Floating Platform, Bedok Reservoir

Floating Platform, Bedok Reservoir

Photograph 1: Floating Platform, Bedok Reservoir

Photograph 2: Floating Platform, Bedok Reservoir

Some of you may have seen this scene that is found at Bedok Reservoir. This is a floating platform that you can see at Bedok Reservoir that some residents on our little island would find less familiar than the larger floating platform at Marina Reservoir.

This smaller floating platform at Bedok Reservoir is seen by residents, visitors and travellers to this corner of Singapore. Come here for a peaceful scene of placid reservoir view, especially at sunset or sunrise.

Is the floating platform bouncy like a raft or steady like a rock? How deep is the water around this platform? How do you get onto this island without getting your body wet or using any improvised flotation device?

I'll let you discover more of this Bedok Reservoir park floating platform when you make the trip here at your own leisure time to compare it with the one at Marina Bay.


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Marina Reservoir at Marina Barrage: Singapore's Newest City Reservoir

Picture of Marina Barrage by the Marina Reservoir.

Marina Reservoir at Marina Barrage: Singapore's Newest City Reservoir

With the formation of Marina Barrage, Marina Bay has been turned into Marina Reservoir, Singapore's newest and youngest reservoir. The newly built Marina Barrage of Marina Reservoir has thus turned into the latest must-see attraction for Seen This Scene That.

To acquaint myself with this newest reservoir in the city, I brought my family of five for a visit to the hippest attraction in town at the Marina Barrage recently.

Located at 260, Marina Way in Marina South, the Marina Barrage is built on a far-flung patch of reclaimed land. To drive to Marina Barrage is not exactly a walk in the park, what with road diversions, land construction and high heavy-vehicle buzz along the roads. Fortunately, the property’s physical isolation meant fewer visitors to compete for free lots at the only car park on its premises. For those who do not drive, I believe there are shuttle buses at the car park waiting half-hourly to bring visitors from Marina Bay MRT Station.

Compared to older reservoirs like MacRitchie Reservoir or Upper Seletar Reservoir, I found this new Singapore dam and its reservoir different in many ways.

At ground level upon my arrival at the Marina Barrage, the obvious difference is the presence of massive concrete. There is little feel of a green vibrant park, although pockets of shrubbery exist. I would soon find out on exploring the area that the Marina Barrage takes after the form of our city, purpose-built to perfection.

One standout theme is the dedication and detail put into building the Marina Barrage in order to create the Marina Reservoir. To construct the Marina Barrage, plenty of engineering oomph was required because of the width and depth of the Marina Bay outlet. The Marina Barrage, with the Marina Bridge across it, is a highly sophisticated dam constructed across Marina Channel near the mouth of the Marina Bay. Complicated parts that work magic on this high-tech dam remain hidden in the bowels of an adjacent building.

According to PUB, the purpose-built Marina Barrage has three functions: for water supply, for flood control and as a lifestyle attraction.

The reservoir water in the Marina Basin is expected to turn into fresh water after a year or two. When that happens, more drinking water will be released for public use.

Marina Barrage prevents flooding as far upriver as Chinatown, Boat Quay and Geylang by regulating the water level in the Marina Reservoir with state-of-the-art technologies.

The recreational function of the Marina Barrage is of interest to me. In fact, it is the main reason I am at the 15th reservoir of Singapore. Most of the fun activities at the Marina Barrage occur outside the waters of the Marina Reservoir, unless you count the bumboat rides on the Marina Basin that are available for sight-seers keen to explore more of Marina Reservoir.

I think the obligatory recreational activity for all visitors to the Marina Barrage must be to walk along the 350-metre long dam (Marina Bridge) and then do a U-turn for the return stroll. I suggest you check out the east abutment where the boat hoist and access ramp are, especially when there are boats transported into or out of the Marina Basin.

The dam possesses nine tent-like shelters or piers that face the city skyline. Seats are available for romantic couples or families out for a picnic to gather under these pavilions to enjoy sunset views of our Central Business District. Just choose one and snap all the photos that your family album requires.

