We talk to ASHIMA SURI from Singapore about living in Silversea condo, near Parkway Parade shopping mall, and what she loves about the neighbourhood around her condo in Marine Parade. Ashima also chats about living near the beach and her favourite things to do in the area and in Singapore.
About Marine Parade
What’s the name of your street?
Marine Parade Road.
What’s a common myth or misconception about your neighbourhood?
In Singapore, the West and the East side have distinct characteristics and you often see a group preferring one or the other. The East tends to be misunderstood for being too far from all the buzz, or for being sleepy and slow. On the contrary, neighbourhoods like Katong and Joo Chiat are bursting at the seams with energy, creating a fun and welcoming environment for all. A stroll on the streets in the evening will lift your spirit with all the activity around. And a night walk in East Coast Park would figure in any top 10 list to experience in this city and is one of my all-time favourites.
Exact words you tell a taxi driver to get home?
The closest landmark is the popular mall, Parkway Parade, so we usually just tell them to take us there and then get to the building near the roundabout.
Closest MRT station?
At present, it’s Dakota (Circle Line) or Paya Lebar (Circle and East-West Lines). But Marine Parade Station and Tanjong Katong Station, both on the Thomson-East Coast Line, will be opening this year.
How long have you lived here?
We’ve lived in our current condo for just over a year. We had always been at River Valley since moving to Singapore, but the idea was to be closer to nature – that’s the reason we chose Silversea.
MRT News: The Brown Line
Singapore’s sixth MRT line, the Thomson-East Coast Line, has been opening in stages since 2020, starting with three stations in Woodlands in the island’s north. Stage 4 is due to open in June this year, including seven new stations stretching from Tanjong Rhu to Bayshore in Bedok. Stage 5, further to the east, will follow in 2025. The Thomson-East Coast Line will eventually extend to Changi Airport (Terminal 5).
Singapore’s seventh MRT line will be the teal coloured Jurong Region Line, set to open from 2027.
Silversea Condo Fact File
Name: Silversea Condo
Facilities: 50m leisure pool, children’s pool, 50m lap pool, heated jacuzzi, state-of-the-art gym, spa villas, outdoor dining facilities, foot reflexology and children’s play area
Size: 383 units
New or old: Built in 2014
Nearest supermarket: Four-minute walk
Vibe: “It’s a mix of locals and expats in the condo as well as good schools. There are kids of all age groups, too.”
Ashima’s Marine Parade neighbourhood highlights
When you walk out of your place, what’s the first thing you see?
The sea! Silversea is connected to East Coast Park via the underpass and that’s a huge advantage of living here.
What’s the closest store to your front door?
Definitely Parkway Parade.
If your street was chosen for a remake of a film, which would it be?
A Walk to Remember because this street offers a perfect setting for long walks and engaging conversations.
We’re sure your neighbours are great, but is there anything you wouldn’t mind a little less of?
The constant construction and roadworks right outside the condo; that being said, I know the Marine Parade Community Centre and MRT is upcoming and I think that despite the construction sounds, it’s going to be worth the wait.
What’s the unofficial uniform of your street?
Definitely athleisure.
What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever seen on your street?
A white-and-blushing-pink Rolls Royce!
Things to do in Marine Parade
What are your three favourite places to eat or drink near your condo in Marine Parade?
Papi’s Tacos on Joo Chiat Road has some delicious tacos and power bowls. Another favourite is Micro Bakery, located in The Red House, which once housed the historically renowned Katong Bakery & Confectionery Company. The ambience of the place is fabulous, and their breads taste great. Roll Gaadi, which is Singapore’s first ever kathi roll kiosk, serves some of the most delicious kebab and kathi rolls.
What are the best places to shop near Silversea condo?
Parkway Parade is the closest mall and has literally everything under one roof. That is the go-to place for most people around. There is also i12 Katong which is walking distance and has a bunch of nice eating places. Some of the condos, including ours, run shuttles to i12 Katong making it very easy to get to as well.
What are some fun or interesting things to do around Parkway Parade?
Joo Chiat has some of the most historical Peranakan buildings in the Katong district and it also has some really nice cafés and boutiques and a lot of great photo opportunities. East Coast Park is a fitness enthusiast’s paradise and offers the opportunity for any physical activity you want to pursue, while Katong is a food lover’s dream, from local laksa to funky bars and intimate restaurants.
Since I am a family photographer and I love shooting outdoors, I’m always looking for scenic backdrops. Joo Chiat and East Coast Park offer these so effortlessly. I had been frequenting these spots long before I moved to the East, and now that I live here, I’m discovering some more hidden picturesque corners in the neighbourhood.
What’s one thing you’d never change about your Silversea condo home?
Definitely the mesmerising presence of the beach and the lush greenery that surrounds it. The natural beauty of this environment not only enriches daily life but also fosters a sense of peace and connection with the world around.
If the city gave you a million dollars to soup up Marine Parade, how would you use it?
I might not need a million dollars to soup it up, but I love bursts of colour. I might find some creative ways of bringing in more colour across the streets, also offering unlikely spots for a good photo.
Living in gated condos, it’s not always straightforward to meet our neighbours, but I would love to get the Marine Parade community involved in promoting and creating public art together, especially the kids.
Favourite things to do in Singapore
What are your favourite Singapore spots for taking out-of-town guests?
Gardens by the Bay, Arab Street, local hawker centres, hot pot restaurants in Chinatown, Fort Canning Park.
When you’re in need of a dose of culture, where do you go?
Visit the shophouses at Emerald Hill or Joo Chiat, take a tour around Chinatown or go to some of the local wet markets.
If you’re missing home, what do you do?
Indian food is what I usually crave when I miss home so I can often be found at Murugan or MTR in Little India.
Ashima is a photographer at Ashima Suri Photography (ashimasuriphotography.com)
This article first appeared in the April 2024 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe so you never miss a copy!
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