Don’t underestimate this new kid on the map.
Those of us long-time residents of Punggol can attest to the fact that although we’re glad the town has transformed for the better, we haven’t taken a liking to the throngs of crowds.
The town has been blessed with the many new developments such as a sprawling SAFRA hub, Tebing Lane, a new mall and the Kallang-Paya Lebar Expressway – so much so that the human traffic is akin to that of a mature estate.
The area is also set to become more accessible, with a new MRT station, Punggol Coast, set to open by 2023 – which aims to cut travelling time to the city by 15 minutes. What used to be an inaccessible and ulu neighbourhood has now been developed into a highly desirable place to live in.
People may laugh at Punggol residents for living in ulu land, but here are 5 things they’re actually missing out on.
The Lush & Uninterrupted Greenery
We literally have the best of both worlds, having access to both the ‘happening’ part of central Punggol and the idyllic Punggol Promenade.
It’s a great place to unwind for the evening and needless to say on the weekends, when you’re tired of trawling through East Coast Park. Offering a diverse mix of amenities for both the young and old, the 17km promenade is fast becoming a hit with residents around the area. Be it for a day filled with activities or just a simple dinner, there is something for everyone at Punggol Promenade.
You can catch both the sunrise and the sunset at Punggol – at bridges that are mere kilometres apart. Catch the sunrise at the Sunrise Gateway along Punggol Promenade, spend the rest of the day at Punggol, and then watch the sunset at the Sunset Strip in Punggol Waterway Park.
For a bit of an adventure, you can cross over to Sungei Serangoon and visit the Lorong Halus Wetland, a former landfill which has since been transformed into a wetland popular with birdwatchers and nature lovers alike.
Alternatively, take a relaxing stroll along the banks of Sungei Serangoon at Punggol Riverside walk and wrap up your day with a cup of coffee or a pint of beer at the Punggol Settlement.
Unique Food Places
Punggol once earned the ‘ulu’ title because we were once surrounded by trees and more trees. And because of that, the town now houses some decent food places in a unique setting.
Located at the Punggol End is Punggol Ranch, which is slightly ulu, especially when it’s the middle of the night. Don’t let that deter you because they have a great steamboat joint and a ‘warung’ that serves juicy and tender satay. Expect to be surrounded by the sea, horse ranches and gallop stables.
You can also drop by Makan-Makan for dinner and go straight for the steamboat buffet ($22 on weekdays, $25 on weekends), which gains you free-flow access to fresh ingredients – we were particularly charmed by the premium selection of seafood like crayfish, plump prawns and dory fish, which were snapped up but also refilled very quickly.
If that’s not up your alley, head over to the Gallop Stable and give the Satay Kulo a go. It’s a slightly different recipe but you’ll appreciate the slightly spicier and more flavourful marinade the satay has.
Gather Your Friends For A Game Of Cage Soccer
If you’re looking for a kickabout but are never able to get a slot at the Balestier of Kallang futsal courts, there is now an alternative. It’s a sport that’s suitable for everyone, with smaller pitches that emphasizes technique and teamwork rather than stamina.
It’s located along Tebing Lane, where you can also find Punggol’s very own container cafes.
Sembawang White Bee Hoon
Those living in Punggol won’t have to travel all the way to Sembawang for its famous Sembawang white beehoon. They’ve opened another air-conditioned outlet at Punggol Settlement. Expect the same standard of beehoon and side dishes, albeit with slightly higher prices – you’re paying for the air-con after all. Queues here are equally insane, so come early!
For those of you in the dark about the lesser known Punggol Settlement, it has a few food establishments and bars under one roof with a seafront view. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want somewhere quiet and breezy.
The Many Accessible Expressways
Because we’re located at the end, we’re literally surrounded by expressways, which makes driving out from Punggol so much more hassle-free.
For those of us driving to JB, it only takes around 20 mins on via the Seletar Expressway and the Bukit Timah Expressway. Also, with the Kallang-Paya Lebar Expressway right around the corner, we have easy access to more expressways and only takes us 20 mins to the west of Singapore.
