The highest peak in Singapore

Went for a hike at Bukit Timah Hill, the highest peak in Singapore!

Parking is always a perenial problem at Bukit Timah Hill. We reached there by 6.40am, saw a long queque of vehicles waiting for clearance of the gantry gate for the parking lots. Fortunate enough to take the last offical parking lot available. (the cars behind me had to park illegally in the empty space in between the lines of vehicles)

Panting for breath when ascending the steep slope immediately after walking passed the visiting centre. Suddenly, the images of one of my former secondary school mates collapsed and passed on when hiking up Ayer Itam Dam a few years back flashed through my head! What an aweful thought. 

Quickly paused and took some photos with my camera... finally got my composure back and resumed hiking up the hill.

It has been many years (> 5 years at least) since I last visited Bukit Timah Hill. Flora abound, but no sight of any fauna (apart from hikers of various ages).

There are many hiking trails leading to the peak. Some can be quite challenging.

Soothing scenery, fresh air abound.

Trail leading to Dairy Farm

Trees and roots...

And the peak...

Embracing the nature

Weekends are reserved for nature walks and exercises.

The various Nature Parks locally are good places to visit and explore. The fresh air in the woods, particularly after a day's rain, is particularly invigorating. 

The trees, leaves, rays of light shinig through the canopy were soothing to the eyes.

The morning exercises also offer me good opportunity to snap pictures with my camera!

The vertical vines embracing the tree are fascinating!

Texture of the fallen tree

The "luminous" leaves

Many colours of leaves... autumn?

Worshipping the nature???

Hiking trail in Chestnut Nature Park...
 

Dakota Crest BTO flat selection for CK

CK and Jo applied for 4-room BTO apartment @ Dakota Crest in Feb 2022. They were informed that they were on waiting list GU288 (out of 241 units available). Alas, we thought the chance of them getting one unit in Dakota Crest would be very slim. They have submitted another application in June 2022, for BTO at Toa Payoh area.

Then to our pleasant surprise, he received a notification from HDB for flat selection of remaining units at Dakota Crest 3 weeks ago... Guess some successful applicants have declined the offers, "giving chance" to those on waiting list.

CK monitored the availability of units for the week leading to our scheduled appointment day (21-July-2022) --- the numbers dropped from 60s --> 30s --> 18 --> then 16 on our appointed day.

Only low floor units or those facing carpark are available....

We opted for low floor unit at Block 24B. Mission accomplished --- expected TOP in 2027!

The BTO units @ Dakota Crest were conveniently located within walking distance from our current residential unit, close to town and MRT station, with hawker centre just meters away.

Truly blessed to be successful in the bid!!!

Traffic offence

I have always prided myself as a safe driver.

Hence, I was rather surprised to receive a letter from Traffic Police that I had crossed double white line when driving pass a road junction (Jalan Besar and Syed Alwi Road) over 3 weeks ago. This offence apparently carries a fine of $130 and 3 demerit points!

I have no recollection of making the error. Nevertheless, I have submitted my particular to the relevant authority, and may consider writing a letter of appeal following that.

Addendum (27/7/22)

Was pleasantly surprised by reply letter from Traffic Police today. The authority has kindly waived the penalty of $150 and 5 demerit points, in view of my "clean" record over the years. Hooray!

"Sightseeing" Locally

With the lifting of social restriction over the recent months (in keeping with Live with COVID policy), there is a sudden surge in demands for oversea travels /tours. 

Even with cautious warning of resurgence of COVID cases in various countries (from new Omicron subvariants), many tourists take the warning in their stride when venturing abroad.

Of course, nothing beats enjoying the cool autumn weather / enchanting autumn colours / authentic foreign cultures (including their delicious food) when travelling overseas. The landscapes and architectures in foreign land can be rather enchanting too!

However, with the air ticket prices being more expensive than before (in addition to risk of catching COVID abroad), one should not overlook local Instagram-able "hotspots".

Upper Pierce Reservoir

Upper Pierce Reservoir

Iconic Merlion

MBS at night

Jetty @ Labrador Park 

MBS, Flyer