May 1, 2019

Serangoon River

 
Serangoon River

Serangoon River

Most of the time we walked the banks of the Serangoon River, they were along the west bank on the park connector. The few times we walked the east we could not do the whole stretch due to construction of various roads. For this walk we wanted to check whether the whole bank from Tampines Road to Lorong Halus was passable.

The walking group met at Gourmet Delights at Oasis Terraces to begin our walk along the Punggol Waterway to the Lorong Halus Wetland. After crossing the pedestrian bridge we turned right to begin the walk along the east bank. Before we could take more than a few steps a worker came out telling us we could not proceed further because of construction work. We had no choice but to turn back across the bridge to walk the west bank.


Bridge across Pasir Ris Industrial Drive 1
So we moved along the Serangoon Park Connector until the newly completed bridge extension from Punggol Central. We noticed a flight of stairs at the other end of the bridge so we decided to cross this bridge to access the east bank again. After crossing the bridge we went under the bridge to continue our trek along the river bank with the river on our right and the former dumping ground on our left behind a fence. The day was hot and there were minimal shade.

At the Tampines Expressway was a construction site. They were constructing more access roads to the Tampines Expressway. We managed to walk through the construction site but the supervisor advised us not to come by the same way again as he showed us the way to the exit to continue our walk toward Tampines Road. We were happy we did not have to turn back.



Looking back at Tampines Expressway
At Buangkok East Drive a couple came down the slope beside the bridge to enjoy some private time. After this the rest of the walk was uneventful except for the heat.
The river split into two branches and we had to follow the river to the left. We came to a newly completed 8-lane highway that seemed to lead to nowhere and there was no traffic. Had we studied the map we could follow this road direct to Tampines Road. Instead we crossed the highway, followed the canal and climbed over a fence to get to Tampines Road. Here we turned right to our destination at Kovan Mall where we ended our walk.


Road that led to nowhere

So what did we learn during this walk? The trail from Lorong Halus Wetland should be passable as construction at the other end where we crossed over is nearing the end. We noticed that all work were completed and the workers were just tidying up. The bridge is already in use and according to onemap.sg is called Pasir Ris Industrial Drive 1. This is accessible from Pasir Ris Farmway 3 and Lorong Halus.

Except for construction at Tampines Expressway, the whole stretch of the trail along the east bank of Serangoon River should be passable. The whole trail has been hardened with reused construction materials so we do not have to experience muddy puddles anymore. The only issue is the trail is exposed to the hot sun.

Our Route


Map data ©2019 Google, Urban Redevelopment Authority

March 26, 2019

Kranji Marshes and Thow Kwang Pottery

 
Raptor Tower at Kranji Marshes


Kranji Marshes

The Kranji Marshes is situated in the western part of Singapore. As it is far from where most of us live we decided to include a visit to the Thow Kwang Pottery for we have not been there for several years. 

To get there we arranged to meet at Lot One Shoppers' Mall in Chua Chu Kang for lunch first. Then from the front of the mall take bus service 975 to Lim Chu Kang Road where we alighted at the bus stop just before Lim Chu Kang Lane 1. An easier way is to take the Kranji Countryside Express bus from Kranji MRT Station that will take us to the Marshes. But we wanted to work in 10km of walking as part of our weekly routine. After alighting from the bus we walked along Lim Chu Kang Lane 1 at the end of which we turned right into Neo Tiew Road. About 400m on we turned left into LCK Lane 2. We stopped at D'Kranji Farm Resort for a short rest. This is also where the Kranji Express will make one of its stop. D'Kranji offers farm stays, gardening workshops and has a restaurant and pub. After the break we walked further in toward the Marshes. 


View from Raptor Tower

Only the Marsh Station and the trail leading to it from D'Kranji is accessible to the public. The rest of the areas are closed to allow the marshes to mature further.

Parking is available at the Kranji Gate. From here visitors have to hike their way to the  Marsh Station. Here there is the Raptor Tower for us to get a higher view of the areas and the wildlife. There are also hides on the ground for observing the birds feeding.



Thow Kwang Dragon Kiln


Thow Kwang Pottery

We left the way we came by walking towards Neo Tiew Road where we made a left turn to walk to Jalan Bahar to catch bus 975 to Choa Chu Kang Road. Along Neo Tiew Road we passed by Bollywood Veggies and a signboard leading to Seng Choon Farm one of the larger eggs producer. 


At the first bus stop after turning into Choa Chu Kang Road we alighted and crossed the road to take a bus to Nanyang Avenue where we alighted at the junction. We crossed Jalan Bahar and walked along Nanyang Avenue until we past JTC CleanTech One where the bus stop is. Just behind it is a path that took us all the way to Thow Kwang Pottery. One of their friendly staff welcomed us and showed us around and invited us to enter the dragon kiln. 



Inside the Dragon Kiln

We entered the kiln and were amazed by the size. The kiln is fired only 3-4 times a year. The public are welcome to bring their art pieces for joint firing and help in the firing as well.

A selection of porcelain ware

We walked around the place and saw many types of porcelain wares most of which are now imported. Thow Kwang is on a mission to educate the public on pottery and conducts classes accommodating more than a hundred students with 20 potter's wheels.

Potter's Wheels


Related Posts

Lim Chu Kang Farms
Round Island Walk - Boon Lay to Kranji  


How to get there

For those going direct to the pottery take a train to Boon Lay Station and change to bus service 199 that will take one to CleanTech One.

Our Route to Kranji Marshes

Map data ©2019 Google