For too long, residents in the 600000 and 510000 postal codes have battled it out over whose side is the best side. There’s no denying that the East is a strong contender when it has outdoor activities at East Coast and Jewel Changi in its corner.
But that’s no reason for the West to back down. With a heritage dragon kiln, edutainment centre, and an authentic Japanese onsen, here are 14 best things to do in Jurong that prove “west side, best side”.
Table of Contents
Easties would probably have heard of Yunnan Garden, but here’s a piece of green we bet even Westies might be unfamiliar with. Right on the edge of NTU’s campus within JTC’s CleanTech Park is the Jurong Eco-Garden.
It has sitting areas and boardwalks across ponds. But take the time to stroll about and you’ll come across interesting attractions, like the butterfly garden that has quite a number of species flitting around.
Composting bins at Jurong Eco-Garden.
You can even make your trip here an educational one by stopping at the pond and composting station. There are infographics that showcase how rainwater is used to irrigate the entire park, as well as how you can turn your own food scraps into usable compost to grow vegetation.
The Jurong Eco-Garden is a part of the Jurong Innovation District and developments are still in the works to update the space to include more amenities like walking paths and playgrounds for the public.
Address: 1 CleanTech Loop, Singapore 637141
Opening hours: 24 hours, Daily
We’re not going to be the ones to confirm or deny the existence of mythical beasts. But the one at Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle inside the Jurong Innovation District comes pretty close. We’re referring, of course, to the dragon kiln here.
Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle is 1 of 2 surviving kilns left in Singapore that were first built in the 1940s. Today, the kiln is only fired a couple of times a year to bake large batches of earthenware from potters all over the country.
When the dragon isn’t breathing fire baking clay pieces, it’s open to public tours for those looking for a history lesson on this ancient trade. The tour ends at the gift shop where you can pick up pottery made here as a souvenir to take home.
Influences of this Jurong landmark can even be found in the buildings nearby. The facade of JTC CleanTech Three uses clay tiles that mimic the “scales” of the dragon kiln.
Price: $80/pax|
Address: 85 Lorong Tawas, Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle, Singapore 639823|
Opening hours: 9am-5pm, Daily
Contact: 6268 6121 | Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle website
The Yunnan Garden has been a fave among students studying at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) looking to take a breather from hitting the books all night long. Spending a few minutes staring out at the serene garden with its pavilions and lake surely takes the edge off stressed undergrads.
Image credit: @clutterphotog via Instagram
If you want access, thankfully, you don’t have to be a student to enter the garden. Nor do you have to be stressed to appreciate its other features, like the 5m-tall waterfall that cascades from the lake.
Image credit: @rj_kang via Instagram
Even young ones wouldn’t mind a trip here. They’ll be able to burn off all their energy at the playground that has a climbing gym and slides. Or, get them to run through the water fountain to cool off after spending a hot day at Yunnan Garden.
Address: 12 Nanyang Drive, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637721
Opening hours: 24 hours, Daily
Contact: 6791 1744
There are many futsal courts around, and Westies can get a kickabout at Golazo Futsal Singapore.
Dust off your cleats and start brushing up on your soccer skills at any of the 4 pitches here. 2 of these are fully sheltered, so you can still practise drills and shooting goals rain or shine. The other 2, while out in the open, are shaded with UV protection, so there’s a lower risk of sunburn even when you’re out playing in midday.
The pitches are open till 3am daily if you and your football kakis also happen to be insomniacs. Post-footie workout, there are showers available so you can freshen up before heading home.
Address: 21 Jurong West Street 23, Golazo Futsal Singapore, Singapore 648196
Opening hours: 9am-3am, Daily
Contact: 6794 6625 | Golazo Futsal Singapore website
Image credit: Zula
If you’re looking to head to Japan, it might make sense to head eastward towards Changi Airport to jet off to the east. But the West has its own slice of Japan at Joya Onsen Cafe.
Image credit: Zula
It’s an onsen spa that’s been modelled after onsens you can find in Japan, right down to the traditional bathrobes, like the yukata or jinbei you can wear throughout your time here. To keep it authentic, you’ll also need to strip down to enter the gender-separated public baths. Shyer ones who rather not parade in their birthday suits can opt for the private onsens instead.
Image credit: Zula
After your relaxing soak, adjourn to the attached cafe for a bite of Japanese food. Mainstays on the menu include hot bowls of udon and ramen (from $12.90) and desserts (from $6). Occasionally, Joya Onsen Cafe brings in seasonal menu items too.
