Where you choose to live in Singapore can really influence your life and time here.Β It has to feel right, suit your lifestyle and be convenient for work and/or school locations.Β Don’t feel you need to live where other expats are living β 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
Whatβs the name of your street and neighbourhood? Pasir Ris Grove, Pasir Ris.
If itβs in another language, what does it mean? Pasir Ris means βwhite sandβ in Malay.
Exact words you tell a taxi driver to get home? β29 Pasir Ris Grove, Coco Palms, please.β
Closest MRT station? Pasir Ris MRT, on the East West (green) line.
How long have you lived here? Since June 2018.
Why here? Itβs a wonderful new condo near the MRT and close to Pasir Ris Park. The slogan of the condo is βResort living at homeβ; doesnβt 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 youβre 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 youβre missing home, you: Go to the condoβs 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: Itβs so far from the city. But it isnβt in reality; itβs only about 40 minutes to Orchard by MRT.
The Superlatives
You wonβt find better local food than at: Pasir Ris Central Hawker Centre.
The strangest thing youβve 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 βValu$β store where you can buy chocolate at cheap prices.
One thing youβd never change is: The areaβs quietness, greenness and child friendliness.
But one thing you wouldnβt 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 cafΓ©s 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!
