ECC 2

Background: The name Tanah Merah means Red Cliff in Malay. It was said to refer to red lateritic cliff in the area visible from the sea. This could have been used as marker for Orang Laut in the area. 

Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal is an entry point for regional ferries, mostly serving Batam and Bintan in Indonesia as well as Tanjung Pinang and Pengelih in Malaysia. The ferry terminal is not visible from the expedition route and is linked via Tanah Merah Ferry route.

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Background: Changi Lodge Dormitories I and II are mainly set up for foreign workers involving in the massive construction of Changi Airport Terminal 5 Complex.

Food for Thoughts:  What are the roles played by foreign workers in the development and building of Singapore.  

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Background:  Changi Naval Base was Singapore's third and largest, built after Brani (handed over to Police Coast Guard) and Tuas. Beside docking Singapore Naval vessels, it is also used by friendly navies as port of call and resupply. The Navy Museum, while free for public is situated near the entrance of the base, a distance from the main road.

Food for Thoughts:  

Links: Learn more about the Navy here.  

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Background: At a small stretch of land around the middle of Changi Coastal Road, one can find a small viewing platform facing towards the East. There is a small expanse of reclaimed beach here that is free of people (technically out of bound). This place was affectionately named Sunrise View on Google Map although it was not officially named. 

Food for Thoughts:  Stare at the open sea with no thoughts. Practice some mindfulness.

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Background: The land preparation work for Changi Terminal 3 started in 2014 and was completed in 2020 while the construction work that started in 2020 was projected to complete in 2030. Beside the 5th Terminal and associated service and logistics building, the project also adds a 3rd run walk and more than 40 km of taxi way for aircraft. Costing $10 Billion, it is expected to increase capacity of Changi Airport to 135 Million Passenger annually. 

Food for Thoughts:  Since 1965, Singapore's land reclamation had increased its area by 22%. Is it sustainable and what are the cost and benefits involved.

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Background: The SAF Ferry terminal is the the gateway to Pulau Tekong, where most recruits will undergo their BMT at the age of 18 / 19 year olds. For the recruits who had completed their BMT, this is also the start point of their last 24 km route march to their Passing Out Parade at the Float @ Marina Bay. This route also reverse the ~ 24 km WW2 civilian POWs were forced marched from the Padang to Changi prison in Feb 1942. 

Near the SAF Ferry Terminal is the CAFHI jetty used to transport and store aviation fuel for aircrafts at Changi Airport.

Food for Thoughts: 

(1) Total Defence (in particular military defence)

(2) Role of NS in social cohesion, parallel with the OBS experience

Links: Video about Pulau Tekong.  

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Background: The 3+ km long Changi Beach at the Western tip of mainland Singapore is one of our oldest beach. Being so close to Changi Airport means hearing the take off or landing noise of aircraft every other minute. Changi Beach is also one of the most well known Sook Ching site. 

66 Chinese male civilians were killed by Japanese hojo kempei (auxiliary military police) firing squads at the water's edge on this stretch of Changi Beach on 20 February, 1942. They were among tens of thousands who lost their lives during the Japanese Sook Ching operation to purge suspected anti-Japanese elements within Singapore's Chinese population between 18 February to 4 March 1942.

Bound by ropes in rows of 8 to 12, victims were instructed to walk towards the sea in batches. The Japanese would gun them dead as they reached the shallow waters. Most died on site but only a few managed to survive- they either managed to swim away or seek temporary refuge underwater as the ropes binding them loosened in the waters. That being said, the Japanese made sure all were killed through the ensuing bayoneting of the victims after the initial firing and the subsequent forced drowning of those who were still alive as some of the Prisoners of War (POWs) recollect. They were forced to obey for fear of their lives. The bodies of the victims on Changi Beach were buried in the vicinity in mass graves dug by a work party of 100 British and Australian POWs from Changi Prison

Food for Thoughts:  

Total Defence (Military defence, price of peace and prosperity)

Links:  Video on Sook Ching. Read more here. 

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Background: The cluster of buildings and places along Netharavon, Cranwell,  Hendon and Loyang Roads hold much significance to the military and WW2 history of Singapore:

Before WWII, the Changi area including those occupied by Changi Airbase, Changi Prison and Selerang Camp was part of a large British Military complex for its Artillery and Combat Engineer. During Japanese Occupation, Changi Prison, togther with various British Barracks in this area were converted into POW camps for Allied Forces and Civilians. 

Changi Air Base began from a small air field developed by the Japanese in this area, which upon return to British after WW2, was developed into an Airbase (RAF Changi). RAF Changi was then handed over to Singapore in 1971 after its independence (in 1965) as Changi Airbase.

The Old Changi Hospital used to serve both the Japanese Army as well as the PoWs. It was also supposedly the HQ of the Kempeitai (Japanese military police / secret police) and there were rumours of torture being carried out here. This was one of the source for Old Changi Hospital being considered the most 'haunted' place in Singapore. 

