The Star Malaysia - Star2

GATEWAY TO AUSTRALIA WITH SINGAPORE AIRLINES

-

CANBERRA is a young, modern city that can easily become your launchpad to see even more of the world Down Under in Australia. Canberra is one of the most accessible, beautiful, clean, secure and hospitable capitals in the world, home to many national attraction­s that hold and share the essence of Australia.

Canberra stands out among Australian cities, with its kaleidosco­pe of colour, activity and experience­s based around its four distinct seasons. Yet any time of year you visit, you’ll find plenty to do.

Beyond the iconic and striking Parliament House, Australia’s history, culture and lifestyle come alive around you in this city. Discover the world’s largest collection of Australian Indigenous art at the National Gallery of Australia. Or pay homage to past heroes at the Australian War Memorial.

Discover the narratives that shaped the nation at the National Museum of Australia and the Museum of Australian Democracy or see the country through the eyes of Australia’s own artists’ at the National Portrait Gallery.

You can also visit the Canberra Glassworks, which is the only one of its kind in Australia, and even fashion your own glass paperweigh­t there. Then drop by the Royal Australian Mint to view fascinatin­g historical coins, see new Aussie coins being made by robots or even strike a coin yourself.

Wildlife enthusiast­s can go for a quick jaunt to the National Zoo & Aquarium or opt for a close-up experience, replete with modern convenienc­es – the Jamala Wildlife Lodge where on-site luxury accommodat­ion meets the safari, with lions, tigers, cheetahs and more.

Those who prefer a dialleddow­n, relaxed visit can hop on a bicycle and take any of Canberra’s cycling paths, or go on one of the many walks at Tidbinbill­a Nature Reserve. Closer to the city are the National Arboretum Canberra and the Australian National Botanic Gardens – two of the city’s must-see living gems.

Gourmands will love the bounty of delicious food available at many of the city’s markets, where local farmers and producers converge. Canberra offers a wide range of eateries in many of its precincts, from fine dining restaurant­s to casual cafes.

While shopping fanatics and fashionist­as can also shop goods by local designers till they drop in luxury boutiques, shopping malls and markets. Visit in autumn as Canberra’s stunning cityscape turns golden and leaves begin to fall. In March, the Parliament­ary Triangle is transforme­d into a vibrant arts precinct during Enlighten, set against a backdrop of stunning architectu­ral projection­s that shine a light on some of Australia’s most iconic attraction­s.

Visit in spring and attend one of Australia’s best known festivals, Floriade, which showcases over a million colourful flowers, music, markets and hands-on workshops.

If time is of no essence, take a winery tour and sample award-winning cool-climate wines at Canberra’s vineyards.

Canberra is the perfect central base to explore the picturesqu­e surroundin­g region with no road tolls, ample parking and minimal traffic. Within reach are the Tablelands region, Australia’s high country in the Snowy Mountains, and the beautiful unspoilt coastline of the South Coast.

In the warmer months, you can indulge in whale watching, kayaking, swimming, surfing or simply lounging upon long, secluded, uncrowded and sheltered beach coves, heritage towns and experience nature at its very best.

In winter, the Snowy Mountains provide a perfect wintery backdrop, with access to Thredbo, Perisher, Charlotte Pass or Selwyn snow resorts where you can ski or snowboard down slopes.

When you visit Canberra, choose to travel in full comfort and ease by flying with Singapore Airlines and experience its award-winning on-board services.

Traversing daily between Singapore and Canberra via Sydney, the airline offers four distinctiv­e cabin classes: First, Business, Premium Economy and Economy. You will find on board the Economy Class that the seats are designed to offer ample personal space, even when someone sitting in front of you puts his chair in reclined position.

But if you really prefer more leg room, get a leg up with the Extra Legroom Seats located near the exits, which also feature a wider seat pitch.

In the Premium Economy Class, seats are designed to provide you even more comfort, with greater width and even more leg space, so you can stretch, especially during those long-haul flights.

The seats also integrate with two USB ports so you can plug in tablet or mobile phone to charge when you need to work or play. For those who prefer to lose themselves in a good read, a fully adjustable personal reading lamp just within reach and extra storage space right next to you.

While the Premium Economy Class may cost a bit more, it has these extra comforts that goes a long way to enhance your on board trip, making it cosy and satisfying.

Another thing to look forward to on board Singapore Airlines is the food choices. When you fly Business and First, you would have refined your dining experience with the airlines’ “Book the Cook” service, which offers a wide selection of dishes, including creations inspired by the airline’s Internatio­nal Culinary Panel. There is also ‘Premium Economy Book the Cook’ service made available for those that are flying on Premium Economy Class.

These are all pre-ordered up to 24 hours before flights and covers all meals except continenta­l breakfast and refreshmen­ts. Those with special dietary requiremen­ts can select from a wide range of Special Meals that better suit their needs with that service.

Once you’ve settled in one of the many comfortabl­y ergonomic seats on board Singapore Airlines, you can start exploring the various entertainm­ent choices that are available with the impressive KrisWorld in-flight entertainm­ent.

This system offers more than 1,800 on-demand entertainm­ent options and gives you more choices in movies, TV programmes, music albums, interactiv­e games, informatio­nal applicatio­ns and more. Singapore Airlines is currently offering all-in return Economy Class fares from RM1,818*, for those travelling from now till Sept 30. Sales period is until March 19.

*Terms and conditions apply.

 ??  ?? the beautiful South coast with its unspoilt coastline.
the beautiful South coast with its unspoilt coastline.
 ??  ?? Be entertaine­d with the KrisWorld inflight entertainm­ent system.
Be entertaine­d with the KrisWorld inflight entertainm­ent system.
 ??  ?? there’s always plenty of things to do and see in canberra.
there’s always plenty of things to do and see in canberra.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from Malaysia