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i have been called for few airport transfers for the whole of last week. flight departures were as early as 3am. it has been a tiring and fulfilling week with few quick naps in my nissan in between jobs. one of those few jobs was a last minute call after their failing attempts for a cab. luckily i had just finished my shower when i received their call, and was feeling fresh to go for this long hour drive.
i normally do the pick-up two hours before flight departure, and it was usually a one-way trip. in my last airport job, a group of factory personnels booked my transport service to see their friend off. i was requested to come back to the airport after two whole hours to pick up my customers for a return trip back to their homes.
it was already midnight when i headed for home after the last drop. it was a good drive and the cool breeze was still fresh in my mind. i enjoyed the pleasant night cruising with perfect temperature before calling it a day (or should i say 'night'...or 'morning'...whatever). it helped me to relax my mind.
before i started to ferry passengers to and from airport, i took the initiative and surfed airport site for information pertaining to its facilities, terminals, pick-up/drop-off points and so on. but the changi airport site was overloaded with more information than i needed, letting me know that the place is more than just a transit point with flights and people. it also revealed all the relaxing surprises. my favourite happens to be the nature trail with all the tropical garden layouts - - butterfly garden at terminal 3, level 2 transit mall
- bamboo garden at terminal 1, level 2 transit mall
- cactus garden at terminal 1, level 3 transit mall
- fern garden with koi pond at terminal 1, level 3 transit mall
- orchid garden with koi pond at terminal 2, level 2 transit mall
- sun flower garden at terminal 2, level 3 transit mall
unfortunately, not all airport visitors can enjoy the tranquility of these gardens as they are situated in the transit mall itself. i think it is not a good idea for such facilities to be restricted and under utilized.
and for those who love to get wet, can give it a try and pamper themselves at the balinese-themed swimming pool and jacuzzi at terminal 1 transit mall east near transit hotel.
all we need is to google.
we went, had fun on the beach, enjoyed the sea breeze, pat the horses, had a joyful bicycle ride...pasir ris is the real place for family bonding.
but first, let's find a place to park your vehicle...if you wish to visit the gallop cafe & bar, you can drive and have your vehicle parked at car park c. it is also few minutes walk to the mangrove boardwalk. and if you walk straight up you can enthrall yourself with the harmony and serenity that the coconut trees have created along the sandy beach. but if you wish to go straight to the beach or playground for a picnic, i would advise that you get a parking spot at car park d or e.
and talking about picnic, do not bring any light disposable cutlery because the wind can really blow them away easily. but if you have to, please remember to hold on to them. and i do encourage you to bring along some warm jackets for your younglings because the place is windy and quite cold. my two wonderful visits to the park were equally enjoyable and i'm glad that my family shares the same view.
one thing that i really love about the whole place is its difference from the other beaches here in singapore. despite the sunny afternoon, every area in the park stays cool with the help of the never-ending blowing wind and the canopy of shady trees. and even the sea water could make you shiver under the afternoon sun. if the other beaches make you all sweaty, pasir ris park will make you wish you had a jacket with you.and turning to the playground, i suddenly wish my children have not outgrown the rides. it really looked fun with all the children and their parents laughing and playing. i saw few families having a picnic within the area watching their kids running around trying on the rides. but one thing that that can make the fun place more complete is a children paddling pool.
i used to hear whining from our locals about the limited interesting places here in singapore. but when asked about their visit to this or that place, some would fumble and hesitate to admit their ignorance, while others would bluntly admitted that they 'never heard of the place' or 'not sure where it is'. thus, i assume it's our own different interests that made certain places unpopular. and if we gave such places the chance, we will allow ourselves to see the bigger picture of our small island.
but our friends from the east have so much to brag about. pasir ris alone has lots to offer for fun or relaxing family recreations. we can find beach, resorts, chalets, camp-sites, eateries and nightlife sites. i believe downtown east , chalet and wild wild wet are already famous among us. but only few may know about the mangrove boardwalk built in pasir ris beach park, bringing nature lovers closer to its inhabitants. for those who love to preserve nature through camera lens, don't forget to bring along the tripod, because the whole place serves a beautiful backdrop for a beautiful outdoor family photo. other attractions in the park include beach, bicycle and skate rides, kayaking, children playground, pony rides and the rest is up to our own creativity.
we can find out more about pasir ris park and its map HERE
