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Live Like the Local: Top 5 Singapore Heartland Areas You Should Visit


Photo Credit: Erwin Soo on Flickr

When on a trip to Singapore, most if not all would always visit the iconic landmarks but aside from those well-known attractions, why not explore the Singapore heartland? These heartland areas are where the locals call their home, so come and experience what we tend to enjoy daily! Each heartland location is special and offers similar yet different things that you can look forward to!


However, you might be wondering, what exactly are “Heartlands”? “Heartland” refers to the areas outside of the Central area. It is mostly populated by public housing, along with amenities and facilities that the residents can enjoy without having to travel too far out.


In Singapore, there are 24 of such ‘Heartland’ locations and we will be recommending 5 of these locations. Read on to find out more and what you can look forward to at each area!


Our Recommended Heartland Areas to Visit:


North Region:


Yishun

Yishun
Photo Credit: Expat Living Singapore

Best known for being the place that Singapore’s President, Halimah Yacob, has her family home at, Yishun is a town located in the north-east corner of the North region. Yishun has 9 subzones: Khatib, Lower Seletar, Nee Soon, Northland, Springleaf, Yishun Central, Yishun East, Yishun West, Yishun South.


Though famous and joked around by the locals for being a cursed neighbourhood due to the number of unfortunate incidents that tend to occur, Yishun offers both their citizens and fellow locals more than that. It is a family-friendly neighbourhood with tons of the relevant amenities & facilities needed, along with education, recreation, nature, and action-packed options!


Fun fact: Yishun was also featured in a promotional video for Stranger Things season 2 on Netflix’s Facebook. Accessibility Train:

  • North-South Line: Khatib and Yishun Station

  • Thomson East-Coast Line: Springleaf Station

Bus: Yishun Integrated Transport Hub offers bus services within and outside the town. The bus services that are available at the Transport Hub can be viewed here. Aside from the transport hub, there are other bus services that pass by the town as well.


Places to Visit


Northpoint City

Northpoint City
Photo Credit: Architizer

Opened in 1992, it was the first heartland shopping centre in Singapore then and is now the largest mall in Northern Singapore. Formerly known as Northpoint Shopping Centre, it underwent renovations and expansions twice, resulting in the North and South wings that we see today.


The current mall is also the first integrated mixed development mall that includes a rooftop community garden, public library, community club (Nee Soon Central Community Club), air-conditioned bus interchange, a 4,400 sqm town plaza and a 920-unit condominium (North Park Residences).


Northpoint City offers a wide selection of retail and food options, as well as an education cluster!


Address: 930 Yishun Avenue 2 Singapore 769098

Opening Hours: 10:30am – 10:30pm


Sungei Khatib Bongsu

Sungei Khatib Bongsu
Photo Credit: ptanphoto

One of Singapore’s largest mangrove riverine ecosystems, this natural heritage can only be explored by kayaking. Also known as the “land of giants”, this mangrove and mudflat habitat is hidden from civilisation, giving you a scenic and fantasy-like view as you paddle between the huge trees.


Home to many endangered plants and animals, the Khatib Bongsu mangrove remains as one Singapore’s last untouched mangrove forests and un-dammed rivers. While on the kayaking trip, you can see traces of the prawn and fish farms that used to be in the area and learn about the Orang Seletar that used to live in the area!


If you are interested to explore this area, you can read more about the kayaking tour here and enquire about it with their Singapore branch.


Tip: Do bring along sun protection, insect repellent, waterproof pouches for your phone and/or camera, a pair of binoculars to enjoy the scenery better, a poncho in case of wet weather and a change of clothes in case you get wet while kayaking.


Food to Eat


928 Yishun Laksa

928 Yishun Laksa
Photo Credit: Seth Lui

Want to try some iconic local dishes before your trip ends? This place is one of the best places you can try the iconic Laksa!


Having been around for more than 20 years, this family-owned business continues to offer one of the most affordable laksa with the small portion priced at $3, the large portion at $3.50, and additional ingredients at $0.50 or $1 (cockles) extra. Famous for its aromatic coconut-based broth, the affordable laksa comes with a generous amount of toppings and a dash of their homemade sambal!


Tip: If you are unsure of which noodle type to choose, the thick rice vermicelli is the best option!


