You know old folks loved to read papers and so are mine. Because sometimes the papers will feature some roads or buildings in Singapore that brings back memories. Since right now, we are encouraged to do a local travel, shall continue to set the example for others to follow.
So if you are looking to start your Mount Faber or Marang Trail, from Harbourfront MRT Station you find Exit D and go out from there. When you are out, turn to your left where you will see some construction going on and on the right side is the road. Look out for the signs that read 'Mount Faber or Marang Trail', even on the floor. You will see exercise goers coming out from the woods. That's where it will bring you up to Mount Faber.
Please prepare yourself to walk many flights of stairs. Check on your folks if you are bringing them. Tedious for them based on my experience (me for one was puffing away already). As you walk, it will somehow caused you a little dizzy spell. So do it slow and easy. Oh remember to bring along water and towel. I sweat all over.
Spotted a colonial house on our way up. Dad was fascinated by the chimney because nowadays we seldom see chimney on private houses due to modernization.
In my opinion, this journey up to Mount Faber felt like last year 2019 when my husband and I were holidaying in Taipei, Taiwan and went to Taiwan's Elephant Mountain 象山 on one of those days during our stay and wow... the stairs were even steeper and the trail was higher than this one in Singapore.
So whenever we complete the flight of stairs (not yet reach the top), there will be a walking path or resting area (no seats by the way) where you can spot some nice views. Like here, we saw a little of Reflections at Keppel Bay and cable cars to and fro Mount Faber and Sentosa. So much like how Taiwan's Elephant Mountain 象山 was routed for their trail and you get to see Taipei 101. Nice.
Thank God though it was a sunny Saturday but when we were up at Faber Peak, the breeze was rewarding. Stayed there for awhile to wash up in the toilet, enjoy the breeze and photo taking.
Faber Peak is where you can buy your cable car tickets and go onboard to Sentosa. Hopefully you can spot Resorts World Sentosa from this photo.
Be rewarded with a million dollar view up here at Faber Peak. You can see Reflections at Keppel Bay (the tall buildings), Caribbean at Keppel Bay and Marina at Keppel Bay. Spot Sentosa Island too. A nice coastline of Singapore with tanker ships spreading all over the sea.
At Faber Peak, another panoramic view on one side which you get to see Telok Blangah, Tanjong Pagar (at the back), Central Business District (way at the back) and a little of our port (right hand side). Dad was saying that it will be a nicer view in the night. So drive up here, enjoy the night view and breeze.
So after some photo taking up at Faber Peak, time to go. Coming out from Faber Peak, we turned to our left that heads to Carpark C. Our destination to see the building, Danish Seamen's Church a.k.a Golden Bell Mansion. Please walk with care because no proper walking paths. Watch your back and front for cars.
The mixed colonial and asian style building at 10 Pender Road has been gazetted and was built by a businessman-philanthropist, Tan Boon Liat. If I remember correctly, there is a office or industrial building named after Tan Boon Liat at Outram Road. Anyway, read more about the gazetted building here. And if you know, I'm into such architectural styles not just those in Singapore but other countries too. So when I come across such buildings, I will get really excited. Oh... maybe old antique trains too. I don't know why. Haha... oh by the way, some works are going on at 10 Pender Road so you can only see and take photos from outside. Can't go in.
To be honest, there are so many roads in Singapore that I, myself a local breed don't know. Pender Road was really new to me. And now my knowledge bank expanded once again. Yes, my knowledge bank expands on every expedition with my folks, on top of any other usual days.
As we walked down Pender Road, finally spotted the red Saga seeds from the Saga Tree (also known as Adenanthera Pavonina). It was all lying on the side of the road and even the drains. So we did the 'Old and Dangerous' thing while watching our back for the coming traffic. So-called a fun activity with the folks ya.
Along Pender Road, you will find colonial houses (those black and white ones) on one side of the road and the other side will be condominiums or privates estates. Because they are private properties so no trespassing. Probably just take a few photos from outside (I mean the colonial houses). These houses mostly rent out to expatriates if you don't already know.
And that ended our fulfilling trip to Mount Faber. All of us were happy now that we saw what we wanted. Took a bus down to Seah Im Food Centre for lunch before we headed back home.
So people... don't just go to the malls and get stuck there with money flying away. Do such activities that cost you nothing but just some energy. Do it as an exercise, if you haven't been doing so for awhile. It aches but for a good purpose. Cheers!