Cycling Through the Haze... A Mysterious Afternoon Adventure at Upper Boon Keng

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It's been a few weeks since my last long-distance cycling adventure, and the main reason is the haze that we're currently experiencing here in Singapore. As much as I love cycling and exploring my city, I also have to consider my health and safety. So instead of going on my usual long-distance rides, I've decided to limit myself to shorter cycling sessions.

Of course, that doesn't mean I'll completely stop exploring! LOL.

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Yesterday, while passing by the Upper Boon Keng area, I noticed that the haze was much thicker than usual. Normally, this would be a good reason to stay indoors and avoid spending too much time outside. However, I had a different idea in mind.

I decided to get off the bus, put on my face mask, rent an Anywheel bicycle, and explore the area for a little while. Hehe!

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I know it sounds like an unusual decision, especially considering the weather conditions. But as someone who enjoys photography, I was curious about how the haze would affect the appearance of my photos. I thought it might create some unique and dramatic scenery that I don't usually get to capture.

And I think I was right!

A Hazy Afternoon That Looks Like Early Morning

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One of the most interesting things about yesterday's weather was how unusual the sky looked.

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It was already around 4–5 PM, but the surroundings looked more like an early morning scene. The sun was still high in the sky, yet its brightness was significantly reduced by the thick layer of haze.

If you look at my photos, you might even think that the area was covered in morning fog. But nope! That's actually haze.

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What I found particularly interesting was how the haze created a natural gradient in the scenery. The buildings and objects in the foreground appeared relatively clear, while those farther away gradually faded into the greyish atmosphere.

It almost looked like a scene from a mysterious movie. LOL!

Enjoying the Calm Scenery Along Kallang River

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Since I was already in Upper Boon Keng, I decided to cycle along the Kallang River, which is one of my favorite places to enjoy a relaxing ride.

Despite the hazy weather, the river looked incredibly calm and peaceful. I particularly enjoyed seeing the gentle reflections of the surrounding buildings and trees on the water.

I also passed by a pedestrian bridge, where I stopped to take a few photos of my rented bicycle and the surrounding scenery.

What I like about this area is the combination of residential buildings, industrial establishments, and the peaceful riverside environment. It may not be a famous tourist destination, but it certainly has its own charm.

I even managed to capture some lovely pink flowers along the riverbank, which added a little color to the otherwise gloomy atmosphere.

A Temple With a Mysterious Atmosphere

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Another interesting part of my short adventure was visiting a Chinese temple near the river.

I have always appreciated traditional Chinese architecture, especially the colorful roof decorations, intricate carvings, and beautiful dragon sculptures.

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Normally, these vibrant architectural details stand out against the bright sky. However, yesterday's haze gave the temple a completely different appearance.

The colorful decorations remained beautiful, but the greyish background created an almost mysterious atmosphere.

I thought the contrast looked fascinating, so I couldn't resist taking several photos of it!

A Short but Memorable Cycling Adventure

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Overall, I'm happy that I managed to capture some interesting photos during this short cycling session.

Although the haze certainly isn't something to celebrate, it gave me an opportunity to experiment with a different kind of photography and appreciate familiar surroundings from another perspective.

Still, I wouldn't recommend cycling when the air quality is unhealthy. I kept this adventure short, and I'm definitely looking forward to the day when the air becomes clear again.

Hopefully, my next cycling adventure will be under a beautiful blue sky, with plenty of sunshine and fresh air!

For now, I hope you enjoy this collection of photos from my hazy afternoon adventure at Upper Boon Keng.

See you on my next cycling adventure! Cheers!


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