Address: 928 Yishun Central 1, #01-155, Singapore 760928

Opening Hours: Mon – Sat, 8:30am – 7pm


Chong Pang Nasi Lemak

Chong Pang Nasi Lemak
Photo Credit: Lemi

A well-known nasi lemak place in Yishun, this place offers an extensive selection of freshly cooked dishes! Dishes such as chicken wings, sambal sotong (squid), sweet & sour fish, Taiwanese sausage, otah and vegetable fritters can be ordered.


Established in 1973, it is the Chinese interpretation of Nasi Lemak. Many people visit for a late supper or early breakfast as it opens late through the night, and it is not strange to see a long queue of people at ungodly hours. It is also a popular spot among recruits that are deployed to the nearby Chong Pang camp.

Address: 447 Sembawang Rd, Singapore 758404

Opening Hours: Daily, 5pm – 6:30am


Coconuto

coconuto
Photo Credit: nickblitzz.sg

Are you a coconut enjoyer? You would go nuts for these shakes and gelato then!


The first coconut-themed café in Singapore, this 16-seat café is located underneath a HDB estate in Yishun, along with other void-deck shops.


Started by 4 secondary school friends with a common hobby of café-hopping, they came together to open this instagrammable café with a minimalist blue and grey interior. Serving different unique flavours of coconut shakes, coconut gelato and waffle, they open till midnight, making it the perfect place to satisfy your sweet late-night cravings!

Address: 645 Yishun Street 61, #01-322, Singapore 760645 Opening Hours:

Tues – Thurs: 12pm – 12am

Fri – Sat: 12pm – 2am

Sun: 12pm – 12am


North-East Region:


Punggol

Punggol
Photo Credit: Surbana Jurong

Claimed to be the “waterfront town of the 21st century’ by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), Punggol is one of the oldest settlements yet highly sought-after due to its major transformation from a rural district with farmhouses to a waterfront heartland. It is also Singapore’s first eco-town!


Located at the north-east region, Punggol is home to 7 subzones: Coney Island, Matilda, Northshore, Punggol Canal, Punggol Field, Punggol Town Centre and Waterway East.


Punggol is also one of the only 3 areas in Singapore to have a Lite Rail Transit (LRT) system within the neighbourhood. Operated by SBS Transit and opened in 2005, the Punggol LRT consists of 2 separate lines, the East and West, with 2 loops (clockwise/anti-clockwise) each, serving a total of 14 stations.


Fun fact: Punggol was one of the three winning Singapore projects worldwide, winning the 2021 Urban Land Institute (ULI) Asia Pacific Awards for Excellence! More can be read here!


Note: To find out more about what activities you can do here, do check out this blog!


Accessibility


Train:

  • North-East Line: Punggol Station

  • Punggol LRT (to travel within the neighbourhood)


Bus: Punggol Temporary Bus Interchange and other nearby bus stops offer bus services within and outside Punggol. The bus services can be viewed here.


Places to Visit


Waterway Point

Waterway Point
Photo Credit: Time Out

Waterway Point is the first Singapore mall to be integrated with a town square and visitor’s centre, providing a location for exhibitions and community events that tells of Punggol’s history. Community zones and the outdoor play zone for children are also part of the mall, allowing residents to host events and kids to be active.


It is a one-stop retail and lifestyle hub for residents and locals, offering a variety of retail, dining, entertainment and education options, with more than 200 tenants. The 4 storeys are separated according to its theme, with level 2 being a kids & family zone, level 1 for fashion & food, basement 1 to find the waterfront promenade & Alfresco dining, and basement 2 for lifestyle & convenience products/services.

Address: 83 Punggol Central, Singapore 828761

Opening Hours: Daily, 10am – 9:30pm


Coney Island Park

Coney Island
Photo Credit: Mediacorp

Many will recognise the name Coney Island as it is a famous amusement park place in New York, however, Singapore has its own version of it. Unlike the entertainment you would get at Brooklyn, Singapore’s Coney Island is a nature park, home to many different species.


Coney Island Park is known for being one of the getaway spots from civilisation, allowing locals to enjoy nature, be it through taking a stroll, cycling or even bird watching! There are also 5 “themed” beach areas that you can check out! If you would like to rent a bike, there are 2 bike rental kiosks that are near, GoCycling @Punggol Jetty and Jomando (Punggol Settlement).


