A cheerful blue sky, playful breezes, ten people bent on active ageing and happy to explore a scenic urban trail in Singapore. What a great recipe for any walk! Even in the Central Business District (CBD).
The CBD is not typically associated with leisure or walks, but for those with the time, that’s part of the business district’s charm.
Easy Walking Route
The plan: start at the Civilian War Memorial, head for the Esplanade, take in the waterfront cityscape, walk over Jubilee Bridge, soak in the high-rise gardens at CapitaSpring, enjoy the sights around Marina Reservoir, and finish at Marina Bay Sands.
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It’s only 3.5km, an easy walk over well paved sidewalks and streets. Should take an hour, according to the app we used.
Scenic Urban Trail
Wrong. The scenic urban trail ambushed us with its delights — the fountains at the Esplanade; the cityscape at the mouth of the Singapore River; activity, art and antiquity outside the Fullerton Hotel; and especially the gardens at CapitaSpring, one of the tallest, most modern skyscrapers in Singapore.
Its rooftop garden of the Sky Garden on level 51, is jaw-dropping. People come to be bedazzled by the 360° views of the city from the Urban Farm here.
We were happy to walk circles in the food garden. The plants stirred memories of gardens some of us once played in, and of fruits, vegetables and herbs we knew as children.
Farm & Oasis
The Urban Farm commanded a chunk of our attention and time. But so did the Green Oasis that spirals from levels 17 to 20, a very different garden.
Lean and organic architectural lines make it feel like a cathedral in parts, and an intimate sanctuary in others. There are cosy nooks to read in, chat with friends, or plug into your own world with a digital device. There are even charging points here. Need to unwind or stretch? Tucked amidst the greenery is the Yoga Alcove and the Jungle Gym.
And for one of us who developed blisters wearing new shoes, there are benches for succour. It was lovely to see concern and support for him from the group, especially as most of us were new to each other.
Active Ageing, Active Appetites
Two-and-a-half hours into the walk, we were still at CapitaSpring. It was getting pretty warm now. At this point, our stomachs got the better of us. Being in the CBD means food is never far away, and the reputation of Market Street Hawker Centre (which most of us still call Golden Shoe Food Centre) on levels 2 and 3 beckoned for brunch.
We were happy to give in to a suggestion to check out the authentic Teochew mee pok there, and other fare. The rest of the walk can wait for another time. One of the nice things about active ageing is that it can be a season of many perks, especially when your time is your own!
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