Siglap
http://www.expatliving.sg/article/property/singapore-property-guide/neighbourhood-watch-siglap-march-2011

Brit SARAH LIVINGSTON likens life in Siglap to a permanent vacation. With rooftop terraces, spacious gardens and a little lobster thermidor thrown in for good measure, we are inclined to agree.

Why Siglap?
I had visited the area many times as I have several friends in the area, and I thought Siglap had a great feel about it. Plus, when I started looking around I realised just how much more space you get for your money in the east, versus more central neighbourhoods.

Best thing about living in this area?
I feel like I’m on holiday every time I go home! It is peaceful, and our condo has lovely gardens, a great pool and plenty of cafés and restaurants that are within walking distance.

Why this particular home?
I live in a condominium called The Hacienda. It is an older, low-rise development, and it’s so spacious. I have a unique apartment that has lots of character and is very different from any of the others I have seen. Despite it being an older property, it doesn’t look tired, because our landlord renovated the kitchen and bathrooms. I also love the gardens and pools. Newer developments rarely have gardens, and I’m not a fan of the tiny, shadowed lap pools that are common in many of the newer properties.

Which facilities are important to you?
A pool and a gym. The Hacienda has both, plus a squash court. I don’t have a car and often work late, so it’s essential for me to have quick and easy places to eat that are within walking. Another “must have” is outside space – all units in The Hacienda have sizeable balconies.

Any myths about your neighbourhood that you would like to dispel?
People think Siglap is miles away! It is actually only a 20-minute drive to the city during rush hour. It’s straight down the ECP, which is one of the least congested highways in Singapore.

What is missing from your area?
Though buses are readily available from right outside the condominium entrance, I do miss an MRT station. Money spent on taxis really adds up. The nearest MRT stations are Kembangan and Bedok, both of which are 15 to 20 minutes away, which is too long to walk in work clothes on a hot, sticky day!

Favourite restaurant for special night out?
Perle Noire – an intimate seafood restaurant that serves amazing oysters and, my personal favourite, lobster thermidor. It’s not cheap but still provides good value.

Favourite “cheap and cheerful” restaurant?
Hua Yu Wee is one of the best local seafood restaurants in town. In an old bungalow on Upper East Coast Road, its food quality is incredible and it provides much better value than its counterparts along the coast. The deep-fried baby squid and sambal prawns are must-tries! They also do a mean chilli crab.

Preferred watering holes?
Usually I go to Vines on Nine – a fairly new and well-appointed bar and restaurant with a good range of wine, comfortable candlelit tables, friendly service and tasty lasagne. Other popular local bars include Blooie’s Roadhouse, which also has a great food menu (but not for the calorie-conscious!), and Vie Bar.

Any hidden gems in your neighbourhood?
I am a massive fan of reading, and there’s a great little second-hand bookshop called The Reading Place at Siglap Centre that is just two minutes away on foot. It sells a range of fiction and non-fiction at reasonable prices.

Complete this sentence: This neighbourhood is perfect for …
Anyone from young couples to families who enjoys a slighter slower pace of life.

Recommendations:

Perle Noire 687 East Coast Road +65 6448 1732 www.perlenoire.com.sg	Hua Yu Wee 462 Upper East Coast Road +65 6442 9313	The Reading Place #01-06 Siglap Centre 55 Siglap Road +65 6441 0210
Vines on Nine Café Bar No. 9 Upper East Coast Road #01-01 +65 6441 0232 www.thesociety.com.sg/micro/vines	Blooie’s Roadhouse 49 Jalan Tua Kong +65 6442 0030 www.blooies.com