Note: Due to the construction of an Outward-Bound Facility, sections of the island on the eastern end are closed off, with the expected completion date to be in June 2024. For more information, do read on here.

Address: Punggol Promenade Nature Walk, 829325

Opening Hours: Daily, 7am – 7pm (gates will be closed at 7pm)


Punggol Waterway Park

Punggol Waterway Park
Photo Credit: Trip Advisor

Want to take some Instagram-worthy photos while enjoying the tranquil neighbourhood? Punggol Waterway Park is the place to go! With 4 different zones, this park is the best place for you to enjoy your time while going about your day.


As the longest man-made waterway in Singapore, this park is multi-purpose, allowing people of all ages to enjoy their time here, no matter what activities they would like to partake in.


Some attractions to highlight would be the huge water and sand play area for children, Heartwave mall which tells the story of Punggol, Lorong Halus Wetland which is home to tropical birds and mammels, as well as the five picturesque bridges.

Address: Sentul Cres, Singapore 821313

Opening Hours: Opens 24 hours


Food to Eat


Punggol Settlement

The Punggol Settlement
Photo Credit: MyNiceHome

With a vintage exterior, Punggol Settlement is the place to go for seafood! There are currently 10 restaurants here, along with a 7 Eleven and bike rental store, Jomando Adventure & Recreations.


Though known as the place to go for seafood, other cuisines such as Japanese, Thai, Indian, French and local can also be enjoyed. All the restaurants there are equally famous and would definitely be worth a try!

Address: 500 New Punggol Rd, Singapore 828617

Opening Hours: Daily, 11 AM – 12 AM


Punggol East Container Park

Punggol East Container Park
Photo Credit: Sassy Mama

As the name states, this hidden food enclave has restaurants housed in a container-like design. Away from the bustling city, at the outskirts of Punggol, 7 restaurants offering different cuisines and settings can be found, with each of them having their own unique social mission message.

Tip: Do head over during dinner time instead as the place would be lit up with fairy lights!

Address: 50 Punggol E, Singapore 828824


Whisk & Paddle

Whisk & Paddle
Photo Credit: Miss Tam Chiak

A relaxing café that boasts a large outdoor veranda overlooking the Punggol-Serangoon Reservoir, this popular riverside cafe offers all-day breakfast in addition to their mains and unique beverages! Their full menu can be viewed here.


In addition to the tranquillity that this café offers, it is also very family-friendly, including a small kids’ playground and kids’ menu! During sunset, you would be able to get quite a view while enjoying your meal if you were to sit at the veranda.


At night, the café would light up with fairy lights on their ceilings, making the atmosphere more romantic too!


Note: No pets are allowed.

Address: 10 Tebing Lane, #01-01, Singapore 828836

Opening Hours:

Tues – Thurs: 12pm – 10pm (last order at 9:15pm)

Fri: 12pm – 10:30pm (last order at 9:45pm)

Sat: 9:30pm – 10:30pm (last order at 9:45pm)

Sun/Public Holidays: 9:30am – 10pm (last order at 9:15pm)


East Region:


Tampines

Tampines
Photo Credit: The Honeycombers

Known as the residential “Orchard Road” of the East, Tampines is a major shopping hub and is a town in the eastern region of Singapore. With a population of around 259,900 residents, Tampines is the 3rd most populous town in Singapore, with 5 subzones: Tampines North, Tampines East, Tampines West, Simei and Xilin.


Aside from being famous for its numerous parks and gardens, Tampines is also the first of four regional centres in Singapore. You might be wondering… What are regional centres? Regional centres are places that economic activities can happen, basically a commercial zone, serving the locals that stay in the East. This makes it so that they do not have to travel to the Central Business District, bringing workplaces closer to home instead.


Fun fact: Tampines town won the World Habitat Award in the Developed Country Category in October 1992, which is an award that recognizes innovative and successful human settlements.

Accessibility Train:

  • East-West Line: Simei, Tampines

  • Downtown Line: Tampines, Tampines West, Tampines East, Upper Changi and Expo

  • Coming Soon: 2 more stations, Xilin on the Downtown Line and Tampines North on the Cross Island Line would be added in the future.

Bus: Tampines Bus Interchange, Tampines Concourse Bus Interchange and Changi Business Park Bus Terminal offers bus services within and outside the town.


