Singapore Cable Cars – A Thrilling Ride

Singapore began using the cable car system in 1974 and since then it has served as a means of linking Singapore to the beautiful resort of Sentosa which is located close to the Harbour of Keppel.

When it opened in the 1970’s the cable car system was the first aerial transport means in the world to extend across a harbour. However, it was not the first aerial rope system as they call it, to extend across an ocean. Although tourists refer to it as a cable car and now locals themselves have got accustomed to call it that, it is actually not an aerial tram but a gondola lift.

As a means of promoting tourism this cable way was supported by the government of Singapore during the 1960’s. It begins from Mount Faber which is located in Singapore Island. The project cost over US $5 million and was opened in February 1974.

At the time that it was declared open the Singapore cable car system had only 40 odd cabins. It was a tedious job for cabin attendants as they had to manually open and close the doors securely. A popular show during the 1970’s was the Hawaii Five O, which was filmed using the cabins and thereafter the cable cars increased in popularity. It grew so popular that over 50 cabins were added soon after. Another interesting point to note is that the world’s first mass wedding celebrations were also conducted on the cable cars towards the end of the 70’s.

The cable cars are not only a symbol of Singapore’s development but during its early years it was a major symbol of pride for the country, which still continues today. In the 80’s the cable cars came into the limelight again during the Miss World pageant. This was when Singapore was hosting it and contestants were treated to a ride in its cabins.

In 1999, the cable car system which had already achieved many firsts added another to its list when it introduced glass bottom cabins at the rate of US$30,000 per unit. And in the year 2000 about six more glass bottom cabins were added to the system bringing the total number of cabins to 81. In 2004, organisers put together a thrilling competition called ‘Survivng the Sky’ where teams of two members each had to survive in a suspended cabin for the longest time, within a 24 hour period.

The cable cars have been a source of sheer thrill, and have delighted many who have got on board; a ride is definitely a must on the list of things to do when visiting Singapore. Another must is to make a visit to Orchard Road, and enjoy a meal at a café at the Orchard Hotel Singapore. This hotel Singapore offers some delectable Cantonese fine dining in its restaurants. Geared to care for leisure and business travellers, the hotel is the perfect place from which to begin one’s day out in Singapore.