We chat to BABS HOGAN from the Czech Republic. He says his neighbourhood offers a great balance of city convenience and community charm. Living at Flamingo Valley on Siglap Road, he enjoys being just moments from Siglap Centre, with plenty of dining and shopping options nearby, while still being close to the scenic attractions of the East Coast.
Name: Babs Hogan
From: Czech Republic
Occupation: FS8 studio owner, F45 studio owner
# About your Siglap neighbourhood
What’s the name of your street?
Siglap Road.
If it’s in another language, what does it mean?
The interesting part is the origin of “Siglap” itself. Most historians believe the name comes from the Malay phrase si-gelap or the word gelap, meaning “darkness” or “the darkness that conceals”.
What’s a common myth or misconception about Siglap?
Many people think Siglap is just a café and dining strip in the East, but it actually has a rich heritage as one of Singapore’s old coastal settlements. Before land reclamation, the sea was much closer, and the area was home to kampongs, plantations and diverse communities that helped shape the neighbourhood we know today.
Exact words you tell a taxi driver to get home?
“Siglap Road, please!”
Closest MRT station?
Kembangan (green East-West Line).
How long have you lived here? Why here?
Since November 2025. I love the neighbourhood, and we have also opened FS8 – Pilates, Tone and Yoga studio so it’s very convenient being so nearby, I can pop over any time.
# Condo Fact File
Name of condo: Flamingo Valley
Facilities: Swimming pool, gym, kids’ playground
Size: 500 units and only 5 stories high
New or old: Old
Walking distance to supermarket? Yes
Community vibe: Very friendly, small community vibe
# Siglap Road highlights
When you walk out of your place, what’s the first thing you see?
The first thing I see is a leafy residential neighbourhood with tree-lined streets, people walking their dogs, and cyclists heading towards East Coast Park. There’s a relaxed, laidback vibe that makes Siglap feel like a quiet retreat despite being in the city.
What’s the closest store to your front door?
Craftsmen Coffee and a Cold Storage.
If your street was chosen for a remake of a film, which would it be?
I’d pick Crazy Rich Asians. With its mix of landed homes, tropical greenery and East Coast lifestyle, parts of Siglap already feel like they belong in a Singapore-set film.
We’re sure your neighbours are great, but is there anything you wouldn’t mind a little less of?
We’re lucky to have great neighbours, but I wouldn’t mind a little less traffic along East Coast Road during peak hours. It’s a small trade-off for having so many great cafés, restaurants, and amenities nearby.
What’s the unofficial uniform of your street?
Black activewear and a coffee cup in hand. That’s probably the closest thing Siglap has to an official dress code!
Speaking of uniforms, if you have kids, do they go to a school in the neighbourhood?
Yes, they go to a school that’s a 15-minute drive from our house.
What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever seen on your street?
Police cars outside one of the houses evicting the old owner.
# Things to do around Siglap Road
What are some of your favourite places to eat or drink in the neighbourhood?
- Craftsmen Coffee shop – so close to my house and delicious coffee
- Baker & Cook
- Burma Social – also walking distance from my house, but the food really stands out; every single dish on their menu is so tasty
- 5 Oars – my other favourite coffee shop, it has a vibrant atmosphere and unique dishes on the menu
What are the best places to shop at in Siglap?
Cold Storage for food; for home items and fashion, you have to go to the Katong/Joo Chiat area, as unfortunately there’s not much in Siglap.
What are some fun or interesting things to do in Siglap?
Visit The Barking Bean. This is a local café you can bring your pet to; my kids love to go there as they can pat other animals (mainly dogs and cats).
What’s one thing you’d never change?
I’d never change the balance between city convenience and neighbourhood charm. Siglap feels relaxed and welcoming while still having everything you need close by.
How about one thing you would change?
It would be nice to see Siglap Centre get a revamp.
If the city gave you a million dollars to soup up your street, how would you use it?
I’d use it to create more green community spaces and improve cycling and pedestrian connections to East Coast Park. Siglap already has a great neighbourhood feel, but investing in spaces that bring people together while making it easier to get around sustainably would make it even better.
# Things to do in Singapore
What are your favourite Singapore spots for taking out-of-town guests?
For first-time visitors, I always take them to Lau Pa Sat for a classic Singapore food experience, especially the satay street in the evening. Then it’s off to the Marina Bay Sands SkyPark for the iconic skyline views and a real sense of how spectacular Singapore looks from above. To round things off, I bring them to East Coast Park for a leisurely walk or cycle by the sea – it’s one of the best places to experience the relaxed side of Singapore.
When you’re in need of a dose of culture, where do you go?
Joo Chiat is my go-to for a cultural fix. Between the beautifully preserved Peranakan shophouses, rich history and vibrant food scene, it offers a wonderful glimpse into Singapore’s heritage and character.
If you’re missing home, what do you do?
Video call my family.
Fact File
Babs’ neighbourhood is unique in Singapore for having a huge number of thoroughfares all with the name “Siglap” but a different suffix. A stroll in the area will take you not only along Siglap Road, but along Siglap Drive, Plain, Walk, Avenue, Bank, Rise, View, Terrace, Hill, Valley, Close and Gardens. As far as we know, the only other place in Singapore that has this many variations of road types is Springleaf – it has a Road, Avenue, Drive, Crescent, Garden, Height, Lane, Link, View, Rise and Walk!
Share your neighbourhood with us
If you love your little corner of Singapore, tell us about it! Just email contribute@expatliving.sg with “Street Talk” in the subject line, and include your name and street. We’ll be in touch!
This article first appeared in the August 2026 issue of Expat Living magazine. You can buy the latest mag or an annual subscription, or read the digital version free now.
