Café-hopping, movie-watching, window-shopping  – these are some of the usual date ideas. If you’re looking for something different (whether it’s to spice things up or to impress a date), there’s plenty to do in the heartland!

For the Nature Lovin’ Duo

Enjoy the outdoors? There is a wide assortment of parks and trails nestled in HDB estates that are perfect for your different date ideas. These include familiar green spaces such as Ang Mo Kio Town Garden West,  Coney Island located near Punggol and Bukit Batok Town Park (Little Guilin).

For a breath of fresh air (literally), take a journey to the West and check out Jurong Lake Gardens! Comprising the Lakeside, Chinese and Japanese Gardens, the recreational space was identified for renewal and further development under the Remaking Our Heartland (ROH) Programme in 2011. The revamped Jurong Lake Gardens will be opened in phases, with Lakeside Garden marking its first phase in April 2019.

From Singapore’s largest nature heartland play garden (Forest Rumble) to a boardwalk experience through the freshwater swamp forest (Rasu Walk), get ready for a day’s adventure at Jurong Lake Gardens!

Located in Bukit Panjang is Chestnut Nature Park. At 81 hectares, this nature park is also Singapore’s largest to date. From hiking to birdwatching and even mountain biking, the park is the perfect for your outdoor date ideas!

There are two main hiking trails to choose from – the Northern Hiking Trail (3.5km) and the Southern Hiking Trail (2.1km). The former consists of more forested trails located next to water streams while the latter offers hilly walks that eventually lead to open lalang fields.

If you’re a couple that derives thrills from being on wheels, you can check out a cycling route that brings you from Tampines to Pasir Ris in less than 20 minutes. You’ll end up at Pasir Ris Park, where you can do some birdwatching, or just sit by beach listening to the lapping waves. For a more heart-pumping activity at Pasir Ris Park, hop on the multiple trails or the Mangrove Boardwalk and who knows you may just spot some of the park’s secret wildlife residents!

If the Tampines-Pasir Ris cycling route feels like riding on a training bike, how about challenging your date to a wheelie long ride on the Round Island Route? Stretching across 75km and covering the eastern half of Singapore, the first phase of the Round Island Route will take you on a journey round places such as Rower’s Bay at Lower Seletar where you may find Grey Herons and Copper-cheeked Frogs at the wetlands, and Changi Beach Park where the sights and sea breeze makes you feel like you’re on a beach vacation.

For the Shutterbugs

This one’s for the Instagram boyfriends and girlfriends! You’ve probably captured countless shots of your partner at our #HDBeautiful void decks, lush rooftop gardens, and against our colourful block facades. Here’s another location for you: our playgrounds!

There are plenty of vibrant and quirky playgrounds in HDB estates – including the well-loved and iconic dragon playground in Toa Payoh! Other iconic spots include the watermelon and mangosteen-themed playgrounds at Tampines Central Park, and the tilting train playground at Tiong Bahru.

For something a little less conventional, visit the Dinosaur Playground at Woodland’s Fu Shan Garden and the shipwrecked-themed playground at Sembawang Park.

Our playgrounds have evolved in their design and functions over the years, and are definitely an Insta-worthy backdrop for your photos.

For the Art Lovers

Whether you’re a culture buff or someone who appreciates works of art, this date idea is sure to tickle your fancy!

Take a stroll around the blocks of Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3 and 4 and you will spot nostalgic murals of well-loved Singapore snacks such as ang ku kueh, satay, and old-school items like the traditional hot water flask.

These murals are part of the Wayfinding Project by the Alzheimer’s Disease Association, which uses these murals to help residents with dementia easily recognise their surroundings.

For a dose of high art in the heartland, head to one of the Void Deck Art Galleries and you’ll find hand-painted murals of iconic and inspired artworks by artists Van Gogh, Andy Warhol and Picasso.

For the Adrenaline Junkies

Save for the roller coasters and bungee jumps at Sentosa, there may not be many other heart-pumping activities in Singapore. But what if we told you there are unconventional date ideas for thrill-seekers, which can only be found in an HDB town?

The Firemen Slides and the Roll Glider, Singapore’s first indoor aerial attraction that comprises hang-gliding, a coaster ride and proximity flight will definitely get your adrenaline going.

In addition to these date ideas in the heartland, you can also explore your neighborhood in the comfort of your home with our latest reads.

While some may prefer to live amidst lush green spaces, others could prefer to be around calming water bodies. But why choose one when you can have both?

From waterfront living to resort-like views, we bring you 4 #HDBeautiful housing projects that effortlessly marry green and blue elements so residents can enjoy eco-friendly living right at their doorsteps. Some of these projects are also ABC Waters certified, which means they have incorporated Active, Beautiful, Clean waters (hence the term ABC) features within their design and landscape.

