A cozy little urban cocoon. Singapore walks.
Seletar. And a little bit about immigration and taxes.
(This is a sequel to my earlier posts about Singapore. Here is a link to Part 1 of the last year Diary which also carries links to other Singapore posts).
I’m in Singapore again. Really starting to like this cozy cocoon state more and more. Sipping a velvety hoppy IPA at a newly opened Gulp right on the Robertson Quay I’m asking myself why. Well organized, relatively clean, small enough to walk from one destination to another, improving and building-rebuilding constantly, outdoor hiking routes, open-air hawker centers with delightful meals only at 5-7 SGD, Aussie style cafes 3 times more expensive but worth it occasionally, safe, great public transport, Grab on call hail car service always fast…I can go on and on.
Of course, some would say it is getting expensive. Nod. One Grab driver proudly told me about caning of foreigners breaking the rules. Barbaric? Yes. But it works. No foreigner in the know would try to bend the rules here. Not to mention the locals.
Singapore is the only country outside China and Taiwan where Chinese are ethnic majority. And more immigrants are arriving to Singapore from mainland China each year. No wonder you can hear more Mandarin on the streets these days compared to, say, 10 -20 years ago. The immigrants from China work largely in the service and hospitality, however there is a big influx of high-net-worth individuals as well. They consider Singapore to be a safer haven for their capitals. With this group population increasing, money laundering court cases are not unheard of. You can acquire permanent residency in Singapore if you invest 10 mln. S$ into local business or a family office etc. Needless to say, there is some friction between new arrivals from mainland China and the local communities. Some media suggests that current high inflation and property rising costs are largely caused by the wealthy wave of a new mainland migration. But Singapore is definitely capitalizing on the trend. Last year a 60% tax was imposed on foreign property buyers added by a hefty 320% levy on luxury vehicles with an open market value higher than S$80,000. So, when you say Singapore is expensive, there is some background to this fact. Billions are pouring into the economy every year, and both investors and recipients do not mind.
Now back to my wandering the city.
During this trip I visited one new area called Seletar.
SELETAR
Seletar used to be full of mangroves, fishermen living in houseboats and navigating the Seletar River for their daily catch - a backyard of Singapore. The river was dammed in 80s and two reservoirs, Upper and Lower were born.
Seletar was also a site of the largest air base in Asia for British Royal Air Force. It became operational in 1928, then was taken over by Japanese during WWII, back under British umbrella in 1946, and no changes until British troops final withdrawal from Singapore in 1971.
These days the site is a home to Seletar Aerospace Park which also integrates Seletar Airport.
To get to the area I took MRT train to Yishun station. First thing - fuel. I’m a big fan of laksa and can’t ignore one of the local “foodie landmarks” which is 928 Yishun Laksa. It is popular, hence there is always a queue.
Took me around 20 minutes salivating (and waiting), and finally I order the masterpiece. Crunchy, spicy (I have added pepper and some hot chilly), my taste receptors detect dozens of flavors - the Laksa Festival for them!
Taste buds now happy and resting, I’m heading towards Yishun Park via the namesake pond.
Having crossed the park, I arrive to Yishun Mall with an open air food court.
My ideal place for a break, but I’m still full with laksa and simply enjoy the relaxed atmosphere for a while. Are not they look totally relaxed?
Next is Nee Soon East Park. Small, but has good outdoor gym which I did not hesitate to use.
After the park I am approaching the bridge leading to Lower Seletar Reservoir. Hmm, not a very pleasant part of the walk with trucks and other vehicles speeding by. I tried to focus on the water views and the silhouettes of a remote shipyard which is already on Malaysian territory on my left.
Oogh, finally I’m in the green.
There are a few fishermen busying their eyes on the water and a small promenade.
A very remote tranquil chunk of Singapore. Originally, I was planning to extend my walk to nearby islands, Pulau Ubin and Punggol Timor. But I’m tired and it is hot. There will be another day.
I call Grab to take me back to MRT. Ramadan Bazaar is in full preparation here.
I bought some fruits and took the train “home”.
I’m greeted by “koo-ka-re-koo” from a busy rooster near Havelock MRT station.
“Hello to you too!”.
(to be continued)
Been there, a very long time ago and only for three days. Hardly know the place, but what I have seen was fascinating. Loved the Raffles Hotel and Singapore Sling! Great memories... Thank you Igor for refreshing them.