It was her first cable car ride, but it ended up being more than just a breathtaking view.

Three-year-old Olivia Chuan and her family also won gifts worth more than $2,000 yesterday for being the Singapore Cable Car's 50 millionth rider.

The prizes they received included a Faber Licence giving them unlimited cable car rides and complimentary admission to Sentosa for a year, a three-day two-night stay at the Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa Resort and Spa, and Faber Peak Singapore shopping and dining vouchers.

Her father, Mr Chuan Kai Liang, 40 - who was cheered by Singapore Cable Car staff upon alighting - said: "I've never won anything in my life, even as a kid. This was a pleasant surprise."

Mr Chuan and his wife had made a last-minute decision to go on a cable car ride to surprise Olivia and her seven-year-old brother Julian.

"They always ask to go on the cable car whenever we are at VivoCity, so we thought of giving them a surprise today. Turns out we were the ones surprised instead," said the engineer.

His wife, Caroline, 35, has fond memories taking the cable car with her parents during her polytechnic student days.

"Just as my parents did for me, I hope to create lasting memories for my children," said Mrs Chuan, who is also an engineer.

Ms Suzanne Ho, general manager of Mount Faber Leisure Group, said: "Singapore Cable Car was among the early tourist icons in the 1970s when we were still a young nation. Welcoming our 50 millionth rider celebrates that continuing role we play."

Samantha Boh