1. Alkaff Oasis

Located in Bidadari, Alkaff Oasis is surrounded by lush greenery and eco-friendly features. Within this Built-To-Order (BTO) project are rain gardens that can help to treat rainwater runoff. Seating spaces near the rain gardens bring people closer to the water, while signage provides more information about the rain gardens and their features.

Alkaff Oasis is also a place where residents can enjoy amenities, such as children’s playgrounds and fitness stations, amidst a green and relaxed environment. Roof gardens, façade greenery, and green roofs on the pavilion and covered linkway add to the beauty of Alkaff Oasis.

2. Waterfront I & II @ Northshore

Fancy the idea of resort-like living? Waterfront I & II are BTO projects situated along the Punggol seafront– just imagine the view! However, the view isn’t the only gorgeous thing about these projects, they also feature lush greenery— from the drop-off points to the eco-deck on the carpark roof, as well as roof gardens at various levels.

There are also footpaths, fitness corners and playgrounds that are close to bio-retention swales, vegetated swales, and a rain garden. These water features help to treat rainwater run-off.

Additionally, a coastal park connector runs the length of these developments, linking residents to other green pockets like the Sengkang Riverside Park, recreational facilities, amenities, and dining spots.

3. The River Vista @ Kallang

The River Vista @ Kallang is an HDB project flanked by the Kallang River. Along the river’s edge is a viewing gallery, as well as lookout decks that offer great waterfront views. On the opposite bank of the river is a floating pontoon and boat shed, for those who fancy some kayaking.

As with all HDB developments, plentiful greenery is located all around and there is also a community garden within The River Vista @ Kallang. A park connector, which runs alongside the development, leads residents to even more green spaces like Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, and even Gardens by the Bay.

3. Hougang Capeview

A fishing spot, multiple viewing decks (1 in the estate and 2 along the river), and a park connector that links you to Sengkang and Punggol – Hougang Capeview has it all. You can enjoy the scenic view of Serangoon River and maybe spot some otters!

The viewing decks are cosy communal spaces for residents and visitors to enjoy the breeze while relaxing or exercising. Lush landscaping can be found throughout the development—around the blocks, atop the carpark, along walking paths, and at the central landscaped space where the playground and fitness stations are located.

Interested to find out about more #HDBeautiful projects? Read about the ones that have won Design Awards here!

HDB flats comes in a variety of designs, some of which have achieved iconic status over the years. Whether you’re a budding photographer, exploring different photography styles or looking to spice up your Instagram feed, take a trip to the heartlands and discover Instagram-worthy HDB projects that have won HDB Design Awards.

1. Scenic Sea Views

Facing the Straits of Johor, Northshore StraitsView, as the housing project is aptly named, embraces the idea of waterfront living.

Inspired by the scenes of a seafront oasis set against the backdrop of rolling mountains, the staggered blocks are designed to form a dynamic skyline along the waterfront. In addition to its architectural outline, the white and blue facade of the project also makes it an interesting photo subject, especially with the sea as a visual complement – definitely one of our top Instagram-worthy HDB projects!

To enjoy the breeze as well as capture the perfect sunset-by-the-sea moment, simply head out to the viewing decks via the sheltered linkways.

2. Keeping It Minimal

As clichéd as it sounds, sometimes less is really more. Having fewer elements in a photograph can direct focus on the subject for greater visual impact. For a photo that pops, position yourself in the foreground of the minimalist Northshore Residences I & II blocks in Punggol. Breaking the sleek facade of the HDB blocks are vertical fins, which are also designed for rain protection.

The unique play spaces within the project also make for interesting photo spots, especially when set against the backdrop of the towering Instagram-worthy HDB blocks.

3. Home in a Garden

The perfect photo spot for nature lovers, the verdant greenery of Alkaff CourtView is reminiscent of an urban garden. Designed to capitalise on Bidadari’s rolling greens and rich heritage, the project also houses a wide verandah surrounded by lush landscaping.

In addition to photographing the generous green spaces within the precinct, take the chance to explore Bidadari Greenway, a 1.6km-long green spine that traverses the entire estate!

4. Geometric Lines and Angles

Tall HDB blocks create opportunities for minimalistic shots of HDB flats with the sky as a canvas. This style of photography is not only easy on the eyes, it also makes your subject pop which is perfect for the ‘gram. Hougang RiverCourt is a good example of this.

Venture within the blocks for a variety of landscaped spaces, and in other spots, shapes and lines in the surroundings can also be used to frame your photos.

Discover more Instagram-worthy HDB projects

Author Suffian Hakim grew up in a 4-room flat in Bukit Panjang with his family, where he had to share a room with his late grandmother. “Every night, she would tell me horror stories about monsters as tall as HDB flats and fantastical stories about sentient grains of rice and talking animals.” Suffian reminisces. “I am a storyteller today because my grandma passed it on to me. We may have used different mediums and languages, but that spirit lives on in me.”