Places to Visit


Shopping Malls

Tampines Mall
Photo Credit: CapitaLand

Located next to or near the Tampines stations and bus interchange, 3 shopping malls can be found in the vicinity. Tampines Mall, Tampines 1 and Century Square offers locals an extensive selection of options, be it retail, dining, entertainment or service based.


Tampines Mall is one of Singapore’s leading suburban malls, with 160 stores across its 6 floors. As a one-stop shopping mall, you can be sure to find a variety of products or services that you can choose from! If Tampines Mall happens to lack what you are searching for, Tampines 1 and Century Square are nearby which offer quite a range.


Tampines 1 is a fashion haven, with an array of downtown and international fashion brands for you to browse! Not just retail, they also offer trendy dining concepts, ensuring that you have a good dining experience too! With over 180 stores, shoppers are welcomed to a curated range of retail and dining options.


Century Square is a dynamic lifestyle and retail destination, putting their

customers first by providing them with the best curated shopping, dining, entertainment and spaces to socialise. Comprising of 6 levels, the mall is home to about 218 stores and offers a variety of family-friendly amenities & activity spaces!


Sun Plaza Park

Sun Plaza Park
Photo Credit: National Parks Board

Known for having an abundance of greenery, Tampines provides a selection of places for nature recreation and is home to a couple of natural habitats. Sun Plaza Park is a popular spot among residents for family activities and sports, as well as the pretty pink blooms (as seen in photo) that happen during 2 flowering seasons (March/April and August/September).


The trumpet trees are responsible for the Sakura-like pink blooms and is also nicknamed as “Singapore’s cherry blossoms”. These blooms will only last for several days but can be found at multiple locations in Singapore, including the Sun Plaza Park.


The park features a Sense Discovery Garden which is an engaging spot for families and children, the first local woodball course with biennial tournaments being held for the residents, an amphitheatre to enjoy social gatherings or events, a beach ball court, and footpaths for exercising. It is also home to the Tampines Tree, which is what the town was named after.

Address: Tampines Avenue 7, Tampines Avenue 9 Singapore

Opening Hours: Daily, 24 hours


Food to Eat


Tampines Hub Hawker Centre

Tampines Hub
Photo Credit: To Gather SG

Located the Singapore’s largest integrated community and lifestyle hub, the Tampines Hub Hawker Centre hosts over 40 stalls of different cuisines. The hawker centre is run by the Kopitiam Group, a Singaporean food court chain under the FairPrice group.

Initially opened as a 24-hour hawker centre, this was soon changed to regular hours as there was low traffic, with people hardly visiting after 11pm. With it being a hawker, there are tons of options to choose from which may be daunting. Here are our recommended stalls to try out!

  • Ofanz Rojak and Popiah

  • Yong Seng Heng Prawn Noodle

  • Jue Shi Lor Mee

  • Social Bite

  • Mommy Rendang

Address: 495 Tampines Ave 5, Singapore 529649


Tampines Round Market & Food Centre

Tampines Round Market & Food Centre
Photo Credit: BurgerNBacon

One of the landmarks in the town, the Tampines Round Market and Food Centre opened in 1983 and is surrounded by a ring of shophouses. Home to about 45 food stalls and 99 market stalls, these stalls are either located on the “outer ring” or the “inner ring”. Some tenants have been here since the start while some are new faces, with the hawkers having a strong bond, especially the 72 tenants that relocated together, coming from a demolished hawker centre at Toa Payoh. When spoilt with choice, you may have difficulty deciding on what to eat so here are some of the recommended foods!

  • Song Han Carrot Cake

  • Yummy Sarawak Kolo Mee

  • 137 Lor Mee Prawn Mee

  • Rajarani Thosai

  • House of Dessert

  • Teo Kee Mushroom Minced Pork Noodles

  • Chai Chee Pork Porridge

Address: 137 Tampines St. 11, Singapore 522137


Three’s A Crowd

Three's A Crowd
Photo Credit: District SixtyFive

After a long day, who wouldn’t want to enjoy some dessert at a café?


Three’s A Crowd is a small café specialising in ice cream and in-house cakes & bakes. From the typical ice cream flavours to more unique ones like cinnamon maple, the freshly churned ice cream also has vegan/diary free options, allowing for more to enjoy. Aside from the specialties, beverages and savoury food are also available. Their full menu can be viewed here.

