Outward Bound International

2011 OUTWARD BOUND INTERNATIONAL
STAFF SYMPOSIUM

"Outward Bound Making a Difference in the Community"

Join Outward Bound International for a Staff Symposium hosted by Outward Bound Singapore

October 2nd - 4th, 2011

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I overnight camp at Outward Bound Singapore (OBS) while attending the symposium?
    As part of the Symposium package, dormitory accommodation is included from 1 – 4 October 2011 at no extra charge. For participants wishing to extend their stay in Singapore, there is an additional nominal charge of S$65 per person per day payable to OBS for the period from 29 – 30 September 2011 and 5 – 6 October 2011. Participants who wish to have a longer stay in Singapore will need to secure alternative accommodation at mainland Singapore before 29 Sep 2011 and after 6 October 2011. Because of the affordable nature of the accommodation provided, overnight camping should not be necessary.
  2. Will alcoholic drinks be permitted at OBS?
    Participants are requested to respect and observe the OBS house rules prohibiting the consumption of alcohol, intoxicating substances and smoking within the OBS campus.
  3. What are the OBS accommodations for symposium attendees like?
    The accommodation provided is dormitory style. Each dormitory room provides lodging for up to 18 persons. Basic but adequate facilities include double-deck beds, (gender separated) communal showers in the same building. Rooms have overhead fans but no air conditioning.
  4. Are sleeping bags necessary or are bed linens provided?
    Bed linen, mattresses and pillows are provided. Sleeping bags are usually not necessary in Singapore’s tropical climate.
  5. Can OBS accommodate special dietary needs and individuals with food allergies?
    Meals at OBS campus are provided by a professional catering company that is halal-certified (i.e. certified for consumption by Muslims). Given early notice, the caterer should be able to accommodate meals for special dietary needs and individuals with food allergies.
  6. What meals are included with registration?
    The Symposium package includes meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner for the period from 1 – 4 October 2011.
  7. Are snacks available after meals?
    There are no vending machines or snack shops within campus. We may be able to get the caterer to sell a small assortment of snacks during the Symposium.
  8. What should I know about the Symposium location?
    OBS is located on a small island off the north-east coast of mainland Singapore. Access to the island is only by OBS ferry boats which operate on a daily schedule. The boat trip across the waterway takes about 10 minutes each way.
  9. What is the climate like in Singapore? (Temp, humidity, how to dress, etc.)
    Singapore’s location near the equator provides warm temperature year long with the occasional thunderstorms. Temperature ranges from 35 degrees Celsius in the day to 26 degrees Celsius at night. Most people are comfortable with polo t-shirts and cotton slacks or bermudas.
  10. When does the Symposium open?
    Plan to arrive the afternoon of Saturday, 1 October 2011
  11. When does the Symposium close?
    Plan to depart by the afternoon of Wednesday, 5 October 201
  12. Can OBS accommodate early arrivals or late departures
    Yes, extended stays up to a maximum of two days before and after the Symposium is possible, upon early reservation. See point 1 above. The daily rate is S$65 person.
  13. Who may attend the Symposium?
    Current Outward Bound staff and their guests who submit applications to Outward Bound International
  14. Can non-OB employees attend?
    Spouses and partners are welcome to attend. Do note however, that accommodation is provided on a group basis, i.e. there are no accommodations for couples.
  15. Can children accompany adults while attending the Symposium
    Children who are supervised by adults may attend.
  16. Are tourist visas required to enter Singapore?
    Not for citizens of most countries, but a check with your travel agent when booking your flights is prudent. Visas and immigration requirements
  17. Are pets allowed at OBS?
    Pets are not allowed at OBS.
  18. How do I get from the Airport to the Symposium site?
    Taxi to Ponggol Point Jetty is the most practicable way. The journey from the airport should take about 20 minutes. Then link up with a OBS ferry to the campus at Pulau Ubin. A schedule of boat transfer times will be available closer to the Symposium date.
    Transportation to and from the Symposium Site.
  19. Are foreign currencies accepted in Singapore? Obtaining local currency.
