I had a lot of fond memories growing up in Woodlands. The community was so tight-knitted and there were so many local businesses to support making all of us spoilt for choices. On top of that, there are so many things to do regardless of age, making Woodlands one of the best hidden gems in Singapore.
Nasi SG Power
As a teenager, I spent most of my time hanging around with my friends. Sometimes, it dragged on a little bit too late into the night. We’d get hungry but McDonald's wasn’t exactly budget-friendly for us back then, and buying cup noodles from 7-11 was just getting sickening. So, that’s when we found Nasi SG Power! For the longest time, I remember eating their nasi padang for breakfast and they were absolutely delicious and flavourful so imagine our delight when we found out that the stall was open for 24 hours! Even late into the night, they still manage to whip up fresh batches of gravy, providing their customers with plenty of options.
Address: Woodlands North Plaza, 883 Woodlands Street 82, #01-22, Singapore 730883
Opening hours: Daily for 24 hours except Sundays from 12am–1pm
Citrus by the Pool
Citrus by the Pool was one of the newer additions to Singapore but has stayed in business for over five years. My friends and I often patronise this place right after our training since it is located right next to the stadium. This retro-themed cafe provides a very homey environment for customers to unwind as they take a bite of their amazing fusion food items. My favourite has definitely got to be their Tom Yum Seafood Pasta. Their portions are generous and the dish itself has the right combination of creaminess, spiciness, and sourness, making it the perfect comfort meal after a long day of rigorous activity.
Address: 3 Woodlands Street 13 Woodlands Swimming Complex, 738600
Opening hours: Daily from 11:30am–10:30pm
Contact: 6366 6581
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Black and White Rojak
I’ve always been familiar with the Chinese Black Rojak where it’s often served with crunchy fruits and veggies and crispy tofu and youtiao. The pungent shrimp paste, topped with crushed peanuts makes this dish incredibly exciting and savoury. And this stall manages to execute them perfectly. Each plate costs $3. Therefore, what is the white rojak then? Well, it uses the same exact ingredients except that the sauce is substituted for sweet-sour plum dressing.
Address: Blk, 515A Woodlands Drive 14, Singapore 73151
Opening hours: Daily from 1pm–9pm
Admiralty Park
I remember when Admiralty Park first opened, I immediately rushed over with my friends with our bulky school bags and started dominating the various slides and swingsets. Even as tertiary students, we were acting just like the rest of the children. With over 20 slides and three main playgrounds, Admiralty Park is noted to be one of the biggest playgrounds in the North! The playground has also included amenities and swing sets that would accommodate children with special needs. So, it is truly a playground for all! On some days if you’re lucky, you’ll be able to spot monkeys loitering around the tracks, but be sure to not interact or feed them.
Woodlands Waterfront Park
Before Admiralty Park was opened, there was Woodlands Waterfront Park. This park is for those who want to take a step back from their busy lives and unwind. The park offers an amazing view of Johor Straits and at the right time, you can catch an amazing sunset (very romantic and breathtaking). My friends and I usually patronise the area for picnics as they have ample luscious pasture and ‘huts’ for us to settle. And before COVID-19, we were able to enjoy an amazing firework display from Malaysia whenever there was a national holiday.
Woodlands Galaxy CC
Located right next to Admiralty MRT station, the CC is impossible to miss with its big galaxy-like structure attached to the corner of the roof. With only a $1 fee, Woodlands Galaxy CC has made it incredibly accessible for any astronomy geek or even those who are curious to get a glimpse of the celestial skies. A tip, be sure to check the weather forecast before visiting this place. Ideally, a non-cloudy day would give you the best view possible!
Address: 31 Woodlands Ave 6, Singapore 738991
Opening hours: Daily from 10am–6pm
Contact: 6366 2218
