Check out new heritage trails, a hot spring park, and a supper spot that opens until 5am on our list of best food and things to do in Woodlands.
Talk to any individual in Singapore about visiting Woodlands, and the first question you may get asked is, “Are you going to Johor Bahru?”. Ever since the Causeway opened in 1924, this corner of our country has become synonymous with being the gateway to Malaysia. But there’s so much more to see and do than you might think. Read on for our recommendations on good food and the best things to do in Woodlands.
Things to do in Woodlands: Explore
1. Woodlands Heritage Trail
If you’re an adventurer who wants to see Woodlands in all its glory, the new Woodlands Heritage Trail is a must-do. You’ll find up to 15 different heritage sites along the various trails that delve deep into the hood’s rich history. Think storied locations like Hong Tho Bilw Temple, Ulu Sembawang Park Connector, and Kranji War Cemetery.
There are three suggested short trail routes you can take: Communities of Woodlands (4km), Woodlands at War (9km), and A Journey through the Woods (15km). Each contains curated hot spots to showcase the community history, military legacies and scenic spaces in Woodlands. The highlight of our trip there? Taking in spectacular views of the Johor Strait from the former Malaysian Base Jetty, and venturing into the walls of the now-defunct KD Malaya – a Malaysian naval base that served naval policemen from 1950 to 1997. Just download the guide and map for everything you need to know about the trail. Easy peasy.
Woodlands Heritage Trail, multiple locations including Woodlands Waterfront Park and Kranji War Cemetery
2. Sembawang Hot Spring Park
You don’t need to go all the way to Japan to find a natural hot spring. We’ve got one of our own in Singapore with cascading pools and a water collection point. Come and soak your feet in the footbath once you’re done strolling through the park’s Floral Walk. The best part? You can bring along fresh eggs and boil them in hot spring water at the park’s very own egg cooking station.
Sembawang Hot Spring Park, 500 Gambas Avenue, Singapore 756952
3. Marsiling Park
We’re obsessed with the gorgeous Chinese pavilions at Marsiling Park – they remind us of the historical dramas our grandparents watch on Channel 8. We love getting up on its iconic viewing tower to observe the surrounding area. There’s even a complete mangrove ecosystem and educational information panels on the west side of the park if you’re keen to find out more about the flora, fauna and wildlife here.
Marsiling Park, Woodlands Centre Road, Singapore 738930
4. Senoko Fishery Port
Want to get your hands on fresh fish? You’ve got to make a trip down to Senoko Fishery Port. This market in Woodlands opens in the wee hours of the morning, and is home to more than 30 stalls hawking seafood at wholesale prices (think all sorts of fish, crabs, clams, stingray and squid). Bring your identity card or passport with you to gain entry. Since it’s a cash-only destination, show up with those dollar bills and stow your credit card away for another day.
Senoko Fishery Port, 31 Attap Valley Road, Singapore 759908
5. Woodlands Galaxy Community Club
You might be wondering why we’re asking you to check out a community club. But there’s something special about this one in particular. The Woodlands Galaxy Community Club is home to an observatory that opens to the public on Friday nights. The entrance fee costs just a dollar, and you’ll have access to the CC’s telescope for a time of stargazing. Now, that sounds amazing.
Woodlands Galaxy Community Club, 31 Woodlands Avenue 6, Singapore 738991
Things to do in Woodlands: Food and drink
6. Black & White Rojak
In case it isn’t obvious enough from the name of this Woodlands food stall, there are two kinds of rojak served here: black and white. The former comes with a funky (but absolutely delicious) shrimp paste sauce, and the latter is topped with a sweet and sour plum dressing. But with a base of crunchy fruits and veggies, fried dough fritters and crispy tofu, who can resist either option?
Black & White Rojak, Block 515A, Woodlands Drive 14, Singapore 731515
7. Jia Li Seafood Soup
Jia Li’s seafood soup is probably the most comforting thing you can have on a rainy day in Singapore (aside from pao fan, of course). Pop by its Woodlands outlet for huge chunks of fish, crayfish, prawns, pork ribs and scallop stewed in a mouthwatering, umami-flavoured soup. We love having this alongside a bowl of fluffy white rice. Perfection.
Jia Li Seafood Soup, #01-23/24, Primz Bizhub, 21 Woodlands Close, Singapore 737854
8. Hong Ji Claypot Bak Kut Teh
If you prefer your bak kut teh with herbal soup instead of the usual peppery base, you’ve got to swing by this Woodlands food stall. Its soup base is meticulously brewed with up to 10 different herbs, and comes with fall-off-the-bone pork ribs, liver and intestines. Still feel hungry? Order the chewy, tender braised pigs trotter and bean curd sticks for some extra oomph.
Hong Ji Claypot Bak Kut Teh, #01-329, Teo Chap Bee Eating House, 19 Marsiling Lane, Singapore 730019
9. Citrus by the Pool
Looking for a supper spot in Woodlands with mouthwatering Thai fusion food? This poolside restaurant is open all the way until 5am. Dig into thick burgers, fried chicken steaks, Asian-inspired pasta in tom yum or sambal goreng flavours, and mini (but highly indulgent) milkshakes.
Citrus by the Pool, #03-3A, Woodlands Swimming Complex, 3 Woodlands Street 13, Singapore 738600
10. Toi
Everyone’s familiar with the western-style grub found at kopitiams littered across Singapore. But we can all agree that only a handful of these are worth a mention. Toi is definitely one you can’t miss. This newly opened hawker stall in Woodlands serves al dente pasta dishes, grilled pork belly, and fried chicken cutlet with equally delicious sides. Think honey mayo coleslaw, roasted pumpkin and fried broccoli.
Toi, Eden Food Mall, 10 Marsiling Industrial Estate Road 1, Singapore 739276
Looking for a new ‘hood to explore? Add these food spots and things to do in Woodlands to your list.
