Singapore is spending S$1 million (about HK$4.38 million), in an effort to bring back the glory days to Chinatown. Tourists once flocked to the Smith Street area for Chinese cuisine. Some 18 hawker kiosks and 12 restaurants are to be opened soon to turn it into a Food Street once more with al fresco dining. The Singapore Tourism Board says: 'A lot of care has been invested in the project to ensure the nostalgic step back is authentic.' A new hiking trail, the 55-kilometre Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track, allows for a three-day expedition through the rugged coastline, forests and sandstone outcrops of Fiordland, on New Zealand's South Island. The trail, which will open on November 1, is a challenging walk along an old logging tramway and across giant wooden viaducts. Hikers sleep in 40-bed huts. Kiwi Wilderness Walks is offering four-day guided trips that leave from Tuatapere and cost NZ$394 (about HK$1,250) a person, double occupancy, including a hotel room in Tuatapere the night before the hike, meals, guides and hut fees. Information and reservations: tel: 64 3 442 6017; fax: 64 3 442 8342; www.nzwalk.com Fiordland Wilderness Experience offers two- to five-day trips that combine camping and kayaking on Doubtful Sound, home to fur seals, bottlenose dolphins and crested penguins. No experience is required for the two-day tour; some is preferred, but not essential, for the more challenging three- to five-day packages. Information: Fiordland Wilderness Experience, tel: 64 3 249 7700; fax: 64 03 249 7768; or visit www.fiordlandseakayak.co.nz Claims that Scotland's famous Loch Ness monster is no more than a few waves caused by earth tremors, have infuriated 'Nessie' fans. Italian geologist Dr Luii Piccardi says the loch is positioned over a major active fault, the Great Glen, and that there is no beast, only seismic 'waves'. But British geologists have retorted that there is no evidence the fault is still active. And Ray Bernardi, manager of the Loch Ness Exhibition Centre, close to its shore, fumes: 'There have been too many actual sightings of the monster.' Next year we may know the truth: a submarine, which is being built in the United States, will explore the loch's murky waters. On yer bike! It's now possible to cycle 6,000 kilometres through seven European countries on the North Sea Cycle Route, which has just been completed. The European Union and local authorities have worked out the cycling-friendly route through Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Holland, Scotland and England (crossing over by ferry). Britain recently completed a National Cycle Network that covers nearly 10,000km. The two routes take in a host of tourist attractions and you don't need to be a fanatic. Just choose a section, and get your bike there by train or ferry. Check out www.sustrans.org.uk