UNTIL Formula One racing hits our roads in September, the Singapore Flyer is the big tourist attraction of the moment.

And tourists love it, judging from what they told The New Paper.

But some Singaporeans are hard to please.

The New Paper spoke to five tourists and five locals picked at random.

All had gone on the Singapore Flyer, which opened to the public on 1 Mar. All the tourists gave the world's biggest observation wheel the thumbs-up.

The 42-storey, $240-million observation wheel was inspired by the London Eye.

The view from the Singapore Flyer capsule, seen in the day (top) and night, is stunning for tourists.

Mr Shao Wei, 24, a Singapore student gave a different perspective.

"Some buildings taller than the Singapore Flyer marred the view for me.

He said he has not been on the London Eye, so he was not in a position to compare.

There has been about 100 corporate events and functions since the Singapore Flyer's soft launch in February.

OFFICIAL OPENING

The wheel will open officially today amid much fanfare like a pyrotechnics and laser lights display.

Mr Alimahmud, 52, a taxi driver, was not blown away by his experience on the Flyer. He was on the wheel with his wife and daughter.

He added that the view was spoilt by the construction going on in the area.

Once the integrated resorts and the Gardens by the Bay are ready, it will be a different story, of course.

An adult ticket costs $29.50, while a child ticket is $20.65. Each ride lasts 30 minutes.

Mr Alimahmud said an adult ticket for Malaysia's ferris wheel, Eye On Malaysia, costs only RM15 ($6.40).

Shipping manager Tan Ser Tian, 58, felt the ride here should be priced at $10.

He suggested having a recorded audio guide installed in each capsule to describe the cityscape.

True to Singaporeans' foodie instincts, student Jonathan Lim, 20, wanted snacks to be served onboard or some kind of "in-flight entertainment".

"They need to offer more activities and events."

But won't this mar the experience of soaring to the sky?

Other Singaporeans might well take a different view.

Mr G H Cheng, director of a hospitality and tourism company, who had previously booked 20 tickets for a corporate team-building exercise, said:

"I don't think it's something I can do more than twice - once in the day and once at night to see the different views."

VIEW NEVER STATIC

The Singapore Flyer team is taking such comments in its stride.

A Singapore Flyer spokesman said: "The view from Singapore Flyer is never static, as the cityscape transforms by the minute.

"In any project launch, there will be feedback, both positive and negative. Every piece of feedback is taken seriously and appropriate steps have been taken to address all suggestions and concerns highlighted."

But Italian tourist Alberto Cappato, 42, found the ride thrilling.

"I really enjoyed myself. The panoramic view of the city was impressive and seeing it run like clockwork from afar was breathtaking."

British tourist Roger Senior, 56, a teacher, agreed.

"The view was interesting and the ride was very worthwhile."

The Singapore Flyer's spokesman said there are plans for in-flight hosts to be present in each capsule of the Flyer to serve as guides.

Event packages catering to all kinds of visitors will be rolled out over time as well. He added that ticket sales are in line with projected sales targets even before the Flyer's official launch today, but declined to provide figures.

- Melody Zaccheus, newsroom intern

This article was first published in The New Paper on April 15, 2008.