Changi Chapel and Museum

 Singapore - This was one of Singapore smallest museum but worth the visit as I am able to link up this former WW2 Changi prison and my prior trip to Kanchanaburi.  It took me about an 1hr walking around the museum and chapel, small but most importantly was air-conditioned.   It was a hot and humid day @ Changi.

Entrance to this museum

This a thought provoking museum, an important remembrance to avoid war and the hardship it caause on human lives and families lost.  It was touching to see families of Australian and UK soldiers sharing part of their lost ones in this museum and tell of their experiences as a POW during the Japanese occupation of Singapore. 

It was in appalling conditions this POW lived and how their kept it together through songs, worship and performances.  

Many POWs were sent to Kanchanaburi from Changi prison camp; 12,000 Allied soldiers lost their lives building the Burma railway.

Changi as a Fortress

an actual door of the POW prison

morse code device 

Organ of the old chapel

Murals of Changi Prison

The chapel which occupies a room in what was Barrack Block 151 in Roberts Barracks, which together with the neighbouring barracks and nearby Changi Prison became an extended prison that the Japanese forces used to hold the large numbers of POWs they held. 

Changi chapel

The Changi Cross is a small brass wartime cross made by prisoners-of-war of the Japanese during WWII when they and 50,000 allied prisoners were held captive in Changi, Singapore.

The POWs took the cross up country with them to Kanchanaburi close to the River Kwai where they were used as slave labour to construct the Thai-Burma Railway. They struggled to keep faith and hope alive under the most appalling conditions. The survivors then brought it back to Changi gaol for their final year of imprisonment.

When the war ended in 1945, the cross was taken home to the UK but it was returned to Changi Museum in 1992.

Had a good dinner with Donny & Edward

Kuala Lumpur - It was great to be back with good friends.   Time flies and we have known each other for now more than 15 years.  

Deep fried Tofo

A very addictive but simple dish with a light sprinkling of salt makes this dish a good starter for us.  Outside is crispy and a nice bite will bring out the soft succulent texture of this tofu.

Sweet potato leaf

A all-time favourite dish of mine.  I used to plant sweet potatoes just to harvest the leaves of this plant stir fry with garlic and blachan (scrimp paste) with a touch of chilli, makes this a simple and delicious dish.  This dish served here was delicious too but without the blachan and chilli.  

Curry pork ribs

A special dish a bit spicy and the pork ribs were tender which was nice.

Steam fish

This restaurant signature dishes are their fresh live steam fish served with lots of garlic and ginger.  The fish flesh is very soft and tender but this fish has many bones, so need to be careful with their tiny bones.

Deep fried squid

Donny & Edward

Once again having a nice dinner together.

A 9km morning walk from Serangoon MRT to Potong Pasir to PCN down the Kallang River Park Connector to Aljunied Road

Singapore - After dropping Pax and return home.  Took a morning walk at 9.30am from Serangoon MRT along Serangoon Road towards Potong Pasir.  I had my breakfast, and continue my walk towards St Andrew's School.

Fish ball Kway Teow 

 Along Potong Pasir main road, many of the residents plant fruit trees and edible plants.

The walk along the Kallang River park was beautiful occasional spoilt with ash burning of the 'Hungry Ghost' month.

This stretch of Kallang River that used to run in a concrete canal but is now a naturalised, meandering river teeming with life. The result of a joint collaboration between NParks and PUB, under the latter’s Active, Beautiful and Clean Waters (ABC) Programme; this river brings park users closer to the water to enjoy its beauty and serenity, and to appreciate the flora and fauna that flourish in the park because of the waterway.

I cross the bridge from St Andrew's Secondary school to SAJC - brings back memories as my sons were from this school for many years.   This is the public bridge and the SAJC bridge is only open to students.

St Andrew's bridge

This Kallang Park connector is not  favourite amongst cyclist and hikers as it is not a straight path and a number of bridges which cyclist have to carry their bicycles up the bridge.  This is one of the bridge across the highway.

