Finally, the mystery of staying in Tanjong Rhu is unravelled. Ahaha. My frens and I used to wonder how the residents inhabitating this plot of land survives in isolation. But well, its true that they are rich enuff to show off their Lexus and Ferrari to the closest grocery stores.
And yes! There are indeed ppl staying there!!
Hehz. :p
Since those exclusive condominiums started sprouting here, particularly PebbleBay, staying in Tanjong Rhu has always been my dream. I remember how I had always wished that I could be snoozing in one of the units each time I travel along the BenjaminShearesBridge overlooking Tanjong Rhu. I yearned, hoped, and wished. Finally, my prayers were heard.
Now, each day, tender sunlight kisses wakes me up to a fresh morning from as early as 7am. If you stay here like me, you can watch Mr Smiley Sun creep up slowly from Pebble Bay Condominium. Unless you've installed thick or blackout curtains, enjoy Mother Nature's way of getting up to a brand new day saving you the money to buy even batteries for an alarm clock.
Facing the Kallang Stadium, the perks of this place are pretty obvious. Cool strong winds, beautiful sunrise, and a magnificent view of the KallangRiver, which gets even better on National Day whereby you can see the much sought after fireworks bloom in your face. From the balcony, you can see when the only Bus Service 158 is approaching and regulars might just wonder why you are always so lucky to catch the bus on time. Kallang and Aljunied MRT is just a 15 and 20-minute ride away respectively.
Comments on the inaccessibility are common due to the facts that there is only one bus service and the considerable distance from the main road. However, apart from the 10 minute interval public bus service, shuttle buses are available to KallangLeisurePark, Parkway Parade, Shenton Way and Millennia Walk etc... Moreover, streams of cabs would purposely come in to wait and pick up customers. Being a stone's throw away from the city, the cab fare to SuntecCity will only cost $4.40.
Groceries-wise, Costa Rhu and PebbleBay have their own minimart within their compounds. Find fresh vegetable, meats, frozen food, sauces, snacks, and other basic necessities to whip up a decent meal. Gourmet food from Swiss Butchery is also available at the minimart in Costa Rhu. But do expect the groceries to be slightly pricier by a few cents. By keeping up appearances, right down to wearing a watch downstairs to buy some groceries might be more important than in other places here, it seems - that I learnt after the snobbishly horrid storekeeper barked at me to look at the clock myself when I asked her for the time and chucked me a torn plastic bag with an apathetic frown.
For those who still need to do the full groceries, the nearest wet market would be at Kampong Arang. Although there are only about 8 stalls, including meat, poultry, fish, vegetables and provisions, you will be able to find most of the items you need here. To avoid going home empty-handed, be there before 9am as most stalls will close by about 10am. For exceptionally fresh fish, buy from Robinsons, the fishmonger near the centre staircase, a nickname given by the local regulars for his premium and expensive scales. Non wet-marketers can always head to the Shop 'N' Save at KallangLeisurePark.
Kampong Arang Food Centre is small but satisfying, I would say. Limited choices there may be but who needs that much variety when the available ones are great. Tasty Lor Mee from the old PUB Somerset Cafe, yummy Malay Rice, delicious Wanton Mee and tell me, how many more places sells you a piping hot plate of Fried Carrot Cake for $1.50. Also, deeper into the next block hides a stall that launch a thousand wheels, Tanjong Rhu Pau. Cute mini buns stuffed with char siew, lotus or red bean paste fly off the racks round the clock. You might also like to try their specialty, 'Yuan Yang Pau' - a unique blend of red bean, lotus paste, and egg yolk.
Walk back from KallangLeisurePark and you'll realise that laughter-filled fun and activities never cease to be heard along this joyful river. Strong voices of gung-ho dragon boat racers, competing kayakers and patient fishermen continuously rejuvenate the calm river with positive life and energy. The vast open field is also popular spot for soccer, baseball, kite-flying, and believe it or not, golf players (Serious! I once saw a Eurasian man practise his putting skills there).
Colourful neon lights of the Oasis and Stadium Cove gradually blossom into an outstanding presence as the sky starts to dim down into the night. Cars carrying couples, friends and close-knitted families line the lane as they stop to bask in the serene tranquillity of the mesmerising scene. As perfect as a painted picture, the captivating panoramic view lures many to set up tents overnight just to get intoxicated in its beauty.
Walking to the Stadium Cove from Costa Rhu takes a little over 15 mins, depending on whether its human snails or human sails you're talking about. Stop by at CosyBay for beer, chow Chilli Crab and Mee Goreng at Punggol Choon Seng or simply take a relaxing stroll by the water to soothe those ruffled feathers. Check out their bazaar (high class pasar malam) during the weekends for nifty accessories or bargains.
I must say that I love it here, and it just gets better as National Day approaches and the stadium lights start to beam. The long meandering road in to where I stay is a good 'workout' for my car; the early morning sunshine ensures me 'worms', and the breath-taking view is ever so alluring. No complains, really. Maybe one - I can't stand the shopkeeper...
