Eat, play and explore this beautiful neighbourhood with our ultimate Punggol guide.
Nestled in the northeastern part of the island, Punggol is the perfect respite from the hustle and bustle of city life. Home to serene green spaces, quaint cafes and hip bars, it might just give East Coast a run for its money. Read on to find out the best things to do in this waterfront ‘hood.
Things to do in Punggol: Eat and drink
1. Bbburger
It’s buns for days at Bbburgers! We absolutely love the Korean-style smashed burgers at this fusion burger joint. Who can resist melty cheese on tender patties or slow-cooked beef short ribs sandwiched between toasted brioche buns? It even has plant-based protein options from Impossible Foods and Tindle that are equally good and bursting with flavour. Just check out the new apple soy chicken burger that’s topped with kimchi and doused in housemade apple soy glaze.
Bbburgers, #B1-05, Punggol Plaza, 168 Punggol Field, Singapore 820168
2. Izakaya 95
Japanese yakitori by the seaside? Yes, please. We love the chic and minimalist decor of this seafront izakaya. Plus, juicy skewers and a mug of ice cold beer make this the perfect place to unwind over the weekend. Give the yakitori grilled octopus and oden a try! It’s a fave.
Izakaya 95, #02-05, The Punggol Settlement, 500 New Punggol Road, Singapore 828617
3. Whisk and Paddle
This open-air bistro provides tranquil views of the river and offers a plethora of comfort grub like the Whisk breakfast pan that comes with two eggs, thick cut bacon and corn on the cob. Come dusk, it transforms into a charming watering hole in the evening – perfect for kicking back over cocktails and some bar bites. But if you can’t resist desserts, the menu brims with gorg tarts, cakes, waffles and ice cream.
Whisk and Paddle, #01-01, 10 Tebing Lane, Singapore 828836
4. Frienzie Bar & Bistro
If the bar scene is more your thing, Frienzie Bar & Bistro is located just opposite Whisk and Paddle. Food-wise, you have your usual bar bites like burgers, pizzas, chicken wings and nachos. Head down right before the sunset and be treated to an iridescent sky amidst lush greenery.
Frienzie Bar & Bistro, #01-02, 10 Tebing Lane, Singapore 828836
5. Fat Po
Go on a culinary adventure at this east-meets-west dining concept. These fusion dishes will blow your mind. The famous HK pineapple buns are served a la burger in flavours like har cheong gai, masala-breaded fish and BBQ pulled pork. Other highlights include mala vongole, assam prawn pasta and the tempting signature fries, which are tossed in sambal and topped with grated cheese and furikake.
Fat Po, #01-05/06, 10 Tebing Lane, Singapore 828836
6. Siam Square Mookata
Craving Thai BBQ? Well, you don’t have to head to Golden Mile Complex to enjoy a steaming hot pot of broth and grilled meat. Instead, pay a visit to this institution at The Punggol Settlement. Open till the wee hours of the morning, it offers standard fixings of scallops, prawns, mussels and oysters alongside a medley of veggie options.
Siam Square Mookata, #02-01, The Punggol Settlement, 500 Punggol Point Road, Singapore 828617
7. Hai Bin Punggol
Prawning is big in Singapore and this facility, which is packed on weekends, is proof. There are two prawning ponds and rates start at $20 an hour with an additional $5 to rent a rod. Once your prawning sesh is over, cook a delicious feast with your catch. Or you can chow down on western plates, satay and otah alongside ice cold beer at its alfresco cafe, Banyan Beer Garden.
Hai Bin Punggol, #01-04, 6 Tebing Lane, Singapore 828835
8. Uncle Leong Seafood
Uncle Leong Seafood is the answer to your crab cravings when you’re in this part of the ‘hood. Have your fill of the crustacean in lip-smacking renditions of salted egg, black pepper and chilli. But if you ask us, the sleeper hit has to be the umami-laden white pepper crab. Don’t forget to go for other zi char classics such as sweet and sour pork, claypot beancurd and cereal prawn.
Uncle Leong Seafood, #01-03, 6 Tebing Lane, Punggol East, Singapore 828835
9. Trunk 95 at Bay
Eat like you’re in the Land of Smiles at this seaside restaurant, which offers traditional Thai favourites like green chicken curry and tom yum soup, as well as the signature deep-fried pork knuckle. Steamed sea bass with lime sauce is also a must-try.
