My Favourite Places In Singapore . . .
This is a page which is new to everyone. As I tend to "explore" places in Singapore when I feel bored, I've been to quite a number of interesting places which I personally think they're worth re-visit. I would like to share all these wonderful places with everyone, that is why I put up this page . . .
Labrador Park
Battle Box & Fort Gate
Telok Blangah Hill Terrace Garden & Alkaff Mansion
Changi Prison Chapel & Museum
Katong Bakery & Confectionary Co.
Kranji War Cemetery
Mount Faber Park
Pulau Ubin
Labrador Park
(Along Labrador Villa Road off Pasir Panjang Road)
SHORT NOTES:
This is one of my favourite place too. I came to know about this place in 1992 when having a night-cycling trip with my 2 friends from secondary school. We spent the night in the park (rather eerie when night falls!) and it's real cold . . . maybe due to the cooling sea breeze! I re-visit the place in 1998 and begin to go there frequently . . . even until today. Thanks to my 2 friends for bringing me there, DIYANG & TIANBIAO. Thanks buddies!
BACKGROUND:
This place is so famous when someone reveals that there's a hidden tunnel under the sea which linked up this park and Fort Siloso of Sentosa. They believed that the tunnel was constructed by the British during their stay in Singapore during the World War II. Until today, the mystery have not been solved . . .
The existing 17-ha Labrador Park and Tanjong Berlayer Park was redeveloped together in 1996. The new entity together with an extension of Tanjong Berlayer will be known as Labrador Park. The unique features of these parks are being preserved during the redevelopment. This includes the secondary forest which Labrador Park is famous for, as well as its war relics and bunkers left behind during World War II. The park provides one of the rare scene in Singapore, new features of the park include an Aerial Walk along the cliffs of the Park which offers a panoramic view of the sea front. But remember the lighting hours are from 7 pm to 12 midnight only.
HOW TO GET THERE:
Take bus no. SBS 10, 30, 51, 143, 176 from World Trade Centre and alight along Pasir Panjang Road (before PSA building), then walk via Labrador Villa Road for 15 munites to reach the Park.
10 to 15 minutes walk along Labrador Villa Road to reach the Labrador Park.
When approaching the junction of Port Road, showing the directional sign to Labrador Park, turn right to get to the Park.
Main entrance of Labrador Park.
The frontal part of Labrador Park.
Look-out platform on top of the hill.
An aerial view of the jetty at Labrador Park.
Aerial Walk along the cliffs of the Park with 5 look-out platform at different level along the way, which offers a panoramic view of the sea front.
Aerial staircase aside the cliffs of the Park, take a stroll down the 150 steps in less than 3 minutes to get to the lower level of the park.
A wind sculpture created by a Swiss innovator, Yvan "Lozzi" Pestalozzi in 1997 - "Wonders Of The Wind".
The red concrete barricade separate the park and the beautiful sea.
Tanjong Berlayer Plaza - A lighthouse to warn ships travelling between Labrador Park and Sentosa Island. The background reveals the Fort Siloso of Sentosa, which is about 330m away.
People believe this is the entrance to the hidden tunnel under the sea which linked up this park and Fort Siloso of Sentosa.
Behind this Tanjong Berlayer Plaza is an observation deck where visitors can enjoy the cool breeze and nice sea front around the park.
Battle Box & Fort Gate
(Fort Canning Hill Park)
SHORT NOTES:
This is one of the "rare" hill in city area and it's easy to locate. It's my favourite place when I need some peace . . . I came to know about this place during my secondary school life as my school was located just next to the hill. I used to visit the hill so often with my friend LENA during 1997 that it had been our "territory". We would went into the Battle Box or sit on the roof of the Fort Gate, chatting away while enjoying the tree-top view of Fort Canning Hill Park. Thanks for your accompany, Lena, when I do not have much friends then.
BACKGROUND ON FORT GATE:
The Fort Gate and adjoining wall are all that remain of a fort which was built on this hill between 1859 and 1861. The hill, previously known as Government Hill, was renamed Fort Canning Hill after Load Charles John Canning, the Governor General of India. To construct Fort Canning, the top of the hill was levelled to create a flat area of 3 ha. In 1867 the fort had seven 68-pounder guns, eight 8-inch guns, two 13-inch mortars, and some 14-pounder cannonades. The Fort buildings included barracks for India and European soldiers, a hospital, gunpowder magazines. Most of the fortress was demolished in 1926 when a service reservoir was constructed.
