Whether you’re already living in Singapore or moving here from overseas, nothing beats hearing from the residents themselves! Here, we speak to Costa Rican LAURA FLORES GARNIER about what it’s like living in Bedok and about her particular condo. She’s close to East Coast Park and has some favourite restaurants and malls to recommend.
The Specifics
What’s the name of your street?
Bayshore Road.
What’s a common myth or misconception about your neighbourhood?
That it’s so far away and that there’s nothing close by. Well, it depends on what you are looking for and what you’re used to. We just take the MRT to go everywhere. We don’t have a big supermarket within walking distance, but our condo has all the facilities we need.
Closest MRT station?
Bedok MRT Station.
How long have you lived here? Why here?
We’ve been here for slightly more than one year. It’s close to my husband’s office and we fell in love with East Coast Park, which is an underpass away. Besides, the view from our condo window is amazing!
The Scene
When you walk out of your place, what’s the first thing you see?
East Coast Park.
What’s the closest store to your front door?
The little shop downstairs in the condo. If you want a bigger store, you’ll need to go to Bedok Mall.
We’re sure your neighbours are great, but is there anything you wouldn’t mind a little less of?
People walking up and down the stairs at midnight. And durian smells in the elevator (sorry, I’m not a durian fan!).
What’s the unofficial uniform of your street?
Shorts and sandals – love the beach vibe here!
What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever seen on your street?
A couple riding on their scooter with a hen!
The Superlatives
What are your three favourite places to eat or drink in the neighbourhood?
There are so many places you can walk to and find amazing local food. There’s East Coast Lagoon Food Village and other great seafood restaurants like Jumbo at East Coast Park. I also really like PS.Cafe (East Coast Park Carpark D3).
Where are the best places to shop at in the neighbourhood?
For meats, chicken and fish, I recommend the wet market at Bedok Town Centre. For vegetables and fruit, you can go to stands #01-101 and #01-48 – they have really good prices and variety. For plastics, plates and glasses, storage boxes for the home or kitchen, and other small basic things for the home, you can go to ABC.
For fancier things, there’s Bedok Mall and NTUC FairPrice. If you’re looking for appliances, I recommend Harvey Norman at Bedok Point. And, if you want clothes, the best place is Bedok Mall – it has a lot of stores and you can constantly find good offers. They are all in the same area, so it’s really easy to move around between them.
What are some fun or interesting things to do in the neighbourhood?
Go to the skate park, do some paddle boarding or try water skiing at East Coast Park.
What’s one thing you’d never change?
The safety of the area and the amazing park close by. We go to enjoy the green space almost every day!
If the city gave you a million dollars to soup up your street, how would you use it?
I would speed up the construction on the MRT station that’s just around the corner.
Beyond the ‘hood
What are your favourite Singapore spots for taking out-of-town guests?
Aside from East Coast Lagoon Food Village in our ’hood, you can’t miss Gardens by the Bay (for the Domes and the Supertrees light show), Marina Bay Sands (for the view from the upper floors and the light show), Merlion Park, National Gallery, ArtScience Museum, Sentosa (for Universal Studios, the SEA Aquarium, Adventure Cove Waterpark, the beach and the light shows), Chinatown (the Heritage Centre is really good!), Little India, Tanjong Pagar and so much more. I actually have a document with a list of activities to do and the price of each activity, so the visitors can choose!
When you’re in need of a dose of culture, where do you go?
A hawker centre or Chinatown.
If you’re missing home, what do you do?
Cook something that reminds me of home!
Condo Fact File
- Name: Costa Del Sol
- Age: 16 years Size: 906 units
- Facilities: Pools, tennis courts, mini market, laundry, clinic and restaurant
- Community Vibe: Friendly with different cultures
Do you love your hood?
Share it with others – just email us at contribute@expatliving.sg with “Street Talk” in the subject line. Include your name and street, and we’ll be in touch.
For more helpful tips head to our Living in Singapore section.
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