schools, snakes, black & whites

[lido]

We are moving to Singapore. Can anyone give me some reviews on these schools: UWC, Tanglin Trust, and SAS. We are targeting the best American or British Universities for our children. I need some good, comparative information. Also, we are thinking of renting a black & white house, what are the creatures we should be prepared to see? Has anyone heard of a snake 'repellant' called Dr. T's Snake-Away?? Thanks to anyone who will respond to my school and house dilemmas.

[Bafana]

Whats a "balck and white house" apart from the obvious colour implications...

[Guest]

Its an english tudor style bungalow, usually sited on generous land plots owned and leased by the government

[sundaymorningstaple]

lido

As far a snake repellent no, I'm not aware of it.

Regarding critters around "black & white's", I lived in black & white's for 15 years in seletar airbase. I've seen just about all the critters that are available in singers. Caught several 1.5 m monitor lizards (these were transported to distant areas within the camp) in my yard (eating the dog's food in the wee hours in the morning) to unknown numbers of black cobras. These we just shooed away (the ones we see) as they should not be killed as they will keep the rat population at bay. Usually, you will not see them as they hear you long before you see them and take off.

Geckos, lizards, garden snakes, worm snakes, rather large spiders, mozzies, flying cockroaches, flying ants, flying bats (usually in you roof is where they nest), flying foxes (BIG bats), and many other assorted flying objects will assail you senses.

As I said, I lived with them for 15 years with no problems. I raised two children there without incident and it became a daily learning process for my kids. All you need to do is just use a modicum of common sense. I wouldn't trade the experience for the best condo in singapore.

That said, if you are city born & bred and afraid of anything including your shadow, then black & white's aren't for you. Get a condo instead and leave the "wilderness" to those who appreciate it. :idea:

Have a good stay here in Singapore. I have been here for over 22 years now. Whatever you do, don't become a whinner/whinger about things/traits singaporean. Look at it as a growing/learning experience.

sms

[sundaymorningstaple]

Baf,

Black & Whites are 'reverted government housing' that belonged to the Singapore (Previously British) Military. These were in estates that were managed by UDMC previously and more lately (since ~1990 if I remember correctly) by Pidemco and now Premas International (which is still Pidemco by another name).

sms

[lido]

sms, Thanks for the information. We are putting in an offer for the house, complete with jungle creatures. I think it's an opportunity to live in a very unique property; we could easily live in a modern townhome anywhere in the world. I may, however, try Dr. T's only around the house perimeter as we have children. As far as experiencing Singapore life, I cannot wait. When visiting in February, I have to say, I was left with such a good impression. What an opportunity to meet so many people of different backgrounds and cultures. It is a truly international place. Regards, lido

[beenhere10years]

We love living in our B&W. Yes there are lots of critters but the experience is wonderful. Trouble is the B&Ws tend to be close to town and not SAS which is the logical choice if you are American. Also, there is a lot of personal start up costs and they require a huge amount of maintenance.

[JP]

How do you get hold of a list of the available black and white houses?

[Guest]

sms, Thanks for the information. We are putting in an offer for the house, complete with jungle creatures. I think it's an opportunity to live in a very unique property; we could easily live in a modern townhome anywhere in the world. I may, however, try Dr. T's only around the house perimeter as we have children. As far as experiencing Singapore life, I cannot wait. When visiting in February, I have to say, I was left with such a good impression. What an opportunity to meet so many people of different backgrounds and cultures. It is a truly international place. Regards, lido

My friend lives up at a B&W and she faces the problem of snakes all the time.. at one point of time she called up the pest control like 4 times in 5 months.. Just make sure you have all the snake baits and all ready.