Live fuller for longer
Search
Close this search box.
Advertisement

Hiking into Singapore’s Past

Font Size:

Hiking Into Singapore Past
Like everything else, bus fares have gone up. That’s the bad news. The good news is anything under 50cents is still a bargain for a 30-minute bus ride.
We decided to explore somewhere that involves some strenuous walking.
We headed to Keppel Hill, right across from the massive Caribbean @ Keppel Bay. We boarded a double-decker at Crawford Bridge at 7am and sat in the front row to enjoy the “bus tour” feel. We were transported through the CBD via North Bridge Road, South Bridge Road and Keppel Road at amazing speed.
We were amazed at the amount of construction going on in the Keppel Harbour area; that zone is going to be unrecognisable soon.
We arrived at the Caribbean @ Keppel Bay bus stop at 7:30am and were impressed by how alive the area was with bikers, joggers, and kids being taken to school; very different from the quiet CBD area we’d just passed through.
Advertisement
We crossed West Coast Road, turned right, and headed for the rather nondescript Seah Im car park, where we were greeted by a glorious sunrise.
Hiking Into Singapore Past - Cable Car
The car park is not a place one would expect to find a mysterious WWII relic. But, nearby, through a gap in the fence, and a few steps further through the wooded area was a war-era bunker. Entering the bunker in the dark was a bit scary, but thanks to the flashlight feature on my handphone I could find my way into the main chamber.
There are various theories about what went on in the bunker and what it was used for—from holding prisoners of war to a storage facility. Oh, if those walls could talk!
But it certainly gives one a sense of another time, another place. I thought of all the trauma and drama we’re going through now with Covid-19, but enduring WWII and the occupation must have involved suffering on a completely different scale. It would have been incomparable to anything we have to deal with now.
The ceiling of the bunker is very low, so watch your head, but you also must watch your step — there are what look like civet droppings scattered through the area.
We then walked back to West Coast Road and headed toward Wishart Road (look for Diamond Industries on the corner). From there we turned right, onto Keppel Hill Road.
We soon came across what would turn out to be one of the highlights of our trip: We met our mysterious yet charming escort — a black cat that seemed to immediately suss out that we are cat lovers.
Hiking Into Singapore Past - Cat
We proceeded up the road and turned left into the side path to the Keppel Hill Reservoir—well, maybe because it was rather dry and the water level was low, it looked more like a pond than a reservoir. The ancient-looking concrete steps next to the reservoir hint that it also may hold many tales. The “no swimming” sign seemed quite unnecessary, as the water was murky and most uninviting.
Hiking Into Singapore Past - Hiking Into Singapore’s Past - Hiking Into Singapore’s Past - Reservoir
The next phase, the hike up the hill to the Japanese tomb, was the most physically challenging. It is interesting how the trail has subtle markers along the way — different-coloured ribbons and strings tied to trees. One gets the feeling that those who visit this place have great respect for where they are going, and the sense of reverence is palpable.
Hiking Into Singapore Past - Hiking Into Singapore’s Past - Hiking Into Singapore’s Past - Japanese tomb
The tomb is dated 1942 (昭和拾七 in Japanese). It is stately and of a classic design from the era. Yet, there is a certain aura of tragedy about it. We are again reminded of the horrors of war and myriad stories of cruelty, valour, defeat and, ultimately, triumph.
As we headed back to reality, we were soon struck by the juxtaposition of all the reverence for nature and history on the one hand, and, on the other, the more selfish and anti-social aspects of life in Singapore today—an abandoned supermarket trolley dumped in the greenery.
Our spirits were soon lifted when we were greeted by the same black cat that, apparently, had been waiting for us while we visited the tomb. We named our new-found friend “Hitam”, which is the Malay word for “black”. It accompanied us all the way back to Keppel Hill Road.
Hiking Into Singapore Past - Hiking Into Singapore’s Past - Hiking Into Singapore’s Past - Coffee Shop
By then it was about 9am and time for breakfast. The five of us (four humans and one cat) proceeded to Lakshmi Vilas on the corner of Wishart Road, just across from the Chinese Methodist Church. Each of us had a coffee and a serving of roti prata with egg, all for just $10! Talk about bargains!
It is interesting how many pockets of greenery, serenity and history can be found in the midst of cosmopolitan Singapore. These are places we should enjoy, but also learn from, preserve and respect.

Some tips

One final note. I find that, for our bus trips (or any trip, for that matter) it’s usually the unexpected, rather than the expected, that makes the trip special. And in this case, it was Hitam.

Also read:

Cannes I Take Your Photo Please?
Legacy

Cannes I Take Your Photo Please?

Sylvia Toh collects autographs and wefies with celebrities. Her methods may be old school in this age of smartphones and Photoshop but it’s all about the thrill of the chase.

W Timmermann

He tends to be a bit kiasu, but his commitment to excellence never wavers; always going the extra mile to help others.

Share This Article

Explore More
Advertisement
Upcoming Events
Jalan-Jalan Kakis - MacRitchie Prunus Trail
Must-Do - Dance from Head to Toe
Advertisement

About Us

We’re a community created by silvers for silvers, brought together by a sense of curiosity and desire to live the next phase of our lives with joy and purpose. Expect useful tips and uncommon wisdom to enjoy living fuller for longer.

Follow Us

Poll
3

How much of Singapore have you discovered?

If 'Other' is filled, checked answers are ignored.

Get the latest stories!

By clicking Subscribe, I consent to the Terms and Privacy Policy to receive emails about the latest in entertainment, travel, food, culture, active ageing and living fuller in retirement!