I made some enquiries for Chingay 2014 at JB. Here's what I hv found out:-
1) What are the dates for Chingay 2014 at JB?
Traditionally, the Chingay is a 3-day religious celebration. On the 20th day of first lunar month, the Old Temple deities will exit the temple and park themselves at the temporary shrine at Jalan Ulu Ayer Molek. On the 22nd day of the first lunar month, they will return into the temple. So with reference to this coming Chingay 2014 in Feb:-
- 20th day of the Lunar New Year falls on 19th Feb 2014
- 21st day of the Lunar New Year falls on 20th Feb 2014
- 22nd day of the Lunar New Year falls on 21st Feb 2014
2) Which date is the date for the main parade (street parade)?
The street parade is traditionally held
in the evening of the 21st day of the first lunar month. If you count from 31 Jan as the first day of the first lunar month, the 21st day should fall on Feb 20, 2014.
3) Is the start point still at the Old Temple along Jalan Trus?
On the 20th day, the start point is at the Old Temple. (This is for the ritual procession of the temple deities)
If you are referring to the street parade on the 21st day (i.e. on 20th Feb 2014), the answer is, NO. The street parade will actually assemble along the route that exits from Jalan Ulu Ayer Molek and will span the entire length of Jalan Yahya Awal, up to the front of the JB Convent school.
4) Will there be a disruption of bus services along the route from SGP to JB?
As you may know, traffic comes to a virtual standstill because of road closures but city bus services are still on - maybe through alternate routes - and bus services from Singapore-JB-Singapore will not be disrupted. Just expect delays because of the commuters and road closures.
From my point of view for those who do not drive and looking at public transport, you can board SBS 170 (blue plate) at Kranji MRT Station, travel to SGP Immigration and clear immigration, hop on same bus again towards JB Immigration and clear immigration, travel all the way ending at Kota Raya Bus Terminal in JB. This will also be the bus terminal that you board SBS 170 (blue plate) for your return trip back to SG.
Take a look at the map to view the proximity of the area of Kota Raya Bus Terminal, Jalan Ulu Ayer Molek (assembly area for the parade), Jalan Yahya Awal (route of the street parade):-
https://maps.google.com.sg/maps?q=t...ntral+kota+raya&radius=15000&t=m&z=17&iwloc=A