Saturday, July 19, 2008
Alexandra Hortpark :)

Singapore Alexandra Hortpark

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What a surprise the both of us had when we visited the Alexandra area. We were intending to go to Labrador Park when we chanced upon the Alexandra Arch (the white cool looking bridge down Alexandra Road). It was when I made a rash decision of trying out what was it all about. Interestingly, we tried to travel by car into Gillman village, thinking that the start of the bridge was there. We soon realised that it was at the opposite end of the Alexandra road, at a place called "Hort Park"

Horticulture - http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=horticulture which in short is called hort park was a great eye opener to me. It was one of the most beautiful man-made attraction I have ever seen, so much so it was better than Desaru Fruit Farm. And the best part was that viewing is free (other than the parking fees which was @ $2.22) However, we only got to know more about the park at the later part of our journey. For the start, we decided to attempt the Alexandra Arch and see where it would lead us to.

The Alexandra Arch was none other than a fanciful overhead bridge, but the architectural detailing of the bridge deserves credit. Unlike many bridges, this bridge draws an appearance that it is hanging on a single beam, which make it look very unique from its other older brothers. As we were walking over the bridge, it was noticeable that Singapore is starting to notice the area from Alexandra, with tour groups guiding people around the place.

As we walked past the Alexandra Arch, we were greeted with the Forest walk to Telok Blangah Hill. Towering over the trees and vegetation around the area, the forest walk has two pathways; one on ground level and the other above metal girders and platform. It was a Treetop walk at Macritchie brought to a bigger scale. The walk was simply refreshing. There were many guides introducing the different trees around the area, and photo opportunities of paranomic views. Although the walk was short, we took about an hour before reaching to the top, partly due to us being camera whores.

Upon reaching the top of Telok Blangah Hill, we went exploring around the bends of the road, trying to reach yet another bridge known as the Henderson Wave. As we were walking, we noticed a small little entrance tucked nicely under a slope. Based on our curiosities, we climbed up the stairs that looked so much like the Narnia we watched in the cinema. And it was a matter of seconds before we were greeted by many bushes of Bougainvillea. Upon reaching the top of the knoll, we could see the whole stretch of the south of Singapore. From Pasir Panjang Port to Sentosa and Mount Faber, its sister knoll.

It took us 15 minutes before we finally found the Henderson Wave. Yet another Architectural marvel, this bridge was different from the Alexandra Arch. While the latter had a footpath of mainly concrete, the former had its footpath in wood. Over at the end of the bridge, you could see the waves curling up and down in a simple harmonic motion. At every wave, there was a little shelter where the elderly would take a break and feel the cool sea breeze from above. It was one of the most refreshing views throughout this trip. As we stayed on, we overheard the conversation of 3 elderly uncles

"Hey, if you ever walk around here, it is best not for you to drive, cause you will have to go back take your car."

Sigh, he was so right..

We had time to explore part of the Hort Park. As we walked into the main compound of the place, interior design and architectural layout were once again screaming out attention to the public. I must really take my hat off the directors of the park for putting up a lovely environment for the general public to view. From interior furnishing which blends with a natural environment, to exhibits of garden with different themes, it is truly a haven for both the botanist and the architect.

If I were ever to come back here again, I'll make sure I would bring my 5 mega pixel camera with me. Till then, I would rate this trip 10/10! Kudos!