Address: 802 Tampines Ave 4 #01-11 Singapore 520802

Opening Hours: (last order: 30 mins before closing)

Sun - Thu: 11am - 10:30pm

Fri: 11am - 11pm

Sat: 11am - 12am


Bedok

Bedok
Photo Credit: ActiveSG

A popular spot for watersports and supper, Bedok is Singapore’s most populous residential estate. Located in the eastern region, Bedok is home to approximately 280,000 residents, with 8 subzones: Kaki Bukit, Bedok Reservoir, Kembangan, Bedok North, Frankel, Bedok South, Siglap and Bayshore.


With a mix of modern amenities, nature and most importantly, different types of housing such as HDB flats, condominiums and landed properties can be found.

Due to the housing being quite a distant from the central area, it is more affordable compared to other towns. It is also a quiet and peaceful town, away from the hustle and bustle of the central district.


Fun Fact: Bedok is one of the earliest places that was documented in Singapore as there is a reference to the Bedok River which was known as sune bodo (Sungei Bedok), in the 1604 Manuel Gomes de Erédia's map of Singapore.


Places to Visit


Bedok Reservoir Park

Bedok Reservoir Park
Photo Credit: Time Out

The go-to place for water sports and fitness enthusiasts, Bedok Reservoir Park is a sand quarry turned reservoir, home to many different activity spots. It is one of the 17 reservoirs in Singapore and is the biggest park on the island, in addition to being used as a water catchment area.


As mentioned before, there are a couple of different activities that can be done here such as the famed Forest Adventure, which is Singapore’s first and only treetop obstacle course, water sports (kayaking & dragon boating), fishing, bird watching, inline skating and cycling. As the park is huge and well-shaded, it is also no stranger to cross-country running training and events. If you get hungry while exploring the park, there are also places for you to dine at within and just outside the park!

Address: 760 Bedok Reservoir Rd, Singapore 479245

Opening Hours: Daily, 7am – 7pm


Heartbeat @ Bedok

Heartbeat Bedok
Photo Credit: ONG&ONG

Community clubs are common in neighbourhoods, but Bedok features an integrated lifestyle hub, offering a range of facilities and different services in addition to the community club. It is Singapore’s second community and lifestyle hub that has won multiple awards before.


Featuring a swimming complex (with an indoor training pool), indoor badminton court, gym, public library, polyclinic, educational centres and a senior care centre, residents of all ages would be able to enjoy the facilities and community programmes, enhancing their quality of life and promotes an active lifestyle!

Address: 11 Bedok North Street 1 Singapore, Singapore 469662


Xtreme Skate Park

Xtreme Skatepark
Photo Credit: Shincon Industrial Pte Ltd

Located at East Coast Park is Singapore’s largest and most well-known skatepark, Xtreme Skatepark (also known as ECP Skate Park) is friendly to both beginners and advanced skaters. Featuring many unique obstacles, the park consists of a beginner’s street course, a combo bowl and a 3.6-metre-deep vertical bowl!


As it is a popular skatepark, it tends to get crowded, and you will see skateboarders, inline skaters, scooterists and BMX freestylers doing some crazy tricks and stunts at the ramps. The skatepark was built to international competitive standards and is an ideal spot for extreme sports enthusiasts.

Address: 1 East Coast Terrace, Singapore 458912 (Behind Car Park F)

Opening Hours: Daily, 7:30am – 10pm


Food to Eat


Bedok 85 Fengshan Food Centre

Bedok 85 Fengshan Food Centre
Photo Credit: Daniel Food Diary

An Eastie favourite, 85 Fengshan Food Centre, otherwise known as Bedok 85, is home to 2 famous bak chor mee (minced meat noodles) stalls that serve it in a soup-style instead of the usual dry version. A famous supper spot, 85 Fengshan Centre offers more than just their bak chor mee, with other stalls also being just as well-known.


Here are some of our recommendations for Bedok 85!

