Tag: East Coast Park

There Are Wild Dolphins In Singapore’s Waters? We Did The Research & Uncovered The Spots.

There’s no doubt that dolphins are one of the most loved marine animals in the world. You may think that these beloved dolphins are only sighted around the waters of Bali or Australia. However, do you know that people have sighted dolphins in Singapore? Right in our own backyard!

There have been at least 50 sightings reported to the National University of Singapore’s Tropical Marine Science Institute (TMSI) in 2012. More than 169 dolphins were also spotted between 2008 and 2011. Species such as the Indo-Pacific humpbacked dolphin or pink dolphin are commonly found in Singapore’s congested southern waters. Dolphins in Singapore? Just wow!

Here are some places where you can catch a glimpse of these lovely wild dolphins in Singapore.

1. Between St John’s And Lazarus Islands

Dolphins in Singapore are spotted most frequently between St John‘s and Lazarus Islands, south of Sentosa. These wild dolphins often generate excitement on social media. The waters are calm during monsoon rains. Fishes at the nearby coral reefs attract these wild dolphins to the area for food and rest.

2. Sisters’ Islands Marine Park

Another spot to view lovely dolphins in Singapore is at Sisters Island Marine Park. Recently, in early August 2016, Indo-Pacific humpbacked dolphins were spotted near the area. Being located in close proximity to one of the world’s busiest ports, the Marine Park provides a safe place for marine animals to feed and rest.

3. Between Brani Island and Sentosa

On 18 June 2016, 4 to 6 dolphins were spotted between Sentosa and Brani Island. Due to their small dorsal fins and slight pink colour, these wild dolphins in Singapore are believed to be the Indo-Pacific humpbacked (also known as pink dolphin) species. Having been sighted twice by a passer-by, one can assume that the pod of dolphins have taken up residence in Singapore’s waters!

4. East Coast Park

[caption id="attachment_13481" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Credit: Singapore’s 63 Islands. Here Are 6 Islands You Can Visit To Get Away From The Crowd!

Singaporeans Are Going Crazy Over Pokemon Go! Here’s The Evidence!

When baked cheese tart hit our shores, we thought the queue was crazy. But when Pokemon Go landed in Singapore, Singaporeans take crazy to a whole new level!

Day or night, shine or very hot sunshine, Singaporeans are all out Poke-hunting and we have the evidence!

1. Hougang is gungho…real gungho

When word about “rare” Pokemon such as Gyarados was spotted at Block 401 of Hougang Avenue, the precinct gained notorious reputation overnight.

2. ….doesn’t matter day or night

Hot sun? What hot sun? Nothing is hotter than a Charizard that I’m about to catch!

3.  Punggol Park is not spared either

It’s normal to see a park with people in sports attire but in flip flops and their smartphone on their hands? That’s the Pokemon effect!

5. Yishun Park at night

Dear, we’re not going to the movies tonight. Instead, let’s go catch some Pokemon! Pokemon Go – redefining date nights.

6. Orchard Road

How to get a bunch of youths going on a public holiday? Organise a Poke-crawl on National Day!

The event started at 1pm (read: hottest time of the day) and yet our Singaporean youths braved the heat to be the very best! In fact, the turnout was so massive that Poke-crawlers were chased away by the security staff of ION!

7. Orchard At Night

Just look at how everyone sits together so uniformly! It sure looks like they’re about to start a choir performance! Actually, they’re sticking as close as possible to leech from each other’s lure.

8. Chinese Garden, Jurong

It may look less crowded in this picture but the Chinese Garden is a hot spot for Pokemon GO players as it houses 20 rest stops and 3 gyms. It’s very spacious so it’s great for people who don’t like crowd.

9. Vivo City

We Singaporeans are all about efficiency. If we can get our shopping done at Vivo and catch some Pokemon too, why not?

10. Bishan Park

Remember how people used to say that Bishan Park is really scary at night? This was taken at 1:30am and the park is still lively and buzzing!

11. East Coast Park

East Coast Park is home to one of Singapore’s most haunting ghost stories. It’s one of those places people try to avoid going to at night. But ever since the launch of Pokemon Go, we’ve seen some really brave Singaporeans. And it’s the Hungry Ghost Festival now…

Do you have evidence of the Pokemon Go craze in your neighbourhood? Drop us a comment and share with us!

