Date of Visit: 19 September 2026 A weekend date with your partner doesn’t always require an expensive meals, an overpriced plane ticket or an elaborate itinerary. Sometimes, the best trips are right in our own backyard that blends in rich local flavors, a walk down memory lane, and a relaxed afternoon exploring historic neighborhoods. If you're looking for a perfect day trip in Singapore, here is how we spent a meaningful weekend re-exploring the charm, nostalgia, and hidden gems of Katong and Marine Parade. My hubby will be the storyteller for the day. Nostalgic Detour: Roxy Square Address: 50 East Coast Rd Singapore 428769 Nearest MRT: Marine Parade (TEL) We kicked off our day with Roxy Square . Built on the historic site of the old Roxy Theatre, this spot retains a quiet retro charm. Wandering through its classic tailor shops, traditional beauty salons, and quiet music nooks felt like stepping into another era; a true hidden gem for anyone who appreciates the quieter side of her...
Just a week later, while still deep in grief, I decided to make the trip. Being just a short bus ride from my house in Yishun, it felt close enough to reach out and a touch of familiar comfort. But stepping inside brought a flood of conflicting emotions. I found myself looking at all these gentle creatures living, breathing, and thriving, while my own one and only was gone forever. It sparked a strange, heavy mix of feelings that I hope people can pardon, as grief naturally makes the heart process things in complex ways.
Tucked next to HomeTeamNS Khatib and surrounded by the ongoing construction of upcoming BTOs, the site carries a sense that it may not be their permanent home for long. It made me think of how stressful moving from place to place must be for turtles and tortoises, something my own baby struggled with too.
Getting There & Visitor Essentials
Getting to the museum is straightforward with the nearest MRT station, Khatib. Then followed by a comfortable 5- to 10-minute walk.
Ticket & Visitor Details
Admission: $11 for Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents (presenting your pink NRIC).
Feeding Experience: Veggies and food pellets start from $2 at the ticket counter if you want to feed the giant tortoises. I would advise you to buy more because it was fun feeding them.
Souvenir Shelf: Located right next to the counter, perfect for grabbing a small keepsake before or after your walk.
Did you know this museum was originally started by a loving father and daughter duo who simply wanted to share their pets and educate the public about these amazing creatures? And every single dollar spent on entry tickets, feeding packets, or souvenirs goes directly toward paying off overheads, food, and operating expenses to keep this sanctuary running.
Seeing their resilience to keep this museum running, it touched something deep inside me. It transformed my sadness into a desire to act: I want to look into how I can support them, whether through donations or volunteering my time.
Special Species & Gentle Encounters
Instead of telling you about every single species, I'll let these photos show you the amazing variety of gentle souls living here and next time you can see more in-depth when you visit.
Yellow-Spotted River Turtle (Chelonoidis Denticulatus)
My Baby - Red Eared Slider Turtle (Trachemys Scripta Elegans)
A Familiar Face: Seeing the Red Eared Slider Turtle swimming lazily in their ponds brought an immediate pang to my heart. Their quick paddles and curious eyes reminded me so much of my beloved baby. And I saw one of them losing a claw and that is so sad. But it still perseveres through swimming around.
Giant Asian Pond Turtle (Heosemys Grandis)
While walking through the museum, I noticed some Giant Asian Pond Turtles with cracked shells and visible holes. Seeing them like that made my heart ache. Even though they were still alive, active, and kicking, I couldn't help but feel terribly sad for what they must have gone through.
If something like that had ever happened to my own baby while she was alive, I would have cried buckets. Spotting those injuries was a painful reminder of just how fragile these creatures can be, and how deeply we feel for them when they are hurt.
Free-Roaming Giants & Their Cute Waddle
Before heading in, the owner reminded us that the food pellets are meant for the aquatic turtles in the water, while the fresh vegetables are for the free-roaming tortoises on the ground.
Watching these tortoises amble freely around visitors while munching on greens was an absolute joy. The way they walk is almost too cute to describe, balancing on their heavy feet, it looks just like they're walking on heels!
The biggest tortoise in the sanctuary
Visitor Etiquette & Safety for All
While feeding the free-roaming tortoises is a lovely experience, it comes with a strong need for basic respect and caution.
Mindful Behavior Around Animals
Seeing these gentle creatures upclose requires us to treat them as living beings, not toys. The recent viral news about a visitor inappropriately squatting and sitting on a tortoise in China brings me so much anger. It is heartbreaking when people don't know that their shells are sensitive and carry live spine structures underneath. Tortoises can feel pressure, pain, and stress just like any other animal. Please admire them gently and treat them with kindness and respect.
Important Note for Parents
If you are visiting with young children, please keep a close eye on them at all times, especially during feeding sessions. Turtles and tortoises have strong jaws and can accidentally bite small hands when reaching for food. You are responsible for your children's safety. Staying close to guide them ensures everyone has a fun, safe experience without any preventable accidents.
Final Reflection
Visiting the museum wasn't easy on my grieving heart, but it was a quiet, necessary step toward healing. Being surrounded by these slow, steady souls reminded me of the precious 26 years I shared with my beloved baby. If you ever have a morning or afternoon to spare, do stop by and support this unique place, these shelled friends truly deserve all the love we can give them.
I’ve again put together collages for your comparison of my original photos side-by-side with the AI-transformed versions in Watercolor style to see the difference. Absolutely beautiful.
Date of Visit: 29 August 2026
Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored. All thoughts, reviews, and opinions shared here are entirely my own and based on my personal experiences. They do not reflect the views or positions of any companies, employers, or organizations I am associated with. All food, beverages, and products featured were purchased independently unless otherwise stated.