Trunk 95 at Bay, #02-06, The Punggol Settlement, 3 Punggol Point Road, Singapore 82869
10. Punggol East Container Park
Housed in shipping containers, this food enclave is a novel concept in Singapore. Foodies can take their pick from restaurants like Big Fish Small Fish for fish and chips, Seoul Good for amazing Korean dishes, and Pump Station 1965 Bar & Bistro for booze and bar bites. Here’s a pro tip: head over for dinner and watch the place come to life with twinkling fairy lights.
Punggol East Container Park, 50 Punggol East, Singapore 828824
11. House of Seafood
The name says it all. House of Seafood will feed you with live seafood options like stir-fried lala (clams), Nyonya-style steamed fish, garlic steamed lobster and the iconic trio of crab flavours (chilli, black pepper and salted egg). Plus, you get to enjoy picturesque views of Punggol Point Jetty.
House of Seafood, #01-01/02, The Punggol Settlement, 3 Punggol Point Road, Singapore 828694
12. Georges by the Bay
The cosy Balinese interior of this spot paired with sea views around the vicinity will have you feeling like you’re on the Island of the Gods. Try the namesake platter, which is replete with bratwurst, buffalo wings, pork ribs, chicken masala and garlic bread. Wash it all down with beer, cocktails or wine.
Georges by the Bay, #02-12, The Punggol Settlement, 500 New Punggol Road, Singapore 828617
13. Ponggol Seafood
Ponggol Seafood has quite a history, being in business since 1965. Did you know its original location was actually a stone’s throw from where it is now? History lesson aside, when you’re at this family-run restaurant, you must try the chilli crab, lala bee hoon and mee goreng.
Ponggol Seafood, #01-08/09, The Punggol Settlement, 3 Punggol Point Road, Singapore 828694
Things to do in Punggol: Nature and fun activities
14. Lorong Halus Wetland
Looking for an Instagram-worthy location at Punggol to show off your #ootds or snap some romantic shots with your beau? The fields at Lorong Halus Wetland are your best bet. You’ll find patches of lalang that make excellent backdrops for dreamy photos. Don’t forget to pop by the Lorong Halus bridge; we love how its wavy contours frame the water bank.
Lorong Halus Wetland, 326 Lor Halus, Singapore 536587
15. Punggol Beach
Listed on the National Heritage Boards list of Historic Sites, Punggol Beach is a must-visit when you’re in the area. It’s hidden from the hustle and bustle of the streets and malls. The sunsets are so gorgeous you almost forget it was once the site of the Sook Ching Massacre in 1942. Not familiar with that? Perhaps it’s time to pull out the old history textbook.
Punggol Beach, 22 Punggol Road, Singapore 828871
16. Punggol Waterway Park
Part of the 6.1km Punggol Park connector, this park is a hotspot for cyclists, joggers and bird watchers. Here’s an insider tip: jog or brisk walk from Gerald Drive to Punggol Waterway Park a little before sundown to enjoy the lush greenery against paddle pop skies. Not looking to break a sweat? Just relax by the benches and take in the waterfront views.
Punggol Waterway Park, Sentul Crescent, Singapore 821313
17. Safra Punggol
There’s something for everyone at Safra Punggol. Fitness junkies can hit the gym or book a yoga class at Yoga Inc. For fun times, check out the indoor water playground, karaoke studio, game room and bowling alley. Foodies can inhale a juicy steak at Jack’s Place and head over to Liquid Lounge for post-dinner drinks.
Safra Punggol, 9 Sentul Crescent, Singapore 821313
18. Coney Island
You don’t need a ferry to get here. Just a bicycle and your trusty pair of feet will do as you set off from Punggol. And there’s a ton to explore, besides checking out beaches and nature trails. It’s home to plenty of wildlife, some of which are endangered species, and you can explore mangrove habitats and rich forestry along the pathways. Need more tips? Check out our guide to Coney Island Park.
19. Waterway Point
Hang out by the riverside at this popular shopping mall next to Punggol Waterway. The four-storey building is home to over 200 stores ranging from fashion and food to furnishings and entertainment. Catch a movie on the big screen at Shaw Theatres, bag the latest collections at H&M or Uniqlo, or read your way through Singapore’s largest Times bookstore. Trust us, this isn’t your ordinary suburban mall.
Waterway Point, 83 Punggol Central, Singapore 828761
There you have it – all the best food spots, nature hangouts and things to do in Punggol!