PIE

Old National Aerated Water Company

The pump

This was the original pump used by The National Aerated Water Company.   This historic building that once bottled iconic soft drinks Sinalco, Kickapoo Joy Juice and Royal Crown Cola. 

Old National Aerated Water Co building in Serangoon will be conserved.  The main building comprises a two-storey L-shaped structure facing Serangoon Road. Other features that will be retained include its signage tower, a balcony with brick parapets, Art Deco timber transom panels and a concrete sun shading ledge that spirals out of a circular window.

The conserved building will be integrated into a new residential development and kept fenceless along the main road and the river.

Jui Residences

Further down the riverside were many HDB with prime location of being next to the river.

Riverside park walks were built to give the residence a riverside feel to the estate. 

Fishing area

There were a number of people fishing along Kallang river at designated spots as the fine is very high $3,000 if caught.

Underpass 

This was the only underpass along the Kallang Park connector. 

Murals describing the surrounding area

Metal overlay of the murals

I walked and reach Jalan Besar Heritage trail.

Apart of burning of joss paper polluting the air, the walking trail was lovely.  

Once I reach St Andrew's Nursing Home @ Aljunied.   I then took bus 158 back to Serangoon MRT - reach home at 12noon.   2/12hrs cover 9km.

Walking trail around Bedok Reservoir - 6km

Singapore - I met Edmund at one of the coffee shop at around 8am, had our Thosai and then started our journey towards Bedok reservoir.   

location of our breakfast

Halfway through our morning walk it started to rain heavily and took shelter at one of their many huts around the reservoir.    

Scenic view of the reservoir

A lone otter is out to play.

Otter out playing

A National Day Stroll Through Singapore Botanic Gardens with Edmund

 Singapore - Singapore celebrated its 59th National Day on August 9, 2024, and I couldn’t think of a better way to honour the occasion than a walk through the iconic Singapore Botanic Gardens with my friend Edmund. This cherished green space, steeped in history and natural beauty, provided the perfect backdrop for a day of exploration, reflection, and celebration.

A Brief History of the Singapore Botanic Gardens

Established in 1859, the Singapore Botanic Gardens is a living testament to Singapore’s rich horticultural and botanical heritage. Its role in cultivating rubber trees for commercial use during the colonial era was instrumental in transforming Southeast Asia into a hub for rubber production. Today, it stands as a symbol of Singapore’s commitment to conservation and education. In 2015, the Gardens earned the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage Site designation, making it the first and only tropical botanic garden to receive this honour.

National Day brought a lively energy to the Gardens, with families, friends, and nature enthusiasts gathered to enjoy the special occasion. The air was filled with patriotic melodies, laughter, and the chatter of visitors marvelling at the vibrant flora. Edmund and I were eager to explore the Gardens, particularly as the National Orchid Garden—a jewel within this UNESCO site—was open to the public for free on this day.

Stepping into the National Orchid Garden felt like entering a vibrant tapestry of colours and fragrances. Home to over 1,000 species and 2,000 hybrids, the garden showcases Singapore’s dedication to orchid cultivation and hybridisation.

We admired the “Vanda Miss Joaquim,” Singapore’s national flower, along with other stunning orchids arranged in meticulously curated displays. The garden’s layout, with its cascading terraces and themed zones, provided an immersive experience that left us in awe of nature’s artistry.

We ventured into a lesser-known part of the Gardens—the NUS Law Faculty located at the Bukit Timah Campus. This historic site, nestled within the lush greenery of the Gardens, once housed the University of Malaya and later became the National University of Singapore’s campus. The colonial-style architecture, with its grand facades and verdant surroundings, evoked a sense of timelessness.

The well-maintained paths, picturesque lakes, and diverse plant life offered a serene escape from the urban hustle, while the festive spirit of National Day added a unique touch to our experience.

The Singapore Botanic Gardens is more than just a park—it’s a living museum, a source of national pride, and a sanctuary for all who visit.