The "New" Bishan Park

Since moving to our house we have been driving past the Bishan Park on a weekly basis but have never actually gone there for no apparent reason. It's about a kilometre from our house and for the past seven months there has been some construction barriers and other stuff in the park. About two weeks ago I noticed while driving past that the barriers were no longer there with a noticeable increase in people walking, jogging and taking there dogs for walkies.

Turns out the park was closed in October  2009 for a $76-million face lift which and was officially reopened this past weekend. I took a drive there to explore the new park and it is really nice. The park and area around it was originally know as Kampong San Theng or Peck San Theng (Pavilion on the green).

The 62 hectare park has also refurbished with additional amenities like three new playgrounds, a McDonald's outlet, riverside gallery, six event lawns for community events and businesses such as a spa and two health centres. The monsoon drain or concrete channel has been removed and there is now a natural river in it's place. This is also one of the biggest parks in Singapore.

Apart  form the McDonald's outlet on the western side of the park there are three other garden restaurants on the eastern side and get this, they are dogs friendly. If you are still not happy you can walk across the bridge at the parking area to the local hawker centres for some delicious local food.

There are two very large fenced areas where you can actually unleash your dog and let them have a bit of a "run". The hope is that the new river will attract birds that will nest in the area. Previously a "grass patch" has now been beautifully landscaped where  people can spend more time on weekends.



For safety reasons a siren system is installed that will warn people close to the river in the event of a heavy downpour. Beautiful walkways, seating areas and gorgeous gardens where you can relax or exercise. There is also a shaded parking coupon parking area and a bus stop just outside the park for easy access. The park is awesome and many more visits including taking the dogs there are on the cards.

Well worth a visit.

Doomsday Warning Update

Seems like I did not have all the facts to my disposable in my original posting on this matter.

There we go, happiness is and now we can look forward to Christmas again.

Arab Street & Victoria Wholesale Market

I always do some planning prior to visiting new sites and realised that the famous Arab Street was within walking distance of my visit to the Singapore Leaning Tower. Took a casual stroll down Pahang street into Baghdad street (imagine that) down to my destination. My first impressions was how much the streets reminded my of Phuket, alas much cleaner but the same ambiance.

Before reaching Arab street turn right into Bussorah street and walk past loads of foodie spots up to the  majestic Masjid Sultan Mosque at the end of the road. After your visit walk down Arab Street towards Beach Rd. The street is lined with vendor shop houses selling fabric and silk of immense beauty. Many of the restaurants have sheeshas or water pipes, which you can smoke.

When you reach Beach road turn right and here is where the street is lined with some wonderful street cafes, bars and restaurants. A short walk towards Ophir Rd turning right will line you up with another block of foodie heavens. During my trip they were not all open yet and I suggest a late afternoon/night visit to ensure maximum choice from a food perspective.

If you carry on with Ophir Rd past the Raffles Hospital you will reach the Victoria Wholesale Center where you can shop for food, groceries and an array of other household products at bargain prices. The aromas and different food products are wonderful. To be honest, I am still not in the know about some of the dried foods on sale and need some local guide to introduce me to all these delicacies.

I very nice and interesting half day excursion with loads to see and do.

Leaning Tower of Singapore

Yes, it may be not as tall but Singapore has it's own Leaning Tower. Hajjah Fatimah Mosque, located in Beach road. Building was completed in 1846 and the mosque is named after a wealthy business woman. It is also the only mosque in Singapore named after a woman and was gazetted as a National Museum in 1973. The noticeable tilt of the unique minaret earned it the nickname, "The Leaning Tower of Singapore".

The tower is tilted at 6 degrees and to put it in perspective the Leaning Tower of Pisa had an original tilt of 5.5 degrees but after restoration work was done in 1990 and 2001 it currently has a tilt of only 3.99 degrees. The monument is within walking distance of the Nicoll Highway MRT station and you will be greeted by a beautiful garden at the front entrance.

Enclosed by a high wall, the Hajjah Fatimah Mosque compound comprises a prayer hall, a mausoleum (where Hajjah Fatimah is buried), the quarters of an Imam (Malay priest), an ablution area, several annexes and a garden. Visitor are welcome and entrance is free but do make sure you dress appropriately if you intend entering the mosque.

The notice board at the entrance read "No entry to visitors in shorts, low neck, bare back or other revealing clothes" and do remember to take of your shoes at the entrance as is the custom with all mosques. A unique monument and well worth a visit with plenty of photographic opportunities.

You can combine the visit with some other interesting places to see within walking distance like, Victoria Street Wholesale Market and Arab Street which I will do a separate posting on. Plan your walking route and end up at the Bugis MRT after visiting the Bugis Street Market and Bugis Junction for good measure. Remember the water.

Esplanade & The Merlion

This is probably one of the most touristy destinations in Singapore and yet after being here seven months I still did not get to visit the Esplanade or Theaters on the Bay so finally last week I took the MRT for a visit. The Esplanade is situated on prime waterfront land in the Marina Bay and offers a complete lifestyle experience with theaters, dining and shopping. Exciting, my first impression was how beautifull the theater architecture is.

Stepping down to the edge of the bay in  front of the theaters I was met with some of the best views on offer in Singapore. Stunning view of the bay area stretching from the Singapore Flyer on the left past the awesome marina Bay Sands complex to the Merlion on the right.

There are tranquil walkways and very nice restaurants around the theaters. Take a stroll down the right and across the bridge to visit the Merlion across from the theaters and get take in more awesome views in the process. You can see the Fullerton Hotel, The Parliament Building and don't miss the Starbucks coffee shop under the bridge as you take the stairs down to the Merlion viewing area.

Another very cool thing about the Esplanade is the fact that the Citylink Underpass can be accessed at the MRT which allows you an underground connection to Suntec City Mall, Citylink Mall, Raffles City, Marina Square Mall and the City Hall MRT station. Perfect for a rainy day shopping excursion.

Take the oppertunity to stroll around the theaters as the entrances are majestic.