THE discovery is not quite like finding gold in Punggol. But it is no less beautiful.
Hidden from human traffic is a quiet, undisturbed beach enclave in space-scarce Singapore.
Few people know about it. To find the spot, you need to go to the end of busy Punggol estate.
But its attraction lies in its seclusion.
It is untouched by maddening crowds, unlike East Coast Park and Pasir Ris beach.
It used to be a wild, mangrove swamp, but it has since been transformed into a favourite spot of a few picnickers for its pristine, fine sand, calm waters and magnificent view of Pulau Ubin just across the waters.
Early teaser
It is also an early teaser of the Government masterplan to transform Punggol estate into a vibrant waterfront town.
When The New Paper discovered the beach yesterday, there was only a small group of no more than 50 sun-seekers relaxing along the short stretch.
Some were fishing, others were lazing next to their hastily set up tents, while children were playing and splashing nearby along the water.
There was also a small group of mountain bikers trying to tame the hilly terrain nearby.
One could almost drive up to the water's edge - that's how undeveloped it is.
There's no sense of urgency here, compared to the mad hustle and bustle of East Coast Park with its never-ending stream of cyclists, joggers, screaming children, BBQ smells and noisy seafood restaurants.
Here, most were content to just sit back and watch the setting sun beyond the fish farms on the horizon.
Do not expect the food stalls, amenities or toilets that you find at beach parks elsewhere.
Indeed, that is precisely why it is so precious - like finding gold in Punggol - if you can find your way there.
