Singapore's TidbiTs

Celebrating Singapore’s 61st birthday with 42,000 hearts On 9 August 2026, Singapore marked its 61st year of independence with a National Day Parade that felt both deeply familiar and boldly new. For the first time in ten years , the celebration returned to the National Stadium — drawing some 42,000 spectators into the iconic venue, including myself, while thousands more gathered around the Kallang Basin to catch the fireworks and fly‑pasts. Here’s the summary of NDP 2026: the brief history, the venue switch, the new concert-style fun elements, and how Singaporeans actually got their coveted tickets. 🇸🇬 A Brief History & Significance National Day falls on 9 August to commemorate Singapore’s independence from Malaysia in 1965. The very first parade was held at The Padang in 1966, with about 23,000 participants. That inaugural event was a powerful declaration of sovereignty — and ever since, the NDP has become the nation’s most unifying ritual, a day...

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, at current East Coast Beach , but the name—and the turtle’...

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...

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...