Singapore DUCKtours will officially hatch on the 1st of June 2002 at the Suntec City Shopping Mall. Being the first in Asia, DUCKtours will be bringing an amphibious theme tour attraction into Singapore. With the special ability to travel both on land and in water without the hassle of switching crafts, DUCKtours offers a combined land-and-harbour heritage tour on its specially imported amphibious crafts
(DUCKs).
These amphibious tours have enjoyed tremendous popularity in the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia, and are highly rated on its experience and entertainment values. Singapore DUCKtours aims to spice up the local tourism industry. Targeting to be the next big tourism icon, Singapore DUCKtours' mission is to delight
the DUCKies (passengers) with world-class theme edutainment unique to Singapore.
"I was actually experimenting with different ways to expand the tourism industry in Singapore and during a brainstorming session, the idea of an amphibious tour sprang out. I then left for the US and embarked on the amphibious Boston Duck. I was really impressed after riding the Boston Duck and felt that it would be great if Singapore has her own special amphibious tour. I then decided to adopt this excellent concept as it would add a different face and flavour to the current theme tour attractions in Singapore," said Mr James Heng, Chief Duckie of Singapore DUCKtours.
DUCKtours is supported by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) under the latter's Tourism Development Assistance Scheme.
Ms Chee Lay Hong, STB's Director of Lifestyle, said: "The STB supports this initiative as it is in line with our objective to encourage new products and services for our tourism industry. We believe that the DUCKtours will add to the exciting range of recreational experiences here."
The STB will also market the tours through the Board's network of Regional Offices worldwide and through its e-bulletin, websites and marketing collateral, which will be distributed both locally and internationally.
The amphibious adventure will kick off from Suntec City with a heritage tour around the Civic District. The quacking DUCK then waddles behind the Marina, through the scenic National Marina Park, and then splashes into the Kallang Basin for the harbour tour.
Singapore DUCKtours is more than just a guided tour, it is a wholesome family show on wheels. In order to put up a historical show of Singapore, the DUCKtainers (guides) are currently undergoing drama classes and training, hosted by Spell 7, to delight all DUCKies on board with lively and wacky commentary. So, get prepared to be charmed by wacky DUCKtainers as they provide interactive entertainment and weave out interesting tales and fun facts about Singapore. Expect 75 minutes of fun-filled amphibious ride.
"Singapore DUCKtours is more than just a tour - it's an interactive show on a boat with wheels! We want our DUCKies to have a ride of their lifetime on our classic Vietnam War hero, and we want them to leave a strong DUCK print behind. I do hope locals will also take this opportunity to learn more about the history of Singapore and rediscover the island-nation," said Mr
Heng.
Tour Details and Itinerary
From Suntec City, the DUCK will quack her way to the heritage area in the Civic District, along Connaught Drive and St. Andrew's Road, passing by a series of monuments (Tan Kim Seng Fountain, Cenotaph, Lim Bo Seng Memorial, Merlion Park, Victoria Theatre, Supreme Court, City Hall, St. Andrew's Cathedral, War Memorial Park, Theatres at the Bay, the Merlion and Clifford Pier).
Waddling along, the DUCK will make its way through the National Marina Park at Raffles Boulevard before hitting the climax of the tour - the ultimate splash into the Kallang River for the water tour. Passing by the Marina Bay area, the DUCK will cruise by the Merlion for photo opportunities before making its way back on land and return to Suntec City.
The duration of the tour is about 75 minutes. There'll be hourly departure from 10am to 6pm, with each DUCK carrying a maximum of 31 DUCKies. Tickets are priced at SGD33 for adults and SDG17 for children. Tickets are available at the DUCKcounter on the ground floor at the Suntec City Mall, between Tower Five and the Convention Center.
For the convenience of tourists, pick-up and return services by our DUCKbus between Orchard Road and Suntec City will be provided.
Future Plans and Development
Singapore DUCKtours will be extending its tours into the night later in its operation, to meet the projected demand. With this projected demand in mind, Singapore DUCKtours also intends to bring in about four to six more
DUCKs.
Working with Sentosa to develop a weekend tour in Sentosa is also in the pipeline. Catering to the locals and the guests of the island's hotels and resorts, a DUCK will be deployed to the island every weekend for a special Sentosa tour.
Another project lined up is the tie-up with the Sunset Cruise & Dinner by the waterfront (Oasis), to add another key feature to our tour.
Singapore DUCKtours will also be looking into the possibility of developing a port tour in the future. |
