Pasir Ris Park: Playground Places For Children

Pasir Ris Park: Playground Places For Children

If you happen to be around the eastern half of Singapore looking for the best playground places for your children, search no further than Pasir Ris Park. Situated at Pasir Ris Road, off Elias Road, the kid’s playground at Pasir Ris Park is hidden far from White Sands Shopping Centre and the Pasir Ris MRT Station but well worth the effort to seek it out.

The playground at Pasir Ris Park consists of an enviable collection of playground toys. Catering to children of varying ages, the wide ranging playground items can even tempt parents like myself to try them out as well. This should not be done though, as there are signs that clearly indicate that the playground structures are suitable only for children. Logical reasons would firstly include the fact that the weight of large-sized adults may damage the playground toys on display, and secondly, you will certainly deprive kids out on their fun long weekend a chance to play.

There are few tags for the various play structures at this Pasir Ris Park playground. In any case, children do not need names and instructions to teach them how to utilize the toys for enjoyment. Simply release your children anywhere in this playground, and they will automatically latch on to the playground things that catch their fancies.

For an idea of what these playground structures at Pasir Ris Park look like, here’s a few selected photographs.

There are lights that keep the playground bright after dark, but it is prudent not to let kids stay out late at playgrounds late into the night. I have heard parents’ worry that sweaty kids exposed to night chill may end up falling ill, though I’m unsure of its validity.

For a map of Pasir Ris Park and how to get there, look to Nparks’ webpage.
Pasir Ris Park playground is located in area 3 of this map which you can download (source: Nparks).

Do you have other playgrounds to recommend?


Read my other posts on Pasir Ris Park:
1. Pony Riding in Pasir Ris Park
2. Pasir Ris Town Park: Fishing and other Pursuits


Thank you for reading Seen This Scene That.

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Singapore Botanic Gardens: Evolution Garden

above image: Evolution Garden landscape

Singapore Botanic Gardens: Evolution Garden

Walking into the Evolution Garden of the Singapore Botanic Gardens feels like taking a step back in time. To be precise, I am not talking about returning to the past by a decade or two of history. The setting of this creative concept at the Evolution Garden is more ambitious. This Singapore Botanic Gardens mini garden-within-a-garden brings visitors like my family back into the past by about a million years.

Stepping into Singapore Botanic Gardens’ Evolution Garden is akin to taking a huge leap into unknown territory from the ubiquitous greenery commonly seen in other parts of Singapore Botanic Gardens. The overhead bridge, jagged rocks, stone paths, water ponds, unique plants and other landscape features invoke a mystical Zen-like sensation for visitors unaccustomed to these unusual designs.

Along Evolution garden’s winding footpaths, the evolution that takes place in the animal and plant kingdoms throughout history is illustrated. There are signs along the path of Evolution Garden to inform of the period in history as we walk into each different zones of the garden. Fossilized claw prints of birds can be noted along stone paths of this part of the Singapore Botanic Gardens. From a rather barren landscape, a green scene develops dramatically as we step further into Evolution Garden.


There are many atypical trees and plants displayed at the Evolution Garden. Most have long scientific names that are hard to pronounce and even harder to remember. We half expect a T. Rex dinosaur, dinosaur egg or dinosaur footprints to appear but are disappointed by their absence.

As we exit the dense foliage, we awake from this dream-like journey. We leave Evolution Garden still swamped with memory of the exhibits and stagger back into the present at Singapore Botanic Gardens.

Administrative Details on Evolution Garden:

Singapore Botanic Gardens Opening hours: 5 am to 12 midnight daily

Evolution Garden opening hours: 7am to 7pm
Admission Fee: Free

1. Map of Evolution Garden, Singapore Botanic Gardens
2. Website of Singapore Botanic Gardens

3. Discover how to get to Evolution Garden by bus, by car, by coach or by taxi.

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Singapore Orchid Show 2008

Singapore Orchid Show 2008

above: Singapore Orchid Show exhibits

For lovers of all things related to Orchids, the Singapore Orchid Show 2008 is a must-see exhibition that true-blue hobbyists should not miss. For others like my family of five who do not possess above-average affinity to Orchids, the Singapore Orchid Show is still a fun learning excursion.

Within the cavernous Level 4 hall of Suntec City Convention Centre are many hundreds of Orchids that enthusiasts from Singapore and around the world have assembled to showcase their pride and joy. The Singapore Orchid Show starts on 25 July 2008 and ends on 1 August 2008.

I visited the Singapore Orchid Show 2008 on the opening day evening with my family in tow. Within this huge Suntec City Convention Centre exhibition hall was a labyrinth of stalls, stage, showcase structures and even a giant cage. Besides the Singapore Orchid Show, there were exhibits with themes ranging from Garden Fiesta, Vibrant Marketplace and Clarins Learning Garden.

At the Garden Fiesta, educational, recreational and entertainment activities awaited families, serious gardeners and hobbyists. We saw fresh local vegetables and spices in full bloom (like spinach, kang kong, mint and even corn plants) for visitors to learn about them. These vegetables and spices stood tall in boxed containers with leaves and roots, unlike those sanitized versions sold in wet markets.

