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Katong, Singapore – a Living Heritage

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Where Peranakan Soul Meets Kampung Spirit Katong is one of Singapore’s most beloved neighbourhoods—a vibrant mosaic of colourful shophouses, legendary laksa, intricate beadwork, and living heritage. But beneath its postcard-perfect streets lies a deeper story: one of melting-pot villages, mutual aid, and a philanthropic legacy that still pulses through the community today. How Katong Got Its Name The name Katong comes from the Malay words tanjong (cape) and katong —which refers to an extinct species of sea turtle that once nested along this coastline. The area was originally a seaside retreat for the wealthy, dotted with sprawling villas and mansions. Land reclamation in the 1960s and 1970s pushed the shoreline further south, but the name—and the turtle’s memory—remains. ...
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East Coast Park & Beach – Singapore’s Ultimate Seaside Playground

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From cycling and swimming to sunset sea views and hawker feasts Stretching along Singapore’s southeastern coastline, East Coast Park is the city-state’s largest and most beloved outdoor destination. With 15 kilometres of coastline, golden sandy beach and endless sea views, this 185-hectare park offers something for everyone — from families with young children to fitness enthusiasts and food lovers. Here’s everything you need to know about this iconic coastal haven. 🌊 A Brief History: Reclaimed from the Sea Contrary to popular belief, the beach at East Coast Park, located in the eastern part of Singapore, is not natural but entirely man-made. The park was built on land reclaimed during Singapore’s massive East Coast Reclamation Project , which took place over seven phases from 1966 to 1985. This “Great Reclamatio...
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Exploring Block 201 Tampines East - N2 Shopping Street

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For people staying in the east, particularly at or near Tampines east, Housing and Development Board (HDB) flats Block 201 also known as Tampines N2 Shopping Street is impressive with its varied offerings. especially food. While not visually stunning, it is after all a typical housing estate, it is a bustling neighbourhood with blocks and the blocks stretching from Block 201C to Block 201E, is a feast to behold with its eateries. Starting with Afghanistan Restaurant located along Tampines Street 23 at Block 201E and just across Tampines East Community Centre (CC), this busy coffeeshop style restaurant with 10 stalls attract morning breakfast goers with its delicious local offerings such as kacang phool , mee soto , nasi lemak and the many kueh or snacks. The kacang phool shown below complete with baguette and a cup coffee is $7. Perfect for breakfast. Tampines N2 Shopping Street At Block 201D at Tampines St. 21, there is a restaurant popular for its briyani, roti prata and murtabak c...
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Location: Tampines, Singapore
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Cruise to Bali - On Board Genting Dream Maiden Voyage

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On the 30th of November 2025, Genting Dream Cruise made a 6 days and 5 nights maiden voyage to Bali, Indonesia from Singapore which I booked through travel online portal Klook. I was among more than 3,000 passengers who were part of this maiden voyage. Yea that’s quite a lot of people! Check-in at Marina Bay Cruise Centre (MBCC) even though busy with more than 3,000 pax was relatively smooth. Add another 1,800 staffs or so, so the cruise ship was indeed sailing at full capacity. As check-in was between lunch and dinner, we were greeted by the on-board tea break with snacks and fried noodles and rice at the outdoor dining area. A staff informed me that there were about 4,000 passengers though not sure if the information given was accurate as from googling, the ship capacity is up to 3,400 passengers and 2,000 staffs. The ship looked to be at full capacity but not particularly overwhelming thus a figure of 3,000 and a bit seemed about right. The bottle necks were mostly during disembarka...
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Pandan, Kantan and Blue Pea

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From Ditches to Culinary Dishes: Three humble Singapore plants that colour, flavour, and fragrance our favourite foods Blue pea (butterfly tea), pandan and kantan (torch ginger) Have you ever wondered where the fragrant green in your kaya toast comes from? Or what gives rojak that unmistakable zing? Or why your butterfly-pea latte turns from sapphire to violet with a squeeze of lime? The answers lie in three unassuming plants that grow wild along Singapore's drains, parks, and fences — yet anchor some of our most beloved flavours. Table of Contents 1. Pandan — The Vanilla of the East 2. Torch Ginger (Bunga Kantan) 3. Blue Pea (Butterfly Pea) 4. At a Glance: The Three Plants 5. In the Modern Kitchen 6. Where to Find Them in Singapore 1. Pandan — The Vanilla of the East Pandanus amaryllifolius · Family: Pan...
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Changi Airport: A Fun Day Out (No passport Required)

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A standalone destination to the world's best airport Most airports all over the world are purely functional—places to endure before your holiday begins. Changi Airport breaks that mould entirely. Over the years, it has transformed from a transit hub into a genuine lifestyle destination where locals go to eat, shop, watch free movies, and marvel at a 40-metre indoor waterfall. No boarding pass required. With the MRT and buses connecting the airport to the rest of Singapore, a trip to Changi is surprisingly convenient, especially for those of us living in the east. A half-day is usually enough to soak in the highlights, though you can easily stretch it to a full day if you include the outdoor trails. Getting Around: The Terminal Layout Changi has four passenger terminals. You can walk between T1, T2, T3, and Jewel via covered linkways or use the Skytrain. T4 is the exception —budget an extra 10–15 minutes for the shuttle bus...
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Location: 60 Airport Blvd., Singapore Changi Airport (SIN), Singapore 819643
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