HOT DATES
HOT DATES
HOT DATES
The Singapore Food Festival is back to satisfy your passion for great food. Marking its 25th edition are pop-up food events and workshops with top local chefs in a showcase of the best of Singapore’s cuisine.
The Singapore Food Festival is back to satisfy your passion for great food. Marking its 25th edition are pop-up food events and workshops with top local chefs in a showcase of the best of Singapore’s cuisine.
Which side, best side? Part 1:
TAKE YOUR OWN JOURNEY
TO THE WEST OF SINGAPORE
Photo Credit: Singapore Tourism Board
Many Singaporeans are proud of many things our country. The convenient transportation, clean streets, great food selections, and even the humble hangout spots that are everywhere around the island. But none are more proud about the fact on which part they live on this little red dot. So much so, that many often debate the question amongst each other. Which side, best side?
Of course there are many aspects that are usually unique to each region of Singapore that many can call it special to the area. So for the next 4 issues, we will be diving into the 4 regions of Singapore and what facts and places make these spots so uniquely Singaporean specials. So read along and let's find out together.
Let's take trip....
Or should I say a journey to the west
Starting this series off, of course we have to mention one of Singapore's less frequently mentioned area...
Welcome to the Wild West of Singapore.
Don't let its lack of attractions and quiet demeanor fool you. The west side of Singapore has been known to reside some of Singapore's best kept secrets. In this article, we will be sharing with you some of these featured places that you won't be able to find even in Singapore. Whether you are a fan of artisanal crafts, a true gourmand, or even a shopping freak that just needs some retail therapy, be assured. There is definitely something to tickle your fancy.
Thow kwang pottery jungle
Photo Credit: Live Journal
Situated in a quiet spot of Jurong called Lorong Tawas lies a little pottery studio with the hearth of a dragon at the centre of it all. Known as one of Singapore’s only surviving potteries using a traditional-style kiln to fire its works of art, Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle is undoubtedly one of Singapore’s longest-standing pottery studios, with a history dating back to the 1960s.
Fully family-run, the place is known for holding numerous workshops and classes for groups and individuals looking to create their own works of art. But what really makes Thow Kwang stand out from the rest of Singapore is its unique method of firing pottery using a wood-fired kiln, also known as a Dragon Kiln, which is said to be one of the only ones left standing in Singapore.
If you think you’ve done pottery classes before, trust us when we say that you’ve never been to a pottery class like this. But if you’re someone who’d rather collect than create, you’ll be glad to know that the place also carries a wide variety of handmade pieces, ready to be picked up straight off the shelves.
So, head down and witness this little bit of history, uniquely preserved in this part of Singapore.
Location: 85 Lorong Tawas Singapore 639823
Nearest MRT Station: Boon Lay (EW27)
Website: https://www.potteryjungle.com/
Science Centre singapore
Photo Credit: Science Centre Singapore
If you find yourself exploring the west, make a little detour to one of Jurong’s old-school favorites. Science Centre Singapore has been around since 1977, and after nearly five decades, it’s still one of those places where you can spend hours poking, playing and wondering, “Wait, how does that work?”
Far from being your typical museum, the science centre is packed with hands-on exhibits covering everything from space and technology to the human body and the natural world. You can even catch live science demonstrations, including its famous Fire Tornado, where a swirling column of flames reaches temperatures of over 600°C.
But there’s even more reason to swing by this September and October. One Ocean: Every Action Ripples is making its world-exclusive debut in Singapore, taking visitors beneath the surface through immersive projections, interactive experiences and cutting-edge technology inspired by real ocean research.
And while you’re there, don’t forget to look up. The Omni-Theatre’s massive dome takes you from the depths of the ocean to the far reaches of space, making it an easy add-on to your day at the Centre.
So whether you’re travelling with the family or simply looking for something different beyond the usual city sights, this Jurong classic is well worth a visit.
Location: 15 Science Centre Rd, Singapore 609081
Nearest MRT Station: Jurong East (NS1/EW24)
Website: https://www.science.edu.sg/
imm
Photo Credit: Capitaland
If you’re already exploring Jurong, you might as well make room in your luggage. Tucked beside Jurong East MRT, IMM is the
go-to spot for outlet shopping in the west, where you can spend an afternoon browsing everything from sportswear and sneakers to designer labels and luggage. With more than 100 outlet stores under one roof, there are plenty of familiar names to look out for, including Nike, adidas, Coach, Michael Kors, Kate Spade and Timberland — with discounts of up to 80% available throughout
the year.
But IMM isn’t just about shopping. With more than 50 F&B spots serving everything from local favourites to international eats, it’s easy to make a day of it here. And if you’re travelling with the family, there are even wet and dry playgrounds on Level 3 to keep the little ones entertained.
The best part? You don’t have to trek across Singapore to get here. IMM is just a short walk from Jurong East MRT, with a sheltered link connecting it to the station and the surrounding Jurong Gateway area.
So, if you’re looking to shop like a local and pick up a few good finds along the way, put IMM on your west-side itinerary. Just remember to leave some space in that suitcase.
Location: 2 Jurong East Street 21, Singapore 609601
Nearest MRT Station: Jurong East (NS1/EW24)
hay dairies goat farm
Photo Credit: Pelago
Think Singapore is all skyscrapers, shopping malls and busy streets? Head far enough into the north-west and you’ll find something you probably didn’t expect: a working goat farm. Tucked away in the rural stretches of Lim Chu Kang, Hay Dairies is home to hundreds of goats and has been producing fresh goat’s milk in Singapore since 1998. Visitors can get a glimpse of farm life, watch the goats being fed and learn more about how goat’s milk goes from the farm to the bottle.
