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With all travel plans cut short for 2020, even the Singapore-Hong Kong travel bubble now postponed until 2021, for those eager to get out, the best alternative would be to search within Singapore.
Well yes, Singapore is not large in land size, especially compared to our neighbors, but we believe that there are hidden gems to discover on our island. That’s why we reached out to recently retired politician Dr. Lee Bee Wah to share her list of recommended spots in the constituency she oversaw, Nee Soon South.
According to her, this is what you can do in one day in northern Singapore.
Breakfast at GHK 848
Start the morning with GHK 848 for breakfast. We’re here on a Sunday morning and the lines for the fish ball noodles and bak chor mee are endless, a testament to how popular they are with the locals.
It is also a great place for people watching. Located in the heart of Khatib, where residents come to do their daily marketing, there is a lot of buzz and talk and a resident may even strike up a random conversation with you.
This is also where Dr. Lee’s “office” used to be and she would faithfully be here rain or shine, every Sunday, so you know for sure what the best food to eat here is.
Address: Blk 848 Yishun Ring Road, # 01-126, Singapore 760846
Kayak in Lower Seletar Reservoir Park
Staying in shape has been part of Dr. Lee’s regular routine, and that is why she strove to make the park accessible to as many residents as possible so that they could come for a morning walk or at sunset.
The structure you will find in the middle of the reservoir is a tribute to the heritage of the area’s fishing village, with its kelong-inspired design, shares Dr. Lee.
“The most beautiful time is early in the morning, where you can see a beautiful sunrise,” he recommends.
The other activity to do here is renting a kayak at the Lower Seletar Watersports Center. Rental starts from $ 12 per person for two hours and you can get an instructor if you don’t feel safe in the water.
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Dr. Lee also shares that there are plans to build a boardwalk around the entire reservoir, one that also extends to nearby country clubs.
Address: Bounded by Yishun Ave 1 and Lentor Avenue
Lunch at Orchid Live Seafood
Whenever Dr. Lee has guests, it is a must to bring them to Orchid Live Seafood. Her family has been frequent customers of the restaurant since she was appointed deputy for the area.
The must-have dish here is lobster porridge, which the restaurant is said to be the inventors of the dish here in Singapore. Current owner Jason Chua shared that in the past, lobsters weren’t very popular, so they thought about creating a porridge dish, which soon became very popular.
Walk a little more and you will reach the hot springs. Here you have the option of dipping your feet into the footbath while sitting comfortably. Fair warning, the area is unprotected so the afternoon sun, like when I visited, will burn your back.
The alternative that many Singaporeans do is to bring their own buckets and use the hot spring collection points. There are several protected areas on the premises, and you can enjoy a soak in your own personal bathtub.
Says Dr. Lee about the place: “It is the only natural hot spring in Singapore, and recently renovated to be more visitor-friendly. It feels like going abroad to Japan or Taiwan, especially when we all cannot travel.”
Address: along Gambas Avenue
Dinner in the famous kitchen
The other place to eat in Nee Soon South if you have limited time is Famous Kitchen, says Dr. Lee. And if you’re wondering why you’re driving onto private property, don’t worry, you’ve come to the right place.
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“My favorite dishes are suan cai yu (fish soup with pickled mustard) and chili see buzz. The food has homemade goodness, [and] I have had many good memories there with the residents, “says Dr. Lee.
Address: 54 Sembawang Road, Hong Heng Mansions, Singapore 779085
Night walk through the Springleaf Nature Park
“You can actually walk from Lower Seletar Reservoir Park to Springleaf Nature Park,” Dr. Lee informs me, as the two are connected by a long park connector.
It is a favorite among those who like bird watching, as it is home to more than 80 species of resident and migratory birds. As the park borders nearby private estates, it is a quiet place to relax at the end of the day.
“It is a beautiful park, especially when you walk along the river,” jokes Dr. Lee.
Address: Nee Soon Road, Upper Thomson Road
READ ALSO: I’m not a ‘yes woman’: retired politician Dr. Lee Bee Wah on defying the odds
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