Tanjong Pagar

Tanjong Pagar was a fishing village and in 1864 the Tanjong Pagar Dock Co was formed due to the growth of shipping activities and after Singapore independence, it had grown into a world-class port and container terminal. Under Singapore Harbour Board and the later  Port of Singapore Authority, I was there working as a wharf clerk with a transport company from 1970 until end 2003.  Tanjong Pagar in 1980 became the first area in Singapore to be gazetted under the government conservation plan.

Container Terminal view from Pinnacle

Tanjong Pagar was also a lucrative place for a rickshaw puller, then in 1904 Jinricksha Station was born located at the corner of Tanjong Pagar Road and Neil Road.

Jinricksha Station

Under the conservation, all old shophouses were restored to their original facade but the spirit of Tanjong Pagar remain.

Rows of old shophouses

Old world charm

Fairfield Methodist Church was known as Metropole Theatre located at the junction of Maxwell Road and Tanjong Pagar Road.

Classic

Bus stop

Old Yan Kit Swimming pool

Tiger Balm

The latest addition the Pinnacle 50 Storey Public Housing

Memories of parks and playground of yesteryear

I have been fascinated by how we use to spend our childhood with games that we played.  During the early years, the only things the playground equipped with are see-saw plank and swings.  Later with the introduction of public housing then came along the Dragon, Dove, Penguin, Watermelon etc.... located in various housing estate all over Singapore then slowly one by one ride into the sunset.  This particular one is found in Lorong 1 Tao Payoh, sadly it's gone also.  I manage to take a couple of shot when the doomsdays came and been fenced up out of sight out of mind.

Concrete horse

Side View

Front View

Old school kopitiam

How many of you have your coffee fix, well I am at my local coffee shop but never been to Tong Ah for my breakfast and coffee.  As you all have come to know that the said old school charm had been sold in July 2013 and by August the shutters fall.  The iconic building was built in 1939 and had been there from start till its last day around 75 years of history even before I was born.  I hope that the new owner will keep its original facade and maybe call it Tong Ah Hotel hahaha so Chinese.  One of these days I would take a trip down to their new shop to taste their coffee, kaya toast and half-boiled eggs.

Exterior Facade

Corner View

Jade Emperor alter

MBCC

Marina Bay Cruise Centre (MBCC) aka The International Cruise Terminal is at 61, Marina Coastal Drive just a stone throw away from Marina South Pier where we take our trips out to the Southern Island.  I remember is cost a cool S$ 500 million to construct in 2009.  The centre was completed in 2012 and business start right away.  It was operated by SATS Creuers Services...so welcome on board and set sail.

MBCC

Address

Customer Service

Arrival & Departure

Legend of the Sea

Clifford Pier

Clifford Pier was built in 1933 named after Sir Hugh Clifford, Governor of the Straits Settlements.  It was replacing then Johnston's Pier which was worn out also known as the Red lamp harbour referring to red beacons shone over the pier at night as a warning to ships plying there. Clifford Pier was later used as a terminal for tourist and who board small boats or ferries heading for the Southern Island.  During the annual pilgrimage season to Kusu Island.  It ceases operation in 2006 due to the construction of the Marina Barrage a dam was built and it turns it into a reservoir the place was later turned into retail, leisure, entertainment and a Hotel which included the former Custom Harbour Branch. For those heading to the southern island now use the Marina South Pier.

Clifford Pier view from MBS

Marina South Pier

Red Lantern

Red Lantern

The Oasis

View from the old National Stadium

The Oasis the most famous landmark around the Indoor Stadium and the old National Stadium.  Its is famous for its Taiwan Porridge, Night Club, KTV Seafood Restaurant.  In 2007 the construction of the Circle line commences and the digging begins. Business goes on as usual until the demolition of the National Stadium in 2010 that the building had to go for the new Sports Hub.  Come May 2014 when the Sports Hub open Oasis is already history.  The same Taiwan Porridge had moved to Toa Payoh Town Park after had been in business for about 40 years.  Taiwan Porridge anyone?

Floating Seafood Restaurant

Rocking, Rolling, Riding

Tiong Bahru Park is located between Henderson, Bukit Merah and Lower Delta Road, it was developed in 1967 and later combined with a nursery site in 1977.  In 2000 it begin upgraded to a new image.  The 3.9-hectare park is able to meet the requirement of the resident and non-resident recreational needs of different groups of park user.  Many children also have great enjoyment with the adventure playground equipped with a tilting train and an old-time favourite the merry go round.  Park user can also carry out workouts and even foot reflexology.

Merry go round