Tanglin Halt - A Part of History

 

Tanglin Halt - one of the oldest estates in Singapore! Affectionally known to the older generation as chup lau chu (十楼) in Hokkien.

Earlier this year, we had the chance to follow a guided photowalk by Singapore Instagram (SGIG), and it was such an eye opener and also emotional to hear that an amazing part of Singapore's history will soon be gone (probably 1-2 years' time).

The 10-storeys HDB flats were built in the 1960s and has been confirmed to be part of the Housing's Board Selective En Bloc Redevelopment Scheme (SERS) in 2014. Much of what we can see now, including the famous Tanglin Halt Market will be demolished by 2024.

A few interesting places to check out if you are planning to go for walk in Tanglin Halt.

1. Photo spots at Block 89, 90 and 91.

These flats are 40-storeys tall! But don't just view it from the bottom up, take the lift at Block 91 and check out the view from the top!

2. Museum @ My Queenstown

Do check out the old traditional shops like this one that still sells biscuits in the old glass containers.

3. Liang Yew Beauty Salon

A shop that seems to have been frozen since the 1970s. Sadly, the salon is no longer in business, and who knows when will the block be demolished. If you are keen to visit and take some nostalgic photos, don't delay any further. You can find it at Block 39 Tanglin Halt Road.

4. Church of the Blessed Sacrament

Officially opened on 9 May 1965, the church is Queenstown first Catholic Church and has been awarded conservation status by URA in 2005.

One lesser known fact of this building, is the layout of the iconic blue tiled roof. If you are able to see it from a top down view, you will be able to see that the roof structure is designed to be a cross shape. 

5. Wessex Estate

First constructed in the 1930s as residential estates for non-commissioned British personnel, this estate has a vibe of "semi-retired" feels. The colonial-style residential estate currently house 26 blocks of walk-up apartments and 58 semi-detached houses.

Available units for rental can be found on JTC's website.

While you are in Wessex Estate, look out for this abandoned water tank sitting on a hill top.

6. Colbar Cafe

Opened in 1953, the Colbar (Colonial Bar in short) is a place you wouldn't want to miss.

The indoor seats are limited but you get the nostalgic feel. If not, the outdoor seats are plenty for bigger groups.

7. Railway Corridor

The former Malayan railway has long been removed, but in place of it, now you have the well paved Railway Corridor. Best for cyclists or just the casual walking groups! 

So that's all I have for you! Make haste to visit this piece of history before it's gone for good.

Raffles Marina Lighthouse, Singapore

Since young, I have always been fascinated by lighthouses. The structure, the purpose, the location of lighthouses are so interesting and unique. And in the tiny island of Singapore, one of the most talked about lighthouse has to be the Raffles Marina Lighthouse.

Located at Tuas (very near to the Second Link), this is indeed an ulu place to visit. However, it's pretty easy to find the place cos it's within walking distance from Tuas Link MRT (EW33). If you are planning for a visit, the evening sunset is the best time in my personal opinion.

Even the view from Tuas Link MRT is awesome!

The lighthouse is open to public but do take note that the opening hours are from 8am to 10pm daily.

Along the jetty is definitely a popular place for the anglers. We saw a few couple taking wedding shots too.

Raffles Marina Lighthouse also known as Johor Straits Lighthouse was built in 1994, it stands at 12 metres tall and is still in operation, flashes every 10 seconds with a beam that reaches 15 metres.

More photos of the gorgeous sunset and lighthouse.

Food Art with Samantha Lee

Before I attended this event, I didn’t know who is Samantha Lee and no knowledge about Food Art. All I know about food is the basic 3-steps of living: Cook – Eat – S***.

Without any expectations, we were at Holiday Inn last weekend, waiting for the event to start and to meet the lady who is going to teach us about making food look artistic.

 

It was a private event for 16 families plus the staff of Holiday Inn.

 

Turn out to be, Samantha Lee is an internationally acclaimed Food Artist, who creates food art with the daily ingredients we see and make it more interesting for kids. She is a mother of two, hailing from Malaysia and her Instagram has more than over 700,000 followers.

 

At first the kids were a bit reluctant to go forward and see how Samantha does the creation, but soon, even the parents are all crowding around her table to take photos and videos of her work.

And Jayne had one of the best spot, which is why even Kless handed over her camera for the little girl.

Samantha started creating food art back in December 2008 to help her eldest daughter eat independently and adventurously, and that is when you started to get her ideas and shared publicly on IG since 2011. Even Dailymail UK commented her creation as, “Art that looks good enough to eat!”

Since she was teaching kids and art-nerks like myself, the 3 dishes she demonstrated were relatively easier and can be done within minutes. Even the ingredients are easy to prepare. No fanciful stuff.

‘Plttafish’ from Vege Pita Burger

 

‘Grabby Crabby’ from DIY Lettuce Cups

 

 

‘Squiggly Sheep’ from Spaghetti Bolognese

 

Demonstration time looks easy. Now it’s time for the girls to give it a try. The team was headed by the Main Chefs who diligently stood at the front table for 15mins, taking in all the ‘kungfu’ from the master.

The Kuan Sisters!

 

Assisted by the Junior Chef, Kless Lee.

We were given a star award by the master, Samantha herself!

 

Maybe Kless will start to do a series of Food Art Bentos for the girls in the days to come. For me, I’ll stick to my Ramen and Steak.