Deriving Inspiration from HDB Living

From a Harry Potter satire starring Harris bin Potter from Tampines, to a horror comedy set in a Yishun HDB flat, Suffian Hakim’s works prominently feature the HDB heartland. “I write what I know,” he explains. “And I know HDB spaces because I’ve lived in them for most of my life. There is great food, arresting art and novel businesses in our estates. I always try to capture that energy when I’m writing stories set in Singapore.”

A proud HDB dweller, Suffian also says the heartland references in his stories help keep his quirky, offbeat works relatable to the local audience. In his debut novel, which has topped the national bestsellers list, the bustling Bizarre Night Bazaar— where the protagonist, Harris Bin Potter, first discovers one of his many magical abilities— brings to mind the sounds, smells, and chaotic energy of pasar malams.

In his second novel, the Yishun flat where a motley crew live, features a neighbourhood garden opposite it, not unlike the ubiquitous landscaped spaces around HDB estates. “I conceived it to be a sanctuary for them, a sliver of nature in their urban lives,” Suffian says.

WFH = Writing from Home

Suffian now lives in a Telok Blangah flat that he shares with his wife. “Telok Blangah is great. It’s so historically rich, near the sea, and near nature. I think it’ll make a really good setting for a story someday,” he says.

Suffian does a huge chunk of his writing at home, having set aside a room which doubles up as a library and work space. “This room is my getaway. When I need to find inspiration and disappear into the fictional worlds I am building, I come here,” he says. “My book collection is here, and the decor items I have chosen remind me of what’s important as a writer.”

When he needs a change of scenery, Suffian heads to the closest public library to write, or nearer still—the void deck. “It’s very chill there!” he laughs. “People do stare out of curiosity at times but no one disturbs me.”

On pursuing writing as a career, Suffian remarks that while the journey has been fulfilling, it hasn’t been easy.

“When I give creative writing workshops, I tell my students: Don’t follow your passion. Follow your pain. Writing is tremendously rewarding, but only if you can bear the pain of uncertainty and judgement that comes with, including the “you’re-wasting-your-life, you’re-never-gonna-make-it-as-an-author” look. If you can bear that pain, then chase the passion. If you cannot, then writing is probably not for you.”

It started with Philip Sobrielo hanging a handful of Christmas lights and streamers along his corridor. Then over the years, the Clementi resident spruced up his neighbourhood more extensively, with Santa Claus, reindeers and Christmas trees.

“I love Christmas,” the 41-year-old smiles. “It’s a season for spreading joy, and that’s what I hope to do with the decorations.”

Christmas Wonderland in Clementi

For the past 10 years, Philip has turned the common corridor in front of his childhood home into a Christmas Wonderland. Each year’s handmade decorations would feature a different theme. This Christmas, Philip’s designs will feature the colours pink and white. “We featured the colour red last year, so I wanted something brighter this time round,” he explains.

Decorations also include Christmas trees and for the first time, a life-sized wooden sleigh decked with jumbo presents. “I wanted to have a sleigh surrounded by many gifts and brought this idea up to a friend who specialises in handywork. He agreed to help and brought my design to life.”

Philip’s Christmas Wonderland was also made possible with the help of the Town Council, which helped with the wiring for the lights, collecting recyclable boxes to paint over as presents. They  also offered space to store the decorations.

In addition to using recycled materials, decorations are also repurposed to minimise waste. Some decorations are reused for subsequent years, some are gifted to family and friends, while others are donated.

A Season for Get-Togethers

Residents look forward to the decorations every year. “The neighbours would ask how I’ll be decorating the neighbourhood and when the lights would be up. It’s heartwarming to see neighbours coming together to admire the decorations and even take photos with them.”

Philip will also invite his neighbours to come to his flat to check out more Christmas decorations and enjoy festive snacks.

“This reminds me of my growing up days, where movie nights were held at the carpark. Everyone would gather with food and we’d all have a good time,” Philip reminisces. “I guess this is my way of bringing back the kampung spirit.”

Asanul Fariq and Norhasyimah Awaludin stock a small space outside their Tampines flat with daily essentials such as rice, biscuits, drinks, and shower gels. They call it the Riqmah Kindness Corner, where anyone can take whatever they need, no questions asked.Norhasyimah Awaludin and Asanul Fariq founded Riqmah Kindess Corner to provide the needy with essential items

For the couple, giving back to the community has always been something that’s close to their hearts. “Years ago, we were volunteering, going door-to-door to provide the needy with groceries. We were helping a beneficiary rearrange her food items when we discovered that the cabinet was largely empty, except for a packet of instant noodles,” the couple recalls. “That incident really inspired us to try and help as many people as possible.”

