Explore the great outdoors – and learn more about Singapore’s rich heritage, with these walking trails that bring you to Home Team landmarks of the past and present. TEXT: MELODY TAN PHOTOS: HOMETEAMNS, SPF & SCDF From HomeTeamNS Bukit Batok to the upcoming clubhouse at Bedok Reservoir, the HomeTeamNS clubhouses are full of exciting attractions, shops, eateries and facilities. But if you’re itching to experience the great outdoors – and the same old parks and cycling routes are getting a little stale – why not try a walking trail with a HomeTeamNS-inspired twist? Completed in 1909, the Central Fire Station, also known as the Hill Street Fire Station, is Singapore’s oldest surviving fire station. As you explore Singapore on foot, you’ll get to enjoy scenic nature and the bustling urban landscape, plus learn more about Home Team history as you pass landmarks like the former Hill Street Fire Station and the Old Police Academy at Mount Pleasant. Best of all, you’ll start at HomeTeamNS clubhouses – the perfect places to fuel up before embarking on a trail. (Don’t forget to bring your umbrella and a water bottle!) These trails range from easy 2km walks to more challenging routes of up to 11.7km, so you can choose to bring along the kids, gather your buddies or simply go solo on your own HomeTeamNS walking adventure in Singapore. THE CENTRAL ROUTE: HOMETEAMNS BALESTIER-JOM HomeTeamNS-JOM Balestier clubhouseOld Police Academy Previous Next Easy version: 2km (30 minutes) Medium challenge: 6km (1.5 hours) Your walking trail starts here at HomeTeamNS-JOM Balestier (31 Ah Hood Road), where you’ll make your way down the same road and stroll through the pleasant green patch of Zhongshan Park to enter the busy stretch of Balestier Road. Turn right and head west past Balestier’s famous array of eateries and shops until you reach the junction. Cross over to the other side of Thomson Road or continue walking north until you see a traffic crossing (the area is currently affected by construction for the North-South Corridor, so crossings may be rerouted). Head north on Thomson Road before turning left onto Mount Pleasant Road, where you’ll pass by the grounds of the Old Police Academy. Dating back to 1931, the Senior Police Officers’ Mess (153 Mount Pleasant Road) is still in operation as a social club, so be sure to keep an eye out for the imposing building constructed in the Tudor Revival style. At this point, you’ll have walked an easy distance of about 2km (around 30 minutes). For a longer, more challenging 6km loop (1.5 hours), continue down Mount Pleasant Road – while admiring the serene greenery dotted with black and white bungalows once home to senior colonial police officers – before turning right onto Gymkhana Avenue and then right again onto Jalan Mashhor. Following the road will take you back onto Thomson Road, from which you can retrace your steps to the HomeTeamNS Balestier-JOM clubhouse (and indulge in a well-deserved cold drink). THE WESTERN ROUTE: HOMETEAMNS BUKIT BATOK HomeTeamNS Bukit Batok clubhouse Previous Next Easy version: 1.4km (20 minutes) Easy-medium challenge: 4.3km (one hour) For a child-friendly route that stretches through a 1.4km-long trail (20 minutes) from HomeTeamNS Bukit Batok (2 Bukit Batok West Avenue 7), cross Brickland Road towards the HDB blocks of Bukit Batok West. Follow the pedestrian path leading into Bukit Gombak Park, which will take you into the landed enclave of Pavilion Park. Continue left and westward along the outermost road of Pavilion Circle, exiting on Bukit Batok Road. Turn right and walk on until you reach the Bukit Batok Fire Station (80 Bukit Batok Road), which is also the headquarters for the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF)’s 4th Division. Bukit Batok Fire Station, which replaces the former Bukit Timah Fire Station, has been in operation since 1956. If your walking companions are up for a longer trek of 4.3km (around an hour), turn north all the way up Brickland Road, passing underneath the Kranji Expressway. Turn left onto the Old Choa Chu Kang Road and walk past the farms and nurseries in the area. Once past the Chinese Cemetery, you’ll see Home Team Academy (501 Old Choa Chu Kang Road) on your left. The Academy is also where you’ll find the Home Team Gallery, where you can learn more about the Home Team’s role in major events such as the Nicoll Highway and Hotel New World disasters and Operation Ferret, a successful large-scale joint operation that severely reduced the supply of heroin in Singapore in 1977, marking a turning point in Singapore’s fight against drugs. THE NORTHERN ROUTE: HOMETEAMNS KHATIB HomeTeamNS Khatib clubhouse Previous Next (Very) easy route: 600m Medium challenge: 6km (1.5 hours) With HomeTeamNS Khatib’s (2 Yishun Walk) idyllic location amidst the greenery of Yishun Park, you won’t be hard pressed to find a pleasant walking route around the ORTO hub just next door, or across both Yishun Avenue 2 and 1 to reach the lush environs of Lower Seletar Reservoir Park about 600m away. But to see a piece of Home Team history, you’ll have to go further – 6km (1.5 hours), to be precise. From HomeTeamNS Khatib, turn left and go up north Yishun Avenue 2, turning left