Singapore's TidbiTs

A walk through Niu Che Shui — where history, faith, and flavour collide 📍 Quick Navigation Origins: Why "Niu Che Shui"? The Four Subdistricts Places of Worship Street-by-Street Stories The Samsui Women Where to Eat Suggested Walking Route Practical Tips The iconic brutalist tower of People's Park Complex dominates the Chinatown skyline Origins: Why "Niu Che Shui"? Long before Sir Stamford Raffles stepped ashore in 1819, a small community of Chinese immigrants had already made Singapore home, cultivating gambier and pepper along the island's southern coast. When Raffles declared Singapore a free port, he tasked Lieutenant Philip Jackson with dividing the fledgling settlement into four ethnic quarters — European, Malay, Indian, and Chinese. The Chinese were allotted the swampy, forested land southwest of the Singapore River, around what is now Boat Quay. As the largest ethnic group, their quarte...

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 ...

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 ...

A ride on the MRT typically cost less than $2. But you can travel FREE on the MRT if you tap out before 7:45am at 16 stations in town. They are Orchard, Somerset, Clarke Quay, Chinatown, Outram Park, Tanjong Pagar, Lavender, Bugis, Esplanade, City Hall, Raffles Place, Promenade, Bayfront and Marina Bay. That means you have to leave your home by 7am-ish to enjoy this free ride. If that is too early for you still can get 50 cents discount if you tap out between 7:45am to 8:00am. But if value your sleep more and would not mind the crush you can always ride during the 7:30 to 8:30am peak hour. Being early allows one to enjoy breakfast at the office canteen or some coffee shop or perhaps at one of many fast food outlets that serve tasty breakfast. You can have the cheap roti prata for breakfast or a breakfast meal of porridge at KFC. A bowl of porridge plus a cup of coffee is $3.60. Or pick one of those $1.80 breakkies from Old Chang Kee. They sell nasi lemak, mee siam, porridge , etc., al...