The Punggol Settlement

July 13, 2014

Punggol was once country side. When we were young, we went to some fishing ponds there and we have to walk past some pig farms. You know a pig farm is near because firstly you can smell it and you can hear the noisy pigs. I would describe that whiff as sensational. At times, we would fish at the jetty at Punggol end.

Occasionally, on a few special occasions, we had seafood at the Punggol End where Choon Seng and all the rest of the famous seafood names were. All on wooden planks and sheds and by the sea. Those days there were no highways. In fact, there were not even two ways but just one and the only way was to get to the end of Upper Serangoon Road and then onto Punggol Road. The narrow stretch of road that went up and down and surrounded by trees on both sides all the way. The beauty of day was when sunlight shimmers through the canopy of the trees. The dimly lit small bus stops there were perfect settings for horror movies.

I have written some articles about it previously:

http://gforce-guru.blogspot.sg/2013/03/punggol-end-part-1.html
http://gforce-guru.blogspot.sg/2013/03/punggol-end-part-2.html

How rapidly has Singapore been changing? Where the chalets, horse stables and pony rides are, they now have a spanking new seafood centre with a car park built behind it. In fact, this restaurant greeted us and was the only one there.

The were the very first restaurant to operate.

A good place for a stroll before sunset. The young, the old and families gathered around for various activities.

The quiet and lazy coast line makes for good idle time.

Hopeful anglers were strewn all over various spots along the coast.

Another modern amenity have sprung up in no time. It seems quite well done.

Some families prefer a beach picnic.

Others made themselves at home. I mean made themselves a home.

But you could see litter floating in the sea. Were they thrown from here and got washed back ashore or did they come from a distant shore?

Litter framing the beach is disappointing.

The walk ways are well paved or wooden planked.

There were cyclists, joggers, skate board enthusiasts and folks who would brought their dogs along for a stroll.

We found a clearing at a wooded area and decided to explore, remembering about Singapore's first zoo, privately owned by a William Lawrence Soma Basapa who shifted it from near Youngberg Memorial Hospital at Upper Serangoon Road to Punggol that spread across 27 acres.

I have read about it and it was mentioned that there is a bridge at the location of that zoo. So our sense of adventure and discovery kicked in.

The moment we got in deeper into the forest, we got ambushed by commando mosquitoes. They attacked all at once. 5 or 7 mozzies could be seen on your arms or legs. We were brave.

We found a stream that probably leads to the sea.

And lo and behold...we found the bridge.

The stream below it and the surrounding trees were in their restive state. Almost still but refusing to be completely still. Silent but unable to remain submissive. I could sense its boredom and dissatisfaction of being left behind by time. It has stubbornly resisted advance choosing to be as it is. I salute its solitude. We need somewhere to belong. Somewhere only we know. Oh simple things, where have you gone?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oextk-If8HQ (Keane)