A Back-Alley Walk That Went Viral
Singapore singer-artist and yoga educator @gaylenerva shared a clip last month on her walk to her workplace.
In a TikTok video that has now made its rounds across platforms, Gayle filmed herself taking a narrow back-alley path behind Phoenix Park to get to The Living Room, the creative studio she co-founded.
The clip shows her walking through dense greenery, climbing a steep flight of outdoor stairs, and reaching a spot where the walkway ends at a drain—leaving her no choice but to carefully tiptoe along the narrow ledge.
“It’s only during the night time it can be a little spooky,” she says in the video, laughing as she points out the path.
The strange layout, paired with the quiet surroundings, quickly sparked concern among viewers.
Viewer Reactions
Many viewers warned Gayle about revealing her routine online, urging her to be cautious.
“This is a weird design. I cannot imagine when it rains.”
Some recognised her from Singapore Idol, calling the video a “core memory unlocked.”
They joked about “the little creatures of Phoenix Park forest.”
Gayle replied that the area is actually secured: “It’s safe lah 😁 got security and CCTV everywhere.”
Even then, some comments revealed many had no idea what Phoenix Park was, or that the public could walk through it.
When one viewer asked why she works “in a house,” she explained: “It’s our creative studio called The Living Room.”
The Follow-Up Video: “It’s Actually Safe, Lah”
In a second video, Gayle retraced her route—this time showing a clearer path amid the lush greenery.
She highlights a gentler slope that leads straight up to her workplace, describing the area as “lovely,” calm, and sunlit. “Nothing to be afraid of,” she says while showing alternative routes, the greenery, and the old colonial blocks surrounding her.
This time, the comments were less about safety and more about the scenery:
“The treeee is so gorgeous.”
“So calm, peaceful, serene… beautiful neighbourhood to live in”
Viral Clips Shine Light on Phoenix Park’s History
Gayle’s videos also unexpectedly revived public curiosity about Phoenix Park — a site many younger Singaporeans only know as “that quiet place near Tanglin.”
On Reddit, users described it as a good spot for a short hike and reminisced about its past food options.
But Phoenix Park is far more than an office cluster.
Built in 1949, according to The Smart Local, it once housed the British government’s Security Intelligence Far East, where high-level intelligence was processed. During World War II, the Japanese even used the grounds as a golf course.
In 2012, it was officially declared a historic site. Today, the conserved black-and-white blocks hold offices, schools, cafés, and restaurants. The enclave is open to the public and accessible via Napier MRT.
From “Scary Stairs” to a History Lesson
What began as a lighthearted clip about a narrow walkway ended up becoming a discussion about the area and the forgotten history tucked behind Singapore’s embassy district.
And while Gayle’s first video may have spooked some viewers, her second one helped set the record straight: the walk is safe, secured, and full of daytime charm.
Watch the videos here:
@gaylenerva
@gaylenerva Have yall been to Phoenix Park in Singapore? If you haveee, what did you do here? And do you have any stories about this place?
More from Wake Up Singapore:-
“Crabbing At Sembawang”: Viral Video Sparks Discussion Over Mud Crab Sightings in Singapore
‘Go And Find Your Mission’: Singapore Taxi Uncle’s Advice Moves Traveller
If you have a story or a tip-off, email admin@wakeup.sg or get in touch via Whatsapp at 8882 5913.
Interested in advertising on our media channels? Reach out to us at admin@wakeup.sg!
Since you have made it to the end of the article, follow Wake Up Singapore on Telegram and X!
Wake Up Singapore is a volunteer-run site that covers alternative views in Singapore. If you want to volunteer with us, sign up here!
