Discover New and Hidden Gems of Punggol
Singapore’s first Eco-town, Punggol, is full of things to do. The estate, once known for its fishing activities, plantation work, poultry farming and pig rearing activities, is now transformed into a happening housing estate popular with young couples and families. Punggol is also famous for its waterfront living concept with blocks of flats being built along the Punggol Waterway and for being HDB’s testbed for sustainable development initiatives.
But that’s not all.
Given its coastal location, there are many gems within Punggol that first-time visitors may not know about. So come with us on a quick journey as we explore both popular and little-known areas of interest in Punggol!
Coney Island Park
Coney Island Park is an idyllic nature reserve situated on a small island off Punggol which offers beaches, forest, mangroves and birdlife to the nature lover. With its breathtaking landscapes accessible via two connectors on the island’s opposite ends, it’s no wonder that it’s popular among joggers, walking groups and leisure cyclists. The flat terrains offer an easy walk for both the young and old.
You’ll find a wide variety of flora and fauna, some of which are critically endangered. See if you can spot the ‘Ultraman’ fruit, more commonly known as the Dungun (its fruit is said to resemble the head of the action figure) or the Eye of the Crocodile, a mangrove tree with sophisticated yellow flowers that is a lot less intimidating than it sounds. Both species are among many others that are rare, and have been planted on Coney Island in an effort to enhance Singapore’s biodiversity. Birdwatchers will have a field time trying to spot uncommon migratory birds as such as the Asian Drongo-Cuckoo, Large Hawk-Cuckoo, Chinese Goshawk and Pallas’s Grasshopper Warbler.
Download the Coney Island guide from the National Parks Board’s website before you go. It’s truly a treat for anyone wanting to get away from urban Singapore without leaving Singapore.
Lorong Halus Bridge
This stunning, Insta-worthy red bridge is perched over the Serangoon Reservoir, where you can get a picturesque view of calm waters and the sunset. Like Coney Island, it’s popular among joggers, walking groups, leisure cyclists and birdwatching enthusiasts.
The bridge is near the Lorong Halus Wetlands, which was formerly a landfill before a new landfill was built on Pulau Semakau. PUB has a self-guided learning trail which brings you through their ABC Waters programme here.
Punggol Beach
An oft-forgotten beach, Punggol Beach offers a quiet spot for visitors to soak in the sunrise and sunset. You can fish here, have a picnic, let your children enjoy building sandcastles or roll out your exercise mat for some outdoor yoga with a spectacular view.
With huge rocks spotting the coastline, it’s also a picture-perfect spot for those of you looking to capture special memories or some Insta-worthy shots. History buffs might be interested to know that this is one of the historical sites marked by the National Heritage Board due to the tragic Sook Ching Massacre that took place here during the Japanese Occupation.
Punggol Regional Library
Did you know that our newest library is in Punggol? The new 5-storey Punggol Regional Library at One Punggol is the biggest and most inclusive library we’ve opened yet. It comes with accessibility features such as ramps, low bookshelves and a wheelchair-friendly borrowing station to benefit wheelchair users and young families with strollers.
We’ve also curated special spaces such as:
⦁ Toy Library and TinkerTots on Level 1, where toddlers and children aged 6 and below can explore their senses and engage in pretend play with toys.
⦁ Stories Come Alive Room on Level 1, where moving images, text, light and sound effects make storytelling an immersive experience for children aged 4 to 10 years old.
⦁ The World and Us Zone on Level 2, for children to explore the world through stories and learn about cultures beyond their own.
⦁ Sing Lit on Level 3, featuring The Lens of Literature, an interactive multimedia showcase which lets you discover works by local authors.
⦁ ExperienceIT on Level 4, where you can experience emerging technologies up-close, immerse yourself and explore how different components come together to transform our lives!
⦁ Launch on Level 4, a space dedicated to aspiring entrepreneurs, microbusinesses and gig workers. There will be curated programmes and resources, a business information advisory service and a showcase of local businesses to inspire you.
⦁ Singaporium on Level 4, where you can uncover Singapore’s past in this exhibition space integrated with the Singapore non-fiction collection. Learn more about the rich history of Punggol at the Punggol Stories exhibition!
Find out what else the library has to offer from Punggol Regional Library’s very own library planner in the video below!
Punggol Settlement
Need a place for a birthday celebration or an overdue reunion with your long-lost friends, and want to avoid crowded malls? We got you. Host your next gathering at any of the F&B establishments in Punggol Settlement, a “vintage” waterfront development which pays homage to the popular seafood restaurants that used to be on the same site at Punggol Point some 50 years ago.
Today, its “settlers” include restaurants offering seafood, fusion food, mookata, izakaya, Indian cuisine, and more. There are also bars offering live music, perfect for soaking up chill vibes and winding down after a hard day at work.
Punggol Marina Country Club
Punggol Marina is the only private country club which is open to the public. While it’s not quite the posh country club that you might expect, its rustic charm and spectacular sea view is still worth exploring if you’re seeking something new. Those looking to fill their tummies can look forward to a selection of seafood, chicken hotpot, pizza and mookata restaurants.
This is also one of the places in Singapore where you can learn water skiing, wakeboarding and even diving from the water sports operators here. You can also relax, unwind and enjoy a long chat with your buddies while you try pond fishing or prawning. Or if you’re looking to escape our main island for a short while, hire a boat service and sail off from Punggol Marina!
SAFRA Punggol
Located in the scenic Punggol Waterway Park is SAFRA Punggol, where more F&B options and family-friendly entertainment are available. From a karaoke studio, games room, indoor playground for children, bowling alley, a nightlife lounge to water sports facilities and more — SAFRA Punggol offers awesome leisure options for you to choose from if you’re looking to spend quality time with friends and family.
Which Will You Pick?
There are so many places to check out in Punggol — plus many more that we didn’t get to cover. Share with us in the comments on your favourite hangouts in Punggol. Meanwhile, we hope to see you in the new Punggol Regional Library!