The Vibrant MarketPlace was a collection of stalls minded by traders who were offering a wide array of plants, gardening and landscape products and services, and arts & craft under the same roof.

I had trouble looking for the Clarins Learning Garden that was parked in a far corner to the right of the entrance just behind a ceremonial stage. I wanted to bring my children here to learn about eco-living and how to reduce their carbon footprint on this planet.

Although no official guides were around to hand out games at the time of our visit, we still managed to learn a little. Posters hung across the Clarins Learning Garden explained in simple terms the concepts and the details of eco-living. Slogans like reuse, reduce and recycle were prominently highlighted.

As I am not a hobbyist specializing in Orchids, the complex scientific names of Orchids were a bunch of letters that held little meaning to me. Yet the ability to enjoy colourful flowers and delightful floral arrangements is a gut-level skill that visitors to the Singapore Orchid Show, regardless of age or knowledge, should possess.

Free your mind from any preconceived ideas with regards to how Orchids should look like and you’ll be amazed at the impressive range at Singapore Orchid Show 2008. Keep an open mind to better appreciate the beauty of nature’s creation (with the help of enthusiastic Orchid cultivators). Let your heart’s inner eye choose those Orchids and flowers that appeal and savour the experience like we did at the Singapore Orchid Show.

A visit to the Singapore Orchid Show, as part of the Singapore Garden Festival, is a pleasant yet educational way for a family with kids to spend an otherwise routine evening, away from the rigors of homework, revision and learning ‘spelling’.

More details:
1. Official site of Singapore Garden Festival
2. Map of Singapore Orchid Show
3. Link to Suntec City Convention Centre

You can read more of my post on Singapore Garden Festival:
1. Singapore Garden Festival 2008: Fantasy Gardens
2. Subscribe to read Seen This Scene That.

See more places. Live more life.

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Singapore Garden Festival 2008: Fantasy, Assembly, Greenery and Beauty

Singapore Garden Festival 2008: Fantasy, Assembly, Greenery and Beauty

Today I stepped into a wonderful world of flowers and plants, transformed into unbelievable landscapes that enthralled visitors at the Singapore Garden Festival 2008. For the best in whimsical garden designs, implemented by the most capable horticultural partners, look no further than the Fantasy Gardens exhibition at Level 6 of Suntec Convention Centre.

The crème-de-la-crème of garden designers in Singapore and around the world has put together an amazing collection of concepts to wow visitors from 25 July 2008 to 1 August 2008.


Top of the standout list is ‘Seeking Shangri-La’, designed by Singaporean Peter Cheok who won the Best of Show and a Gold Medal at the 2006 edition of the Singapore Garden Festival. His Shangri-La is portrayed in a not-too-distant future like an underwater world where sea levels have risen beyond mountain peaks. Plant-life still managed to thrive in this post apocalyptic scenario and we can see this picturesque subterranean paradise under shifting ice sheets.

In ‘Memories of a Water Village’, Sing Xiaogu from China has created a carbon copy paradise of Jiangnan’s hills and lakes. I liked the beautiful scene of a lake that ripples with each wriggle of carps under a water boat approaching a colourful flowering shore. The message in this creation emphasizes the need to conserve natural heritage amidst human progress.

David Davidson from South Africa, in his ‘Imbizo yase Afrika’ creation, has transported major elements from Africa’s native land into Singapore. His garden is aptly named an Imbizo, as its meaning in African Zulu refers to a gathering. At center stage in his garden is a structure with a dome shaped roof that represents the best of Zulu dwelling, with two giraffes taking shelter inside it. Layered around this structure are native plants from the Cape Floristic Region.

The ‘Rose of Glendalough’ by John Cullen of USA appears to be a crowd puller with the splendour of shifting light casting rich tones on a replica of an old Irish chapel. The garden flowers and plants seem to glow and grow; embracing the stone architecture until the whole scene appears as one delightful natural retreat.


The ModGod Garden by Ng Sek San of Malaysia harks back to the days of temple gardens when priests and kings once ruled the world. Given a modern twist, this garden made of vertical walls filled with colourful plants that reveal the identities of two modern day personalities who are worshipped and admired with almost similar religious fervour. Can you spot one of them in this picture?

There are five more plots of fantasy gardens at the Singapore Garden Festival that are worth checking out. I will keep them secret so as not to spoil your fun when you visit them later.

In fact there are fourteen Floral Windows to the World that showcase flower power in various forms. Another eight Landscape Gardens, well worth seeing, also beckon at Suntec City Convention. If you love Orchids, there is an entire floor at Level 4 devoted to the many mouth-watering hybrids, with many award-winning entries placed next to their trophies.

Children can also study about eco-living and the various ways to reduce mankind’s carbon footprint at the Learning Centre.

Singapore Garden Festival 2008, a well-presented exhibition of the best works from around the world, has something to touch the heart of every visitor. I highly recommend Singapore Garden Festival for all to see, from unconvinced readers to niche hobbyists who expect the best and nothing less.

