Here are a number of hidden attractions for you to unearth, in Singapore’s northernmost neighbourhood!
Us Woodlanders are used to being the butt of many jokes, especially about how ridiculously far removed our homes are from the rest of Singapore’s civilization. But believe it or not, Woodlands is so much more than just the gateway to Malaysia, and local Singaporeans who don’t know any better would simply assume that Woodlands has nothing much to offer.
However, there’s actually plenty to see, do and eat over here, some which you might not even expect to find. Here are a number of hidden attractions for you to unearth, in Singapore’s northernmost neighbourhood!
Go stargazing
You read that right! At the Andromeda Observatory in Woodlands Galaxy Community Club, you can catch glimpses of star clusters, meteor showers and comets, even major planets such as Jupiter and Saturn on clear nights. Boasting of a 30cm telescope – which is the second largest that is accessible to the public – there are stargazing sessions every week from 7.30 pm to 9.30 pm. Follow their Facebook page for updates on the weather conditions if you’re keen to spend some time under the stars!
Stroll along the waterfront
Located at Admiralty Road West, Woodlands Waterfront Park is a scenic spot that overlooks the sea. This playground of the north is a great place to cruise along with a skateboard, bicycle or rollerblades. It also houses a large playground with many fun sections to keep little ones (and even adults!) entertained. The elderly are not forgotten, with many fitness equipment specially catered to their needs. Evening walks are recommended because you can catch the sunset over the Johor Straits!
Go seafood shopping
Sure you’ll have to sacrifice your beauty sleep for this, but premium seafood straight off the boats? It doesn’t get any fresher than this. At Senoko Fishery Port, you’ll score the freshest catch at great wholesale prices. Experience a different side of nightlife in Singapore – besides Mondays, every day between 2 to 6 am you’ll find the market hall bustling with activity, buyers wading through the wet market floor, eyes fixated on piles of fish, prawns, squids and other shellfish. Come around 3 am to experience the hustle in its full glory. Don’t forget your identity card! You’ll need it to exchange for an admission pass.
Pick up wakeboarding
Think that you can only wakeboard in East Coast Park? You thought wrong! Located along Admiralty Road West, Wake Pirates has something to offer whether you’re an absolute beginner or already an expert. With sessions tailored according to your abilities and a team of experienced instructors, you’ll be guided through every step of the way.
Fret not if you don’t have your own gear, Wake Pirates provide the latest boards, bindings, vests and all other necessary equipments, along with a fleet of well-maintained competitive towboats to help you churn along.
Celebrate Halloween – the traditional way
Want to be a part of the American tradition and fulfill your dreams of going trick-or-treating? Every year on 31 October at Woodgrove Avenue, residents close their streets from traffic and open up their doors to welcome trick-or-treaters of all shapes and sizes. You’ll find people – young and old – dressed up in spooky costumes and houses spectacularly decorated with cobwebs, jack-o’-lanterns, and other cool Halloween stuff. If you’re enthusiastic about the American holiday, this experience at Woodgrove is definitely as close to the traditional Halloween as you can get in Singapore. The best part? It’s completely free!
Shop at food factory outlets
We all know of factory outlets selling branded goods at dirt cheap prices, but food factories are less heard of. At Woodlands Terrace, you’ll find nearly the entire stretch of road lined with warehouse after warehouse of food factories. Everything from sashimi, brownies, wagyu beef and Boon Tong Kee sauces at great prices! You might have to venture a bit further than your usual supermarkets, but we assure you that these food factories will hold something for you whether you’re a cost-saving housewife or student on a budget.
Slurp up some famous seafood soup
Fine, this might not be so much of a secret since the stall is famous after all, but we cannot forget to mention Yan Ji Seafood Soup. Having been at Woodlands Centre’s food centre for over 30 years, the original Yan Ji outlet draws in many locals and even Malaysians from across the border. At lunchtime hours, you’ll find long lines of workers from Admiralty, Woodlands and Kranji industrial areas. Is the long queue really worth it? You’ll have to try it to find out. And since it was announced that Woodlands Town Centre will be absorbed as part of the expansion of Woodlands Checkpoint, we don’t know how long the original outlet would be there still. And so, our suggestion is to find out soon.
Embark on a Heritage Trail
The Woodlands Heritage Trail is a great way to learn more about the social, religious, economic and nation-building significance that Woodlands has played. Experience the history and untold stories that lie behind the landmarks of the north. To name a few, you’ll cover places such as Woodlands Town Center, the Causeway, religious sites, Admiralty West Prison and the Marsiling area, whose transformation from a rural village speaks of Singapore’s own growth into a nation state. This Heritage Trail experience will no doubt change the way you look at Singapore’s northernmost neighbourhood.
