The plan to develop Punggol as a model housing estate began more than two decades ago, and today it is one of the most highly sought after areas for new homes. The town, which many have described as a waterfront town of the 21st century, sits on the north-eastern edge of the island, with the Straits of Johor and bustling Sengkang as its immediate neighbours. According to records Punggol existed and was well-settled two centuries before Sir Stamford Raffles founded Singapore, making it one of Singapore’s earliest settlements. Today, it is modern and fresh; waterfront housing estates, exciting commercial and recreational facilities, and even its island.
Forget Sentosa - Here’s Punggol Waterfront
Punggol has always been synonymous with water. In addition to being coastal-facing, there is a 4.2km man-made waterway that connects the Sungei Serangoon and Sungei Punggol reservoirs running through the town. This waterway runs through the notable and scenic Punggol Waterway Park, a popular destination divided into four parts: Green Gallery for strolling amid nature flora and fauna, Recreation Zone for water or sand play, Heritage Zone for admiring mature vegetation and Nature Cove for enjoying the waterfront scenery. From cycling to barbecuing, kite flying to photography, this idyllic park is perfect for families or those who want to maintain an active lifestyle close to nature.
If you’re up for a more adventurous day out, head to Coney Island. The rustic and raw terrain makes it fantastic for cycling, photography and good old soaking in of nature (the island is filled with vegetation). Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife which includes otters, exotic birds, and even a Brahman Bull. For picnics, head to beach areas C and E for a good view of the sea. Take note to leave before 7 PM, bring your water and try to use the west entrance, which is much more convenient than the east one.
Punggol’s Got Good Food
Another popular destination for Singaporeans coming from all over the island is the Punggol Settlement. The water-facing boulevard filled with bespoke restaurants is the perfect place for dinner after a long day of adventures and relaxation. Head to House of Seafood for a fresh and sumptuous feast of seafood, which includes their award-winning chilli crab. Another famous dish to try is the Original Sembawang White Beehoon from White Restaurant. Japanese options like Izakaya 95 and several mookata options are also available.
Settling your coffee fix can’t be easier in Punggol, which is also home to several cafes. Whisk & Paddle, which serves breakfast dishes like Eggs Benedict to heartier mains like their famous Mac and Cheese, is one of the more notable ones. Get your latte here or from Soek Seng 1954 Bicycle cafe a little further away. There are also many comfort food options such as Boon Chiang Hainanese Chicken Rice at Punggol Central and Huang Hong Ji Porridge at Punggol Field.
For late-night beers, the options are plenty. Head to OBAR at Northshore drive for live music and karaoke while you unwind with booze. For somewhere quieter, Frienzie Bar & Bistro at Tebing Lane, where the establishments there overlook the serene Punggol-Serangoon reservoir.
Being a stone’s throw away from Serangoon, Hougang and Sengkang, Punggol can tap seamlessly into the facilities there. Punggol is also a 30 minutes’ drive to CBD and Orchard Road through the Kallang-Paya Lebar Expressway (KPE), Tampines Expressway (TPE) and Pan Island Expressway (PIE).
Punggol’s unique lifestyle amenities coupled with strong connectivity have been attracting many to buy BTOs here, including newly-weds eager for their future or singles looking to make a good investment. Head here for the most up-to-date BTO listings and news.
Source: editorial