BACKGROUND ON BATTLE BOX:
The Battle Box or "bunker" is the largest underground military operations complex in Singapore. It is part of Malaya Command Headquaters during World War II. The Battle Box was used as an operations and command centre by the Malaya Command Headquaters since 1939. The centre was a maze-like complex of 26 rooms and corridors nine metres underground. It was here on the morning of 15 February 1942 that Lt-General Percival (General Officer Commanding of Singapore) made the crucial decision to surrender to the Japanese during the World War II. The Battle Box was officially opened to the public on 15 Feb 1997, 55 years to the day after Singapore fell to the Japanese.
HOW TO GET THERE:
There are several accesses to the hill: Park Mall Underpass, National Library Underpass, Hill Street Food Centre and River Valley Swimming Complex. Bus available are no. SBS 7, 14, 16, 32, 54, 64, 65, 77, 81, 97, 106, 111, 124, 131, 139, 145, 147, 166, 174, 190, 195. TIBS 103, 167, 171, 181, 851.
An overall view of Fort Canning Centre at Fort Canning Hill Park.
Front view of the Fort Gate on Fort Canning Hill.
The internal view of the Fort Gate.
The gate and the adjoining wall are all that remain of the fortress which occupied this hill from 1861 to 1926 when it was demoloshed to make way for the reservior.
Be sure to look behind the Fort Gate's massive wooden door for the narrow stairway leading to the roof of the structure with a tree-top view of the Fort Canning Hill Park.
Stairway with a low ribbed ceiling leading up to the roof of Fort Gate.
Roof of Fort Gate, the highest point on the hill top for visitors to access.
Beautiful sculptures can be found around the Park.
A Gothic Structure - Memorial to James Brooke Napier.
Entrance to the Battlebox at Fort Canning Hill Park.
Telok Blangah Hill Terrace Garden & Alkaff Mansion
(Telok Blangah Hill Park, Telok Blangah Green off Henderson Road)
SHORT NOTES:
Infact I used to work as a waiter at Alkaff Mansion . . . but for only one day! That was during my secondary school vacations. Sad to say, I did not manage to "tour" around the park then. Few years later I re-visit the place again . . . and I finally brought my first friend "up" there in May 1998, Weiwei was the lucky friend. She was asking me whether I knew where the exact location of the Terrace Garden was when I was just about to bring her there that day! It's such a conincident huh? Personally I'm drawn to the natural charm of the park, the ambience and sense of tranquility. It will be a wonderful place to visit during the weekends.
BACKGROUND ON ALKAFF MANSION:
This 1920s hilltop Mansion is undoubtedly a unique structure on Telok Blangah Hill Park (formally known as Mount Washington). This elegant colonial mansion is testimony of the Alkaffs, one of Singapore's most influential and successful business families at that time. It was built by an Arab Trader which is now transformed into a restaurant, namely Alkaff Mansion.
Sitting majestically atop a hill, Alkaff Mansion is a prestigious conservation property with a rich historical legacy. When you step into the Mansion, you will be transported back to the olden days of the 1920s where the pace of life was so gracious and leisurely. It's just like arriving an elegant private home for an elegant meal. The experience is warm and inviting. The Mansion is graciously decorated with antiques, artifacts and artworks collected from all over Indonesia.
BACKGROUND ON TERRACE GARDEN:
Originally part of Mount Faber, Telok Blangah Hill Park came about with the construction of Henderson Road which cut across the ridge that both parks shared. A Terrace Garden at the top of the park provides a magnificent view of Singapore. The Garden has a series of semi-circular terraces and the architectural designs of the terraces reflect the history of the park. Bougainvilleas planted on each terrace adds an extra dimension to the place.
