Where you choose to live in Singapore can really influence your life and time here. It has to feel right, suit your lifestyle and be convenient for work and/or school locations. Don’t feel you need to live where other expats are living – look far and wide! We chat to Klavdiia Gavrish from Russia about why she and her family chose to live in Pasir Ris, on the island’s northeast coast.
The Specifics
What’s the name of your street and neighbourhood? Pasir Ris Grove, Pasir Ris.
If it’s in another language, what does it mean? Pasir Ris means “white sand” in Malay.
Exact words you tell a taxi driver to get home? “29 Pasir Ris Grove, Coco Palms, please.”
Closest MRT station? Pasir Ris MRT, on the East West (green) line.
How long have you lived here? Since June 2018.
Why here? It’s a wonderful new condo near the MRT and close to Pasir Ris Park. The slogan of the condo is “Resort living at home”; doesn’t it sound nice?
The Scene
When you walk out of your place, the first thing you see is: White Sands Shopping Centre.
The closest store to your front door is: 7-Eleven.
Your street would make the perfect backdrop for a remake of: Something about a happy childhood! During the weekends, many children take their water floats (unicorns, flamingos, swans and more) and go swimming in the big lagoon. At Pasir Ris Park, families spend time playing and having picnics.
The unofficial uniform of your street is: School uniform; white shirt and blue or green skirt.
When you’re in need of a dose of culture, you: Go to Pasir Ris Park where there are lots of interesting things to see and do, including mangrove forests, a maze, kayaks to rent, and the Wild Wild Wet water theme park. You can also look across the ocean to Pulau Ubin Island.
If you’re missing home, you: Go to the condo’s salted swimming pool, then to the onsen-style hot bath and have a massage in the hydrotherapy pool.
A mandatory stop for out-of-town guests is: Pasir Ris Park and Pulau Ubin.
A common myth about your neighbourhood is: It’s so far from the city. But it isn’t in reality; it’s only about 40 minutes to Orchard by MRT.
The Superlatives
You won’t find better local food than at: Pasir Ris Central Hawker Centre.
The strangest thing you’ve ever seen on your street is: A chicken sitting high on a tree!
We love a good bargain. The best deals in your neighbourhood are: Ikea, Courts and Giant at Tampines Retail Park.
The guiltiest pleasure in your area is: The “Valu$” store where you can buy chocolate at cheap prices.
One thing you’d never change is: The area’s quietness, greenness and child friendliness.
But one thing you wouldn’t mind seeing go is: When delivery men on scooters drive too fast in the pedestrian zone.
The city gives you $5 million to soup up your street; you use it to: Add more nice and cosy cafés near the beach.
Like this? Read more at our neighbourhood guides section.
Guide to Telok Kurau on East Coast
Where to live in Singapore: Bartley
This article first appeared in the February 2019 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase a copy or subscribe so you never miss an issue!
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