See more places. Live more life.

Links to help you find your way to Singapore Garden Festival:

Link for Singapore Garden Festival online tickets

Link for Singapore Garden Festival official website

Link for map of Suntec City Convention Centre

Link for Suntec City Convention Centre

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East Coast Park: Eastern Coastal End Walk

East Coast Park: Eastern Coastal End Walk

Like the rest of Singaporeans who make East Coast Park the most popular park in Singapore, we come to the eastern coastal end for quiet walks often. For a sensory feast of sandy beaches, bright open spaces and tall Casuarina trees sashaying to the rhythm of sea breeze, this coastal end of East Coast Park near Changi is the best place to be.

While you would expect plenty of leisure park activities like picnics, jogging, in-line skating and cycling, the human traffic is surprising lower. One good feature is the absence of BBQ pits along the eastern end of East Coast Park to pollute East Coast Park's fresh air.

Our family's favourite all-time activity at East Coast Park, however, is to sit along the beaches. There are plenty of grass patches that allow a poncho to be used for seating arrangements along this end of East Coast Park. We like to stare at the mesmerizing foam patterns as they wash up to shore, watch distant ocean-going ships cross paths in the horizon and read patterns in the ever-changing clouds as they drift by.

The eastern coastal end of East Coast Park in Singapore starts where the National Service Resort and Country Club (NSRCC) is situated at the end of East Coast Walk. From there, it is a short leisurely walk along tree-lined paths that display markings for bicycle and jogging lanes.

Walk past the chalets of the National Service Resort and Country Club (NSRCC) and be greeted by manicured greens of the NSRCC golf course.

This section will end at the mouth of Sungei Bedok where a canal leads out to sea. There are two concrete promontories on either side of this canal where friends have revealed that angling at these spots can be very successful. Even if your fishing does not turn out as expected, the glorious sunsets over East Coast Park should melt a frown into a smile.

Do you have places to recommend for a visit?

Read more about East Coast Park in Seen This Scene That:

1. East Coast Park's Castle Beach

2. Camping at East Coast Park

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Make Money: Singapore Nature Parks Show You How

Make Money: Singapore Nature Parks Show You How

You could not have missed today’s front-page moneymaking news on the Straits Times. There is now an opportunity to make money to the tune of one million Sing dollars. If you wish to make a claim for this pot of money, you must make information available that will lead to the capture of Singapore’s number one public enemy; who also appears to be a high profile consumer of money for soaking up so much public resource spent on attempts to search and recapture him.

Two unnamed public-spirited individuals have stepped up to make this offer of money (see Ministry of Home Affairs site ) through the Ministry of Home Affairs. Before this news to make money appeared, the hunt depended on the call of civic duty by residents to report him to the authorities. Now individuals can make money by providing information on him. How does this piece of news on how to make money fit in with Seen This Scene That?

If you remember the posters (Mas Selamat link here) that were plastered all over the parks and gardens of Singapore since the infamous escape of this individual from Singapore’s Whitley Road Detention Centre, stories have linked his whereabouts to nature reserves, the Central Catchment areas and other wooded spaces in Singapore.

If indeed this fugitive is still hiding somewhere in these parks and greenery, residents who enjoy dreaming of how to make money on this Money-No-Enough island now have a uniquely Singaporean chance: make money as you enjoy the fresh air, wide open spaces and rejuvenating greenery of our parks. If you spot this fugitive and report him to the Home Team, you may be on your way to become Singapore’s next millionaire.

To make money this way is a far-fetched reality, similar to the likelihood of a gigantic asteroid kissing Planet Earth to smithereens. In all likelihood, one or more sympathizers may be harboring this fugitive in their home(s). The bait of this huge sum of money is to make publicity, attract the attention of his sympathizer(s) and make them squeal on him for the million-dollar reward. All those working in the service line who make contact with people regularly may also stand a higher chance of spotting the fugitive. Even uncles and aunties in the heartland may be the lucky eyes and ears that could make this money.

It remains to be seen if this monetary reward will work. In the mean time, keep your eyes close to the ground and take precautions for your own safety. While I wish that you would not to be confronted by a dangerous criminal during your recreational walks at the outdoor parks and nature places of Singapore, your park visit might just turn out to be a rewarding one-in-a-million opportunity to make money.

Read more news on how to make money from this million-dollar reward:

1. Ministry of Home Affairs

2. Channel News Asia

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National Education NE Show 2008 Before NDP 2008

National Education NE Show 2008 Before NDP 2008

I am posting more pictures taken by my child. This NE Show 2008 took place on 12 July 2008. The narrative continues here on the National Education NE Show 2008 post.

If you just joined in, check out the earlier posts over at the National Education NE Show series of posts. The aim of the National Education (NE) Show is to instil a sense of pride and belonging in primary 5 students and to bring across the significance of Singapore’s National Day.

