Heads up! A lot of things are developing around Singapore to serve locals and tourists alike for the better. Here are clips and bits about the country that you should know about. 

Raffles Singapore 130th Anniversary. To commemorate its founding years, the hotel is offering a series of walking tours to feature the history of the building as well as some famous hot spots that were used in movies. The tours will be available on Feb to August 2017. Raffles Singapore will close in the last quarter of the month before a grand opening will occur in early 2018. The hotel first opened in 1887 and was considered as a national monument during its centenary.

Singapore passport. We all know that SG has the strongest passport in Asia, but this year, we saw the country jumped to 2nd for the world's strongest passport with a visa-free score of 156. It is tied with Sweden's for second place. Meanwhile, Germany holds the top spot with 157 visa-free scores.

 Singapore Zoo. Have you had breakfast with their orangutans? No? Or how about to the Jurong Bird Park? News has emerged that Singapore will expand its nature-based attractions with "a brand new bird park, rainforest park, a nature-themed indoor attraction and 'eco-accommodation' options," according to Travel Daily Media. The new bird park will open by 2020 and the rainforest the year after. Dubbed as "Mandai rejuvenation project," the parks will serve as both sanctuary and tourist destinations.

Ten hotels to open in Singapore. About 10 hotels to open in Singapore this year which includes: The Warehouse Hotel (January 2017), Sofitel Singapore City Centre (March 2017), Andaz Singapore (second half of 2017), InterContinental Singapore Robertson Quay (second half of 2017), The Patina, Capitol Singapore (second half of 2017) and many more. See list from our friends here.

Festivals to catch on January to February. Singapore's Art Week will last up to this Sunday only while the St. Jerome's indie music fest will conclude on Saturday. Celebrate the New Year at the River Hongbao as you usher the New Year for 10 days. Check out the colorful Hindu Festival of Thaipusam and the Chingay Parade 2017.