TANJONG PAGAR STATION

This is the oldest train station where services to all locations in Malaysia would commence. It is also the terminus for southbound routes from all points Asia, including the Eastern & Oriental Express. It is like Singapore's answer to the terminus in Istanbul by the Bosphorus.

Comes July she will gracefully retire into the sunset as part of Singapore's history. Imagine the traffic and personalities that must have appeared through the years, when the train was the main mode of transport. I am taking the train from here to Johor Bahru tomorrow, earning my place as one of the last passengers. The journey may only take a little over an hour, with a reserved seat that sells for S$13 but I am sure the sentimental value will be priceless. Luckily she will not be demolished, I am told. We should still be able to see her facade, even though the tracks will be removed to make way for, you guessed it, the real estate folks.

A couple of anecdotes : it is S$ 0.20 if you need to use the toilets, the keeper must be 80-90 but no man or woman escapes his watchful eyes. Inside the Food Court a matronly looking Malay lady in her hijab makes the best chappati I ever tasted. Nothing would beat a couple of them, dipped in keema ie plain curry sauce, with fresh cucumbers and cherry tomatoes before you board.

There is time yet, until July. I saw a few locals taking pictures for the history book already. If you are in town go find the station, try lunch or even a snack chappati prepared by this lady. She is at the back restaurant next to the arrival tracks, by the exit into the car park. You will not regret it!