The area is more popularly associated with the National University of (NUS). Dig a little deeper, however, and a rich historical tapestry is revealed below the surface, stretching back as far as the early 19 th century. Venture off the beaten track (Kent Ridge is actually part of a 9km chain of hills stretching from Clementi Woods all the way to the foothills) and uncover slick furniture shops, stately mansions, great food and echoes of machine guns on the beach front. kent ridge

KENT RIDGE west 2 3

Your first stop should be Kent Further south are the psychedelic Ridge Park (enter from South statues of Haw Par Villa (Pasir Road). Climb or jog Panjang Road). And moving to the top of the bluff for a eastwards is the superb museum, panoramic sweep of the ships Reflections at parked in the harbour far below. (31K Pepys Road), a two-storey The area is a regular haunt for bungalow that commemorates, fitness freaks out for their daily via stunning holographic and jog from the adjoining university. interactive shows, the Battle of If you have time, join the Bukit Chandu that was bravely fascinating eco-tours conducted led by a Malay regiment. by the Raffles Museum of Another popular destination in Biodiversity and Research the area is Labrador Park (enter REFLECTIONS AT BUKIT CHANDU (Block S6, Level 3, NUS). from Alexandra Road). Dating back to the 19 th century, the park was the site of a battlement guarding the island against invasion from the sea. During the Second World War, the battle- ment was installed with gun batteries and bunkers before it was finally decommissioned in GILLMAN VILLAGE the ‘40s in favour of Fort Canning. Today, couples taking advantage of the glorious views of the setting sun have their wedding pictures taken along the aerial boardwalks that wind their way through the thick forest. Descend the staircase to the jetty and shore and walk along a Enter Gillman Village through a extensive use of teak and breezy promenade looking out pair of old iron gates from Depot spotlighted by Balinese designs. onto an utterly unspoilt vista of Road. Formerly army The Shophouse is a lovely gallery ocean, with island feeling barracks, the village, which stocks a wide selection of like it’s almost within reach. surrounded by tropical beds and cupboards and just about forests, is now the site of everything you need to fit out your several excellent home. Also on site is a bizarre 12- furniture shops, foot high model of a T-Rex as well many featuring as the Handle Bar.

LABRADOR PARK

Take bus no. 200 to South Buona Did you know that Kent Ridge Vista Road or no. 92 to the end was named after Princess Marina, One of the most ambitious plans of Science Park Drive if you want Duchess of Kent, on her first visit for the Kent Ridge area is to to go to Kent Ridge. To get to to Singapore in 1952? construct bridges and introduce Labrador Park, take bus nos. 10, new trails along the nine- 30, 51, 143 & 176 to kilometre stretch from West Road. Then take a walk through Coast Park to Mount Faber, Labrador Villa Road. thus opening up the entire area to visitors and nature lovers. Gillman Village could also be spruced up with more specialist shops, art galleries, restaurants and start-up offices. PASIR PANJANG kent ridge 2 5

By now, all that walking and nature should have you just about ready to eat a horse. Drop by Pasir Panjang Village (corner of Pasir Panjang and South Buona Vista Roads) and slake your thirst over a cold lager at PASIR PANJANG VILLAGE one of the pubs in the complex, or plan your Road). For something serving its famed boneless but the softly-fragrant next stop over some more low-key, Lim Seng duck rice for years now. duck is worth the effort. chicken pies at Mr Bake Lee (38 South Buona Due to its popularity, (412, Vista Road) has been parking here is a hassle