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Tampines Eco Green

Friday, December 9, 2011 at 10:32 AM

Opened in late April by the town's five Members of Parliament (MPs), Tampines Eco Green is a biodiversity haven. It used to be just a piece of barren land adjacent to the Tampines Biking Trail and Sun Plaza Park. Now, after a period of development costing $3 million, it has become an additional attraction for residents living in Tampines and in the east.

The 36.5-hectares park features a viewing platform, vegetated swales (natural drainage system that traps particulate pollutants), bird hides and green roofs on the rest shelters. Living up to its name, the park was built with an eco-friendly design; all park furniture such as signage and benches were made using recycled and environmentally-friendly products.

Signage such as this one shows visitors which directions to head to, as they navigate through the park. Residents living in Tampines would be able to get to enjoy themselves with a variety of activities to indulge in such as jogging, walking, bird-watching, dragonfly-and-butterfly-spotting, photography and educational guided walks. The park is so environmentally-friendly that even this signage is made out of recycled wood.

A place of tranquility at the heart of bustling Tampines. There are good reasons why the park would be attractive to nature lovers and residents. The park features various natural habitats such as marshes, secondary rainforests and freshwater ponds. There are also about 70 species of birds, 32 species of spiders, 13 species of dragonflies and 12 species of butterflies there. Great efforts were also made to enhance the biodiversity at the park: to attract more animals, trees and plants that produce abundant nectar and fruit as well, as tall grasses, were introduced. Dead trees in the park that are sited away from footpaths were also consciously left unremoved as these serve as vital nest sites for birds.

*Photo and texts exclusively owned and contributed by Ivan Yeo.

 

Itacho Sushi’s Green Tea

Friday, October 28, 2011 at 4:33 PM


It’s not that the Japanese food here is not good, it is! But the green tea here is what keeps me coming back. There’s something about the green tea that I can’t put my finger on. That especially aromatic taste and smell is what makes it different from the green tea we usually drink. It stands out. Oh and did I mention, it’s free flow?

Outlets:
Bugis Junction, #B1-05
ION Orchard, #B2-18

Plaza Singapura, #02-35

*Photo and text exclusively owned by Koh Yi Ting.

 

IKEA’s Cold Water Prawns




Everyone knows and raves about their meatballs and chicken wings. I am fan too, but when a friend of mine told me I have to try their cold water prawns, I did and I am sold. It is absolutely sublime! There’s roe on the legs of the prawns and the meat is very succulent! The prawns literally slide out from the shell when you tug at it. No hassle at all, unlike the prawns we usually eat that require us to patiently separate the meat from the shell. Also, the texture and taste is somewhat to similar to abalone, no kidding. You have to try it!

Outlets:
IKEA Tampines, 60 Tampines North Drive 2
IKEA Alexandra, 317 Alexandra Road

*Photo and text exclusively owned by Koh Yi Ting.

 

Wah Kee Big Prawn Nodles @ Pek Kio Market & Food Centre

Monday, September 19, 2011 at 3:58 PM

The soup is so sublime that you will most probably finish the entire bowl of soup, and then feel guilty afterwards. Next, comes the prawns. They are humongous, never have I seen any prawns such a size in any prawn noodles I’ve had so far. And not to mention, it’s very fresh and the meat, very sweet. With the soup and the prawns, the noodles don’t seem that important anymore. Guilty pleasure, definitely.

*Photo and text exclusively owned by Koh Yi Ting.

 

Fat Boys (The Burger Bar)




Yes it sells burgers, but it’s not your normal typical burger from fast food joints. The ingredients and choices they have to offer, ensures that there’s a burger for everyone. The most popular choice from their specialty burgers? The Fat Basterd. Also, you can customize your own burger! If you do, try adding in Portobello mushrooms, it’s really good! Plus, since it’s a bar, they have beer, wine, milkshakes, floats and of course the usual drinks like coca-cola, root beer, etc. Other than being a good place to go to for all your burger cravings, it’s also one of the places you can go to, to chill and hang out with your friends.

Outlets:
187 Upper Thomson Road
465 Joo Chiat Road


*Photo and text exclusively owned by Koh Yi Ting.