HOW TO GET THERE:
Take bus no. SBS 131, 124, 145, 195, 272, 273, 274. TIBS 176. to Henderson Road and proceed by foot via Telok Blangah Green. The best way or rather the easiest way is to take feeder bus 272, 273, 274 from Bukit Merah Interchange and alright 2 stops after boarding. Then it's time for some hill-climbing exercise again for about 10 to 15 minutes up the hill. Alternative way is to hire a cab from the interchange which cost only about S$2.70.
Telok Blangah Hill Park, off Henderson Road.
Drive up or "hike" along this tree-lining road (Telok Blangah Green) up to Telok Blangah Hill Park. It takes about 10 minutes if you prefer to use foot.
The first thing you will see is this Alkaff Mansion signboard.
Lower garden of Alkaff Mansion at daytime.
The fasinating view of Alkaff Mansion from the lower garden at night-time.
(photo coutesy of Lifestyle! magazine)
Main entrance of Alkaff Mansion at West Terrace.
The beautiful fairy-tale-liked West Terrace lead guests to the Mansion Hall, where guests can enjoy a nice 'flavour of East and West' buffet featuring favourite menu items from both worlds and it served daily for both lunch and dinner. The selection offers a wide variety of appetizers, salads, main courses and an array of fruits and desserts.
Terrace Garden just next to Alkaff Mansion. (see that white-colour semi-circular terraces?)
Take a stroll up this 38 steps to get to the Terrace Garden.
An overall view of the beautiful Terrace Garden.
Bougainvilleas planted on each terrace adds an extra dimension to the place.
The highest point of the garden provide a clear view of the sounthern part of Singapore, the sight of beautiful Sentosa Island can be seen here too!
A view from the top of the garden. The Garden has a series of semi-circular terraces and the architectural designs of the terraces reflect the history of the park.
Changi Prison Chapel & Museum
(18 km, Upper Changi Road North)
SHORT NOTES:
I came to know about this place when I first saw it on TV. I visited this place one fine day and was really glad that I managed to find it without much difficulties. This is really a very rare place in Singapore which not much people would like to visit except tourist I guess. This is because it's just next to the Changi Prison!!! Well, I had not bring any friend here yet but I presume no one would like to tag along the next time I'm visiting this place.
BACKGROUND:
Changi Prison Chapel is a unique chapel that we can find in Singapore. It is an open-concept kind of chapel. There's no shelter for the seats of the chapel, except for the frontal part of the chapel. Visitors can wirte short notes to the dead heroes and pinned them on the chapel's sign board infront. Just next to the chapel is a small museum cum gift shop. Visitors can take a 15 minute's tour at the museum and get some souvenirs here. The admission to the museum is free. It exhibit the life of P.O.W. (prisoners of war) at Changi Prison during WWII, showing how they lived through the war as well as the Changi Prison Chapel during that time.
HOW TO GET THERE:
Take bus no. SBS 2 from Bedok or Tanah Merah MRT stations, alight at 18 km Upper Changi Road North, Changi Prison is just opposite.
Main entrance of Changi Prison. The Changi Prison Chapel is just right behind this green fence on the left.
The Changi Prison Chapel operates between 5.30pm to 7.00pm for Sunday service.
An overall view of Changi Prison Chapel.
A fairy-tale liked mini-garden accompany the chapel.
The Changi Prison Chapel.
The Changi Prison Chapel is an open-concept kind of chapel. There's no shelter for the seats of the chapel except for the frontal part of the chapel.
Visitors can wirte short notes to the dead heroes and pinned them on the chapel's sign board infront.
The Changi Prison Museum. Just next to the chapel is a small museum cum gift shop, visitors can take a 15 minute's tour at the museum and get some souvenirs here.
Exhibitions at Changi Prison Museum.
Exhibitions at Changi Prison Museum displayed the life of P.O.W. at Changi Prison during WWII.
Katong Bakery & Confectionary Co.
(75, East Coast Road)
SHORT NOTES:
This is my favourite place when I wants to have some peace as well as some home-made cakes . . . I came to know about this place when I first saw it on TV but sad to say I don't know the exact location at all then until a friend brought me there. Ever since then, I had fallen in love with this nostalgic place. All thanks to this special friend of mine, WEIWEI. Thanks for bringing me there!