On the stage, contingents marched into the Marina Bay floating platform in the traditional military uniform and flags with a guard of honour putting on the synchronised Feu-de-Joie (Fire of Joy) with their raised weapons (not posted here).

The drive past performance by the military police thrilled my child as the drivers stood on their vehicles to break every traffic rule in Singapore. Even the professional photographers in civilian clothes could not resist taking a few shots at the police. Presumably they may 'complain' to higher authorities about the unlawful driving habits of these law enforcers.

The cultural performance segments did not really thrill my child as not many pictures were taken. My child mentioned that they did not seem to be performing in unison at times but that could be because they were still getting their moves and positions correctly on stage.

Lots of singing and dancing which was not captured on digital film by my child. Aren't these suppose to be the popular items for children by children? Perhaps after watching other children perform too many performances in school, they were looking forward to something new.

More photographs can be viewed at official NDP website.

Read more and see more of my similar posts:

1. National Education NE Show 2008.

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National Day Parade NDP 2008: NE Show Pictures

National Day Parade NDP 2008: NE Show Pictures

As a continuation of my previous article on the preview of National Day Parade NDP 2008 via the National Education Show NE Show, I am posting more pictures taken by my child. This NE Show 2008 took place on 12 July 2008. I believe there were several such National Education NE shows for Primary Five pupils spread over several Saturdays.

For those who are new to the term National Education NE Show 2008, the aim of the National Education (NE) Show is to instil a sense of pride and belonging in primary 5 students and to bring across the significance of Singapore’s National Day to our future generation. For the kids and little children, it is a time to enjoy a preview of the wonderful package put up by many hardworking citizens who toiled in the rain, sun, sea and air. All lucky kids and little children who present themselves for the NE Show will get to bring home a free bag filled with many goodies (that may appear in another post).

Without further ado, these are the pictures taken at one such National Education NE Show 2008.

To keep students entertained, the MCs encouraged the spectators to join in the Singapore Cheer, sing and do the “Marina Bay Wave”.

There were stunts that arrived by air. The dramatic free fall display by the Red Lions with the curly streaks of coloured smoke and the formation that held up in the sky before the wind erased them were noted in the picture.

The perennial crowd favourite flying act by the Republic of Singapore Air Force Black Knights with their daredevil manoeuvres and heart-shaped tail smoke painted logos in the sky never failed to awe.

The helicopter flypast carrying the national flag was a majestic sight to behold.

On the waters of Marina Bay, there were sea-based activities and performances. Weird shaped balloons, brightly coloured, could be seen next to the pointed cranes. I wonder if any might accidently get punctured.

Water skiers displayed their skills dancing to the waves around the marina Bay.

Read more in my other posts on NE Show 2008.

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NDP 2008: National Education NE Show

NDP 2008: National Education (NE) Show

In the name of National Education, my child had an opportunity to get close to the preview of National Day Parade NDP 2008 on a recent Saturday. All week long prior to the trip, the excitement over NDP 2008 NE Show was palpable. Like an airborne butterfly dancing between flowers, conversations at home hovered over the impending activities at the Multi-Purpose Facility at Marina Bay without skipping heartbeats.

During my time in primary school, there was no National Education (NE) Show to attend. In fact the NE Show was only started in 1997. Just what is the National Education (NE) Show? It’s really the rehearsal shows of National Day Parades when participants are honing their skills to coordinate their acts and to be ready for the big day on 9th August. The aim of the National Education (NE) Show is to instil a sense of pride and belonging in students and to bring across the significance of Singapore’s National Day. Every year, the NDP full dress rehearsal provides an opportunity for organisers to inculcate National Education (NE) values in primary 5 students across Singapore.

According to my child, the programme for the National Education NE Show commenced with the Pre-Parade Segment at 5.00pm and ended with the Grand Finale at 8.15pm. But I remember sending my child to school at 1pm and fetching home from school after 10.30pm. Many scenes were captured on digital camera and I will share them on Seen This Scene That at a later date. Suffice to say that all her favourite items at the National Education NE Show 2008 were captured on film. As a parent, I'm glad for the immense thrill and enjoyment that the show provided.

How I wish we could also attend the National Education (NE) Show as well as National Day Parade NDP 2008 as a family but NDP 2008 tickets are hard to come by. We shall have to repeat history with NDP live on TV.

The theme for National Day Parade NDP 2008 is “Celebrating the Singapore Spirit”. The theme captures Singaporean’s celebration of the Singapore Spirit. If you are fortunate to lay your hands on the free tickets to NDP 2008, do your homework before heading to Marina Bay on that big day.

Check the Map of traffic around Marina Bay, Map of the Floating platform at Marina Bay and Traffic Advisory on NDP 2008.

Read more NE Show about my child's NE Show 2008.

Consider reading my posts on other spots around Marina Bay:

1. Esplanade Park

2. Merlion Park

3. Anderson Bridge

4. Marina Barrage

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Tampines Newater Service Reservoir

Tampines Newater Service Reservoir

The mysterious twin towers that was shown under the title Where To Go In Singapore earlier belong to the Tampines Newater Service Reservoir. A large sign near the junction of Tampines Road and Tampines Industrial Avenue 4 proudly proclaims their existence.

