Monday, December 28, 2009
the Sand, the Sun and the Sea
East Coast Park when my mom was 20
East Coast Park when i was 4
East Coast Park when i was 6
East Coast Park when my niece and nephew are 3 and 1
East Coast Park may not be a clear form of nature available in Singapore. But it is still a beach nonetheless, and therefore a certain form of natural landform.
East Coast Park measures up to 20 km along the eastern coast of Singapore and is 'built' entirely on reclaimed land.
This is exactly what differentiates our East Coast Park from all the beautiful beaches scattered around the world. The uniqueness of being a man made natural occurrence.
The beach is also unique to us Singaporeans who at least have some sort of beach/ seaside activities to be enjoyed compared to countries like Cambodia and Laos where there are surrounded by countries resulting in no immediate contact with the sea.
No matter how artificial this beach is, Singaporeans cannot deny that multiple generations has to grown up with fortnight/weekly outings or chalets/barbecue pits out at East Coast Park.
Buses to access ECP: 196, 16, 13, 401(only on fridays and saturdays and public holidays)
Amenities: Pubs along the coast like (beach hut, mana mana), fast food (Burger King, Macdonalds, Subway, Coffee Bean) Convenience stores ( 7 11), Food courts/vendors ( Komala Villas Vegetarian Restaurant, Kebab Station)
Activities available: Kayaking, wake baording, canoeing, wind surfing, sailing. (Singapore Sea SPorts Association)
East Coast Park as of 20th Dec 2009
Saturday, December 26, 2009
A Trip to Oh Chin Huat Hydroponic Farm
In the study of ecology, Oh Chin Huat Hydroponics Farm would definitely come to mind. Being one of the only hydroponics farms operational in Singapore, a visit to the hydroponics farm would indefinitely be an educational trip for one.
Hydroponics is a type of farming that effectively maximizes space to increase yield and is done through the usage of mineral nutrient solutions without planting the crops in soil.
At the Oh Chin Huat Hydroponics Farm, one can find a vast variety of vegetables, herbs and spices that contribute to a certain level of Singapore’s self-sustenance.
On a guided tour, one would be educated about the various types of vegetables, herbs and spices that are cultivated in this farm. Whilst some are familiar, there might be a handful of them that are new to you; this is due to the fact that hydroponics allows cultivation of crops without the handicaps of seasonality and climate. One can be delighted at the sight of fresh herbs and spices, contrary to the dried or preserved versions.
Next up is the yummiest part of the tour, the actual tasting of these various types of fresh and uncooked vegetables, herbs and spices. The fact that Oh Chin Huat Hydroponics Farm rules out the use of pesticides signals the possibility of eating them straight from the plant, and you will be surprised at how some vegetables that you are so accustomed to at home, can have a whole new taste when it is raw.
Melons straight from the vines were on the tasting menu
Yellow and red tomatoes were the main anti-oxidants on the sample list
Ever wondered how butterhead lettuce tastes when raw?
The last item on the list would be getting to know how hydroponics vegetables are grown in the farm. After a brief stroll, one would arrive at the nursery greenhouse, where all the vegetables are grown. Here, one would learn that the traditional soil has been replaced by sponges soaked with mineral nutrient solution that has been scientifically engineered to improve quality of the crop.
After a ‘fruitful’ day touring the farm, at the end of the tour, you would be led to a mini-market in the compound where the vegetables that you have tasted are sold, and at a relatively reasonable price at that. Also, you can try your hand at growing your own herbs and spices by purchasing the variety of potted herbs and spices that are also vended here at the mini-market.
Lemon balm and fennel are amongst the potted herbs on sale
At the end of the day, what you would have had an enriching time as well as a greater understanding about these plants that we eat from day to day.
http://203.116.88.76/ohfarm/content/ohfarm/gallery/OurGalleryPage6.html
http://eastcoastlife.blogspot.com/2006/05/oh-chin-huat-hydroponics-farm.html
Wednesday, December 23, 2009An enjoyable day at D'Kranji Farm Resort
Nestled deep in along Neo Tiew Road lies the D’Kranji Farm Resort. It boasts to be Singapore’s first eco and nature resort. What gives this resort an edge over the others is the refreshing retreat from the hectic urban life that fellow Singaporeans are well-acquainted with. The serene and laid-back environment there gives off a being-in-the-countryside vibe, something that is not easily achievable on this little red dot that is Singapore.