Header image source: Straits Times

Also, read Pokemon Go Guide: How To Catch Pikachu & Where To Catch ‘Em All

5 Spots in SG To Catch The Sunrise Of Your Lifetime!

Google Singapore and you’ll most likely find shots of our skyscrapers or icons such as the Merlion and Victoria Theatre. But did you also know that hidden in Singapore are spots that provide you with breathtaking views of the sunrise?

Whether you’re a guy scouting for a venue for your next romantic date or a  professional photographer who’s looking to capture the next insta-worthy shot, here are 5 places where you can catch the perfect sunrise. Who knows, you may just be the next Darren Soh.

1. Marina Bay

This may be a no-brainer, but Marina Bay is the perfect sunrise spot in Singapore. The sun rises from between Marina Bay Sands and the Art Science Museum, giving you the perfect frame. Plus, Marina Bay is pretty accessible by public transport so getting there in the wee hours of the morning shouldn’t be too difficult. That is minus the part of actually having to wake up before the sunrise.

Tips
There are many angles/ spots to catch the sunrise, but the most popular spot for photographers is to be at the Merlion Park. The view from there is spectacular as you’ll be able to capture the Singapore Flyer, Art Science Museum, and the Marina Bay Sands building. The best time to be at the location is around 6:30am, as the sun usually rises at around 7am.

2. Changi Broadwalk

Since the sun rises from the east, it wouldn’t make sense not to head to the most eastern part of Singapore to catch the sunrise, right? Located at the extreme end of Singapore, Changi Broadwalk, remains as one of the most popular places where Singaporean photographers go to get their beautiful sunrise photos. With the sun rising above the calm sea waters and the sound of waves hitting the shore, it’s definitely a breathtaking sight to behold.

Tips
The sunrise can be admired from anywhere along the broadwalk and beach, so there is no specific spot to catch the sunrise. If you’re planning on heading down, we recommend that you make your way down to Changi Broadwalk by 6:15am. This will allow you to explore the place before the sun rises, to find a spot that is most comfortable for you. Changi Broadwalk is located close to Changi Point Ferry Terminal, so once you’ve found the ferry terminal, you’re at the right place!

3. Lower Seletar Reservoir Park

Lower Seletar Reservoir Park has been a popular sunrise spot for many photographers in Singapore. The waters are still and people only start streaming in during midday. Grab a mat and a basket of snacks and you’re ready to have a romantic breakfast by the banks of the reservoir with the sunrise as your backdrop. Lower Seletar Reservoir is quite a distance from Khatib MRT and is a 10 minute walk from the nearest bus stop, but the stunning view will more than make up for the travelling.

Tips
Walk along the banks of Lower Seletar Reservoir Park and you’ll be able to find many comfortable spots to catch the sunrise. Most photographers like to camp out at the heritage bridge for their sunrise shots.  It’s best to be at Lower Seletar Reservoir Park by 6:30am this will allow you to find the location that suits you the most!

4. East Coast Park

East Coast Park is a popular place for roller-bladers and cycling enthusiasts. Head there during the day and you’ll find many cycling and playing along its sandy shores. But head there in the morning, and you’ll be greeted with a gorgeous sunrise. It is best to get there by car, and having a bike with you would come in handy when you’re looking for the perfect spot.

Tips
The sunrise can be caught from anywhere along the beach. It’s best to arrive at East Coast Park early as the carparks are located quite a distance away from the beach.

5. Pulau Ubin

If you’re up for an adventure, head down to Pulau Ubin! Besides being a spectacular sunrise spot, Pulau Ubin is also home to other activities such as trekking, cycling and fishing, all of which you can do after the catching the sunrise.

Tips
Once you’ve arrived on the island, head towards the Jelutong Campsite. The best spot to catch the sunrise is along the sandy beaches located just a short 5 minutes walk from the jetty. It is best to explore Pulau Ubin beforehand so as to familiarise yourself with the place. Remember to bring along flashlights, insect repellent and water.