Picture of CBD night scene across the Marina Reservoir from the Marina Bridge.

The scenery around the 350-metre-long Marina Barrage has distinctive facades. On one side of the Marina Barrage, the view consists of built-up scenery of Singapore's commercial space like no other local reservoir. On the opposite side of the Marina Barrage, the open sea, dotted by ocean-going vessels, is laid bare. To top it off, 360-degree views of Marina South and beyond are afforded at the rooftop of the new Marina Barrage building.

Picture: Green rooftop of Marina Barrage.

Inside this Marina Barrage building, I found unique features not seen at other reservoirs in Singapore.

For instance, the Sustainable Singapore Gallery is a museum-like exhibition space with interactive multi-media tools that educate and engage visitors. The sloping green rooftop, with its 405 solar panels and weird geometric shape, is an excellent place at the Marina Barrage to breathe fresh air and enjoy city scenes. Large glass walls reveal the innards of the water pump station that should intrigue visitors who like to learn about the technical workings of the Marina Barrage. Food and beverage shop spaces were available but at the time of my visit, not all F&B establishments were ready for business.

While other reservoirs in Singapore have the standard-looking neighbourhood children’s playground, the Marina Barrage offers the newest children’s playground of a different kind. Jets of water spout from hidden holes on the floor of the Water Playground to delight happy children. Illuminated by colourful lighting, these water fountain displays provide entertainment for adults as well who visit the Marina Barrage in the evenings.

Although older reservoirs in Singapore have designated fishing spots, Marina Reservoir has none. Fishing enthusiasts will have to wait until Public Utilities Board (PUB) designates the proper sites for fishing (if any) at the Marina Reservoir. In the meantime, there is plenty of space for sea-water fishing along the banks of Marina South, just next to the car park at the Marina Barrage.

I hope that in the future, there will be guided nature walks around the Barrage for visitors curious to know if there are fauna and flora in a city reservoir. For now, the only guided tours are those conducted inside the Sustainable Singapore Gallery.

What I saw of the immediate surroundings beyond the Marina Barrage did not impress. Perhaps when the world-class Gardens By The Bay project is completed, the aesthetic factor of the its neighbours would rise above the concrete peaks achieved at Marina Barrage that created Singapore’s newest city reservoir.

More details at PUB's Marina Reservoir / Marina Barrage site.

My posts, map, photograph on Marina Barrage, Marina Reservoir.

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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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SPCA Charity Fun Run At Bedok Reservoir

SPCA Charity Fun Run At Bedok Reservoir

The Society For The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) will be holding a Charity Fun Run at Bedok Reservoir on Sunday, 8 June 2008. This 4 km run will start at 7 am sharp. Those who prefer lesser exertions can choose to walk the route too.

Registration for the SPCA Charity Fun Run at Bedok Reservoir is now open. Your registration fee of $30 will entitle you to a T-shirt and a chance to win a Tudor Prince Date Hydronaut Watch. You can also collect pledge cards to raise funds for SPCA. Registration centers for the charity fun run include SPCA reception at 31, Mount Vernon Road and BigO Café Restaurant at 2nd level, Wheelock Place. Click here for details at SPCA website.

If you are joining the run, you will get the opportunity to appreciate the 41.7-hectare public park that has a track encircling a picturesque body of water. Bedok Reservoir is a popular destination for walkathons, jogathons and running races for schools, national sports associations and many other organizations. Activities that are frequently performed at Bedok Reservoir are in-line blade sports, cycling, dragon boating, kayaking and wake-boarding.

Public bus services provide convenient access through Services 18, 21, 22, 28, 65, 66, 67, 69 and 228 to Bedok Reservoir Road. Carparks are available at entrance of the park although there are too few lots to support the crowd that will be expected on that day.
Enjoy your training for the run and remind your family to keep this appointment.

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Men Versus Monkeys At Upper Peirce Reservoir Park In Singapore: Who Wins?

