I mentioned in my snaps that I was craving a simple evening walk, so after dinner I took my sneakers and headed to Upper Boon Keng. The timing was perfect, right on blue hour... when the sky turns into a deep, blue canvas and the city lights begin to glow. A small underpass sign read “Upper Boon Keng — Towards City,” and stepping through felt like crossing into a quieter chapter of the night.
Boon Keng sits along the Kallang-Whampoa River, and the first thing that put me at ease was the water. It was so calm it acted like a mirror, doubling the skyline and turning ordinary HDB blocks into impressive city structures. The reflections looked almost painted... soft blues, charcoal clouds, and a clean gold line of windows glowing on the surface. A gentle breeze turned the river feel gentle, carrying that faint, comforting scent of grass after sundown.
The park connector gently sloped down along the bank. Joggers move along at their own rhythms, headphones on, steady and relaxed. Cyclists ring their bells politely as they slipped by. Near one of the courts, a group was playing pickleball, I can hear their laughter as quickly as their shots. You could tell they weren’t just exercising; they were unwinding together. Moments like that are why I love walking... exercise without the pressure, a chance to breathe while absorbing the scenes of joy around the neighborhood.
Boon Keng at this hour has an easy vibe. It isn’t crowded, but it isn’t empty either... just the right number of people doing their thing. A young couple paused to take photos by the river, a few kids rode scooters while their parents are watching over them, and seniors are slowly taking their steps along the winding paths beside the HDBs. It felt safe, friendly, and very local. In a city that can move at a fast speed, this corner of Kallang feels so calming and peaceful.
I slowed down near the water to watch the clouds thicken, shifting shapes in the dim light. Across the river, the buildings lit up like an amazing cityscape. The evening was turning cooler by the minute, and my mind was doing that good, calm drift that only walking can bring. If you’ve had a long day and need to de-fog your thoughts, this stretch is such a reliable reset.
At the end of my loop, I reached Chwee Kang Beo temple. It isn’t massive, but it certainly knows how to make an entrance. Warm, dim lighting wrapped around the eaves and columns; red tones glowed like embers, inviting but reverent. Inside, intricate carvings and lanterns gave the space texture and depth. A history panel on the wall hinted at community stories and river journeys from decades ago... a reminder that this young-feeling neighborhood has deep roots. I stood there for a moment, grateful for places that hold beautiful memory.
I walked back feeling restored. No rush, no checklist... just a pleasant hour of blue skies fading to night, friendly faces on the park connector, and the soft glow of a temple that became the best landmark along this part of the river. If you’re nearby after dinner and craving a peaceful wander, Boon Keng is a lovely place to try. Bring comfortable shoes, follow the water, let your pace be easy, and see where the lights lead you. Sometimes the best parts of the city reveal themselves when we simply slow down to meet them.
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