Directions
To get to Pulau Ubin, you’ll have to take a short boat ride from Changi Point Ferry Terminal. The ferry costs $3/person for a one way trip. An additional fee of $2 is charged if you’re bringing your own bicycle. There is no specific operating time for the ferry service and the boat leaves the jetty when the minimum number of 12 people is met. Alternatively, you can request for an express charter ferry service for $36 and the boat will leave immediately. We recommend to make special arrangements with the ferry operator the day before, to ensure that the ferry is in operation.

There you have it, the 5 best sunrise spots in Singapore. Now you can start planning for that dream date or photoshoot!

(Header image by Flickr, words by writer)

Also read: 10 Best Places To Run In Singapore – #2 Will Make You Want To Put On Those Sneakers Now!

Cycle X Makan – 5 Best Food And Night Cycling Paths In SG

Picture this: you’re on a bicycle gliding down the beautifully paved roads of Singapore under the bright moonlight, only stopping for pedestrians and some of the best supper dishes in town. A breeze comes and goes, and the sights keep changing.

Not only is night cycling fun, it is also healthy. According to an Al Ameen Eating Corner
Address: #01-11, 35 Marsiling Industrial Estate Road 3 (Along Woodlands Ave 5), Singapore 739065
Tel: +65 6891 0893
Opening Hours: 24 hours

Boon Tong Kee
Address: 399/401/403 Balestier Road, Singapore 329801
Tel: +65 6254 3937
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 11 AM – 4.45 PM, 5.30 PM – 4.30 AM, and Sunday 11 AM – 4.45 PM and 5.30 PM – 3 AM

The Roti Prata House
Address: 246M Upper Thomson Rd, Singapore 574370
Tel: +65 6459 5260
Opening Hours: Friday to Saturday 24 hours, Sunday to Thursday 7 AM – 2 AM

Fatboy’s The Burger Bar
Address: 187 Upper Thomson Road, Singapore 574335 / 1 Jalan Rajah #01-01 Singapore 329133
Tel: +65 6252 8780 / +65 6268 8690
Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday 4 PM – 12 midnight, Friday to Sunday 12 PM – 12 midnight

The Bay Watch

https://www.instagram.com/p/BE_a3GmN_Ge/?tagged=hollandvillage

https://www.instagram.com/p/pWARjnFXul/?tagged=mountfaberroad

This has got to be one of the most underrated cycling paths in Singapore, especially if you don’t happen to live in the neighbourhoods mentioned in the route. Not only will you get an insight into what each estate is like, from the changing architecture to late night food options, you might even get to see various animals, from otters to roosters, going about their day in the concrete jungle.

https://www.instagram.com/p/xwEOu-q3K-/?tagged=noocheng

Food options nearby include Alexandra Village Food Centre and Zion Riverside Food Centre. If you’re hitting up the Zion Riverside Food Centre, make sure to reach by 1030 PM to dine like royalty. Famous stalls there include Noo Cheng Adam Road Prawn Noodle and Zion Road Fried Kwayteow.

Route (45 minutes): Holland Village, Commonwealth Crescent, Margaret Drive, Alexandra Canal Linear Park, Alexandra Park Connector, Zion Road, Gardens by the Bay

Alexandra Village Food Centre
Address: 120 Bukit Merah Lane 1, Singapore 150120

Zion Road Fried Kway Teow (Stall 17)
Address: 70 Zion Road, Singapore 247792
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday 12 PM – 2.30 PM, 6.30 PM – 11 PM (Closed every other Monday)

Noo Cheng Adam Road Prawn Noodle (Stall 4)
Address: 70 Zion Road, Singapore 247792
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 12 PM – 3 PM, 6 PM – 11.30 PM, Saturday to Sunday (as well as PH) 12 PM – 1 AM

So, which route will you go for? Whichever path you choose, just don’t forget to follow Singapore’s PCN etiquette guide. If you’re cycling at night, ensure that your bicycle lights are turned on, and keep a safe distance from others on the road, even when there’s no traffic! It’s time to work out… and enjoy some good food while you’re at it.

Did we miss out your favourite night cycling route? Drop us a tip!

Also read: Hipster Hawkers: 5 Stalls That Are Redefining Hawker Culture