Hidden in the north-eastern part of Singapore is the charming district of Seletar that has been spared the frenetic pace of Singapore's transformation into a modern global city and where conserved old black and white houses that were formerly homes of personnel of the British Royal Air Force stand as reminders of the nation's colonial past. Get up close to the runway and parked planes of Seletar Airport by strolling along a boardwalk that is right next to the airport runway (the new airport serves commercial and chartered business flights in addition to private jets). Given its history and its location, it is no wonder that Seletar is currently home to a vibrant aerospace and aviation-related industry. There is of course more to Seletar. The Hampstead Wetlands Park in Seletar looks like a lush English garden with a pond complete with lily pads. The Park, about the size of 4-5 football fields, is a haven for birds and other wildlife that inhabit freshwater ecosystems; hence, its reputation as a go-to place for photography buffs. There is the popular Rower's Bay Park at Lower Seletar Reservoir - so named for its popularity with kayaking and dragon-boating enthusiasts - for a great view of the reservoir. For a sense of Seletar's F&B scene, there is Canteen 398, probably the oldest surviving canteen in Singapore; Soek Seng 1954, a popular "bicycle cafe"; and, the cluster of refurbished colonial bungalows at The Oval that have been transformed into highly impressive F&B and lifestyle establishments. Stop by Singapore's last fishing village for an insight into the local fishing scene. Located in the mangrove area next to Yishun Dam is the Seletar Fishing Village (aka Jenal Jetty) known among locals as Singapore's last fishing village where you will find several kampong-like huts along the shore with wooden boardwalks extending out into the waters. Whilst most of the fishermen - mostly Chinese and Malay fishermen - do not actually reside there, this rural and rustic village serves them well as not only a place of work and storage but also a place of commerce where they sell their daily catch to locals attracted by the freshness and favourable pricing of the seafood. (If the fishing village is inaccessible, complimentary seafood catch will be replaced by refreshments at the cafe.) The tour ends with a visit to Chong Pang City, the first neighbourhood centre of Yishun New Town and named after Chong Pang Village, a quaint village that once existed in the vicinity. Chong Pang City, characterised by 2 Chinese gateways at its western and eastern ends, offers - even for locals - a great experience of the vibrancy of a suburban neighbourhood that has been around for almost 40 years and which continues to attract foodies and shoppers.
This tour starts at Sengkang MRT Station and ends at Chong Pang City.
Includes:
Transport
Live catch of the day from Seletar Fishing Village (to bring home)