Remember these? Nostalgic things from old Singapore we still love

We’ve come a long way since Singapore’s very first birthday, and as National Day approaches once again — it’s that time of the year to pause, reflect, and embrace all the little things that make us uniquely Singaporean.

Beyond the vastness of tall structures and the city’s fast-paced life lie the quiet quirks of Singapore — hidden in the everyday and stir a deep sense of nostalgia. In honour of our nation’s 60th birthday, here are 11 nostalgic quirks that might just make you smile, reminisce, and miss the spontaneity that once defined life in our little red dot.

Pet birds at the Kopitiam

Picture this: the sound and sight of birds chirping at your local neighbourhood kopitiam as you order your lunch. Familiar, yet increasingly rare these days. Once a common scene at neighbourhood kopitiams, uncles would sip kopi while their beloved birds chirped from hanging cages nearby. They care for their birds and proudly display them, even if the birds are common species rather than exotic ones.

Now, it’s a rare sight. People seldom feed birds in public, let alone keep them as pets. With the threat of bird flu and other avian diseases, the government has imposed strict regulations on bird imports. Bird shops that were once bustling are now all but gone.

The Nightrider Service

Once a lifesaver for night owls, the NightRider buses were a godsend for those who stayed out late — be it after clubbing, midnight suppers, or graveyard shift workers. Affordable, accessible, and safe, it was the go-to option when MRT services halted and wallets didn’t stretch far enough for taxis.

Suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic and rendered insignificant in comparison to the rising popularity of ride-hailing apps such as Grab, the NightRider slowly faded from relevance. By June 2022, it officially vanished, quietly ending an era for late-night commuters.

Drinking at Clarke Quay Bridge

Before the 10:30 PM alcohol consumption restrictions took effect, Clarke Quay Bridge was the unofficial meeting ground for young adults alike. Cheap booze, heartfelt chats, spontaneous laughter — all under the night sky and in view of the colourful shophouses across the river.

More than just the alcohol, it was about forging genuine connections and camaraderie, having conversations that lull into the night. It was a great in-between spot where you could pre-game before hitting the first bar/club, or a place to hang out and sober up a bit before heading home. With stricter public drinking laws now in place, those golden evenings now live only in memory.

Dragon Playgrounds

Unlike today’s refined and safety-certified playgrounds, the Dragon Playgrounds were endearingly rugged — with square tiles, sandpits, and vibrant colours. Created in the 1970s to reflect local identity through the dragon, a familiar symbol in Asian folktales, these playgrounds weren’t crafted solely for fun — they were symbolic of a uniquely Singaporean childhood that remains as a core memory for many.

From scaling dragon heads to concrete slides, these spaces sparked imagination for different ways a child can play. Today, only four remain across Singapore, preserved more for sentimental value than for play.

Block Catching

Before smartphones and the rise of online games, Block Catching was the after-school ritual — spontaneous, free, and wildly fun. Racing through corridors and down stairwells, forging bonds over playful chases and ice cream from the mama shop after. Block Catching echoed the true kampung spirit, fading over time with the rise of technology.

Back then, you didn’t need to know your neighbourhood friends by name — just by address: “the boy from #03-257” or “the girl from 06-125.” Now, with fewer children playing outdoors, the game exists more in memory than motion.

Ice cream cart uncles

A uniquely Singaporean sight, ice cream uncles pedalled their bicycle-mounted karts through neighbourhoods, offering ice cream in rainbow bread, wafer sandwiches, or simple cups—all for $1.50 or less.

As time progresses, these familiar figures are slowly disappearing as the uncles retire due to old age. We hardly notice the absence of the ice cream uncles’ ringing bells in our neighbourhoods, with their presence slowly becoming a distant memory. It’s a melancholic reminder of how much of our childhood is slipping away.

Karang Guni uncles

“Karang Guni!” A loud voice echoing through the neighbourhood, followed by a familiar honk, once signalled the arrival of our local rag-and-bone men on their weekly rounds to collect unwanted household items.

In recent years, these scrap collectors have become a rare sight. Many have turned to digital platforms, with little left to collect — even cardboard. Like our beloved ice cream cart uncles, they are ageing, and it’s bittersweet to witness their quiet disappearance from our everyday lives.

Mcdonalds Hello Kitty Craze

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Back in the 2000s, the McDonald’s Hello Kitty craze had Singapore in a tight grip. People queued overnight for days, hoping to get their hands on limited-edition plushies, with resale prices soaring as collectors scrambled to complete their sets.

At its peak, it felt like a national event. While the frenzy has since mellowed, that same thrill of the chase lives on in other forms, from collecting Labubus to snaking queues for bubble tea. Today, the Hello Kitty dolls may sit quietly on shelves or in storage, but for many, they remain a sweet reminder of a time when the simplest things sparked the greatest joy.

Fantasy Island: Singapore’s OG water park

Located in Sentosa and twice the size of Wild Wild Wet, Fantasy Island was once the ultimate water park for thrill-seekers in the ‘90s. With heart-racing slides and steep drops, it was known both for its adrenaline and, unfortunately, its lack of safety — leading to multiple injuries and even fatalities.

The park closed in 2001, but its legacy lives on for the fastest and most extreme water rides Singapore ever knew.

Kelongs

A fisherman’s playground, Kelongs are traditional wooden floating platforms off Singapore’s coast, commonly used for fishing in the 1960s. An enjoyable pastime for those who grew up in Singapore’s earlier days, fishing at kelongs was a common weekend retreat for connection and relaxation with friends and family.

Today, only a few remain, most transformed into seafood restaurants or staycations to adapt to modern lifestyles.

Playing Chapteh

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A classic Singaporean pastime, Chapteh is a game where players try to keep a feathered shuttlecock in the air using only the heel or side of the foot. The game tests balance, coordination, and focus.

Often played in a circle, with friends or family cheering and counting aloud, Chapteh was part of everyday fun long before mobile phones and online games took over modern childhood.