One of the best times to visit is in the morning, when the farm is at its liveliest and you can catch the goats during feeding time. There’s also a farm shop where you can pick up bottles of freshly produced goat’s milk and other farm products — a pretty unique souvenir compared to the usual Singapore magnets and postcards.
And while you’re out here, take a moment to enjoy the surroundings. With open fields, greenery and plenty of bleating goats, Hay Dairies offers a very different side of Singapore from the city centre.
So, if you’re looking to see the Singapore that doesn’t always make it onto the postcards, make the trip up north-west. You might just leave with a new appreciation for the city’s unexpected countryside.
Location: 250 Neo Tiew Cres, Singapore 719866
Nearest MRT Station: Kranji (NS7)
Website: https://haydairies.sg/
Bollywood farms
Photo Credit: Bollywood Farms
If a goat farm wasn’t enough to convince you that Singapore has a countryside of its own, head further into Kranji and you’ll find another unexpected gem: Bollywood Farms. Spread across a lush patch of farmland, this heritage farm offers a glimpse of a slower, greener side of Singapore, with tropical plants, home-grown produce and plenty of open space to explore.
Formerly known as Bollywood Veggies, this heritage farm has been part of Singapore’s countryside since 2000. Founded by Ivy Singh and her husband Lim Ho Seng, the farm was created to bring people closer to the land, local food and a slower way of life. Today, visitors can wander through the farm, discover locally grown fruits, vegetables and herbs, and join activities such as planting and farm tours.
Feeling hungry after exploring? Stop by Poison Ivy Bistro, where seasonal dishes are made using fresh produce from the farm itself. From hearty local fare to its popular banana cake, it’s a chance to taste the countryside rather than just see it. Just keep in mind that the farm and bistro are open from Wednesday to Sunday, with different opening hours on weekdays and weekends, so be sure to check the timings before making your way down.
It’s another side of Singapore that’s easy to miss — and that’s exactly what makes the trip worthwhile. So, if you’re already up north exploring the farms, why not make a day of it and see just how green Singapore can get?
Location: 100 Neo Tiew Road, Singapore 719026
Nearest MRT Station: Kranji (NS7)
Website: https://bollywoodfarms.com/
taman jurong market & food centre
Photo Credit: Miss Tam Chiak
After exploring some of Jurong’s more unexpected sights, it’s time to eat like a local. Tucked along Yung Sheng Road, Taman Jurong Market and Food Centre is the kind of place where residents come for an everyday meal, a quick bite or simply to catch up over a plate of something good.
But this isn’t just another neighbourhood food centre. Its story goes all the way back to 1972, when its predecessor, Yung Sheng Food Centre, opened as one of Singapore’s first government-built hawker centres. Nicknamed the “60 stalls” market for its original 60 hawker stalls, it became part of Jurong’s growing community as the area developed from an industrial estate into a bustling residential town.
Today, the five-storey complex brings together a wet market and multiple floors of hawker stalls, serving up a mix of familiar Singaporean favourites. From bak chor mee and lor mee to sambal stingray, chicken briyani and roast meats, there’s plenty to choose from — and plenty of reason to come hungry.
For visitors, it’s a chance to experience a side of Singapore that you won’t find in the usual tourist hotspots. No fancy interiors, no elaborate menus — just good food, friendly neighbourhood energy and a little taste of how Jurong has been eating for generations.
So, if you’re already exploring the west, skip the usual tourist lunch spots for a meal at one of Jurong’s old-school favourites.
Location: 3 Yung Sheng Rd, Singapore 618499
Nearest MRT Station: Lakeside (EW26)
Bukit batok town park (little guilin)
Photo Credit: Singapore Tourism Board
After all that exploring around the west, here’s another spot that might make you do a double take. Tucked among the neighbourhood of Bukit Batok is Bukit Batok Town Park, better known to locals as Little Guilin — a scenic park centred around a tranquil lake and towering granite cliffs.
But this picturesque spot wasn’t always so peaceful. The lake was once a working granite quarry, where rock was extracted as part of Singapore’s construction boom. When the quarry was eventually abandoned, rainwater filled the site, transforming it into the lake you see today. In the 1980s, instead of filling the quarry in for development, it was turned into the park that now sits in the heart of Bukit Batok.
Today, Little Guilin is a popular spot for a leisurely stroll, a bit of birdwatching or simply taking a break from the city. The rocky cliffs, greenery and still waters give the place a surprisingly scenic feel — a far cry from its industrial past. The park is also open 24 hours, so you can easily work it into a day of exploring the west.
So, if you’re looking for a quieter side of Singapore beyond the usual city sights, take a little detour to Little Guilin. You might just forget you’re still in Singapore for a moment.
Location: Bukit Batok Street 52
Nearest MRT Station: Bukit Gombak (NS3)
That’s the West. For Now.
From unexpected goat farms and heritage potteries to old-school hawker centres, lush farms and quarry-turned-parks, the west has certainly shown us a different side of Singapore. It’s a part of the island where the city slows down a little, and where some of its most interesting stories are hiding in plain sight.
But there’s more to Singapore than what we’ve uncovered here. This is only one side of the island, with three more waiting to be explored — each with its own stories, flavours and hidden gems.
So, keep your map handy and stay curious. There’s plenty more of Singapore to discover, one side at a time.