I believe they are used to deliver Newater to the factories at Tampines North Wafer Fab Park. Compared to the Bedok Newater Plant at Upper Changi Road, security here isn't too stringent as the main gates were wide open, with enough space for two buses to drive in together, side by side.

I did not linger to check if I could take a peek inside the service reservoir buildings. From the close-up views, the Tampines Newater Service Reservoir buildings are not meant for climbing and sightseeing.Well done to my readers who attempted the question I posed.

If you come for the shopping at Giant hypermart, Ikea furniture centre or Courts Superstore along Tampines Avenue 10, you would be able to catch a glimpse of the Tampines Newater Service Reservoir from your passing bus or car.


Read about similar posts in Seen This Scene That:
1. Newater Visitor Centre
2. Reservoir Parks In Singapore

Do you have interesting places to visit in Singapore to recommend?

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Fun Things To Do Singapore: Heritage Festival 2008

image source: www.heritagefest.org.sg

Fun Things To Do Singapore: Heritage Festival 2008

The Singapore Heritage Festival 2008 is back from 12 July to 27 August this year with more fun things to do. The main venue or festival hub with lots of fun things to do is at Suntec City Mall where the "Who's Your Hero" Exhibition will be held. Look out for the pioneers who were heroes of their day in this fun exhibition that celebrates courage, determination, loyalty, passion and selflessness.

All around Singapore, you can discover more fun things to do during the Heritage Festival 2008 organised by the National Heritage Board's Outreach and Education Division. The following list is obtained from the Heritage Festival 2008 website.

(1) Ever wondered who your children's heroes are? Find out at The Heroes Patch at the Kids' Zone. Don't forget to also catch the colourful stage performances and the specially curated Heroes exhibition. 16-27 July, Suntec City Mall's Tropics Atrium and Galleria Foyer.

(2) Catch yummy food demonstrations by Violet Oon and friends at our Food Prints of Singapore exhibition, as well as sing along with famous singers from the past such as Ling Xiao and Mingzhu Sisters at Heritage On The Move - Rolling Good Times! 26-27 July, HDB Hub!

(3) Mirror, mirror, on the wall, who's the most heroic of them all? Dress up your children as their heroes in the Who's My Hero? costume dressing competition! That and more family fun with our children's exhibition and shows at Heritage On The Move - Kids On Board! 15-20 July, Compass Point.

(4) Can't wait till September for the F1? Satisfy your craving with the festival's very own Vintage Car Grand Prix and Concours and catch motor-racing hero Sonny Rajah in action! 27 July, Asian Civilisations Museum & Connaught Drive.
(5) Explorers wanted for Fun on Foot, the Heritage Marathon! Discover your heroes in this treasure hunt and you stand to win attractive cash prizes of up to $2,000. 19 July, Suntec City Mall's Fountain of Wealth.

(6) Party away with Singapore's music legends STARDUST, Gypsy, The Trailers, Rahimah Rahim and The UnXpected at Sound Stories 1's Heroes In Concert. 26 July, Zouk.

(7) Fancy you could be Singapore's next literary hero? Don't wait any longer! Act on your dream and take part in the MyStory Portal's Who's Your Hero? Writing Contest. Now on till end August, http://www.mystory.sg/.

(8) Get up close and personal with our Xinyao pioneers Pan Ying, Li Fei Hui, Cai Lilian, Zheng Zhan Lun, Brenda Teng and Jiu Jian at Sound Stories 2's Xinyao concert! 25 July, VivoCity, Amphitheatre.

(9) Celebrate our culinary heritage with an exclusive one-night dinner by renowned local culinary expert and Food Olympic medallist, Executive Chef Randy Chow. 18 July, Rosette@SHA Villa.

(10) Discover heroes of a different sort hidden in nooks and crannies around Singapore at our Expedition ‘H' bus tours and Culture 101 talks. 18-27 July.

Race down to the festival venues for fun things to do at the Singapore Heritage Festival 2008 this July!

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Singapore Garden Festival 2008: 25 July to 1 August

Singapore Garden Festival 2008: 25 July to 1 August 2008

The Singapore Garden Festival 2008 will be held from 25 July 2008 to 1 August 2008 at Suntec Convention Centre, Singapore from 10am to 10 pm daily.

Billed as the first garden show in the tropics to house the world’s top garden and floral designers that began in 2006, the inaugural Singapore Garden Festival received many accolades from industry experts, horticulturists and garden hobbyists to put it as one of the top international garden show in the tropics.

Some 200,000 visitors thronged that first show in 2006 and I expect more visitors to the Singapore Garden Festival 2008 this time round. If you can get tickets to visit during the 3-day trade show, you will find more space and time for yourself to enjoy the various beautiful garden and flower exhibits.

The Singapore Garden Festival exhibition will occupy several floors at Suntec Convention Centre. According to its website, these are:

Level 6
Landscape and Fantasy Gardens
Featuring creations by local designers and top award-winning garden designers from around the world including Australia, Germany, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, Sweden, South Africa, Thailand, United Kingdom and United States of America.

