Monday, February 27, 2017

Woodlands, Palm Trees and Temples in Singapore


Problem
Woodlands is in the far north of Singapore, almost over into Malaysia, miles from the airport and the shopping centre of Orchard Road. Why would I go there? How would I get there? Is it a downmarket place?

Answer
An Indian couple people who ended up in Woodlands because his job took him there told me they prefer Woodlands to the District One city centre. Instead of sky scrapers, they family enjoy space and greenery, a secluded garden city, within the bigger garden city of the city state.

Story
Years ago the American School moved from the centre of the city towards Woodlands, because the centre of the city was more of a security risk. At that time I thought that the more expensive and exclusive areas nearer the centre were better, and that people who claimed to like living out of town were either sports freaks or compensating for their lack of income and success and make the best of being on the outskirts of Singapore. Then I was more interested in shopping than cycling, bored by beaches and big open spaces.

Trees
However, the first time I took the train to Woodlands MRT station, I was uplifted by the avenues of palm trees leading to and from the station. It was a delight to walk between them, enjoying the sight of the sun sinking behind the trees.

I visited a complex of offices and found tucked away around the corner two adjacent temples.

Photos by Angela Lansbury. Copyright.
Temples
Two great temples, colourful, beautiful.

Author
Angela Lansbury

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