Price:
Private onsen (max. 1.5 hours): From $132/pax
Public onsen 1-day pass: From $42/pax
Address: 511 Upper Jurong Road, #01-06, Singapore 638366
Opening hours: Fri-Mon 10.30am-11pm, Tue-Wed 10.30am-10.30pm
Contact: 8847 2081 | Joya Onsen Cafe website
You wouldn’t know from the many industrial buildings around Chin Bee Avenue that there’s a cafe hidden in plain sight. But keep a look out for the large block letters that spell out Suzuki – that’s where you’ll find Suzuki Gourmet Cafe.
Step in to find a cosy outfit inspired by traditional teahouses in Kyoto – we’re talking sliding rice paper doors, a stone and bamboo fountain, and Muji-esque oak wood furniture.
But it’s not tea that they specialise here. Instead, it’s espresso-based coffees that use beans roasted in their factory just next door. If you’re looking for less of a caffeinated kick, the cafe also serves matcha lattes.
Address: 8 Chin Bee Avenue, Singapore 619932
Opening hours: Tue-Fri 10am-5pm | Sat & Sun 10am-4pm (Closed on Mondays & PH)
Contact: 6266 3933 | Suzuki Roaster Cafe website
Industrial as you think Jurong might be, there’s also an artsier side to the estate right within Nanyang Technological University. 37 pieces of art, from paintings to sculptures and mixed media installations, are scattered all over the uni’s campus.
We’ll save you the trouble of having to hunt down these pieces by linking you to this NTU Campus Art Trail virtual map. With this in hand, you’ll be able to easily find each one. As an added perk, the map also comes with info on the artists and the meaning behind the artwork, so you can appreciate each one in greater detail.
Address: 50 Nanyang Avenue, 639798
Contact: 6791 1744 | NTU website
Take your pick in which fun slide you want to ride.
Westies don’t need to feel obliged to make the pilgrimage to Wild Wild Wet in Pasir Ris when you have Jurong East Swimming Complex in your backyard. It is no ordinary public pool either, as it has 3 huge water slides that give water parks a run for their money. Entrance fees start from $1.50 on weekdays and $2 on weekends, which makes it one of the more affordable pay-per-use swimming pools in Singapore.
Address: 21 Jurong East Street 31, #01-01, Singapore 609517
Opening hours: Tue-Thurs & Sat 6.30am-9.30pm | Wed-Fri & Sun 8am-9.30pm (Closed on Mondays)
Contact: 6563 5052
Image credit: @rafflesmarina via Instagram
There are plenty of beautiful sunrise and sunset spots around, and Westies can head to Raffles Marina Lighthouse for their golden hour fix. But what separates this one from the rest are the sweeping views of the Tuas Causeway Link and Forest City. Plus, there is a cool towering lighthouse that can be used as a backdrop for that ‘Gram.
Situated at Raffles Marina Country Club, it is open to the public and can be reached via a 13- minute walk from the Tuas Link MRT station.
Address: 10 Tuas West Drive, 638404
Opening hours: 8am-10pm, Daily
Contact: Raffles Marina Lighthouse website
Image credit: NParks via Facebook
After a long 5-year wait, the Japanese Garden has finally reopened alongside Chinese Garden to complete the Jurong Lake Gardens, which also comprises Lakeside Garden. With all the hubbub about it being new, you may not know which places are worth checking out. Not to worry, we got you, with recommendations to check out the revamped and new attractions.
Back in business are the Twin and Cloud Pagodas that will make you feel like you’re exploring beautiful temples in Vietnam. Walk a bit further on and you’ll find the Grand Arch, which has been renovated to offer you sweeping views of the Chinese Garden.
Image adapted from: Olivia, Kong Min Loh via Google Maps
Just behind the Grand Arch, you’ll find the new Edible Garden, where you’ll find different types of edible plants and flowers. There’s also a Breathing Gallery, which houses terrariums, aquariums, and paludariums, a hybrid of the first two. Try and spot rare aquatic species like vampire crabs or plants like jewel orchids there.
The Sunken Garden is definitely one to capture for your socials. It’s a valley-like garden with green-walled paths that are made from more than 200 types of plants.