Floral Windows to the World
Featuring colourful and vibrant cut-flower displays and floral masterpieces with stunning set design and lighting by floral designers from Belgium, France, India, Norway, Macau and more.

Level 4
Singapore Orchid Show
Showcasing Southeast Asia’s rich and diverse heritage of orchids with a display of the most diverse botanical family and the most important plant group in the international floriculture industry.

Garden Fiesta
Offering educational, recreational and entertainment activities catering to the public, families, serious gardeners as well as hobbyists.

Vibrant MarketPlace
Offering a wide array of plants, gardening and landscape products and services, and arts & craft – all under one roof.

Clarins Learning Garden
Here, children will get to learn through fun and games to love and respect Nature by being more aware of and making every effort to reduce their carbon footprint.

Level 2 (For trade visitors only)
Singapore Garden Festival Expo
This is the new highlight of the Festival. The three-day international trade exhibition and conference will feature internationally renowned horticulture and landscape experts who will come together to showcase and share industry best practices.

For details, go to the Singapore Garden Festival official website.

More write-up on other gardens in Singapore:

1. Singapore Botanical Gardens

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Walk At Hortpark On Southern Ridges Park Connector Again

Walk At Hortpark On Southern Ridges Park Connector Again?

There are many great parks and places in Singapore to walk, to suit every mood, season, inclination and reason. With so many parks and places in Singapore to choose for visits, would you walk at a select few spots, like the Southern Ridges Park Connector’s Hortpark, without hesitation? Certainly! For my family and I, this gardening hotspot at Hortpark will never be retired from our permanent list of must-walk-again-and-again kind of place.

With hindsight from our previous walk at Hortpark, (read about hortpark here), the beating of a hot afternoon sun should not be tolerated if you prefer to maintain fair-skinned complexions, zero risk of developing skin cancers and perspiration-free armpits.



Your hortpark walking and tour itinerary should allow plenty of free time to wander and meander around the various flowers, plant species and outdoor exhibits. Revisit old park spots to understand better why certain Hortpark landscaping areas appeal more to the senses than others during your walks.


I would also add that the company you bring along for the walk at Hortpark would have a bearing on your enjoyment of Hortpark features. From a soloist on a pensive escapade to a gregarious extended family picnic setting, and many combinations in between the two extremes, I can see Hortpark bending backwards to accommodate all kinds of walkers.


It would take many more paragraphs to elucidate all the reasons why one should visit and walk at the Southern Ridges Park Connector’s Hortpark again and again. As a saying goes, “a picture is worth a thousand walks ...er I mean words”, I hope my photographs taken during my walk at Hortpark will make the appropriate ‘walk the talk’ statements.




Here's my earlier post on Hortpark:
1. Hortpark: A Hot Place To Visit

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Marina Barrage: Singapore Bay Run and Army Half Marathon 2008

Marina Barrage: Singapore Bay Run and Army Half Marathon 2008

2008 will see Asia's first competitive run to use the iconic Marina Barrage as part of its route for the Singapore Bay Run and Army Half Marathon. This annual SAFRA and Army event will be held on Sunday 24th August 2008. For runners participating in the 21km route of the Singapore Bay Run and Army Half Marathon 2008, the opportunity to make history will be memorable.

The Marina Barrage is the first reservoir to be built in the city. This dam built across the Marina Channel forms Singapore’s 15th reservoir. A project by the Public Utilities Board (PUB), the national water agency, the Marina Barrage will bring a new source of water supply to Singapore, provide flood control and offer a unique lifestyle attraction with a host of recreational opportunities.

Participants in the 21-km competitive event of the Singapore Bay Run and Army Half Marathon 2008 can run across the 350 metre wide Marina Channel on the Marina Barrage to enjoy the sea on one side and the future fresh water reservoir on the other. I believe that may also be the first time the Marina Barrage will be open to the public for use.

Non-competitive runners and walkers can also take the shorter 6 or 10 kilometre routes over the Sheares Bridge to enjoy scenic CBD and Marina Bay views.

Non-runners can also visit to soak in the carnival atmosphere that will feature games, sports and entertainment. These will be designed to celebrate the spirit of the Olympics as well as the closing of the 2008 Olympic Games. Representatives from Special Olympics Singapore will also be present to join in the fun.

Mr Teo Chee Hean, Minister for Defence will be the guest of honour. Participants will start the run from Esplanade Drive, up the Benjamin Sheares Bridge and continue through the Central Business District. Runners will finish their races at the Padang.

I ran (and walked) in the non-competitive 6-kilometre race during previous editions and must say I enjoyed a different dawn view of the CBD and Marina Bay area of this SAFRA National Service Association and Army organised event. I saw many other walkers of different ages, with some as young as their new baby prams who were brought along by their enthusiastic parents. If you like nature trails, wide spaces and sunrises, give this concrete trail a chance to enchant you.