  • Xing Ji Ruo Cuo Mian

  • Seng Hiang Bak Chor Mee

  • Bedok 85 Fried Oyster Omelette

  • Chomp Chomp BBQ

  • Chai Chee Pork Porridge

  • Sin Bedok North BBQ Chicken Wings

  • Meow Xiang Vegetarian Food

Address: 85 Bedok North Street 4, Singapore 460085


Lek Lim Nonya Cake Confectionary

Lek Lim Nonya Cake Confectionary
Photo Credit: Rubbish Eat Rubbish Grow

Searching for local snacks to try after a hearty meal? Look no further for Bedok is home to a well-known old traditional kueh store that has been at this location since 1972.


Currently taken care of by its third-generation owner, this family-run stall is located right behind Bedok 85 Market and continues to make their traditional kuehs by hand. Across the years, their menu grew and it now includes halal-certified products from 11 different categories, including a vegetarian platter!


Lek Lim Nonya Cake Confectionary has participated in Singapore Food Fair 2013 as voter’s favourite nonya kueh store, featured in meWATCH (a Singaporean digital video on demand service brand by Mediacorp, previously known as Toggle) and was even interviewed by BBC in 2019.

Address: Block 84 Bedok North Street 4 #01-21 Singapore, Singapore 460084

Opening Hours: Mon – Sat: 7am – 5pm, Sun: 7am – 2pm


FATCAT Ice Cream Bar

FATCAT Ice Cream Bar
Photo Credit: Cassie Ong on Burpple

Always trying out new renditions or flavour combinations, FATCAT Ice Cream Bar is a homegrown local brand that sells a large variety of in-house ice-cream flavours, plated desserts and cakes.


Besides their signature flavours like butter beer and watermelon soju, their ice cream selection rotates every season, which includes local flavours and seasonal produces such as wasabi and yuzu matcha. Their signatures include the charcoal waffles, reverse s’mores, lime mojito sphere and brown butter waffle. Their menu can be viewed here!

Address: 416 Bedok North Ave 2, #01-25, Singapore 460416

Opening Hours: Mon: 1pm – 10pm, Wed-Sun: 1pm – 10pm (Last orders: 9:30pm)


West Region:


Jurong East

Jurong EAst
Photo Credit: Ruth Loh Xiu on EdgeProp

Split into 2 zones, Jurong consists of Jurong West, Singapore’s largest town in the west, and Jurong East, hailed as the new business district of the west with a modest township. Also known as the “Orchard Road” in the West, Jurong East has countless shopping and dining options, lush greenery to see as well as some tourist attractions.


Located in the western region of Singapore, Jurong East is divided into 10 subzones: Jurong Port, Penjuru Crescent, Jurong River, Teban Gardens, Lakeside, Jurong Gateway, International Business Park, Toh Guan, Yuhua East and Yuhua West.


A popular hangout spot especially for the Westies, Jurong East is full of fun activities, from exploring parks, getting some shopping done, learning more about science or even visit Singapore’s first and only indoor snow centre!


Fun Fact: According to a 1911 map, the Jurong East of today would have been a district called Pandan. However, the boundary of Jurong on historical official maps do not correspond with the actual place even in the past.


Accessibility

Train:

  • East-West Line: Chinese Garden, Jurong East

  • North-South Line: Jurong East

Bus: Jurong East bus interchange offers bus services within and outside the town.


Places to Visit


Shopping Malls

Jcube
Photo Credit: Food Advisor Singapore

Home to 4 shopping malls that are located close to each other and creates a mega-mall experience, Jurong East is the place to go! The 4 malls: IMM, Jcube, Jem and Westgate are each equally renowned too! All 4 malls are located near Jurong East MRT Interchange & Jurong East Bus Interchange, making it convenient to get to the mall(s).


IMM is the largest outlet mall in Singapore, with more than 220 stores, 100 of them are outlet stores. Just moved or is renovating your house? IMM is a one-stop mall for furniture and interior design, providing almost everything you would possibly need under one roof. Across the 5 levels, more than 50 F&B stores can be found, along with warehouse spaces for over 600 companies as well as wet and dry playgrounds for children.


Jcube, home to Singapore's only olympic-sized ice rink and is one of the only 2 ice rinks in Singapore as well as the first IMAX cinema in the west. Across the 6 floors, Jcube has about 87 stores and services, offering a Bugis Street-like shopping option and a good variety of affordable shopping and F7B options.


