The world's biggest observation wheel began turning in Singapore
on Monday evening, with corporate clients paying thousands of
dollars for their "inaugural flight."
The 42-storey-high wheel, which offers a 360-degree view across
the island republic and -- on a good day -- into neighbouring
Malaysia and Indonesia, began its slow revolutions under hazy skies
at about 1055 GMT.
At 165 metres (545 feet), the Singapore Flyer is 30 metres
higher than Britain's London Eye, said Great Wheel Corp, which
built the Singapore attraction.
"The ride was rather exciting and relaxing. It gives a good view
of the skyline. It is a different experience from the London Eye
and the view at night is beautiful," Koh Choon Heong, a local
businessman, told AFP after making two revolutions on the
wheel.
He said he had previously visited the British attraction.
"This is one special Ferris wheel. I'm excited to be the first
few on it. I'm keeping my fingers crossed so that it will be clear
up there," Koh Pang An, a Singapore company director, said earlier
as hundreds of smartly dressed guests waited to board.
His reference to a "Ferris wheel" would make developers of the
240-million-dollar attraction cringe.
"We don't use the F-word," Florian Bollen, the chairman of
Singapore Flyer, told reporters during a preview of the attraction
last year.
Unlike cramped, old-style Ferris wheel carriages that hang in
the open air, the Singapore Flyer and other large observation
wheels feature fixed "capsules."
The 28 sleek-looking capsules -- about the size of a city bus --
are air conditioned and can hold up to 28 people. Passengers can
walk around and will not feel movement or vibration during their
ride, which usually lasts about 30 minutes, the company said.
Organisers said the attraction's first three nights are sold
out, with companies and individuals paying 8,888 Singapore dollars
(6,264 US dollars), an auspicious number in Chinese culture, for
the first rides.
"I've heard a lot about the London Eye and it is certainly very
exciting to now be on the highest," Koh Pang An said.
A giggling Jessica Tay, who was invited by a bank, said she
heard the ride will bring good luck because of its feng shui, a
reference to the Chinese art of geomancy.
"The wheel looks great and new. I can't wait to get to the
highest point and take a look at the Singapore skyline, especially
the sea view," Tay said.
Haze limited visibility for the first passengers but they could
see some outlying islands and Singapore's main Orchard Road tourist
strip during the sunset experience.
"It was a very comfortable ride. Doesn't feel jerky at all,"
said one passenger, S.K. Chan.
Each capsule had two attendants serving canapes, wine and other
drinks to guests on the opening night, the first of a series of
private events leading up to the Singapore Flyer's public opening
on March 1.
Swiss banking giant Credit Suisse said it had invited about 70
of its private banking clients for the first flight.
Lacking natural attractions, Singapore has embarked on a major
campaign to spruce up its tourist appeal.
Singapore's wheel is located across from the Marina Bay Sands
casino complex set to open in 2009, and is near the pit area of a
Formula One Grand Prix street race to be held for the first time in
the city-state in September.
The London Eye, which opened at the turn of the century, was the
first of the new generation wheels, Bollen said.
His Singapore-based company, Great Wheel Corp, is also building
wheels in Beijing and Berlin, which will edge out the Singapore
Flyer as the world's biggest when they begin turning in about two
years, he said.
reference:
http://news.sg.msn.com/regional/article.aspx?cp-documentid=1237136