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.

Khao Yai - Secret Art Garden

As mentioned in my previous post, the trip to Bangkok was organized for a maiden trip for 12 members from my CG. So to foster even closer bonding than we already had, we took on the idea of buying a group tee from one of the night markets in BKK prior to this 1-day road trip to Khao Yai.

Khao Yai is a town that is about 3 hours drive from Bangkok. It would definitely be a great break from the usual traffic and crowd of BKK streets and into the lush and relaxed of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Thailand’s third largest national parks.

But with just less than 8 hours to explore Khao Yai, we did the most touristy itinerary – to visit the most popular places recommended on the internet.

Secret Art Garden

As you entered this garden, you can almost understand immediately why the name. The garden and art pieces “littered” all over the place gives a whimsical feel of stepping into a fairy playground.

 

Don’t quite understand the language, but open to your own translation.
”No turning back in love”

The garden has its art rooms and sections open for public to tried painting and creating your own art piece, suitable for both adults and children. In fact, for adults it would be a great opportunity to just release that child-like creativity you may have lost in the busy working life.
Be messy, be yourself!

As a typical Singaporean or maybe a city person, one thought that crosses my mind was the lack of management of the place, maybe a bit more clean up or more publicity would do no harm. However, as I quietly walk around the garden (thankfully we were the only group at that time), I realized that the garden was just maintained in its most natural way. The owner allowed nature to grow and simply weave the art naturally into the environment. After a while, I fully appreciate what the owner has or has not done.

 

A photo taken by the youngest member of the trip.

There is a restaurant in this place but we didn’t get to try the food. But you can imagine having your breakfast or afternoon tea here.

 

The couples in the group happened to walk together for the last hour and we almost stopped at every single art piece for some couple or group photo.

Time to go … If we ever visit Khao Yai again, I will surely be back here another time.
Enjoy the rest of the photos!