A Leisurely Walk to Ang Mo Kio Linear Park - 6km walk

 Singapore - Sometimes, the best way to discover the neighbourhood we live in is simply to put on a pair of walking shoes and explore the green spaces nearby. One of my recent walks took me from home to Ang Mo Kio Linear Park, a pleasant stretch of greenery running along the north side of Ang Mo Kio Avenue 5, from Seletar Green Avenue to Seletar Road.

Unlike the larger and more popular parks in Singapore, Ang Mo Kio Linear Park has a quieter, neighbourhood feel. It is a welcome green corridor where residents can enjoy a leisurely stroll, get some exercise or simply take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Ylang ylang flowers

What makes this park particularly interesting is its setting. On one side is Yio Chu Kang Road, with its steady flow of traffic, while just behind the park lies the beautiful landed residential estate of Seletar Hills. The contrast is quite striking. A short distance away from the busy main road, the landed homes offer a more peaceful and private residential environment, surrounded by mature trees and greenery.

As I walked along the park, I enjoyed the open surroundings and the opportunity to slow down and appreciate the simple things around me. It is easy to overlook these neighbourhood green spaces, but they provide valuable pockets of nature within our urban landscape.

For me, the walk was not about covering a long distance or reaching a particular destination. It was about getting outdoors, keeping active and discovering another little corner of Singapore.

Ang Mo Kio Linear Park may not be a major tourist attraction, but it is certainly a pleasant neighbourhood escape. Sometimes, a refreshing walk close to home is all we need to recharge.

A Refreshing Morning Walk Along the Rail Corridor: Buona Vista to Beauty World

Singapore - One of the best ways to spend a morning in Singapore is to explore the Rail Corridor, a unique green corridor that combines nature, history, and recreation. Recently, a group of friends and I embarked on a pleasant morning walk from Buona Vista MRT to Beauty World Food Centre, a journey of approximately 6 kilometres.

We gathered at Buona Vista MRT in the morning under bright blue skies. The weather forecast had predicted a warm day, and the sun was already shining strongly. Fortunately, much of the Rail Corridor is lined with mature trees that provide generous shade, making the walk far more comfortable than we had expected. The canopy of greenery created a natural shelter from the scorching tropical sun, while the occasional breeze added to the enjoyment of the journey.

The Rail Corridor itself holds a special place in Singapore's history. It was once part of the former railway line that connected Singapore to Peninsular Malaysia. Today, it has been transformed into a recreational trail while preserving many of its historical features. As we walked, it was easy to appreciate how nature has reclaimed much of the old railway route, creating a peaceful environment away from the busy city roads.

The route was relatively flat and suitable for walkers of all fitness levels. Along the way, we chatted about travel, food, and family, making the kilometres pass quickly. Walking with friends always seems easier than walking alone, and the shared conversations added to the enjoyment of the morning.

About halfway through our hike, we stopped for a well-deserved water break. The weather was warming up, and staying hydrated was important. We found a shaded spot to rest, enjoy our drinks, and take in the surrounding greenery. It was one of those simple moments that reminded us how enjoyable outdoor activities can be when shared with good company.

One of the highlights of the walk was coming across the old railway bridge. Standing on the bridge, it was easy to imagine trains once travelling along this route carrying passengers and goods between Singapore and Malaysia. 

The bridge serves as a reminder of Singapore's transportation history and has become a popular photography spot.

Not far from the bridge, we also encountered several preserved train carts. Naturally, this became another opportunity for photographs. Everyone took turns posing beside the vintage railway carriages, capturing memories of the outing. These preserved relics provide a fascinating glimpse into the past and are among the most iconic landmarks along the Rail Corridor.

As we continued towards Beauty World, the trail remained scenic and peaceful. Birds could occasionally be heard among the trees, while joggers, cyclists, and fellow hikers shared the path. The atmosphere was friendly and relaxed.

After completing the approximately 6-kilometre walk, we arrived at Beauty World Food Centre feeling pleasantly tired and ready for a rewarding meal. The food centre offered numerous choices, making it the perfect destination to end our morning adventure.

Looking back, the walk from Buona Vista MRT to Beauty World was a wonderful combination of exercise, history, nature, and friendship. The shaded paths, historical railway landmarks, and good company made the journey both enjoyable and memorable. For anyone looking for a scenic and accessible hike in Singapore, this section of the Rail Corridor is highly recommended.

Morning Walk with Friends at Chinese Garden and Japanese Gardens

Singapore - This morning, I had a wonderful and refreshing walk with a group of friends around Chinese Garden and the nearby Japanese Garden. It turned out to be one of those simple but meaningful mornings where good company, nature, and food all came together perfectly.

