New Challenge for Novice Drivers
Picture this: you’re a rookie behind the wheel, thinking vertical parking is a walk in the park. If the only things you see around the lot are curbs and grass, you might feel invincible. But hang on, because parking spaces come in every shape and size ever, and they’re not giving you a grace period. A single misstep could mean a hefty fine or a dash to the nearest petrol station.
Five More “No-Go” Spots in Singapore
- Harbour Heights – It’s slick and steep; one wrong turn and you’re in a free‑fall.
- Central Plaza Parking – The spots are tiny and the doors are cooler than a frozen mango.
- Chinatown Mall – Radius‑moving lanes and almost invisible entry lines might surprise anyone.
- East Side Mini‑Park – The bumpies are everywhere, and the whole place feels like a maze.
- Garden City Terminal – Out of the gate, you’re greeted with more confusion than a bank teller.
These five infamous carparks get the reputation because even seasoned drivers have trouble there. So if you’re still sweating over the basics, skip these until you’ve earned more experience points. Just remember: practice makes perfect, parking with confidence, and maybe a little less panicky.
1. Burlington Square carpark
Parking Drama at Burlington Square, Bencoolen
Burlington Square isn’t just an old‑fashioned apartment hotspot; it’s a maze of buildings, shops, and, let’s not forget, piled‑up pillars that make every turn feel like a high‑stakes game of pin the tail on the donkey.
Why Your Car Hates This Spot
- Hidden Obstacles: Pillars hide in plain sight. A wrong turn can leave your dashboard slightly scratched or the hood dent‑tastic.
- Too Column‑Heavy: Every parking space is sandwiched between two columns. If you’re hunting for a clear zone on both sides of your car, this place will disappoint.
- Older Architecture: The building’s age means uneven ground and quirks that modern drivers rarely anticipate.
Pro‑Tip: Treat It Like A Puzzle
Picture your car as a piece on a giant chessboard. Plan your move: the first lane might be the safest, but you’ll need a second turn to escape. Keep your eyes peeled for those “oddly placed” columns, and always half‑humble and half‑hopeful before you shift.
Feel Like A Hero? Or A Victim?
If your mind craves the thrill of empty parking lanes with space to wiggle, you’ve got a better chance of ending up hugging the nearest pillar. Consider a different spot or, at the very least, bring your own portable parking guide.
Bottom line: Parking at Burlington Square is a comic‑drama sprint. Treat it with caution, humor, and the grace of a seasoned driver. Happy (and safe) parking!
2. Clifford Centre carpark
Raffles Place: A Legendary Parking Conundrum
If you’ve spent any time behind the wheel in this part of town, you’ll know that Raffles Place is more than just a block on a map. It’s a dreaded parking arena that practically has a reputation of its own.
What to Expect
Let’s break down the classic “killer” sequence you’ll run into:
- Step 1 – The Tumble Up: The first thing you’ll feel is that steep slope. It’s the kind of climb that makes you question whether you should have taken the elevator instead of the stairs.
- Step 2 – The Slippery Turn: Once you crest the hill, you’ll find yourself staring at a narrow, almost theatrical “turn.” If you’re not comfortable with tight maneuvers, this is a checkpoint where a subtle slip could mean a whole lot of drama.
- Step 3 – The Unexpected Wall: Unlike Burlington Square, which is a pillar carnival, here you’ll suddenly face a solid wall. Think of it as a surprise ‘stop sign’ that doesn’t mean nothing; it means eye contact with the termination of your path.
Tips for the Brave
If you’re up for the challenge, remember these tricks:
- Brace Yourself: Keep your eyes on the road and your hands steady. It’s all about anticipation.
- Hit the Dogleg: When you hit that narrow turn, try to keep the vehicle’s nose near the edge, as if you’re sandwiching a piece of pizza between two slices.
- Use the Left Fork: When you see the wall, veer left slightly before it hits you; no need for a “nice-to-know” apology to the architecture.
Why Some Drivers Skip It
Not everyone enjoys the thrill of shaking a steering wheel in a cramped space. Crash test caps! There are definitely some drivers out there who choose to skirt this parking lot altogether. It’s a pure preference: Did you know that one smooth ride can occur if the car or driver’s “confidence” was better than usual? 99% of the times, it definitely works better whether you’re into sharp turns or simply want to skip them. Or rather I’m happy to stay dogleg enough— this kinda driving was amazing I trust your workaround! Let’s continue.
In Summary
Raffles Place isn’t just another multi‑storey space; it’s a test in patience, skill, and maybe a dash of bravado. Give it a go if you’re in the mood for a zombie car park adventure, and skip it if you prefer the calm Sunday drive vibe.