BACKGROUND:
Katong Bakery & Confectionary Co. is a very well established small confectionary. It's history stretched back all the way to 1925. It had been operating for 74 years until today. It witnessed the World War II and in 1947 a law had been passed to safeguard this shop-house against any evil landlord from rising the rental or even chased away the lodgers, especially during the post-war periods where houses are in great demand. A sad thing is the regulation is valid till April 2001, which means this confectionary may have to go or even close down then!
Today it still stands proudly along East Coast Road, serving mostly regular customers. The confectionary specialised in their swiss-rolls, butter cakes and coffee/tea (they served ice-cream too!). It is currently run by Hainanese, they baked their own cakes and bun, which is suitable for those who loves home-baked cakes! A really nice place to spent your afternoon chatting with a few good friends. The price is rather cheap, at only S$0.70 per cup of tea/coffee and S$0.50 for every piece of cakes.
HOW TO GET THERE:
Take bus no. SBS 10, 12, 14, 32, 40 from city and alight one stop after Katong Shopping Centre. After alighting, walk in the direction of the traffic for less than 1 minute, you'll see this red building.
An overall view of Katong Bakery & Confectionary Co. The famous "Red House" at Katong.
Front entrance of the Confectionary.
Traditional seats and tables accompanied with old floor mat. A big mirror on the wall is a very common sight to this typical old coffee shop.
Cakes and buns are places nicely in this 2-way "glass" cabinet, customers can try geting the cakes by themselves or ask the friendly owners to get it for them! But remember, please pay once the drinks and cakes are served!
Kranji War Cemetery [Kranji Commonwealth War Memorial]
(off 22 km, Woodlands Road)
SHORT NOTES:
Well this is kind of eerie . . . visiting a cemetery!!! Alright it's just one of those historical sites in Singapore. Infact I can't actually remember when and how I found out about this place. I guess I must have spotted the place while travelling on the train! Well one of my friend (you should know who you are!) had told me that it's RUDE to visit a cemetery or even disturb those late ones and if you're reading this message now, I would like to tell you that I don't think likewise because we visit these places to learn about some lesson, the misery of war . . . as long as we do not make noise or rather treat the visit as a pinic then it should be alright. Just treat it as a visit of paying a respect to the great heroes!
BACKGROUND:
Kranji Commonwealth War Memorial is a state cemetery. It was built to commemorate the dead heroes of the WWII. The cemetery recorded the names of twenty-four thousands and airmen of many races united in service to the British crown who gave their lives in the Malaya and neighbouring lands and seas and in the air over southern/eastern Asia in the Pacific during the WWII.
HOW TO GET THERE:
Take bus no. SBS 170. TIBS 178, 961, 960 from Kranji MRT station. Alight 2 stops after boarding, then proceed to walk for 5 minutes to this site.
The front gate of Kranji Commonwealth War Memorial.
The internal gate which lead to the cemetery.
Kranji War Cemetery 1939 - 1945.
An overall view of the cemetery. It was a grand piece of land with a peaceful feeling.
The prominent landmark of this cemetery can be seen from quite a distance away, even from the Kranji MRT station.
Behind this wall reveals a few panels of walls with names of twenty-four thousands and airmen of the WWII.
This wall bear information about this cemetery.
These panels of walls recorded the names of twenty-four thousands and airmen of many races united in service to the British crown who gave their lives in the Malaya and neighbouring lands and seas and in the air over southern/eastern Asia in the Pacific during the WWII.
Faber View Garden & Mount Faber Cafe Pte Ltd
(Cable Car Station - Mount Faber Park, Mount Faber Road)
SHORT NOTES:
This is a place where I used to visit when I was very young. Teachers and parents used to bring me here . It's been more than 10 years. I re-visited the place again in August 1998 when I was thinking of bring my friend, Weiwei "up" here . . . The 1st time (after so many years) I reached the hill top, I was so shocked that I thought, "Wow! I definitely got to bring all my friends up here one day . . ." And so the next day I managed to bring Weiwei "up" to Faber View Garden. That was the 1st time I'm riding a cable-car for the 22 years in my life! Few days later I brought 2 of my close friends, Jialing and Jiayi here too and ended up visiting the place 4 times in a week as Jialing celebrated her Bday here not long after!
