7 reasons why Punggol should be your next hangout spot

Punggol’s been seeing a few changes recently, which means that there’s more than just one reason–besides the Punggol Water Park–for you to explore this upcoming, hip neighborhood. These reasons are bound to make your trip worthwhile.

Nature-lovers unite

This northeastern coastal area is surrounded by plenty of water and green spaces. Already popular among joggers and cyclists, the Punggol Waterway Park is ideal for bird watching and walks. Other scenic locales include Punggol Park, Punggol Beach and the 2.4km Punggol Promenade Nature Walk, which stretches between Punggol Point Walk and Riverside Walk. But if all that nature is too much, pop over to the bustling neighboring districts like Pasir Ris and Sengkang.

Punggol Park

Crossover to Coney Island

You can also cycle along the 2.4km park connector between Promenade and Pasir Ris Coast Industrial Park 6 and cross one of the two connecting bridges to get to Coney Island. There are 86 species of trees and 157 animals on the island, like the rusty-breasted cuckoo and spotted wood owl. If you’re in luck, you may spot the island’s resident Brahman bull chilling around the island. NParks also has guided walks, so watch their website for updates.

A photo posted by johsen johnson 王祚森 (@nvms9889) on

Belt out to your favourite songs

Test your vocals while making sure you don’t burn a hole through your pocket at Manekineko Safra Punggol Clubhouse, one of Japan’s largest karaoke chains. Their stylish VIP rooms can fit up to 30 people and there’s a self-service bar providing Japanese snacks and drinks to soothe your aching throats (from $12).

Cycle and catch neighbourhood sights

Punggol will be getting its own 8.8km bicycle network by 2017. You’ll be able try out off-road cycling routes that’ll connect homes to train stations, schools and other amenities within the area. You can now add it to the other existing intra-town bicycle networks like Changi-Simei, Yishun, Pasir Ris, Sembawang, Taman Jurong and Tampines.

Punggol

Try out the new high-tech bowling alley at Punggol

The recently launched bowling alley by Orchid Bowl, Orchid Bowl @ SAFRA Punggol, is the sixth and latest outlet, with some fun new features. The 22,035 sq. ft. space has 24 lanes decked with automatic bumpers, 49-inch LCD screens and the first to have a new interactive smart system with a huge selection of on-demand environments. And did we mention cosmic bowling?

Orchid Bowl @ SAFRA Punggol

Find your zen at Yoga Inc’s Punggol branch

Yoga Inc. at Punggol let’s you do yoga in their retro Chinese pop culture-inspired studio decked out with basic facilities like a locker room and shower stalls. Classes are offered for all levels, starting from basics to more advanced sessions like core, flow and hatha 2, a 75-min class comprising back bends, arm balances and inversions.

Yoga Inc.

Don’t forget about the food

Don’t miss Ponggol Seafood, a zi char-style eatery famous for its mee goreng ($8) and chilli crab ($60). Most items on the menu are on the steep side, but the food is reliable. There are also plenty of casual dining choices like the picturesque lakeside Wild Oats @ Punggol Park, serving localized Western favorites like chicken chop ($13.80) and pan-fried fish fillet with sambal belachan and butter rice ($13.90).

Wild Oats

Head over to Whisk & Paddle for your brunch fix: the alfresco cafe lets you assemble your own breakfast plate of bread, eggs, meat and seafood (from $11). Brunch aside, it’s also got mains like pulled pork pizza ($18.80) and duck and lychee pizza ($17.80). Not forgetting dessert, Wayne’s Chill-Out is a popular spot known for sweet treats like homemade ice cream (from $5) in flavors such as Lemon Puff and Black Forest, floats ($6), milkshakes ($7.90) and ice cream on waffles (from $7).