11/06/2026
Many of us would not know that there used to have an amusement park in Kallang. Opened in 1969, it sat on reclaimed land right next to the site where the old National Stadium used to be. It was eventually demolished in 1988 to make way for the Singapore Indoor Stadium car park.
Key Highlights of the Park:
Iconic Rides: The park was famous for its Lion Head roller coaster, the Ghost Train, bumper cars, and unique Ovaltine-branded spinning teacup rides.
Family Destination: It was a popular spot for weekend outings, Chinese New Year gatherings, and corporate Family Day events.
The "Kallang" Era: The park thrived in the 1970s before a decline in business led to its closure.
These stories was made possible by Aunty Abibah when she sat atop the trishaw during our Active Generations Programme (AGP) @ Gardens by the Bay.
The morning had begun with art reminiscence activities, where the seniors chatted about old-school delicacies such as the famous Ice Ball and many other things that reminded them of the good old days, but it was the trishaw ride that acted as a true time machine. As the wind swept across the bay, Aunty Abibah was transported back to the days of the old Wonderland theme park at Kallang. Long before the National Stadium became a landmark of steel and glass, it was a place of magic, carousels, and bright lights for a young girl growing up in Kampung Arang.
Reminiscing about those "Wonderland days" brought a radiant glow to her face. For Aunty Abibah, these weren't just old stories; they were moments of pure, unadulterated joy that felt as fresh as the breeze on the promontory.
“You have to stay happy,” she laughed when asked about her youthful energy. Her secret to aging gracefully is simple: a positive heart and a refusal to let stress take root. It’s a philosophy she lives out every day. Today, she is a vibrant spark at NTUC Health @ Limbang Green,participating in various activities and continues staying active and engaged with her community.
Stepping off the trishaw at Gardens by the Bay, Aunty Abibah carried that "Wonderland" joy back home with her, as a reminder that while our kampungs may vanish, the memories of the people who lived in them are a treasure we must help preserve.
It warms our hearts when beneficiaries provide us with such wonderful positive memories. We want to proliferate our programmes into more neighbourhoods and we need funding.
Do contact us on how we may work together to create space for seniors to reconnect with the good old days, share their experiences with the younger generations, and in doing so, connect hearts, make new friends and reduce loneliness.
