Drunken Soybean

Woodlands South is close to the borders of Johor Bahru, Malaysia, and when we moved here earlier this year, my first question was, “Where can I possibly find a peaceful spot to escape the hustle and bustle of city life?” I assumed that Woodlands South, being a bit farther out from central Singapore, wouldn’t have much in the way of parks, especially compared to the urbanized areas where green spaces are typically concentrated. But I was wrong.

Singapore is a smart country that strives to balance the demands of work with the need for relaxation and outdoor spaces. Despite being a small country, the government has done an impressive job of integrating parks into the urban environment—whether near HDBs, MRT stations, or even highways! It’s remarkable how efficiently these green spaces are scattered across the island.

Curious to see what was near me, I researched parks around our home. To my delight, I found Ulu Sembawang Park, and it’s not just any park—it’s connected to other parks by a park connector. And I’m not keeping it a secret anymore! Here are a few shots of the park’s beauty: it remains untouched, a quiet retreat far removed from the urban hustle of Singapore, and one of the best spots to watch the sunrise.

I’ve noticed a few regulars—a pair of elderly folks—who frequent this spot every morning to catch the sunrise before starting their day. It’s a simple, peaceful ritual that adds to the charm of the place.

What I love most is the vastness of the greenery. There are no buildings in sight, and the usual sounds of buses, trains, and traffic are nowhere to be heard. It’s just nature, pure and simple.

All these photos were proudly taken with my 13-year-old Canon digital camera—my trusty little “memory wizard.”