Singapore Bay Run and Army Half Marathon 2008

Event Date: 24 August 2008
Start Point: Esplanade Drive
End Point: Padang

For details and on-line registration, sign up at SAFRA online.

For the running route map, click Bay Run Route Map.

Competitive Categories
21km Army Half Marathon
10km Singapore Bay Run

Non-Competitive Categories
10km Singapore Bay Run
6km Singapore Bay Run

Registration closing date: 15 July 2008 (normal charges)
Final registration closing date: 31 July 2008 (higher charges)

Read more about Singapore Bay Run on Seen This Scene That:

1. Singapore Bay Run 2008 Review

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Latest Singapore Places To See: Sengkang Riverside Park

Latest Singapore Places To See: Sengkang Riverside Park

According to URA Draft Masterplan 2008 in its special and detailed controls plans for Parks & Waterbodies Plan, this park in Sengkang will be called Sengkang Riverside Park. It will soon be one of the latest Singapore places to see when it is ready for park users.

This latest Singapore place to see is bounded by Tampines Expressway to the north, the Sengkang Eastway to the south, Fernvale Street to the west, and parts of Sungei Punggol, Anchorvale Crescent and Anchorvale Street to the east.

Three areas to see at this park in Singapore have been marked on a plan, hung outside the construction site. The Sengkang Riverside Park will have a Visitor Centre as seen in the photograph with the sheltered pavilion, a mangrove plot for nature walks and a civic plot presumably to house playgrounds, fitness equipment and the usual park amenities.

My photographs are unfortunately not the latest as they were taken in May 2008 but I’m sure there will be more progress by now. I am waiting with eager breath to see the latest park blossom in Singapore’s Sengkang Riverside Park.

You may like other places to see that are near to rivers:
1. Anchorvale Street Bridge
2. Esplanade Park Singapore

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Admiralty Park: Republic Polytechnic To Admiralty West Prison

Admiralty Park: Republic Polytechnic To Admiralty West Prison

One of the many places to visit in Singapore where I feel liberated from work is Admiralty Park. This free public park that offers lush rolling landscape in a tranquil spacious setting – features that are severely lacking around my office, instantly transforms my spirits whenever I come to this place to visit.

Nparks' Admiralty Park begins seamlessly where Republic Polytechnic stands at the junction of Woodlands Avenue 9 and Riverside Road, with its opposite corner ending next to Admiralty West Prison along Admiralty Road. This 27-hectare park consists of two components, the 7-hectare recreational zone and a 20-hectare nature zone. When I was there, only the recreational zone with a fitness park and educational wi-fi hotspots for Internet connectivity under shelters provided by Republic Polytechnic administrators.

I was surprised to find no physical barrier between Republic Polytechnic and Admiralty Park. In blurring the boundaries between Republic Polytechnic and Admiralty Park, students and park users get to enjoy more freedom of park and institutional spaces. At Admiralty West Prison side, no such liberties exist in the boundary between Admiralty Park and the Prison for obvious security reasons.

The east entrance to Admiralty Park leads into rolling hillocks filled with open spaces and well-maintained greenery. I find this undulating terrain that reaches about 3 to 4 storeys high at its peak to be a refreshing change from other parks in Singapore. As you walk along this hilly park corridor where jogging and cycling paths run alongside each other, you will reach the west entrance, a car park for about 25 vehicles is available.

Underneath this car park, I discovered a void deck for gatherings and entertainment purposes called the Activity Centre. A scheme exists here where park users can apply to use this space. Bookings can be done on the spot via a self-service system. After filling in your details, park users drop their application form into a box and proceed to use the area for personal functions.

A lotus pond that extends from the mangrove swamp sits at the foot of this double-storey car park cum public space. An amphitheatre-like seating arrangement was carved into the natural slopes of Admiralty Park, blending concrete and nature into a symbiotic whole.

The saga against feeding of monkeys continues at Admiralty Park. I saw 'No Feeding Of Monkeys' signs posted prominently around the park. A fine of $500 is clearly displayed. During this trip, a mild drizzle kept Admiralty Park's resident monkeys away from my sight.

The nature zone of Admiralty Park with its exciting 20-hectare mangrove swamp component was still bordered up. It has been scheduled to open in mid-2008 with the prospect of eco-walks along the mangrove swamps of what was once Sungei Cina.

Zen-like undulating greenery, soothing water feature, freedom of space and isolated like-minded visitors come together at Admiralty Park to turn it into one of the places to visit for betterment of the soul in a fast-paced roller coaster world.

Click this 'MAP' for a map of Admiralty Park.

You may also like my similar posts below:
1. Parks and places to visit
2. My thoughts on See More Places, Live more Life.


See more places. Live more life.

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Where To Go In Singapore To Find This Place

Where To Go In Singapore To Find This Place

Where to go in Singapore to find these buildings with big heads and tiny bottoms? Are there aliens spinning tops somewhere out there in the green fields of Singapore? What are these twin structures?