However, the farm resort proves to be a little challenging to access. Being situated way deep into the industrial parts of Kranji makes it difficult for public transportation to operate there. Therefore, the nearest public transportation – bus – is located about a few hundred meters away from the resort. One would have to walk from the bus stop to get to the resort. The management of the resort having foreseen this issue, hence, decided to provide free shuttle bus services from Yew Tee Station to the resort. Shuttle services begin operate at 0800-2230hrs. Each bus is an hour interval apart.True to its words, you can feel the tranquility of countryside living the minute you reached the place. Palm trees swayed cheerfully in the breeze as the resort concierge greeted us warmly at the entrance.
Clear directions are given on how to get to different parts of the resorts. The arrows were literally pointing in the places’ direction
Just a stone throw away is a prawn-fishing shelter, which is usually quite packed due to it being a popular past-time amongst Singaporeans. A rod will be happily rented to you at an economical price of fifteen bucks, while you get a discount of five bucks if you were to rent two rods instead of one.
Pathways further down, brought us to small production hubs selling all kinds of things. They could range from rental of bicycles, sale of snacks like ice-cream to the sale of fruits/vegetables grown in the plantation.
As we were heading back to the drop-off point, we saw many different types of plants. Below are a few of the plants which we took.
(Pu Tau San) (Durian)
(Mango)
They are also nurturing rambutan, grapefruit, roselle and sunflower plants over there!
The resort also has multi-purpose halls situated within its compounds, albeit a little less grand than the luxurious ones in the city hotels.
As we were heading back to the drop off point, we saw this huge seafood restaurant sitting just beside the convention halls.
A beer garden is built next to it, so that guests could unwind with a bottle of cold beer accompanied by special live band performances on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and eve of holidays to keep you entertained after a hearty meal.
The serenity and laidback atmosphere is definitely something that is greatly sought after, leaving visitors hungry for more and making repeated visits. Thus marking the end of our little excursion in D’Kranji Farm Resort!
Bonus pictures:
This was one of the tallest trees around.
It’s also one of the weirest!
SIGN OFF HERE at 12:09 AM
Friday, December 25, 2009
The Pride Of The Green Hill
The Bukit Timah Nature Reserve is the fruit of carefully planned environmental preservation. Aside from the telecommunications tower strategically planted at the highest point of the nature reserve, the rest of the 81hectares remains as untouched primary rainforest. Set aside as a nature reserve in 1883, the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve is the habitat of up to 500 species of animals as well as 840 species of flowering plants.
At the foot of the hill is the visitors’ centre, where one can get to know a brief background of the hill and the wildlife that live and had lived on it.
The paths split and one may choose to explore the hill via the main route or embarking on the South-View path. Along the South-View path, one would come across peculiar sights of nature, and if you’re attentive you may even spot some of the nature reserve’s decomposers. One will come across the South-View Hut where they can catch a well deserving break from the intense trekking workout.
The inevitable fork presents itself and one would be in a dilemma as to which path to take, but along the cave path lie some queer sights for the retina. The arduous path brings you pass a natural cave in the side of the hill. One would be left with curiosity as to what is inside, but the disappointment is that due to safety reasons, entry is disallowed. Moving along, one would be able to ease his thirst mentally over the sight of a crude pond.
Taking a moment physically and mentally at the Catchment hut would definitely be pleasing after all the trekking.
To get to the summit, one can take a shortcut from the fork that is just ahead from Catchment hut, which would lead visitors on a direct path through the rainforest to the main route.
A physical challenge presents itself: the Summit Path. The steep flight of steps would lead one quickly to the summit.
Alternatively, one can take the slope path which coils around to till the peak, presenting a much more pleasing path for one’s legs.
The communication towers coming into sight signals the fact that the summit is close, and as you trek the remaining distance, a surge of satisfaction and relieve would indefinitely be felt.
Whilst taking a rest under the shelter of the Summit hut, one can see families of monkeys swinging from branch to branch and invading the unused telecommunication facilities; and the two telecommunication towers standing proudly in the open.
Strolling down the spiraling path, one can continue to explore northward, but that shall be left to you to discover. The steep contours of the hill make the hours of trekking seem like a fading dream as one reaches the foot of the hill in just minutes by the main route, leaving visitors with a newfound experience of nature.
