SINGAPORE — Couples have posed beside it during wedding shoots and dates, while local shutterbugs have often used it as a backdrop for their creative endeavours. Now, it is time to say goodbye to the iconic Punggol tree — affectionally dubbed the #InstagramTree online.

Despite its popularity on one of the world's biggest social media networks, the Punggol tree will be removed by the Housing Development Board (HDB) in the interest of public safety next Wednesday (Dec 16). Since the HDB made the announcement on Facebook yesterday, some people have taken to social media to post photos of the tree and bid their farewells. 

In a Facebook post yesterday, the HDB said that it had recently checked on the tree in Punggol and arborists have certified that the tree is dead after being struck by lightning in July. The statutory board also advised visitors to stay away from the tree as parts of the tree have been falling off without warning. 

The tree has its own location tag and has also gotten more than 1,500 photos under its dedicated hashtag as of today.