One of the newest towns in Singapore, Punggol is home to many young families. With a current residential population of nearly 200,000, the area has come a long way from its rural past as a fishing village occupied mainly by Malay settlers.
Punggol gets much of its vibrancy and buzz from its many modern amenities, with popular malls such as Waterway Point, Punggol Plaza, Oasis Terraces and Northshore Plaza I & II sprouting up in recent years. Families are spoilt for choice with any eateries, supermarkets, retail shops and other conveniences that meet their daily needs.
Recreational Hub for Families
Image source: NLB
One Punggol and SAFRA Punggol are two of the most exciting new developments in Punggol. Located right opposite each other and a short walk from Punggol MRT station, they are bursting with recreational options for residents of all ages.
A 45,000 sqm integrated lifestyle hub, One Punggol boasts a community club, the five-storey Punggol Regional Library, health and social service agencies – as well as the one and only hawker centre in Punggol – to meet residents’ needs. It also houses a 12,000 sqm park called Punggol Green comprising of senior activity corners and children’s playgrounds, not to mention rooftop BBQ pits, a community garden and other common spaces.
SAFRA Punggol is the other recreation hub in town. Families who enjoy the outdoors will be thrilled to know that they can rent kayaks to row down Punggol Waterway or bikes to cycle at the nearby Punggol Waterway Park, while those with young kids can have a splashing good time at ocean-themed indoor water playground Splash @ Kidz Amaze.
Image source: SAFRA
Explore Hidden Gems & Quaint Spots
Image source: Tripadvisor
Snazzy malls aside, Punggol is a town full of delightful surprises for adventurous families looking for one-of-a-kind experiences. Ask any Punggolite and he or she will point you to prawning at Riveria Prawn Fishing or Hai Bin Prawning, sunset (or sunrise, if you’re early risers) runs along Punggol Promenade and the many seafood eateries at Punggol Settlement.
For lovers of the wild and great outdoors, Punggol’s location right next to the water means that you’ll have a whale of a time exploring unique natural landscapes such as Coney Island, Lorong Halus Wetlands and Punggol Beach. Coney Island and Lorong Halus’ flora and fauna attract different wildlife and are great places to spot birds.
That’s not all! Punggol will soon be home to Punggol Regional Sports Centre. Families can look forward to catching a game at a 5,000-seater football stadium, go swimming at any of the five pools at the swimming complex, play badminton at an indoor sports hall, sign up for the gym or fitness programmes, or even try their hand at archery in the training centre.
FFL Programmes @ Punggol
1. Pasir Ris & Punggol Parents Telegram Group
An online community based in Telegram where parents can come together to share information about events happening in Punggol, learn parenting tips, and get to know other parents in the area. Whether you're a new parent looking for peer guidance or an experienced parent who wants to share your knowledge, the group is the perfect place to connect with other parents in your community.
2. Triple P (Positive Parenting Programme)
Looking for parenting programmes to equip yourself with techniques to manage your child’s behaviour? Join Triple P, an evidence-based programme in which you can learn simple and practical strategies to promote your child’s (aged up to 16 years) psychological, social and emotional competence. Did you know that we have worked closely with partners in Punggol, such as My Gym, to bring Triple P closer to the Punggol community?
The programme is conducted by Methodist Welfare Services, contact them at mwsfsp@mws.sg or 8812 9565 for more information.
3. Purposeful Play
Learn 10 evidence-based strategies while engaging in play with your child! Purposeful Play programme seeks to help parents develop their child through play and common home activities. Keep a lookout for any upcoming Purposeful Play sessions in the neighbourhood!
You can sign up here or contact AMKFSC (a Purposeful Play provider) a famforlife@amkfsc.org.sg or 6351 0610 for more information.