We arranged to meet at MRT Chinese Garden MRT Station at 9am. Unfortunately, just as everyone arrived, the sky suddenly opened up and it started raining cats and dogs. The heavy downpour caught many people by surprise, and instead of rushing around, we decided to wait patiently under shelter.

The rain gave us time to catch up and chat casually. Sometimes these unexpected pauses become part of the enjoyment, especially when spending time with old friends. We joked about Singapore’s unpredictable weather while watching the rain pour endlessly outside.

Fortunately, after some time, the heavy rain slowly softened into a drizzle. Seeing the weather improve slightly, we decided to continue with our planned walk.  It was great to see Gwee Koon joining us for today's walk with Kiat Leng, Carol and Heng Choo.

The cool weather after the rain made the gardens especially pleasant. The air felt fresh and clean, and the greenery looked even more vibrant with droplets of rainwater glistening on the leaves. 

One of our first stops was the beautiful Cloud Pagoda. The pagoda looked peaceful against the cloudy morning sky, surrounded by calm waters and lush greenery. Nearby, we came across the zodiac dragon sculpture and naturally stopped to take a fun group “wefie” since all of us happened to be born in the Year of the Dragon. There was plenty of laughter as we squeezed together trying to get everyone into the photo.

We then continued our walk toward the bamboo grove and waterfall area. The bamboo trees swayed gently in the cool breeze, creating a peaceful atmosphere. The sound of flowing water from the waterfall added to the relaxing environment, making it one of the nicest parts of the walk.

Along the way, we also visited the edible gardens where various herbs, fruits, and edible plants were grown. It was interesting seeing how beautifully the gardens were maintained while also serving an educational purpose. Nearby flower displays added vibrant colours throughout the pathways.

Another favourite stop for many of us was the bonsai garden. The carefully shaped miniature trees reflected years of patience and artistry. Some of the bonsai looked incredibly old and detailed despite their small size.

After exploring the Chinese Garden section, we crossed over into the serene Japanese Garden. The atmosphere there felt slightly different — quieter and more minimalist in design. We stopped for a while at the beautiful Water Lily Pavilion where the still waters reflected the surrounding greenery perfectly.

One particularly enjoyable section was walking through the forested walkways where tall trees provided shade and shelter. The cool post-rain weather made the walk especially comfortable and refreshing.

Eventually, we made our way to the Floral Garden shuttle bus point and waited for the shuttle service to bring us toward the North Car Park area. Around 11.10am, the shuttle bus finally arrived, driven by a kind and cheerful gentleman who greeted everyone warmly.

From the North Car Park, we walked toward Taman Jurong Market and Food Centre for lunch. After a good morning walk, everyone was naturally hungry.

We decided to try the famous Michelin Guide award Feng Zhen Lor Mee and it did not disappoint. The thick, savoury gravy combined with noodles and crispy ingredients made for a satisfying local meal. After lunch, we headed to Ya Kun Kaya Toast for coffee and more conversation.  Alec managed to join us for lunch and coffee.

By the time we finally left and reached the bus stop, it was already around 1.30pm.

Although the morning began with heavy rain, it eventually turned into a very enjoyable outing filled with laughter, beautiful scenery, good food, and great companionship. Sometimes the best experiences are not about travelling far or doing anything extraordinary, but simply spending quality time outdoors with friends and appreciating the little moments together.

Ling's Patisserie @ Potong Pasir MRT

Singapore - My morning walk from Serangoon Central to Bishan was a refreshing way to start the day. The peaceful streets and cool morning air made the journey enjoyable, especially with fewer crowds around. 

Along the way, I stopped at Ling’s Patisserie at Potong Pasir, a quaint café with a warm and inviting atmosphere. Founded by Chef Ivy Ling, the patisserie has grown from humble beginnings as a home baking business into a spacious café loved by locals. I enjoyed their toasted sourdough slice with scrambled eggs for $8.50, paired with a smooth cappuccino at $5. It was a simple yet satisfying breakfast during a pleasant morning walk.

Sourdough slice with scrambled eggs

Cuppacino

A Sunny Labrador walk with friends

Singapore - My 5pm walk with friends at Labrador Nature Reserve was a refreshing escape from the busy city. The late afternoon atmosphere was lively, with many people enjoying the outdoors despite the hot and humid weather. The skies were clear, giving us beautiful views of the southern coastline as we strolled along the waterfront paths.

One of the highlights of the walk was passing by Labrador Jetty, a popular gathering place for fishing enthusiasts. There were many people lined along the jetty, patiently waiting for a catch while enjoying the sea breeze. 

