduce themselves.

“There are many talented artists in Johor but most have moved to look for greener pastures, citing limitations here. By providing them with ample platforms to showcase their work, we hope they will come back,” he said.

Badrul said Stesen Seni was a pilot project and added that, based on feedback from the public, more murals would be added in stages throughout the state.

He said priority would be given to Johor artists.


Akeem posing with his Monapod.

~News courtesy of New Straits Times~

Work on the way to reopen Gunung Pulai 1 recreation park

Work on the way to reopen Gunung Pulai 1 recreation park

The Gunung Pulai 1 Forest Reserve recreation park in Kulai Jaya, which was closed about 13 years ago following a deadly mudslide, may be reopened and turned into an eco-tourism site soon.

The state Forestry Department and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) have been tasked to conduct a thorough study to ensure the park is safe.

State Health and Environment executive committee chairman Datuk Ayub Rahmat said an initial study on the viability and safety of the park is expected to begin soon and is set to be completed within two months.

“Based on that study, we will determine whether the park can be reopened and if there is a need for additional allocation to upgrade its infrastructure and facilities,” said Ayub.

The park has been closed since 2001 on the advice of the Johor Mineral and Geosciences Department following the tragedy which killed five people.

The incident also washed away four houses in Kampung Sri Gunung Pulai, located at the foot of Gunung Pulai.

Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin was previously reported to have asked the Forestry Department to conduct a thorough study, which includes mapping of the soil structure of the park, before the authorities could decide whether to reopen the park.

Ayub said he hoped the study would come up with positive suggestions to support the reopening as the park has the potential to attract visitors.

“This area has a stunning view and is suitable to be developed into an eco-tourism destination,” he said.

Meanwhile, state Forestry Department director Mohd Ridza Awang said a study by the Mineral and Geosciences Department two years ago found that the rock structure at the park was unstable and detected earth movement at certain locations in the park.

He also said an initial study by UTM suggested that some precautionary features be added to the facility.

Among the suggestions are the erection of barriers at certain locations of the park to prevent rock movement. This is also to create an early warning system to detect strong winds and strong water flow.

~News courtesy of New Straits Times~

2 S'pore-JB bus services raise their fares

Two Singapore-JB bus services raise their fares


Commuters boarding Causeway Link bus at Kranji MRT station, heading towards Larkin Terminal in Johore Bahru on Oct 3, 2014. -- ST PHOTO: LIM SIN THAI

Two cross-border bus services are raising their fares following the implementation of higher toll charges by Singapore on Oct 1.

Handal Indah, which runs the Causeway Link bus service between Johor and Singapore, will raise its fares by up to 80 cents from next Monday.

Passengers boarding the yellow buses at the Queen Street station will be ticketed $3.30 if they pay cash, up from $2.50 now.

"It's just unfortunate," said Handal Indah's station manager in Singapore, Mr Johnny Low. "We did not increase the bus fares drastically at all for about 10 years."

~News courtesy of Straits Times~