    All transactions at OBS are conducted in Singapore dollars on cash terms. As there is no currency exchange facility on campus or en route to OBS, participants may wish to have their currency exchange done at the airport before departing for OBS.
    Obtaining local currency
  20. How do I register for the Symposium?
    Go to the registration page.
  21. When are the registration deadlines?
    We encourage participants to register early. Schools may also wish to take advantage of the group discounts available. Registration for the Symposium is via the Symposium webpage. For group registration please download the form. Group questions should be directed to the Symposium Coordinator at
  22. How do I cancel my registration?
    Contact the Symposium Coordinator at
  23. How do I cancel my payment?
    Contact the Symposium Coordinator at
  24. Is there any financial support available to staff wishing to attend?
    Limited support is available from Outward Bound International on a case-by-case basis. The Travel Grant Application is available on the Symposium sign-up page.
  25. Are there group discounts for OB centers sending groups of staff?
    Yes, see the OB Center registration page.
  26. Are there discount rates available at local hotels?
    There are numerous hotels of good quality available in Singapore. Most offer a discount package for online reservations. As a guide, better discounts are available with early bookings.
  27. Are there inexpensive hotels or youth hostels available in Singapore?
    Like most major cities, Singapore offers a wide price range of accommodations. We suggest you search through sites such as Hotels.com, Trivago.co.uk, Hostelworld.com, Hostels.com, etc.
  28. Will Symposium attendees have access to Internet?
    OBS will try and make arrangements for wireless internet access at the OBS campus. Due to its remote island location from the main network grid, access may be limited to a few users at a time depending on bandwidth constraints.
  29. Can phone or email messages be left for me during the Symposium?
    Yes, OBS will make available a message board for participants. The contact details for the public phone and email contact during the Symposium will be made available later.
  30. How much time will it take me to get from the airport to the Symposium site
    Typically, the taxi ride will be about 20 minutes, followed by a 10 minute ferry to the island
    Transportation options
  31. Where is the Symposium going to be held?
    OBS Camp 1, Pulau Ubin
  32. What kinds of power adapters are required for electronic equipment?
    Local power supply is 220V AC from a three-pin power socket.
  33. Can I take public transportation from the Airport to the Symposium site?
    Yes, taxis are the most practical mode of public transport. Typical fare should not exceed $30 from the airport (including the airport surcharge).
    Transportation options
  34. How much does it cost to take a taxi from the airport to the Symposium site?
    A typical fare should not exceed $30 from the airport (including the airport surcharge).
    Taxi information
  35. The Symposium site is located on an Island, where do I catch the ferry?
    OBS ferries are available on schedule basis at Punggol Point Jetty. The ferry ride is complimentary for Symposium participants.
    Ferry schedule
  36. I am a workshop presenter, what presentation resources are available?
    Indoor presentations would be conducted in a room equipped with LCD projector and screen. The rooms would typically accommodate a group size of 30 people. Outdoor practical workshops may be conducted within the campus area depending on the presentation topics.
  37. When are workshop proposals due?
    1 April. Contact the Symposium Coordinator at if an extension is needed.
  38. Will symposium proceedings be available?
    Yes. Posted to the website after the Symposium.
  39. I am a speaker, what speaking resources are available?
    Keynote speakers would be presenting to the audience at the OBS multi-purpose hall (non-air-conditioned). Basic audio-visual support e.g. microphones, LCD projectors and screens would be available for use.
  40. Who are the keynote speakers?
    Go to the Speakers page.
  41. What workshops are planned?
    Go to the workshops page.
  42. Will there be items for sale during the Symposium?
    OBS is liaising with local equipment vendors to exhibit their products and also offer discounts for participants. Click here for a brochure of items.
  43. How do I contact the conference organizers?
    Email:
    Fax: +1 775 249 9766
  44. Transportation to and from the symposium site and Changi Airport