Reflections by the Kallang River

Last Friday I had the chance to return to the Upper Boon Keng area for a casual walk and a bit of sunset photography along the Kallang River. It was one of those unplanned afternoons when I finished my errands earlier than expected, looked at the sky, and felt that familiar itch to go out with my phone and chase some light.

That’s what I love about this neighborhood. Technically it’s still very close to the city, but the moment I reach the riverside it feels like I’ve stepped into a slower world. The traffic noise fades into the background, replaced by soft conversations, footsteps on the pavement, and the gentle hum of life along the river.

There are usually not many people here, which is part of the charm. Those who show up seem to have the same idea as me: a jogger pacing steadily along the path, a couple walking hand in hand, a small group of friends laughing quietly on one of the benches. At one point I saw someone sitting alone, strumming a guitar while looking out at the water. That simple scene already felt like a photo... peaceful, honest, and very “Kallang River”.

For me, the main star of this walk is always the river itself. On calm days the water turns into a huge mirror, reflecting the sky, buildings, and passing clouds. As the sun slowly dipped behind the city, the sky started to glow with soft orange and blue tones, and the reflections doubled everything... like the whole neighborhood was floating upside down beneath my feet. Moments like this are why I enjoy sunset photography so much.

I only brought my mobile phone this time. It was an ad hoc visit, so no heavy camera bag or tripod, just me, my phone, and curiosity. Honestly, that’s more than enough for capturing memories. I’m not aiming for award-winning shots; I just want frames that remind me how it felt to be there. Of course, I can imagine how incredible this place would look with better gear, but sometimes the best camera is simply the one you already have in your pocket.

As the sky changed color, I walked slowly along the path, stopping whenever the light shifted into something interesting. Buildings along the river lit up, their shapes and windows reflected perfectly on the still surface. Bridges became silhouettes, and the clouds formed dramatic patterns overhead, almost like brushstrokes painted across the evening.

The “grand finale” of my walk was a small temple at the end of the stretch. From far away it looked like just another building in the neighborhood, but as I got closer, the details started to appear... bright red pillars, ornate carvings, and dragons and phoenixes dancing along the roofline. Against the soft evening sky, the temple stood out like a colorful jewel in an otherwise ordinary residential area.

I took my time circling around it, appreciating how this compact place of worship adds character to the surroundings. It’s easy to dismiss Upper Boon Keng as just another part of the city, but this little temple proves there is always something unique if you walk slow enough and pay attention.

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By the time I headed home, the sky had already slipped into blue hour and the first stars were trying their best to peek through the city glow. I felt quietly satisfied, no big adventure, no long journey, just a simple photography walk that turned an ordinary Friday into something memorable.

Hopefully on my next visit, the weather will bless me with another beautiful sunset, and I’ll be back along the Kallang River, chasing reflections once again.

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