Jem is the first lifestyle hub in the western region, offering mid to mid-plus shopping and entertainment options. It is the 3rd largest suburban mall in Singapore and boasts over 220 retailers. The mall’s name is an abbreviation of Jurong East Mall and is a wordplay reference to being the crown jewel of the west. Though it is temporarily closed, Jem also has a honeycomb-themed playground for kids and green spaces & rooftop gardens across levels 5 – 7.


Westgate is a premier family and lifestyle mall in the west and offers a holistic shopping experience with their unique features. Across the 7 floors, there are more than 190 stores and services to check out! It is also home to the largest thematic outdoor playground in a mall, providing a space for kids to enjoy.

Jurong Lake Gardens

Jurong Lake Gardens
Photo Credit: National Parks Board

Everyone knows Singapore Botanic Gardens, but have you heard about Jurong Lake Gardens? It is Singapore’s latest national gardens in the heartlands and comprises of Lakeside Garden, Chinese and Japanese Gardens, and Garden Promenade.


Lakeside Garden is currently the only garden that is open to visitors though the northern strip is closed off due to upcoming attractions as both the Chinese and Japanese Gardens are undergoing re-development. However, aside from Lakeside Garden, there are multiple other attractions within Jurong Lake Gardens, such as Forest Rumble (Nature Playground), Clusia Cove, Butterfly Maze, ActiveSG Park and more!

Address: 104 Yuan Ching Road, Singapore 618665

Opening Hours: Daily, 24 hours (Attraction opening hours can be found here)


Food to Eat


Beng Hiang Restaurant

Beng Hiang Restaurant
Photo Credit: Beng Hiang

Craving for some authentic Hokkien cuisine? Look no further for Jurong East is now home to Beng Hiang restaurant, one of the most famous Hokkien restaurants in Singapore and well-loved among their diners, local and international.


Originally located at Amoy Street, they recently moved to Jurong East but retained their unique yet nostalgic mid-century style Chinese interior design and furniture. Established in 1978, they have been honing their craft since while preserving traditional recipes from more than 40 years ago.


Their signature dishes include the “black” hokkien mee, crispy oyster omelette, suckling mee, braised duck with sea cucumber, spiced sausage & fried prawn ball, fish maw soup and kong ba bao (braised pork belly bun). Their full menu can be viewed here while delivery can be made on Deliveroo or GrabFood.

Address: Block 135 Jurong Gateway Road, #02-337 Singapore 600135

Opening Hours: Tues – Sun: 11:30am – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm


The Breadgang

The Breadgang
Photo Credit: Singapore Foodie

Known for their Roti John Cheeseburger that’s doused in a creamy nacho cheese sauce, The Breadgang is located at Aiman Café, a halal coffeshop. They sell a variety of roti johns with an American twist, quesadillas, salads and shareable sides, all at an affordable price!


Our recommended dishes would be the Roti John Cheeseburger, Chicken Quesadilla and Curly Fries with Beef Rendang for the meat lovers, and Caesar Salad for those who prefer a healthier option!

Address: 235 Aiman Cafe Jurong East St 21, Singapore, Singapore

Opening Hours: Daily, 11am – 11pm


WS Deli

WS Deli
Photo Credit: allaboutveggie_msveg on Instagram

Looking for Vegan or Vegetarian options but are unsure of what to get? Do consider dining at WS Deli and browsing through their 100% plant-based menu! Their menu includes all the ingredients used in their dishes, so you as a customer know what you are getting.


They bring café-styled food to your own kitchen, providing them in packets so that you are able to cook up these delicious meals for your loved ones in the comfort of your own kitchen. Your orders will then be delivered to your doorstep with an additional delivery fee or you can opt to pick it up at their experience store.


However, to dine in at their experience store, an appointment is needed to be made.

Address: 319 Jurong East Street 31 #01-58, 600319

Opening Hours: Mon – Thurs: 12pm – 9pm, Fri – Sat: 12pm – 9:30pm, Sun: 12pm – 9pm


Conclusion


Having introduced these 5 heartland areas and what you could do at each area, Singapore is so much more than just the central “tourist-y” places. We hope that with our many recommendations, you would have discovered something new about our small city, for both tourists and locals alike.


If you would like to learn more about Singapore, do consider checking out our small group tours and mega-zine to discover where to visit next or other possible activities to partake in!

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