The colonial houses along these roads used to be barracks, offices, accomodation and even social / recreational places for the British military both before and after WW2. While many of these buildings were demolished for other development (e.g. most of Selerang Camp), some are preserved as is or converted to other uses (e.g.Civil Service Club, Fairy Point Bungalows, restaurant at Turnhouse etc)

Hendon Camp is the home of the Red Berets - the Commandos who are considered the elites of the elites in the Singapore Army. While Hendon houses the active commandos, Pasir Ris Camp (in Pasir Ris duh) is where the Commando NSMen have the ICTs. 

Food for Thoughts: Why is it important for Singapore to be responsible for its own defence? Is the 2 years full time NS (and reservist) obligation by Singaporean males worth the sacrifice? Should women serve NS?

Links: Learn more about Changi colonial history, click here. For ladies interested in serving, learn more about the SAF VC here.  

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Background: Detouring onto Loyang Way from Loyang Avenue will bring you to another area with a few landmarks related to our colonial history:

Johore Battery - Built in the late 1930s, the Johore Battery was the main artillery battery of the British coastal artillery defence network on the northeastern coast of Singapore protecting it (specifically Sembawang Wharf) from naval attack. During the Japanese invasion, the guns were redirected against Japanese army in Johor but its use was limited as the rounds used were anti-ship rather than anti-personnel. Before surrendering, the British destroyed the guns. The remnants were forgotten till 1991 when they were stumbled upon by Singapore Prison staff and subsequently restored and accorded heritage status.

Changi Prison - The original Changi Prison was build by the British in 1933 as a maximum security prison. During the Japanese occupation, this and the entire Changi area was used to incarcerate British civilians and Allied POWs. After the war, it was reverted to civilian use. The current prison complex was built in the  

Changi Chapel Museum - Changi Chapel was one of 13 built by POWs during their incarceration and had served as their pillar of faith and strength. After the wall, the chapel was dismantled and relocated to Canberra, Australia. A replica Changi Chapel and Museum was built in 1988 to commemorate the POWs. It was relocated again in 2001 to its current location with the expansion of Changi Prison Complex. 

• Changi Murals were a set of 5 religious painting by Stanley Warren, who was one of the POW. Originally pained in St Luke Chapel within Roberts Barrack of the POW camp. The chapel is now within the compound of Changi Airbase but replica of the murals can be seen at the Changi Chapel Museum.   

• THE Changi Tree or Time tree (likely a Chengal Pasir from which Changi derived its name) was once a giant in the Changi area. In February 1942, the tree was cut in order to prevent the Japanese from using the tree for ranging. According to folklore, the fall of the tree would cause the fall of Singapore itself which turned out to be prescient. In 2001, a young Chengal Pasir was planted on the ground of Changi Chapel and Museum.

Food for Thoughts

(1) Imagine life as a POW for 3 years, what will keep you going?

(2) What is the purpose of a Prison?

Links: Learn more about life in Changi POW Camp.   

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Background: Loyang Tua Pek Kong Temple began as a small hut built along the coast near Loyang Ave where statues of Taoist, Buddhist and Hindu deities were found. After a fire destroyed it in 1996, a new larger temple was built in its current site in 2000. Beside Taoism, Buddhism and Hinduism, there is also a mid of local folk religion in the form of Na Du Gong (Deity of prominent Malay man worshiped by Chinese) shrine

Food for Thoughts: Importance of multi-culturalism and integration.  

Links: Learn more at the Loyang Tua Pek Kong website.  

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Background: That this double fenced compound is a bus Depot was not obvious from either approach unless one is observant. Transportation is a key infrastructure related to the survival and prosperity of Singapore and hence the need for high security at bus and train depots. Vandals who defaced trains or buses had been jailed and caned. SMRT had also been fined for security breaches.

Food for Thoughts:  Other measures for transportation security (Nudges, campaigns, Police TransCom). Importance of infrastructure as part of Economic Defence. 

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Background: This mosque's construction and colour scheme took inspiration from the famous Blue Mosque in Turkey. The Mosque has a water cooler outside with the words 'Water for All'. This symbolise the spirit of generosity and sharing of the Muslim faith. In classical Arab world (and other parts of Asia) , travellers crossing dessert and wilderness will always be offered water when they past through oasis villages and town along pilgrimage and trade routes. 

Food for Thoughts:  Ideas of charity for all and inclusiveness. 

Links: Learn more about other landmarks in Pasir Ris here.   

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Background: Pasir Ris Park is an immense park with many features and attractions. One ot the most important will be the Pasir Ris Mangrove Broad-walk. With reclamation and development within Pasir Ris estate and Pasir Ris Park in the late 1970s, most of the original mangrove along Sungei Api Api was actually cleared with lengthening and deepening works were done on it. A small portion was conserved and later rehabilitated by NParks. It is now one of two protected Mangrove in Singapore (the other being Sungei Buloh).

