World's biggest observation wheel starts turning in Singapore
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
not for long... kinda pwned.
Heard the ticket price is $29 per pax for one round starting March.