As far as HDB estates go, most of them are nondescript places which we visit more out of necessity rather than a tourist attraction. However, some blocks are a little more… special. This cache brings you to one of two blocks that were built specifically to be “attractions”!
Block 710 in Ang Mo Kio Central does seem like your typical point block: tall, narrow and filled with HDB flats, but look closely, and you’ll notice that its rooftop isn’t quite like the others. There is a sheltered observatory that offers any visitor an unhindered 360-degree view of Ang Mo Kio and the surrounding region, which I am sure is quite the sight to behold… if only it were open to the public. Sadly, the area is locked and inaccessible, so please don’t bother the residents by poking about the top floor.
But why does this block exist? Block 710 is one of two so-called “VIP Blocks”, which were purpose-built to serve as both a typical residential block and, more importantly, a stopover point for foreign dignitaries. The other “VIP Block” is the unique Y-shaped Block 53, Lorong 5 Toa Payoh. The Singapore government, in its early days, was rightfully proud of its New Town building programmes, with its neatly organised HDB Flats and bustling central hubs. So, official state visits by foreign leaders were sure to include at least one trip to such estates, mainly so that the government could show off their latest town construction projects.
In fact, on the late Queen Elizabeth’s first two state visits to Singapore in 1972 and 1989, she was brought to Toa Payoh and Ang Mo Kio respectively, and guess which blocks she was brought to visit… yup, that right: Block 53 and Block 710.
Unfortunately, we mere mortal geocachers are not so privileged, so we’ll have to make do with the view from the neighbouring commercial Block 710A. You may need to get a little higher for a better look of the surroundings (read: go up to the second floor), though, frankly, the scenery isn’t enhanced much… but you might just find a geocache to make it worth the trouble 😉 Happy hunting!