3. Wisma Atria carpark
Parking Woes at Wisma Atria
Wisma Atria sits smack‑in‑the‑middle of Orchard—yeah, that buzzing spot everyone loves for its malls and food. But when you strap yourself into the car and head to their parking lot, it feels more like a jungle gym than a honey‑comb of spaces.
Twisty, Turny, Trouble‑Envy
- Even though the lot’s larger than the two we’ve seen before, there’s a ruthless collection of sharp bends.
- Drivers find themselves carrying the car from one corner to the next like a tightrope act. One wrong move and you’re left wrestling into a small spot surrounded by parked cars.
- It’s the kind of feeling that makes you question each step when you finally spot a free spot—did you just turn around, or were you actually searching the right lane?
Why It’s Not Just a Ditch
Picture this: you’re halfway through the “maneuver” that hopefully leads you to that coveted empty space, only to realize the sitcom “The Never-Ending Parking Round” has cranked up again. The routine stops by the time you’re near the top of a slope, the parking space is still a puzzle, and the ever‑changing number of available spots leaves you second‑guessing every move.
Alternative Plan: Pick Another Mall
If you’re not a fan of the sick‑leaving, roundabouts that can only exist in a maze, the smart move is to head over to another shopping spot with less drama in the car park. Some malls grant you a straight‑forward drive and a quicker checkout, saving you the trip to Tango that might make you think of a CSI episode.
4. Golden Mile carpark
Why the Golden Mile Parking Lot is the Ultimate Headache for Your Ride
Ever wondered what it feels like to wrestle a car into an obstacle‑filled maze? Welcome to the Golden Mile carpark on Beach Road. It’s a place where you’ll quickly discover that the only thing it accepts is thin and tight—not your bulkier family SUV or that big, roof‑boxed wagon you thought might fit.
Height? What Height?
Here’s the first rule of the Golden Mile: there’s no altitude allowance. If your car stretches above the minimum clearance, you’re out of luck. Picture a mini‑tunnel that will nip your roof like a marmot to a cactus. Avoid it if you’re worried about your vehicle topbing halfway into that narrow limbo.
Narrow Lanes = Rusty Rear-View Mirrors
Every turn feels like a traffic puzzle. The lanes are so squeezed together that even a two‑lane road can feel like a cuddling contest. Family cars, MPVs, and any vehicle that looks more like a bowling ball than a sleek sports car: treat the Golden Mile like the fashion show you never wanted to attend.
Dead End Drama
Once you think you’ve made a daring pass, you’re often left staring into a dead‑end. It’s that moment when you realize you’re stuck, because the layout has been oddly designed to make you feel like a misplaced brick in a tower.
Random Wall (The “Oops, I Forgot a Wall” Moment)
And then there’s the wall that pops up out of nowhere. It’s the parking lot’s way of saying, “Too early to think I have parking space for you.” For drivers who’ll park across from it, this wall could turn the area into a traffic jam that feels just as frustrating as a clogged coffee filter.
Bottom Line: Keep It Short
If you’ve got a taller vehicle, a roof box, or just anything larger than the current lanes would allow, steer clear of this spot. Trust us – a more forgiving space won’t have you breaking into car parenting paperwork.
5. Orchard Building carpark
Orchard’s Backyard Battle: The Carpark That Will Test Your Reflexes
Think you can tackle the toughest carparks in Singapore? Meet the fan‑favorite spot right in Orchard. It’s the kind of maze that makes you question whether you’re driving or playing a video game.
Quick Takeaways
- Reversing Fails – You’ll end up going back on yourself more times than you’d like if you’re not deep into the layout.
- Mind the Narrow Lanes – Spaghetti‑wide roads turn into a bullet‑proof alley when parking here.
- Full‑Lock Steering Required – One wrong turn and you’re looking at scratches or dents that could turn your car into a chrome‑scarred relic.
- Not for the Spacious‑Aficionado – If you crave extra room to dance between slots, this spot is a hard no‑go.
Why It Stands Out
Each corner is a trial, each exit a triumph. If you’ve ever felt a thrill from a rogue driver looking for a second chance, this is the place to test that skill. Don’t be surprised if your GPS starts throwing up an “Unknown Terrain” error.
Pro Tip for the Adventurous
Bring your confidence, and maybe a spare ball of paint in case you want to start a ‘spot‑and‑fix’ challenge for your car’s new look.
Stay Sane, Stay Safe
Remember, you’re not in a racetrack. The goal is to park comfortably without turning your vehicle into a souvenir of battle scars. Take your time and enjoy the art of navigation!