If you have been following my postings closely, you will realize that I have a soft spot for towers. In my past post on the Upper Seletar Reservoir look out tower, I fell asleep under the spell of such a tower. Even the towers of Sentosa's Palawan beach have given me a wonderful feeling, besides the majestic views afforded from a position of great height. For a landscape shutterbug, a bird's-eye view is always a welcomed vantage point. Climbing towers has an additional benefit of providing a cardiovascular lift to my heart, that’s bound to a desk in the office for hours.

In the picture, they appear short. If the intrepid adventurer in you dares to go and stand beneath them, the two towers will certainly tower over you many times over.

Did strange aliens with forked tongues in their UFOs send them from another planet? Or are they hastily altered images done by Photoshop novices in a hurry to go for a lunch break?

These twin towers appear somewhere in Singapore where ordinary explorers won’t miss them if they know where to go.

Try to go to the comments section and leave either your best guess or correct answers there.

(1) What are these tower-like structures?
(2) Where to go to find them in Singapore?

Have fun!

[Answer is over at this Seen This Scene That post.]

You may like similar posts about towers in Seen This Scene That:

1. Sentosa's Palawan Beach
2. Upper Seletar Reservoir

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West Coast Park Singapore: Best Playground In The West

West Coast Park Singapore: Best Playground In The West

I do not know about you, but for my family, 50-hectare size West Coast Park Singapore seems to possess the best kids’ playground in the west of Singapore. This area is located at West Coast Park Car Park 3. This was our conclusion after my family of five turned up for a visit to West Coast Park last Friday evening. West Coast Park’s Adventure-land and children’s playground were also highly recommended by two of my regular readers, yg and panzergrenadier.

Besides personal preferences, various other factors guided us to our conclusion.

Size Matters
When it comes to playground fun, we find that size does matter. The larger space at West Coast Park allows a larger piece of real estate to be developed into playthings for children’s enjoyment. With more plaything structures, the choices increase. This allows even the most finicky child to find something agreeable to his or her taste.

Eclectic Selection
More than that, we find that the selection of playground structures appears more eclectic than the common garden variety allocated to HDB neighbourhoods. Playground planners must have applied more industry to source for such challenging playground structures to seduce kids.

Adventure Park
There are eight playground areas in West Coast Park 3 for your children to select. The ‘toys’ at the Adventureland area 8 are the most challenging and my favourite. Items like Uneven Spring Balance, Spinning Pads and Jungle Bridge require strength and balance to perform. Zipping down the flying fox contraption brought back memories of scouting days as I ‘tested’ the ropes to ensure my kids personal safety. The low, narrow and zig-zag patterned balance beams seemed to mirror the standard obstacle course (SOC) from my National Service days of long ago. For girls and boys who’ve never stepped onto Pulau Tekong, this is the kiddy version of Basic Military Training’s (BMT) introductory grounds that all National Servicemen must go through.

Children’s Playground
A multiplex of interconnected structures form up to provide playground entertainment for children who raid West Coast Park’s playground. Children can pretend to be train drivers at the head of this structure, while others can climb its belly to play passengers on this playground train.


Open Natural Spaces
A sheltered stage with night lighting fronts an open space near beachside. Soccer players, kite flyers, Frisbee throwers and practitioners of other sports and games are free to utilize this huge open area. Short strips of boardwalk allow nature appreciation at the marsh garden and a pond, located at the fringe of West Coast Park. Bird watchers will love the bird watching opportunities here.

Fast Food Convenience
At the end of a day’s exertions, replenish fluid loss and restore empty stomachs at the lone fast food restaurant at McDonald’s where gourmet coffee and cakes are served too. Personal hygiene can be practiced at the public washrooms here as well.

Other activities
Overnight camping is allowed. Cycling, roller blading, in-line skating, walking, jogging and other activities are also common sights here. Nine barbecue (BBQ) pits are available for rental at West Coast Park. For more information on online booking of barbecue (bbq) pit, check my bbq post here. http://seenthisscenethat.blogspot.com/2008/04/how-to-book-barbeque-pit-at-changi.html


Tranquil Sunset & Sea Views
Lastly one of the main reasons why a place is called a park is the tranquil setting where wide spaces surrounded by greenery are premium features highly sought after by park users. A short pier at the rocky shore is the perfect place to enjoy the sea breeze and watch a lovely sunset over West Coast in a tranquil setting.

Easy Accessibility
For maps, click Map of West Coast Park here. Free car parking is available next to the park along West Coast Highway. Bus stop. Service 176 stops directly in front of West Coast Park. Alternatively, services 30, 51, and 143 bring you to the front of Clementi Woods Park (West Coast Road) and a 5 minutes walk through West Coast Link will lead you to West Coast Park Area 3 (near to the Adventure Playground).

All these reasons make West Coast Park Area 3 our current favourite park in the west. Do you know of any other playgrounds in the western part of Singapore?

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See more places. Live more life.

You may also like to read my other posts on Singapore parks:

1. Garden Hill Park

2. Taman Jurong Greens Park
3. Book BBQ Pits
4. Street Map of Singapore's West Coast Park

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