again onto Yishun Ring Road. At the junction, turn left onto Yishun Avenue 3. At the next junction, you’ll turn right onto Sembawang Road – towards the famous Chong Pang Nasi Lemak – and continue up north, past Sembawang Shopping Centre. Continue straight when you reach another junction, this time onto Canberra Road. At the final junction of Canberra Road and Admiralty Road West, cross straight over to North Road, where you’ll find the former Sembawang Fire Station (68 Scharff Road) which dates back to the 1930s. Located now in Sembawang Shipyard, the art-deco style Fire Station was once part of the colonial-era Sembawang Naval Base, survived the Japanese Occupation and was awarded conservation status in 2007. THE EASTERN ROUTE: HOMETEAMNS BEDOK RESERVOIR HomeTeamNS Bedok Reservoir clubhousePaya Lebar Fire Station Previous

If you’re an avid fan of pyrotechnics displays, here’s a handy guide to the five best spots to catch the National Day fireworks. TEXT: MELODY TAN PHOTOS: SHUTTERSTOCK Whether you’re five or 95, fireworks are always a special sight. For many Singaporeans, they’re also a much-anticipated highlight of the National Day Parade (NDP) every August 9th. This year’s celebration is extra-special, as it marks our return to regular NDP programming since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. If you’re planning to catch the fireworks live this year but missed out on parade tickets – and don’t feel like forking out on a five-star hotel room with a view – check out our list of the five best spots to watch the annual spectacle in the sky. BAY EAST GARDEN AT GARDENS BY THE BAY The quieter end of Gardens by the Bay has become a bit of an open secret among National Day fireworks enthusiasts. Popular with joggers and cyclists during the rest of the year, Bay East Garden becomes alive with families and children on August 9. With sprawling green lawns looking out on Marina Bay, you’ll want to bring along a picnic mat and some provisions while waiting for dusk to fall and the fireworks show to begin. Bonus: you can park conveniently at the Bay East Garden Carpark and take a leisurely stroll to the waterfront area. Gardens by the Bay East will also host HomeTeamNS members to a National Day Picnic by the Bay, at the Promenade Lawn, on Aug 9 from 5pm to 9pm. Priced at S$15 per person for admission, members can take in the spectacular live fireworks up close at Marina Bay and watch a livestream of the National Day Parade on a big screen. Registered guests can enjoy exciting games, free gifts and snacks (for all registered guests). JUBILEE BRIDGE There are four bridges to the left and right of The Float @ Marina Bay, but only two are reserved solely for pedestrians. Nevertheless, they’re all popular venues for fireworks-watchers, so be sure to get there early to ‘chope’ your spot. While the Helix Bridge is closer to The Float @ Marina Bay, its twinkling array of DNA-inspired lights can be distracting – especially if you’re peering through them. For a barrier-free, pedestrian-only area with ample space for large groups, the Jubilee Bridge across the river can’t be beat. Not to mention, its design was inspired by the water spray of the Merlion – a fitting symbol for an event in celebration of Singapore. MARINA BAY CRUISE CENTRE CARPARK For those who drive and have family members who can’t walk too far (or don’t want to jostle with crowds), here’s a little hack: go up to the third storey of the carpark at Marina Bay Cruise Centre for a view of the fireworks over the downtown skyline. According to those in the know, lots 85 to 89 are where you’ll want to be. The only downsides are that you’ll have to go into the Cruise Centre itself to use the toilets, and there are no dining options – so if you tend to get peckish while waiting, remember to bring a snack and drinks. STADIUM RIVERSIDE WALK AT SINGAPORE SPORTS HUB If you want to watch the parade as well as the fireworks, head over to the OCBC Square and Stadium Roar at the Singapore Sports Hub for a live telecast – almost as good as being there yourself. To add to the festive atmosphere, the Sports Hub will also be handing out NDP Packs and old-fashioned local snacks on a first come, first served basis. Once the parade is winding down, make your way to the Stadium Riverside Walk for a breezy, relaxing view of the fireworks. Talk about having the best of both worlds! ESPLANADE ROOF TERRACE There are plenty of fancy rooftop bars and restaurants in the vicinity of The Float @ Marina Bay, but if you’re not in the mood for cocktails (or their hefty prices) and just want a high vantage point, the Esplanade’s roof terrace will fit the bill. While waiting for the fireworks to begin, admire the manicured landscaping and watch the sunset from the sculptural circular bench. If you change your mind and decide you want a drink, there are numerous cafés just a level or two below. But don’t stay away too long – you’ll want to be in prime position when the fireworks go off!  There’s so much more in store for you this National Day. For more happenings with HomeTeamNS, check out our website. Like our stories? Subscribe to Frontline Digital newsletters to get your bi-weekly dose of updates on new stories!