The area occupied by Mangrove in Singapore had dropped from 13% to 0.5% and this problem happens in coastal areas throughout the world. Yet Mangrove are important as being in the intertidal zone, they protect more inland habitats from effects of tides and weather as well as filter debris. Many Mangrove plants are specially adapted for these (via breathing roots, stilt roots, natural desalination and floating seed pods.

Just East of the Pasir Ris Mangrove is the Pasir Ris Kitchen Garden. Here, you will find carefully curated herbs, flowers and plants that have aesthetic, medical and culinary uses.       

Food for Thoughts: Explore the mangrove and observe (a) types of fauna and flora (2) how the plants and animals had adapted to this environment. (3) What can we do to preserve our natural heritage? 

Links: Learn more about Mangroves here. 

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Background: At one corner of the massive Pasir Park Playground near the Area 3 toilet is an inclusive playground meant for children of ALL ability to play together. This area is ideal for reflecting on the idea of Inclusiveness especially towards those of differently-able  and people with special needs.

Links: Refer to Pasir Ris Inclusive Playground PBL for information.  

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Background: 

Designed in the shape of the sun from above, this part is built with the community in mind. Park users of different abilities and ages can indulge Sense Discovery Garden. With 10 stations of interactive play features such as textured walls, talking tubes, chimes, a tumbler and organic texture walk, an entry sign with recessed wordings and symbols, ladder wall, sliding beads, herbal wall and "toes", visitors will experience intriguing sounds and other fascinating sensations.

Sports facility in the park includes a Beach Ball court and a Woodball Course. The Woodball Course consists of twelve fairways, built to international standards, and has played host to a number of local and international tournaments.  Sun Plaza Park also features the Tampines Tree (Streblus elongatus) from which the estate is named.

Food for Thought: There are many centres for old folks, young children and people with disabilities in Tampines. How does this park caters to their needs?

Links: Learn more here.  

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Background: Due to the construction boom in the 1960s, there were high demands for raw materials and at one time there were 20 sand quarries in Tampines areas. While lucrative, there were much environmental damage to the area as well as air pollution to near by villages. These quarries slowly disappeared. One larger one was converted into a storm reservoir (Bedok) while another, left on its own became a small lake next to Tampines sand storage.

Links: Learn more here.  

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Background: Bedok Reservoir was conceptualized in 1980 as part of effort to increase catchment of rainwater and support water needs in the eastern part of Singapore with the development of Bedok, Tampines and Pasir Ris new towns. Unlike other reservoir constructed by damming rivers, Bedok reservoir is constructed on site of former sand quarry hence the fauna and flora here are all introduced rather than native. It was the first reservoir park upgraded by PUB under the ABC water scheme. Beside water sports, parks facilities and Forest Adventure, a segment of the Berlin wall used to reside here. 

Food for Thought: Bedok Reservoir was NOT constructed from existing rivers or lakes; how would its fauna and flora be different?

Links: See Bedok Learning Quest page for more information.

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Background: Kampung Bedok or colloquially Bedok corner was settled as 2 Kampongs in the 1850s as Kampung Bedok Darat and Kampung Bedok Laut. These were said to be founded by a fisherman from Johor Lama and a farmer from Java respectively. In its early history, this area is known for its plantations and restaurant. Today, the Bedok town is a mixture of public and private housing. The Bedok food centre was designed based on the Minangkabau style of Indonesia, a reference to Bedok's Kampong roots.

The name Bedok refers to the Malay word , either 'Bedoh' for drum or 'Biduk' for a small sampan. Bedok River was referenced  in European map as early as 1604 as Sune Bedo. 

Food for Thought: What does the "Elite Guards" of Bedok Camp guard?

Link: Learn more about Bedok here.  

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Background: At the corner of Upper East Coast Bus terminal is a small shrine dedicated to Na Du Gong or Datuk Kong. Such shrine can be found in many places in Singapore, Penang and Malacca. As the name implies, it is a mix of Chinese, Malay and even Indian belief. In Taoist belief, when great person dies, their spirit will remain on earth as protective spirits and when Chinese immigrants settled in South East Asia, the local Malay leaders (Datuks) received such adoration and they are hence worshiped as Datuk Gong, which also incorporate the role of the earth spirit (or Tu Di Gong). This belief used to be practiced by Malay and Indian as well but the influence had been diluted with the spread of Islam. These shrines are usually found outside the main building of places they are supposed to protect except for specific temples (such as Wei Tuo Fa Gong on Pulau Ubin). 

Food for Thoughts: What other religious sites / building can you see along Bedok Road?

Links: Learn more about Datuk worship here. 

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Background: This campus was originally built for SPACKC - an OBS campus meant for Primary children. It was subsequently used by People Association (PA) as National Community Leadership Institute (NACLI) East Campus. The compound was returned to OBS in 2017 as OBS East Coast Campus (ECC). The facilities in ECC are mostly named after space and astronomical objects.

Link: Click here for Campsite OPS Guide.

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[Compiled by: ______ (date), Updated by: ______ (date)]