From old quarry to housing estate, laid-back Potong Pasir is packed with picturesque sights and hidden experiences that Singaporeans who don’t live there may not know about
Potong Pasir, in the shadow of its more flashy neighbours such as Kovan and the Serangoon estates, is a nondescript town seemingly frozen in the halcyon days of the ‘80s when the housing estate was built.
Potong Pasir, meaning “cut sand” in Malay, is often overlooked. The area used to be a sand quarry surrounded by kampong in the early days. After decades of growth, it is today known as a unique Singaporean town — that isn’t home to a shopping mall.
Despite the apparent lack of ultra-modern facilities, there are several picturesque sights or more hidden experiences in and around Potong Pasir that you can find.
Bidadari Memorial Garden used to consist of large grassy areas, where residents of Potong Pasir played, jogged or picnicked. (Photo: Pamela Chow)
6. Relax or picnic in a vanishing garden
You may have heard of Bidadari Memorial Garden, located off Upper Serangoon Road (at the junction of Upper Aljunied Road), which will soon make way for the upcoming built-to-order (BTO) HDB flats.
Most people who know of Bidadari have the impression that it was solely a cemetery. However, there were also open spaces and grassy areas where many residents of Potong Pasir would picnic, play or even go jogging along the tracks.
A huge part of Bidadari has now been cordoned off to prepare for construction. Nonetheless, a large patch of field by the road still remains untouched, with several somewhat gothic-looking trees remaining. If you’re up for a unique yet unusual experience, pick a spot beneath the shade in this historic location, and relax as you watch the cars go by.
Bidadari Memorial Garden, junction of Upp Serangoon Road & Upp Aljunied Road
Like many characteristics of Singapore, memories may soon give way to modernity. Experience these little spots of sentimentality before they vanish.
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