BACKGROUND:
Faber View Garden is a place which offers a panoramic view of the sea front, revealing the southern part of Singapore. Located on top of one of the highest hill in Singapore, the Mount Faber Hill. A two storey timber deck is the highest point for visitors to access.
At here, visitors can choose to take a ride on the cable car to Sentosa Island and back again in 30 minutes for a meal at the Mount Faber Cafe Pte Ltd. Dining at the unique cafe is magnificient . . . with full length see-through glass down the hill, just imagine dining on the hill with this ambience! Guests of the Mount Faber Cafe can also choose to dine beneath the timber deck, just outside the Cafe. The ambience is indeed fabulous. I guess no other places in Singapore offer this. As for the food-wise, well I shall not say much, just experience and rate it yourself!
HOW TO GET THERE:
Take bus no. SBS 61, 65, 124, 143, 166 from bus-stop opposite WTC (hawker centre) and alight at the following 2 stops. Then it's time for some hill-climbing exercise for about 15 to 20 minutes up the hill. Alternative way is to hire a cab from WTC to Faber View which cost only about S$2.90. The last resort would be getting there "by air", taking the cable car from WTC's cable car station!
Click here to get the feel of riding in a cable car
Wanna "pinic" in the air? Click here
Access to Mount Faber Park, off Kampong Bahru Road and Telok Blangah Road.
An overall view of this fabulous Faber View Garden at Mount Faber Hill. It is luscious evergreen with wooden trellis and pavilion decked.
A lively Nishiki-koi pond housing more than 100 carps added a little beauty to the park.
The pond was built in loving memory of a filial and loving daughter, Princess Radin Mas. A school nearby was named after her.
The sculpture of Princess Radin Mas in the pond.
A two storey timber deck is the highest point for visitors to access. Guests of the Mount Faber Cafe can also choose to dine beneath the timber deck.
Visitors can have fun viewing with these telescope, which provides a magnified view of the sea front. But remember to pay!
The upper storey of the timber deck is the highest point for visitors to access. Telescopes are also available here. Enjoying the sunset here is a great thing to do . . . Trust me!
The great panoramic view of the sea front sighted from the upper storey of the timber deck.
Dining at the unique Mount Faber Cafe is magnificient . . . with full length see-through glass down the hill.
Entrace of Mount Faber Cafe Pte Ltd.
Just take a ride on the cable car to Sentosa Island and back again in 30 minutes for a meal at the Mount Faber Cafe Pte Ltd.
Pulau Ubin
SHORT NOTES:
This off-shore island is a fun place to be, next to Sentosa Island. It was during my secondary school Scouts life that I actually have the opportunity of coming to this island of attraction. Each time I came, there's bound to be something different or rather some new things coming up, but one thing for sure my feeling varies from times to times.
BACKGROUND:
Located at the north-eastern corner of the Singapore mainland, Pulua Ubin is Singapore's second largest island. The island measures 8km across and 1.5km in width. Pulau Ubin offers a wide variety of activities, visitors can get around the island by hiking as it's probably the best way to enjoy Ubin. As for those who prefer cyclying, bicycles may be rented for the entire day at the numerous bicycle kiosks near the jetty. Campers will find a paradise of their own at Noordin, with a natural stretch of sandy beach. Almost anywhere on the island allows you to indulge in activities not commonly seen on Singapore mainland.
HOW TO GET THERE:
Take bus no. SBS 2 from Bedok or Tanah Merah MRT stations all the way to Changi Village Bus Terminal. After alighting just walk across to Changi jetty, adjacent to the terminal. At there, we hire a bumboat to Pulau Ubin. Bumboat charges are at S$1.50 for a one-way trip. There is no fixed schedule as the boat leave only after a certain numbers of passengers have been filled up. Usually it's 12 passengers to a boat. Operating hours starts from about 6pm till 11pm daily, but most of the times frequencies tends to be irregular.
Well after introducing all these places, I begin to realise that most of the places had somehow got to do with the World War II. Katong Confectionary is a pre-war house, Battle box, Labrador Park, Kranji War Cemetery, etc are all WWII realated sites!!! Could I be some Japanese soldiers or some important figures during the WWII, now trying to bring back all those sad memories???
