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Showing posts from 2021

Bedok Reservoir Park: From Sand Quarry to Scenic Urban Escape

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A Reservoir with a Past Bedok Reservoir is one of Singapore's 17 freshwater reservoirs, but unlike many of its counterparts, it carries a distinctly industrial past. Before it became a recreational hub, the site was a sand quarry . Today, it collects rainwater runoff from the eastern part of the island, and the surrounding land has been transformed into a vibrant park that offers far more than just waterfront views. The park sits in the eastern part of Singapore, bordered by Bedok North and Tampines West, making it especially convenient for residents of those housing estates. It also lies directly behind Temasek Polytechnic — a bonus for students who have nature and watersports practically at their doorstep. For cyclists and walkers, Bedok Reservoir is linked to the broader Eastern Corridor via the Park Connector Network (PCN) , connecting you to Pasir Ris Park, Tampines Eco Park, and the Siglap Park Connector. What to See and Do ...

Bukit Batok Nature Park - from quarry to Little Guilin

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Bukit Batok Nature Park is often called the Guilin of Singapore , as it resembles the famous karst mountains of Guilin in China. Locals affectionately know it as Xiao Guilin — xiao being the Chinese word for "little" or "small". The park's granite quarry-turned-lake, framed by towering cliff walls, has become its main attraction and a favourite spot for photographers. For those living in the western part of Singapore, it offers a peaceful respite from city life. 📋 Quick Facts Location Bukit Batok East Ave 2 & Ave 6 Size 36 hectares Opening hours Open 24 hours daily Parking Along Bukit Batok East Ave 2 (99 lots) Nearest MRT Bukit Gombak (NS3) — 8 min walk Entry fee Free Time needed 1.5–2 hours for a full walk 🗺️ Where Is It? The park is not at the extreme west like Jurong Lake Gardens, but sits closer to Bukit Timah Nature Reserve to the east. A 1.8 km park connector links the two nature parks, making...

Fort Canning Park: From Forbidden Hill to Singapore's Most Historic Green Space

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Fort Canning Park is one of Singapore's most storied landmarks — a 48-metre hill in the heart of the city that has served as a royal palace, a colonial fort, a spice plantation, a military command centre, and today, one of the island's most beautiful public parks. Originally known as Bukit Larangan — the Forbidden Hill — it has witnessed more than 700 years of Singapore's history. In 2019, nine new historical gardens were unveiled to commemorate the Singapore Bicentennial, transforming the park into an open-air museum where ancient Javanese gates stand metres away from Gothic colonial relics. 📋 Quick Facts Also known as Bukit Larangan (Forbidden Hill), Government Hill Height 48 metres (157 ft) above sea level Size ~18 hectares Opening hours Open 24 hours (park lighting: 7pm – 7am) Heritage Gallery 10am – 6pm daily; closed last Monday of each month Entry fee Free Nearest MRT Fort Canning (DT20), Dhoby Ghaut (NS24/NE6/CC1), Bras ...

Staycation at Yotelair Jewel Changi Airport (during pandemic)

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With options almost negligible to travel overseas for holidays during the pandemic, there is no stopping us from travelling or holidaying domestically, well, minus the airplane. Using the Singapore Rediscover voucher to offset some of a staycation cost, a holiday in an airport mall may not be everyone’s cup of tea. But then Changi Airport and Jewel is unlike any other airport or shopping mall. One can get apprehensive staying in an international airport, albeit landside area, coming into contact with travellers, but the airport terminals were closed. Plus, it was during a heightened alert where dining-in was not allowed and so we thought it was going to be kind of dull. We were wrong! So, let’s start with the check-in into Yotelair. It was a breeze. After filling-up a simple health declaration form, we were given our room keycard. The cabin room is kind of small, but has almost everything that you may need, but then staying indoors in a hotel room for the whole stay was not the idea ...

Coney Island and Punggol Point: A Rustic Escape in Singapore's Northeast

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Coney Island — also known as Pulau Serangoon or Serangoon Island — is one of Singapore's best-kept secrets for a nature day out. Located off the northeastern coast within the town of Punggol, this 81-hectare island feels a world away from the city despite being just a short bus ride from the MRT. With no electricity, no piped water, and no shops on the island, it is as close to "unspoiled" as Singapore gets. Pair it with Punggol Point and the surrounding park connectors, and you have the makings of a perfect half-day or full-day adventure. 📋 Quick Facts Also known as Pulau Serangoon, Serangoon Island, Haw Par Island (1930s–50s) Size 81 hectares (Coney Island Park) Opened October 2015 Opening hours 7am – 7pm daily (gates lock at 7pm sharp) Entry fee Free Nearest MRT Punggol Coast (TE29) — 20 min walk; or Punggol (NE17/PTC) — Bus 84 Time needed 2–3 hours for a full walk 📖 A Bit of History Coney Island has had more na...

MacRitchie Reservoir and Windsor Nature Park - Singapore's Oldest Reservoir with the iconic Tree-Top Walk

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📍 Central Singapore  |  🕐 Park: 24 hrs  |  TreeTop Walk: 9am–5pm (Tue–Sun)  | 💰 Free Entry Nature Reserve 📋 Table of Contents -> Introduction -> History & Heritage -> MacRitchie Reservoir Park -> The TreeTop Walk -> Hiking Trails & Routes -> Windsor Nature Park -> Wildlife Spotting -> How to Get There -> Essential Tips Mention MacRitchie Reservoir to any Singaporean, and two things usually come to mind: the dizzying TreeTop Walk suspended high above the forest canopy, and the long-tailed macaques who have ruled these trails for generations. But Singapore's oldest reservoir offers far more than a single bridge and some monkeys — it is a sprawling green sanctuary where history, biodiversity, and recreation intertwine. Named a...