The jetty also offered stunning views of the southern sea, making it a peaceful place to pause and appreciate the scenery. Watching the fishing lines cast into the water while ships moved quietly in the distance added a calm and relaxing mood to the evening.

As we continued walking toward the other side of the park, we came across the symbolic replica of Dragon's Teeth Gate. This historical landmark represents what was once a natural granite outcrop known as “Long Ya Men,” which served as a navigational marker at the entrance of Keppel Harbour. The original formation was destroyed in 1848 to widen the shipping channel, but the replica now stands as a reminder of Singapore’s maritime history and the voyages of Admiral Zheng He.

Just beyond the monument stood the striking Red Beacon. This red steel structure once guided ships by marking the shortest route between Sentosa and mainland Singapore. Seeing these historical landmarks during our walk made the experience feel more meaningful, blending nature, friendship, and history into a memorable evening outing. 

Peacock

Squirrel

Heron

Then we went to ARC for our dinner..

A Refreshing NParks Morning Walk at Chinese Garden with my sister

 Singapore - I spent a delightful morning reconnecting with nature and my sister during a 2-hour guided walking tour at Chinese Garden, organised by National Parks Board. My sister and I arrived just before 9am, when the air was still cool and the park was calm.  It was a perfect for a relaxing start to the day.

Our journey began from Jurong Lake Gardens, where we met our guide, Siti. From the very beginning, it was clear we were in good hands. Siti was incredibly knowledgeable, especially when it came to edible plants; something I never realised was such a big part of our local greenery.

We entered through the iconic entrance arch and crossed the elegant bridge into the Chinese Garden. The scenery immediately transported us into a tranquil, classical Chinese landscape. 

Arch entrance to Chinese Garden

Jurong Lake

One of the highlights early in the tour was visiting the air-conditioned hydroponics enclosure. This was fascinating; almost like stepping into a mini research lab within a garden.

We walked into the editable plants area and there was the cat whiskers herb, known for its medicinal properties.  Cat whiskers herb is a traditional Southeast Asian medicinal plant widely used as a natural diuretic to treat kidney disorders, urinary tract infections, and reduce water retention. Rich in antioxidants, it also helps manage high blood pressure, gout, and diabetes, often consumed as a tea for detoxification

Cat Whiskers herb

The Jujube plant or Chinese red dates are often used in traditional remedies. Jujube fruit is high in vitamins and minerals and low in calories.  High in antioxidants. Jujube fruits are a rich source of compounds such as flavonoids, polysaccharides, and triterpenic acids. Some of these compounds have antioxidant properties.

The Red Button Spiral Ginger plant stood out with its vibrant colour and unusual shape.  the Red Button Spiral Ginger is edible, particularly the red, cone-shaped bracts and the yellow flowers that emerge from them. They are often eaten raw, offering a sweet, slightly sour taste similar to green grapes or apples.

We also learned about Job’s tears, which can be processed into what we know as Chinese pearl barley.  Chinese pearl barley or Yì yǐ rén, are nutritious, gluten-free, teardrop-shaped grains popular in Asian cuisine and medicine.  

Job's tears

Another interesting discovery was the Passiflora quadrangularis Erotica plant or the Penis passion fruit. 

Along the garden there were asparagus growing in the editable garden.

As we continued our walk, we arrived at a large, serene pond filled with lotus plants. The lotus flowers were in full bloom with graceful, delicate, and truly beautiful. It was one of those moments where you just stop, take it in, and appreciate the calm.

Then we walked pass the twin pagoda

Sister and me

Siti also pointed out the fragrant Ylang-Ylang flower, which is famously used in perfumes like Chanel No.5. It was amazing to think that such a luxurious scent has its roots in a simple flower growing right here.

Ylang-ylang flower

We then made our way to the iconic 7-storey pagoda, a striking landmark that adds to the charm and cultural richness of the garden. Nearby, the 12 zodiac statues added a fun and familiar touch, with visitors stopping to find their respective zodiac signs.

Further along, we came across another pond filled with water hyacinths. Their soft purple flowers created a stunning contrast against the water, adding another layer of beauty to the landscape. Our walk concluded with a peaceful stroll through a bamboo forest, where the tall, swaying stalks created a soothing, almost meditative atmosphere.

water hyacinth flower

Overall, the tour was not just a walk. It was an enriching experience. Thanks to Siti’s insights, we saw the garden through a completely different lens, appreciating not just the beauty, but also the purpose and stories behind the plants.  

It was a wonderful way to spend a morning—learning, exploring, and simply enjoying nature with my sister.