Singapore may be a small city state, but you’ll be surprised what this concrete jungle has to offer. So today I’ll be sharing one of my favourite experiences cycling “around” Singapore dubbed the “Route 1” by yours truly.
Starting from Marine Cove right next to MacDonalds, you can find multiple app-based bicycles if you don’t own any. If you already own a bicycle, then feel free to skip till the next part. I highly recommend using Anywheel due to their overall quality of bikes. Do take note that the minimum cost of the bikes will cost you $10. Charges for renting the bike starts from $1 per 30mins.
Facing the ocean is the starting point of the journey. You can slowly enjoy the gentle breeze of the ocean as you slowly make your way to the first checkpoint.
Make a point of stopping to take in the stunning beauty of the Bougainvillea Garden. This stretch of land in ECP’s Area F, once known as the Shrub Garden, has been turned into a blooming paradise where visitors may enjoy the blooms adjacent to a lovely beach.
The well-kept property Bougainvillea was pruned into different shapes and sizes and is a sight to behold when the flowers are in full bloom. Bicyclists, joggers, skaters, and other passers-by can expect to be greeted with colourful bouquets that is great for photo-taking.
Best of all, there’s a three-storey-high tower that sits on this beachside location that grants the viewer a bird’s eye view of the surrounding area. Be sure to take some insta-worthy pictures on the 2nd floor of the garden! Sadly during my visit, the tower was not accessible.
The next checkpoint I would recommend is a slight detour to the “Changi Jurassic Mile”. This is Singapore’s largest permanent outdoor display of life-sized dinosaur with more than 20 different pre-historic creatures from nine different species stretching over 1-kilometre of cycling and jogging paths.
Up next would be a 11KM ride through Tanah Merah Coast Road which in my opinion consists of a whole lot of exercise. Treat this as your daily exercise quota or an endurance test under the scorching sun rather than sightseeing. Do make sure to apply plenty of sunscreen and bring lots of water to protect yourself from the sun depending on the time of the day and rehydrate often.
After a gruelling session, take a short break and visit the Republic of Singapore Navy Museum. The museum offers you insights into the development of the independent national identity of Singapore. One of the exhibits include the actual superstructure of a submarine that you can go view from the inside.
Finally, we would arrive at Changi Village, our foodie destination. Located on the main island’s easternmost point. Male Singaporeans who serve in the SAF as part of their National Service should be familiar with it. Every weekend, army recruits will pass through this small area on their way to and from the ferry terminal for a journey to Pulau Tekong.
Here are some of my favourite stalls to order from. Ho Guan Satay Bee Hoon is located at the right corner of the hawker centre. Typically, Satay Bee Hoon includes sliced pork, pork liver, and tau pok and the cost will range from $4 to $6.
For all my halal friends out there, you should try out Mizzy Corner Nasi Lemak. Basmati rice is used by Mizzy Corner to enhance the coconut flavour and each nasi lemak is served with a side of sambal that is to die for. The nasi lemak, depending on what ingredients you get will cost you $3.5 and onwards.
That concludes my journey throughout the Eastern part of Singapore. The total distance covered is 24km and will take you roughly 3 hours depend on your speed so check out this route here if you are interested to try this out.
This article was brought to you by Han. I pretend to be broke in order to stay wealthy, yet I’m not wealthy.
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