West Coast Village Residences sits above a shopping mall and is continually aerated by sea breezes freshened by two green lungs – West Coast Park and Clementi Woods. It also enjoys easy access to educational institutions – including the National University of Singapore (NUS), various Japanese junior and senior schools, local and international schools – and Singapore’s industrial epicentre in Jurong.

Clementi Woods’ undulating parkland and mature Tembusu trees provide immediate relief but a 10-minute stroll away, the West Coast Park provides a greater diversity in flora, fauna, landscape and facilities. All these right next to a cluster of ship-building and repair yards.

A short bus ride away, Haw Par Villa still offers a fascinating peek into the Chinese concept of life after death – where punishments are almost more severe than the wrong-doings. In its heyday, the park was one of Singapore’s premier theme-parks but there is a quiet charm in its current almost forgotten state.

There is an air of nostalgia in the West Coast Market’s food centre and unsurprisingly, most of Singapore’s favourite local dishes are available from dawn to nightfall. Food stalls carry an alphabetical-grading for cleanliness and food vendors with an A-grade tend to display this more prominently . . . naturally. And while you tuck into your favourite food, allow the cobbler to repair your shoes for the walk in the park.

Other attractions – not quite within walking distance – such as the Henderson Wave (a series of canopy walks over lush forests) and Labrador Park (where gun emplacements provide clues to the defence of Singapore) merit a visit.

West Coast Park
West Coast Highway

An extensive park that stretches from the highway to the sea, West Coast Park immediately grabs those with an interest in botany. The stunning blooms of the Canon Ball Tree contrast with the hanging roots of the banyan tree swinging leisurely in the breeze. A boardwalk flanked by giant wild Pandanus leads to the marsh, home to birds such as the Striated Heron, Whistling Duck, Egrets and Kingfishers. Obstacle courses and playground satisfy those seeking to expend some energy but visitors could choose to stroll along the promenade – to observe the busy shipyards or the bumboats lazily anchored offshore.

Kent Ridge Park
Accessed via Pepys Road (off Pasir Panjang Road) or Vigilante Drive (off South Buona Vista Road)

Named after the Duchess of Kent during her visit in 1952, the park contains a rich variety of trees, plants, birds and insects. A canopy on the eastern end of the park affords a view from above. Reflections at Bukit Chandu (open 0900 – 1700 hrs daily except Mondays) is a museum showcasing the area’s World War II history.

West Coast Market
Clementi West Street 2, Block 726

The food centre within this market evokes a strong air of nostalgia. From morning to nightfall, there is an incessant procession of locals seeking out their favourite hawker fares. A line of hungry patrons is a sure sign of something delicious. Note the grading that each stall receives for cleanliness and vendors who received the A-grade prominently display their achievement.

Labrador Park
(Access via Labrador Villa Road)

The park and its rocky cliffs provide the setting for one of Singapore’s most interesting World War II sites. War bunkers and gun emplacements dating back to 1843 dot the landscape, ready to protect Singapore from the sea-borne attack that never came. Equally well preserved is the park’s eco-system and bird-watchers will be pleasantly surprised.

Haw Par Villa (formerly Tiger Balm Gardens)
262 Pasir Panjang Road
Opening hours – 0900 – 1900 hrs (free admission)

Built in 1937 as the private gardens of the Aw Family – owners of the Tiger Balm brand of ointments, Haw Par Villa is famous for its colourful grottoes cramped with not-so-gentle reminders of the punishments in the after-life for mid-deeds during one’s earthly existence. Comically, revered sages stand a few paces away from seduction by demons in womanly form. Virtues and vices co-exist adjacent to one another and one should not be shy about rubbing the laughing Buddha’s tummy for luck.

Henderson Waves
Telok Blangah Hill Park
(Bus 51 – alight one stop after Alexandra Point – cross bridge to start of canopy walk)

Henderson Waves is but one of the highlight in this area – it crosses high over a busy road. A series of canopy walk meanders through a huge expanse of lush forests from Telok Blangah Hill Park to Mount Faber Park. Take advantage of the cooler morning air or the balmy conditions at dusk to enjoy this incredibly beautiful park.