A Family Initiative to Help the Underprivileged 

Though the take-up for items at Riqmah Kindness Corner was initially slow, word soon spread. “The supplies that were supposed to last a month were gone in under a week,” Norhasyimah smiles. “We’re just happy to be able to reach out to so many people.”

Fariq also shares how his four sons, who are between 12 and 20 years old, restock supplies and keep Riqmah Kindness Corner organised. They also help in charity events that Riqmah Kindness Corner occasionally participates in.

“We once had to pack 150 care packs in two days. The whole family was about a quarter way through and decided to rest for the night. The following day, I woke up earlier to complete the task, only to find out that my youngest son, Irfan, had stayed up to finish the packing,” Fariq beams. “Through our efforts, we’re hoping to impart the values of giving and sharing to our sons— and they have really made us proud.”

Forming a Tight-Knit Community

As Riqmah Kindness Corner is right outside the couple’s home, Fariq and Norhasyimah often take the opportunity to greet those who come by, and strike up conversations. Over time, they have forged many friendships, within and beyond the neighbourhood.

“When word first got around, we had neighbours from different floors and blocks coming over to visit Riqmah Kindness Corner. Some of them were curious, but most of them offered words of encouragement and donations. These things really keep us going,” Norhasyimah says.

Planting the Seed of Kindness

What motivates the couple the most is when they see acts of kindness spreading within and even beyond the neighbourhood.

Fariq and Norhasyimah’s neighbours who live directly across them, have been supportive of the Kindness Corner since it first started. “At times, our neighbours help the beneficiaries, especially the elderly, transport heavier items such as rice to the ground floor.”

The couple’s act of kindness has also inspired kindness corners similar to Riqmah Kindness Corner in other towns. “We’re really heartened when we receive calls and texts on how to set up similar kindness corners,” they smile.

An annual celebration of the community spirit in our heartlands, the HDB Community Week showcases the rich tapestry of our heartland experiences, through an array of exciting and engaging activities. This year, we also launched the #OurGoodNeighbours challenge, as part of the Good Neighbours Movement. Residents were invited to share what they think it means to be a good neighbour through video submissions – watch them here:

Toh Zenaide (Zen) was 14 years old when her grandfather began displaying early symptoms of dementia. That was when it dawned on her that there are seniors like him who may face many struggles, and would require help and support to allow active ageing.

Spurred by her grandfather’s experience, Zen is now learning about active ageing and how to support the evolving needs and aspirations of seniors, as she pursues a Diploma in Social Sciences in Gerontology at Temasek Polytechnic.

For the past few years, HDB has been partnering Temasek Polytechnic in empowering students like Zen to play an active role in community-building. With the support of HDB’s Friends of Our Heartlands (FOH) Volunteer Network, Zen and her course mates have designed a variety of activities for seniors living in their towns – Punggol, Sengkang, Hougang, Bedok, Tampines and Pasir Ris – to support active ageing.

Promoting a Culture of Active Ageing

The students took great care in designing exercise, music, and arts and crafts activities to meet the seniors’ needs while promoting active ageing.

“For our exercise routines, we incorporated everyday items like umbrellas and towels,” says Zen’s coursemate, Ahmad Zaki bin Taufik.

Also, as the sessions had to be conducted virtually, the students simplified the exercises to make them easy to follow through a screen. “As we were not able to do the exercises with the seniors in person and help them with posture adjustments, we were worried if they would be able to gain as much as they can from these activities,” Zaki recalls.

But their worries were unfounded   as the seniors adapted quickly to the virtual experience, and  made the most of their time re-connecting and bonding with their friends online. One of the senior participants, Aunty Evelyn, says: “The activities by the students allowed me to see my friends online. The experience also gave me a new hobby and a chance to meet new and old friends in the neighbourhood. This was meaningful since staying home during the pandemic has felt lonely at times.”

Beyond physical well-being, the students also organised activities that seek to encourage active ageing through improving the seniors’ mental and cognitive health. The participants had the chance to get their hands dirty during art and craft activities, where they created clay art, colour paper collages and origami.

The Intergenerational Ties That Bind

For Zaki, his interactions with the seniors are among the precious highlights of his academic journey.

“I got to speak with some very interesting and fun seniors who were very keen to participate in our activities. Their jovial personalities and enthusiasm often helped calm our nerves and break the ice as we conducted the activities, ultimately paving the way for a successful event,” Zaki says.

Echoing his sentiments, Zen says, “This experience has reaffirmed my desire to help the elderly community with active ageing, so that they can live their golden years comfortably.”

For more unique stories from the heartland, check out more reads from Humans of the Heartland.

Photos by Temasek Polytechnic