Men Versus Monkeys At Upper Peirce Reservoir Park In Singapore: Who wins?

With due respect for monkeys, I am using them to illustrate a few lessons for humankind in Singapore.

You will not fail to notice family friendly monkeys loitering along Old Upper Thomson Road as you drive into Upper Peirce Reservoir Park, especially from late afternoon till nightfall. These primates will approach from the jungle as you slow your vehicle. Their large baleful eyes on tilted heads seem enough to elicit your sympathy.

You toss convenience food to feed hungry mouths and congratulate yourself for performing a good deed. You drive along and a gigantic sign by the side of the road warns you of your folly.

”They have enough food in the forest.” Monkeys 1 Men 0. These cute primates will outwit, outplay and outclass you.

“Stop feeding the monkeys. Fine $500.“ Monkeys 2 Men 0 (Mankind scores an own goal). It seems we can only learn through threat of punishment. Education alone seems insufficient to influence human behaviour.

As you arrive at the car park of Upper Peirce Reservoir Park, you are greeted by another prominent signboard.


Monkeys 3 Men 0. Rules govern our behaviour much better than any educational campaign. Appealing to our sense of moral righteousness or civic consciousness has its limits, at least in Singapore. Big brother must yield a big baton to direct personal behaviour in line with social goals.

Any casual visitor will surely be impressed by the authority’s enthusiasm to highlight the natural wonders available in the park. There are several information boards pinned to man-made shelters explaining the flora and fauna in the Central Water Catchment Area.

First time visitors who wander to the road leading to the Singapore Island Country Club will be surprised by the magnificent view of the Upper Thomson Road area. Treasure the priceless moments at this corner of the park as you sit on the verge of steep slopes to imbibe the wondrous atmosphere of sky, space and scenery.

Live life, be happy.

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Pandan Reservoir

Pandan Reservoir

Of the various reservoirs that I wrote about in Seen This Scene That, my blog on Singapore's places of interest, offbeat activities and family friendly events, Pandan Reservoir stood out against the trend.

With a name like “Pandan” reservoir, the image of a lush fragrant pandan plantation surrounding a body of water leaked to my mind. However the reality on the ground differed significantly. West Coast Road, Jalan Buroh and Penjuru Road bound this body of water, which was built in 1975. Surrounded by a jogging track without the usual breathtaking gardens and greenery, visitors can expect a sedate presence here. Low-rise industrial buildings and factories closely hug the flat featureless landscape of this reservoir. In fact, the highest accessible points at the reservoir are on overhead pedestrian bridges across Jalan Buroh road. Besides a small fitness corner, other amenities are lacking in Pandan Reservoir, a source of one of Singapore’s 4 National Taps.

Come here if you work nearby and need to unwind after a long day in the office. For fitness fanatics, a one-lap sprint around Pandan reservoir would provide more than sufficient cardiovascular workout. Early birds who visit the reservoir can expect a view of sunrise over an unusual backdrop of commerce and industry. After dark, expect couples to embrace the atmosphere here.

Take care, be happy.

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Return To Nature In Lower Peirce Reservoir Park, Singapore

Return To Nature In Lower Peirce Reservoir Park, Singapore

Did you know that the Peirce Reservior in Singapore was built in 1910? It was initially called the Kalang (yes, spelled with one letter “L”) River Reservoir? Only from 1922 was the name replaced as Peirce Reservoir. Much later in 1975 the Lower and Upper Peirce Reservoirs were formed after construction of a dam to raise water supplies.

As a place of interest in Singapore, it’s been many years since I last set foot there. I walked recently on the grounds of Lower Peirce Reservoir, Singapore’s second oldest reservoir, situated at Old Upper Thomson Road. The developmental upgrading in its landscape had brought the rainforest into close proximity to the public with construction of the Lower Peirce Trail. At the fringe of Singapore’s Central Water Catchment Reserve, elevated boardwalks laid out under a canopy of trees provide visitors a close-up view of the forest and its inhabitants. An easy 30-minute walk will take visitors including children around the edge of Peirce Reservoir and into a forest where trees over a hundred years old have been known to exist. I read about rainforest flora and fauna from printed signboards that dotted the nine-hundred-metre long wooden paths as I breathed the earth and listened to forest life as a passer-by. As an urban dweller unaccustomed to spending time with nature, I appreciated the woody fragrance: sweet, pleasant and totally refreshing.

