Singapore River Walk

After lunch Jonathan and I took a little stroll along the Singapore River, a couple hours and 6 km later we called a Grab and headed home.

Running along the curving river, the path kept going and going. It was mid-day and quite hot, but we're pretty used to the heat here. The path was mostly tree lined and it was open enough along the river to get a decent breeze though.

We really enjoyed walking through this green river corridor with the urban setting in the background. There are nice flat wide paths on both sides of the river. Pedestrian bridges allow you to cross the river regularly and there are pedestrian underpasses letting you travel under the roads without having to go up the cross walk and leave the park setting. Along the river would be a nice part of town to live in. I imagine there are lots of kids on scooters out here in the evening.

We saw quite a few walkers and a couple joggers and the odd cyclist while we were out. Eventually we passed an open air Hawker Centre and I picked up a Lemon Tea. The Auntie made it in a tall plastic glass stuffed with ice. She poured in strong hot black tea, along with a heaping spoonful of white sugar, a slice of lemon and topped the cup with a splash of cool water. I would order it again, maybe even without the sugar. Jonathan quenched his thirst with a bottle of water.

Along the way we noticed that alcoholic drinks were about $9 in Boat Quay where we started and over $20 for the same thing farther down the path. There were some big beautiful shady patios full of dappled light from leafy trees and big plush cushions to lounge against while enjoying brunch. I wish I had noted the name of at least one places we passed.

We ended our walk somewhere past Alexandra Canal. There's a neat park there with a Education Hut, designed Wetlands and even a Water Play Area. I'd love to take the kids back there and have a good splash in the the Water Play Area that has been designed to look like it's part of the river. It was still closed due to COVID. In the wetland section we spotted lots of schooling fish and turtles sunning themselves on the shore.

Shortly before the wetland I disturbed something rather large in the grass as I walked along the path. When I peered in I saw a round scaly 5-inch diameter grey-brown tail slithering along. I let out a little shriek, before realizing it was a Water Monitor, and not a giant snake.

We actually just set out to take a tiny walk after our big burger lunch, but the idea that we could stop at any moment and call a Grab (like a taxi) kept us walking for much longer than we intended.

This is also why they call Singapore the Garden City. No matter where you are, there's a park-like setting to enjoy within minutes of you.