Address: Yuan Ching Road
Opening hours: 24 hours, Daily
There are countless shopping malls in Singapore, but IMM is the only one with more than 90 outlet stores and good deals, like 80% discounts all year round. You will find a variety of products and services, from sports apparel to children’s wear and everything in between.
Stay in the know of all their latest monthly deals on the Capitaland website.
Address: 2 Jurong East Street 21, Singapore 609601
Opening hours: 10am-10pm, Daily
Contact: 6665 8268 | IMM Website
A good late-night date idea to add to the list would be a trip to Superbowl Jurong, which opens till as late as 1am. There are 30 lanes altogether, so the chances of you having no space to bowl is very slim. The prices start from $5.50/game for the general public, though you can get it cheaper at $4.30/game if you’re a Passion Card Member.
Address: 1 Yuan Ching Road, Singapore 618640
Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 12pm-12am | Friday 12pm-1am | Sat 10am-1am | Sun 10am-12am
Contact: 6266 1000 | Superbowl Website
If you’re unsure of what exciting things to do with your kids, bring them to the Singapore Discovery Centre, where they can learn while having fun. History isn’t a snoozefest when exhibitions such as their Lens of Time (from $8) galleries let you literally step into the past with interactive displays of Singapore in the 20th century.
Escape room enthusiasts can check out the Black Lake Facility (from $24), the largest 2-storey escape room in Singapore. It has more than 10 rooms to explore, and 4 story chapters to cover, so you can rest assured that you and your kakis will be in for an adventure.
Image credit: Singapore Discovery Centre
If not, give laser tag a shot at the Black Lake Laser Battlefield (from $15), where you can hunt down your friends using laser guns. If you want the thrill of rides similar to the ones at Universal Studios Singapore, you can get that here with their XD Theatre Sky Hunt (from $8).
Address: 510 Upper Jurong Road, Singapore 638365
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 12pm-6pm | Sat-Sun 11am-7pm
Contact: Singapore Discovery Centre Website
Image credit: @jglovesfood via Instagram
Some say nasi lemak is Malaysia’s national dish, but we have one that’s just as good in the west. Aptly named Boon Lay Power Nasi Lemak, it’s open everyday from 7am-3.30am, so you can have it as an early breakfast to kickstart your day, or as a late supper when you’re having HTHT with your kakis.
Image credit: Eddie Khoo via Google Maps
As for the actual food, you can never go wrong with the Chicken Set ($4.50), a crowd favourite. There are also a bunch of other side dishes available to add on, if just one source of meat isn’t enough to sustain that powerhouse frame of yours.
Address: 221A Boon Lay Place, #01-106, Singapore 641221
Opening hours: 7am-3.30pm, Daily
Contact: 6811 0443
These places are just the tip of the iceberg of what you can find in the west of Singapore. More specifically, many of these locations, including Yunnan Garden, are part of the Jurong Innovation District (JID), an area defined by the NTU, CleanTech Park, and Bulim neighbourhoods.
The 600-hectare area is still in development, which will see more manufacturing plants and research and development labs opening up here. This includes the likes of Hyundai Motor Group, SATs, and Siemens setting up factories here.
But don’t just expect towers of steel and concrete to take over Jurong. JID will also have its fair share of green spaces too. The Jurong Eco-Garden is up for a refresh that will make it more accessible to the community. Think family-friendly facilities like playgrounds and more walking paths.
The garden’s just one small area built for residents. There’s also the upcoming Bulim Park that will be opening in 2024. Spanning roughly the size of 14 football fields, the sprawling grounds won’t just be home to your usual children’s climbing gyms and cycling lanes. There’ll be spots for picnics and even cafes for a quick impromptu bite if needed.
Linking residents living around JID to these 2 spaces are the pedestrian overhead bridge and Sky Corridor. The first is an architectural feat that crosses over the Pan Island Expressway. This would connect residents staying in Jurong West to easily get to work at the manufacturing plants or to nearby parks.
Then to get to the rest of JID, you can easily travel on foot, bike, or via shuttle with the Sky Corridor. The 11km linkway winds through the estate, bringing pedestrians to parks, industrial plants, and even MRT stations.
These developments are slated to open from 2024 onwards, and you can keep updated on JID by following JTC on LinkedIn. With these new additions, it’s safe to say that Jurong is on its way to claiming the west side as the best side.
This post was brought to you by JTC.
Last updated by Syahiran Sean on 29th September 2024.
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