I liked sitting on a bench next to pretty flowers by the water’s edge to enjoy one of my favourite reservoir panoramas in Singapore. A hush seemed to descend over anglers, picnickers, joggers and couples as a daily ritual of the universe began to unfold. The wide-open space presented a shifting curtain of sundown light, stirring hypnotic reflections on lapping waters. A bird entered the scenery, performed a graceful dance through the air and exited to the left. The play of colour and light continued until the final ray of dusk subsided and was gone. I rose as if to give a standing ovation to nature’s sublime performance and walked off a little tipsy, not quite believing that life’s treasured moments could be as pure, simple and enjoyable as what I had witnessed.

For peaceful contemplation and a return to nature, I strongly recommend that you chuck the cosmopolitan lifestyle aside and reach for the nearest reservoir near you.

Take care and stay happy.

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I Like To Visit Upper Seletar Reservoir Park Singapore

Upper Seletar Reservoir Park: Memory and History

Of all the reservoirs in Singapore, Upper Seletar Reservoir Park has my vote as the most memorable place of interest in Singapore that I’ve been to.

Built in 1920, it is the 3rd oldest reservoir to be built in Singapore. The source of the water comes from the adjacent catchment areas plus water pumped from nearby streams. The water is piped to Lower Pierce Reservoir and then to Woodleigh Waterworks for treatment and further distribution. The water surface area covers 3.24 sq km and is 17 m at its deepest point.

Bounded by Seletar Expressway and Mandai Road, this piece of real estate witnessed action during World War 2 when the dam was damaged. After expansion works were completed, Seletar Reservoir was officially declared open by Her Royal Highness, Princess Alexandra on 10 August 1969, during Singapore's 150th anniversary celebration of her founding.

Seletar Reservoir was renamed Upper Seletar Reservoir in 1992. Once banned, fishing in the reservoir has now been allowed along a designated stretch alongside Mandai Road in this 15 ha park. A shooting range nearby was where I honed my rifle shooting skills during National Service days. Other amenities like a playground, a public golf course and jogging tracks make up the remainder of this park.

I like the distinctive lookout tower where I used to climb its 85 steps as a child. I call it my “Rocket Tower” as there was an uncanny resemblance to the real thing on TV. From its rooftop observation deck, I would watch golden sunsets across the shimmering waters in the direction of the Singapore Zoological Gardens.

This reservoir also holds fond memories for me. In my secondary school days, I spent a night sleeping in the tower during a 2-day 1-night cycling expedition as a junior member of the scout movement. This was part of the requirement that our group of three had to pass in order to earn an Explorer Badge.

The sky broke and poured throughout that night. We sought refuge at the Rocket Tower and chose the largest area at the top of the spiral staircase to settle down for the night. Due to space constraint at the top of this spiral staircase and the rain pelting outside, we twisted our bodies and stretched ourselves out with ankles dangling over the steps. Through gaps in the tower wall, chilled wind cut through my poncho and bit my bones as I attempted sleep without wet socks. The next moment I opened my eyes, I remembered hearing footsteps coming up the black-as-soot stairway.

“Is that a foot?” a voice whispered.

“Ya, I think someone died!” another replied.

“Eee… better get out?”

“Wait… let’s poke it with the umbrella.”

At that point, I panicked and wriggled my toes from under the poncho. The voices transformed into screams and followed the footsteps down the stairs, never to return. The next morning my companions confirmed the encounter and I was glad I could put the thought of ghosts out of my mind.

Like it or not, there will always be memorable moments attached to some places in your life. Good, bad or weird, they will stick to you for life.

Do you have any memorable moments to share?

Take care, be happy.

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