It’s no secret that learning the ways of the barbecue is one of the keys to fully unlocking the powers of being a father. Here are some tips and tricks for a better grilling session. TEXT: MELODY TAN PHOTOS: SHUTTERSTOCK It’s safe to say that while many dads are great cooks in the kitchen, far more dads fancy themselves kings of the barbecue pits. After all, many of us have memories of our dad manning the barbecue at family gatherings at chalets – and have grown up to carry on the proud tradition of serving up grilled chicken wings, hot dogs and prawns on disposable plates. But if you aren’t quite confident of your skill with the grill – or are looking for more ways to wow your hungry audience – check out the following tips and hacks for a better barbecue. PLAN YOUR BARBEQUE TRIP AND BOOK EARLY If you want a getaway but don’t want to deal with passport renewal queues or increased airfares, why not book a villa at HomeTeamNS Bukit Batok? You’ll enjoy the use of a barbecue pit during your stay, with the added benefit of getting to shower and crash into a comfy bed right after your exhausting stint as chef for the evening. For a day-only hangout, you can simply book the barbecue pits at HomeTeamNS Bukit Batok instead, or retreat to the ManCaves at HomeTeamNS Khatib where you can host family and friends in air-conditioned comfort while you whip up a feast at the outdoor barbecue patio equipped with an electric grill. Or cool off at HomeTeamNS-JOM Balestier’s barbecue pit, which comes with five complimentary swimming pool passes when you make your booking – perfect for getting the kids out of your hair while you tend to your ribs. Gather round your family and friends, plan out which of the HomeTeamNS Clubhouses you’d like to visit, and book your BBQ pits through our new and improved HomeTeamNS Mobile App! PREP BEFORE YOU GO Make a checklist of all the other things you need to bring so that you don’t forget the ice, cups, garbage bags or dipping sauces. Pro tip: bring along a meat thermometer so that you can easily check if food is cooked through. You don’t want your guests discovering that the chicken wings are still raw! In addition, if you’re extra organised – or have a lot of food to cook and only one pit – you can consider writing out a schedule of when things should go on the grill, in order of how long they take to cook. For example, when the fire is ready for cooking, immediately place your sweet potatoes or corn wrapped in tin foil among the ashen white coals so that they’ll be cooked through by the time the meat is done. Next, put on thicker items like ribs or chicken thighs, with delicate seafood – such as prawns or sotong – needing only a few minutes on the grill. This reduces the stress of trying to do everything at once – and your hungry guests will appreciate the efficiency. START YOUR FIRE RIGHT You don’t have to throw in the entire box of fire-starters. For a budget hack to starting your grill, stack the charcoal with small, loosely crushed balls of newspaper in between, or place a small charcoal briquette into each hollow of a cut up cardboard egg carton. Remember, you don’t need a roaring fire to cook with – the best barbecued food is cooked over the indirect heat of ashen charcoal, which is white in colour. The charcoal should pass through the first two stages of black or grey with flames, and white with red-hot interiors before reaching the optimal cooking temperature of around 175 to 190 degrees Celsius. To cook with a variety of temperatures, divide your grill into a hot zone and cooler zone, with the hot zone having more charcoal underneath. Use it for searing foods like meat patties or lamb chops before shifting them to the cooler zone, where they can continue cooking at a lower temperature. If you prefer a more convenient way to barbeque without starting a fire from scratch, there’s nothing stopping you from going electric! At HomeTeamNS Khatib, go through a hassle-free barbeque party as you try your hand with electric grills. Just set it at your desired temperature and get cooking! MAKE IT FINER DINING While grilled crabsticks and hot dogs are always fun for the kids, sometimes you want something a little more sophisticated. Aspiring Masterchefs will want to take heed of these handy tips for upping their barbecue game. First off, think herbs. Toss in some basil or sage into the coals to create a pleasant scent that enhances the flavour of the meat. Add extra pizzazz by threading your kebabs on woody rosemary stalks (soak them first so they don’t catch fire). Before you start cooking, try wiping down the grill with half of an onion, which adds a hint of flavour while also cleaning off any old grime. American-style smoked meats are having a moment in Singapore, but not everyone has access to a smoker – or the hours needed to ensure food is smoked to perfection. For a quick hack, buy a small bag of hickory or mesquite wood chips (available in most supermarkets under the barbecue section), soak them in water for a few hours and place in a disposable aluminium pan. Cover with punctured tinfoil to allow the smoke to exit, before placing on top of a layer of charcoal. Lay whatever meat you want to smoke above it on the grill, and cover with a metal lid (in a pinch, you can make a DIY tent of tin foil). While the smoky flavour won’t be as intense as if you used a proper smoker, you’ll still have wings or ribs that have an extra-special kick to them. Don’t forget to rest your meats on a plate covered with tinfoil for five

