Brian Kennett
Amateur Chef and Foodie Extraordinaire
Bistro by GardenAsia and Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve made for a fantastic Family Sunday
OK, today we went to Sungei Buloh which is an absolute ball-ache to get to, but…What a cracking Sunday – Bistro by GardenAsia and Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. The last time we came to Sungei Buloh was like 8 years ago with my Mum. I am trying to find that photo of her with us. So I was thinking of where to go for something different this Sunday? No iPads or TV, fresh air and exercise and maybe something interesting for the kidlets to learn. My choice was made.
It was an absolutely cracking day. I asked Amy to scout out some local restaurants, which she did. “Three are very close Dad…”. Good, I had a double-check. Yep, two of her choices were across in Malaysia. Close, yes, if you are a good swimmer. Anyways, one of the three did indeed look cool – Bistro by GardenAsia. Looks different we all thought.
So the start of What a cracking Sunday – Bistro by GardenAsia and Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, was me making breakfast for the gang all ChillaxBBQ like. So two slabs of Wagyu Sirloin, one to medium rare for Ollie and I, and one well done for Mary and the kids. Add to that some fried eggs. And to finish her off two hulking lumps of roasted bone marrow. Breakfast of Champions methinks. All served on a huge serving platter – oh yeah baby. That’s set them up for the day ahead.
Then it’s into a taxi for 40 minutes or so. Miles away to the top of The Red Dot. A stone’s throw away from Malaysia, as you will see shortly. The beautiful outdoors of Singapore. What it used to be like when Stamford Raffles 1st stepped foot. You can imagine Kampongs everywhere. What I can’t imagine though, is how hot would it be wearing the clothes Raffles would have been wearing. OMG!!! I’d be sweating like an I don’t know what!!!
A sad thing to note is that 80% of Singapore’s natural landscape is now gone and replaced with concrete. That’s progress for you. That’s why I do love, in Siglap, a montage of photos in black and white of Siglap as a Kampong. And yes, Siglap used to be by the seaside. It must be my ‘boy from Margate’ thing attracting me there. Sad though!!!
This place really is awesome – it’s like a little village. The restaurant boasts; “Our Chefs indulge one and all with this menu of Nature’s best.” I like that a lot.
Nestled in the ends of nowhere Singapore. We literally went from one corner to the other of The Red Dot today. Look them up at 240 Neo Tiew Crescent, 718898. Or give them a tinkle at 6898 9111.
The Bistro is just one thing at the place. I really really like this place more and more. We’ll be back for sure. The concept comes from the Nyee Phoe family business, and they call it HortiTainment. Genius. I’ll share some of the interesting ones.
- Bistro by GardenAsia – brilliant, no-frills place. I’ll share much more in a second;
- FarmStay Villas – yep it’s staycation time folks;
- You can have weddings and corporate functions here;
- Across the road, you have Koi Carp farms;
- You have a prawn and normal fishing ponds – maybe next time;
- There is even a frog farm – yep mainly for supplying the restaurants, but also for kids educational frog tours (I kid you not); and
- A 10-minutes walk down the road is Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve.
CLICK HERE AND YOU CAN SEE THE MONSTER SWIMMING…
So there you have it folks What a cracking Sunday – Bistro by GardenAsia and Sungei Buloh. If you have kids and you want them off the electronics this is a must-do day. We had a blast. The lunch at Bistro was amazing and so surprising. The Wetlands were stunning. Two crocodiles too made this an awe-inspiring day. Get on it, cos you and your kids will absolutely – ENJOY!!!
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About Bistro by GardenAsia at Sungei Buloh
It is the mission of Gardenasia’s customized experiences to bring people closer to nature. The ‘GA Experience’ is based on a variety of lifestyle pillars, including eating, working, and playing. These include their restaurant, items from The Local Farm, GAKids programs, eco-ambassadors Titoy and Morchoo, and our experience in farmers’ market events and farmers’ market participation. Gardenasia Pte Ltd 240 Neo Tiew Cres, Singapore 718898 Wednesday – Thursday: 1030am – 4:45pm Friday – Saturday: 1030am – 9:45pm Public holidays & Sunday: 1000am – 4:45pm **Closed on Mondays & Tuesdays Tel: +65 68989111 Fax: +65 67936511 For general enquiries: info@gardenasia.com The Local Farm: thelocalfarm@gardenasia.comAbout Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve is a protected wetland area in Singapore with a variety of scenic attractions. It is located in the suburb of Choa Chu Kang, covering an area of around 100 hectares The reserve was officially opened in 1989 From 1990 to 1999, it became an important habitat for migratory birds during the winter months when they are looking for food and water. Located in the north-west of Singapore, the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve is a nature reserve that not only serves as a recreational area for Singapore’s citizens but also an important locale for biodiversity conservation. Visitors of the reserve are able to engage in various activities such as bird watching, cycling, and feeding animals. The park has been conserving at least 20 species of birds including the Asian Koel, Indian Roller, and Emerald Dove. Sungei Buloh Nature Reserve is a preserved freshwater wetland habitat in Singapore. The reserve has been recognized for its biodiversity and ecotourism potential. Located in the north of the island, it covers an area of 38 hectares and consists of reeds, mudflats, ponds, and forests.Sungei Buloh Visitor Centre
Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve’s new visitor center and gallery opened to the public after months of construction and renovation. The new visitor center and gallery is located in the freshly constructed foyer next to the main entrance and offers two sets of exhibitions — an ideal place to begin your tour. Before you begin your trek, learn a little more about the Wetland Reserve below:Visitor Centre:
60 Kranji Way, #01-00 Singapore 739453Wetland Centre:
301 Neo Tiew Crescent Singapore 718925Opening hours:
7 am to 7 pm daily (entering or remaining in the nature reserve after 7pm is not allowed); Last entry: 6.30pmCarpark opening hours:
7 am to 7 pm daily Tel: 67941401 Email: nparks_sbwr@nparks.gov.sg Park Size: 202 hectaresSpecific Do’s and Don’ts:
No Pets No cycling allowed No flying of drones
