Punggol...
It is about Punggol, just a tiny bit about Punggol.
Do you know that part of the Punggol we see today is actually reclaimed land? Some online searches revealed that approval was given to a North-Eastern Coast land reclamation project in the 1980s. Although land reclamation is common in Singapore, how many of us really know the exact areas reclaimed? Most of us would probably know about land reclamation in Jurong islands, Marina Bay, and East Coast...but Punggol? Yes, Punggol. Or is it just me being the only one not knowing about this?
Before land reclamation came along, Punggol was mainly about farms, kampongs and seafood restaurants. Then they were asked to leave as plans on the drawing board were going to be turned into reality. Maybe some temporary uses took the place of these for a while, and of cause there were the land reclamation project. Maybe the farms, kampongs and seafood restaurants were still there when the land reclamation were in progress?
During the 1990s, 'Punggol 21' project was announced and serious urbanisation of Punggol started. 'Punggol 21 plus' was later announced in the 2000s.
Rewinding back to the Second World War, Punggol has a part to play as well. That incident eventually gave Punggol Point the National Heritage Site statues.
To many, today's Punggol might be still an ulu place in Singapore. To me, Punggol is an area filled with a story of urbanisation in progress and a future that seems to be filled with endless possibilities.
I do enjoy the 'ulu-ness' of Punggol today and I hope it would stay this way for the next 50 years or even longer. But reality is not what I hoped for. Look around Punggol today and you would see developments popping up. It is not going to stop. In just a few years time, various projects would be completed, people will continue moving into the area, and more plots of land will be fenced up with construction happening within it.
There is more to Punggol that people might take little notice of... There is an offshore island (Pulau Serangoon, also known as Coney Island), and also a once waste landfill now wetland (Lorong Halus) connected to Punggol. But that shall be left out of this essay for now, as it is getting long...
This is Singapore. Instead of thinking whether to be happy or sad for the changes surrounding us, I guess being thankful is a better option.
This entry was actually long overdue... finally it is ready.
Looking afar from the 'Wave Bridge' of Punggol Waterway, one could see construction happening on the left, empty land parcels on the right, and far away is Coney Island. But in a few year's time, this sight will be different...
This is Coney Island. No cones, just lots of trees while looking at it from the main island. The island is currently fenced up from a road leading in that is found along Punggol Promenade. Plans were announced this year that part of the island will be transformed into Singapore's ninth nature park. Surely, another up and coming change to Punggol.
It seems that many would not believe this is Singapore. This is Lorong Halus Wetland. Strictly speaking, I do not think this wetland is considered part of Punggol. But it is linked to Punggol via a very aesthetically appealing bridge along Punngol Promenade and you can see the housing estate of Punngol afar. Once a waste landfill, today it is a wetland whereby one can relax and feel unsafe by stray dogs and overly quiet surroundings at times. Mixed feelings? You will feel safer with the company of friends, loved ones of just strangers; rather than visiting alone.
Alright, this looks more like a wetland, with water lily ponds.
Another view of the pond. One can see the housing estate of Punggol afar. But as time goes by, I believe the housing estate will 'move closer' to the wetland as Punggol continues to develop.
Towards the late afternoon, one can see the silhouette view of cranes and housing blocks. A common sight in Punggol as it continues to develop.
Another late afternoon sight at Punggol.
In recent years, the relevant authorities have come together to make Punggol Promenade a great place for people to enjoy the nature it has to offer. Proper landscape and visitor friendly amenities have been created. All these done with minimising any negative effects towards the area in mind.
Part of the Promenade is even paved with dirt/ mini pebbles/ sand...whatever that thing is called.
More recently, the news reported that a few parcels of area nearby Punggol Point is released for some businesses. I am not quite sure about the exact details. But for sure, it seems that Punggol is transforming rapidly in the recent years. One set back for me is the cost involves into traveling to Punggol. It cost more compared to East or West Coast.
Lastly, you can click here to view the previous entry I have made on Punngol Waterway.
View it bigger: Photo 1 (Go to "Actions" and "View all sizes")
Month Taken: November 2012, December 2012
Time Taken: Morning and Afternoon
Photo Size Above: 650 pixels - Longer side
Do you know that part of the Punggol we see today is actually reclaimed land? Some online searches revealed that approval was given to a North-Eastern Coast land reclamation project in the 1980s. Although land reclamation is common in Singapore, how many of us really know the exact areas reclaimed? Most of us would probably know about land reclamation in Jurong islands, Marina Bay, and East Coast...but Punggol? Yes, Punggol. Or is it just me being the only one not knowing about this?
Before land reclamation came along, Punggol was mainly about farms, kampongs and seafood restaurants. Then they were asked to leave as plans on the drawing board were going to be turned into reality. Maybe some temporary uses took the place of these for a while, and of cause there were the land reclamation project. Maybe the farms, kampongs and seafood restaurants were still there when the land reclamation were in progress?
During the 1990s, 'Punggol 21' project was announced and serious urbanisation of Punggol started. 'Punggol 21 plus' was later announced in the 2000s.
Rewinding back to the Second World War, Punggol has a part to play as well. That incident eventually gave Punggol Point the National Heritage Site statues.
To many, today's Punggol might be still an ulu place in Singapore. To me, Punggol is an area filled with a story of urbanisation in progress and a future that seems to be filled with endless possibilities.
I do enjoy the 'ulu-ness' of Punggol today and I hope it would stay this way for the next 50 years or even longer. But reality is not what I hoped for. Look around Punggol today and you would see developments popping up. It is not going to stop. In just a few years time, various projects would be completed, people will continue moving into the area, and more plots of land will be fenced up with construction happening within it.
There is more to Punggol that people might take little notice of... There is an offshore island (Pulau Serangoon, also known as Coney Island), and also a once waste landfill now wetland (Lorong Halus) connected to Punggol. But that shall be left out of this essay for now, as it is getting long...
This is Singapore. Instead of thinking whether to be happy or sad for the changes surrounding us, I guess being thankful is a better option.
This entry was actually long overdue... finally it is ready.
More recently, the news reported that a few parcels of area nearby Punggol Point is released for some businesses. I am not quite sure about the exact details. But for sure, it seems that Punggol is transforming rapidly in the recent years. One set back for me is the cost involves into traveling to Punggol. It cost more compared to East or West Coast.
Lastly, you can click here to view the previous entry I have made on Punngol Waterway.
View it bigger: Photo 1 (Go to "Actions" and "View all sizes")
Month Taken: November 2012, December 2012
Time Taken: Morning and Afternoon
Photo Size Above: 650 pixels - Longer side
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