With international travel slowly becoming the norm again, what do you need to know before you book your ticket abroad? What happens if you fall sick overseas, or your flight is cancelled due to changing border controls? TEXT: MELODY TAN IMAGES: SHUTTERSTOCK It’s time to dust off the passport, wheel out your suitcase and look for your winter jacket: overseas travel is back after two years of strict border controls, no thanks to the global COVID-19 pandemic. Air passenger traffic was up 18 per cent in April compared to a month ago, and Singapore expects it to be restored to 50 per cent of pre-COVID passenger volume by the end of 2022. In the meantime, cross-border bus and taxi services between Singapore and Johor Bahru resumed in the beginning of May, after the land border was reopened for fully vaccinated travellers in April. Travelling in the age of COVID-19 can be intimidating and confusing, but if you take some simple precautions, you can have a relaxing, stress-free vacation overseas. Read on to find out what they are. RENEW YOUR PASSPORTS EARLY Revenge travel – a term for pent-up travel demand after the restrictions caused by COVID-19 – is very real. Demand is so great that the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority  announced that Singaporeans who are renewing or applying for their passports will have to wait at least six weeks – a two-week increase from April’s four week-long processing time. If you’re planning to head overseas soon, make sure to check that everyone’s passports have at least six months until expiry. Otherwise, you might find that your trip is over before it’s even begun. BUDGET AND PLAN ACCORDINGLY With rising oil prices and the challenges faced by the airline industry during the pandemic, it’s no surprise that growing demand for plane tickets has been met with higher prices. If you’re planning a trip, it’s best to start early and keep an eye out for promotional deals, non-peak flight dates and alternative airlines. To save money, you might need to be a little bit more flexible with your dream itinerary – for example, by flying with a budget airline or even choosing a different destination. You could also consider visiting places that can be reached by land or sea. Instead of heading to Bali, consider spending a long weekend at a Bintan villa in Indonesia. If you’re trying to beat the heat, consider driving to Genting or Cameron Highlands in Malaysia. BUY TRAVEL INSURANCE WITH COVID-19 COVERAGE What happens if you catch COVID-19 during your vacation? Or worse, just before your flight is due to depart Singapore? While travel insurance has been a standard purchase for many vacationing Singaporeans, it’s now more important than ever. Look for a travel insurance policy that covers COVID-19-related expenses, such as clinic fees and hospitalisation overseas, as well as flight cancellations, delays and extra accommodation costs if you are quarantined or unable to board your flight. It might cost you a bit more than a standard travel insurance, but it’s worth the peace of mind. PACK YOUR OWN SUPPLIES Even if the country you’re travelling to has lifted their mask mandate, you should still bring along your masks just in case. After all, while planes have air exchange systems that can filter the COVID-19 virus, other forms of transportation, such as trains and buses, do not. You might want to wear your mask while on the airport shuttle to your hotel, or in crowded places. In addition, bring along a few Antigen Rapid Test (ART) kits and a thermometer. If you start to feel feverish or unwell during your travels, you can test yourself in your hotel room instead of having to Google for nearby clinics (and you might find it difficult to locate an English-speaking doctor, if you are travelling to non-native English speaking countries). Knowing if you really did catch COVID-19 will help you to figure out your next step. Do read up on the COVID-19 protocols of the country you are in, to find out how long you will be required to isolate, or whether you need to undergo a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test. PREPARE YOUR DOCUMENTS When travelling, the immigration authorities will want to see your notarised vaccination records, so make sure to download them from HealthHub and save them in your phone. If you’re travelling with your spouse and children, save copies of everyone’s vaccination records. Consider printing them out in case you lose your device or run out of battery. Do check if your destination requires any contact tracing or health app, such as Malaysia’s MySejahtera app or Indonesia’s PeduliLindungi. You’ll probably have to fill in a health declaration form, such as Australia’s Digital Passenger Declaration, before departure. This can be done online or via the identically-named app seven days before your flight. Sorting all this before you leave can save you a lot of time at the airport – leaving you free to enjoy your first international trip since the pandemic. Happy travels!