Neighbourhood guides: 5 reasons to visit Woodlands (aside from going JB)

When people talk about Woodlands, they typically mention “Malaysia” or “JB” in the same sentence. But that’s not all that’s nearby – check out our 5 other reasons why you might want to consider living there!

•  Visit a wholesale seafood supplier and purchase sashimi at rock-bottom prices
• Stroll down the jetty and watch the fishermen cast their nets at Woodlands Waterfront Park
• Detox with a healthy $3 salad at The Crowded Bowl
• Have a swim and reward yourself with the amazingly fluffy pancakes from this cafe at the swimming complex
• Satisfy your sweet tooth with waffles and ice cream at this cafe open till 12am

1. Visit a wholesale seafood supplier and purchase sashimi at rock-bottom prices
   

If you’re anything like the typical Singaporean, you’re probably obsessed with sashimi (in particular, salmon sashimi). You probably also think that you’re getting a great deal when you go to all-you-can-eat Japanese buffets and stuff yourself silly with said salmon sashimi. But what if we told you there is a better way?

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Enter Fassler Gourmet. This seafood specialty producer is where all the big hotels and restaurants get their supply. They stock over 200 seafood products, including lobster, prawns, scallop, and of course, sashimi.

Let’s do the math – if you’re having a lunch buffet at Sakae Sushi, it’ll set you back by approximately $35 (after GST). We also guarantee you’re not going to enjoy your sashimi that much after your fourth plate or so. At Fassler Gourmet, you get 500g of pre-cut salmon sashimi for just $22 – the cheapest you’ll ever find in Singapore. Bring it home, eat it over the course of a week, share it with your friends – the choice is yours. Doesn’t that sound like a much better option?

2. Stroll down the jetty and watch the fishermen cast their nets at Woodlands Waterfront Park

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Woodlands Waterfront Park is a 11-hectare park with a 1.5km long waterfront promenade, where you can look out to the Causeway and the straits of JB. The 400m long jetty is the longest recreational jetty in Singapore, and on weekends, you’ll be able to see quite a few fishermen (or rather, aspiring fishermen), patiently parked along the stretch with their fishing gear.

If you want to do some cycling, the park is also connected to Admiralty Park via the Northern Explorer Loop.

3. Detox with a healthy $3 salad at The Crowded Bowl

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We’re so over the crazy expensive salad chains where you have to fork out a minimum of $10 for salad. Go for the more wallet-friendly option, The Crowded Bowl, a vegetarian salad stall located at Republic Polytechnic. (Nope, you don’t need to be a student to get into the school compound!)

You’ll get a base of greens, two regular sides, one premium side and dressing (balsamic vinaigrette, orange marmalade or Japanese sesame) if you’re ordering the regular bowl ($3). It might look like a small bowl, but it’s surprisingly filling!

The Crowded Bowl is located at Republic Polytechnic, Level 3, The Lawn Food Court.

4. Have a swim and reward yourself with the amazingly fluffy pancakes from this cafe at the swimming complex

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Feeling peckish after your swim at Woodlands Swimming Complex? Check out Citrus By The Pool, a halal-certified cafe and restaurant located within the complex itself. They have a full menu and serve everything including Western mains, Asian mains, and coffee, but it’s this amazingly fluffy stack of pancakes that we’ve got our eye on.

5. Satisfy your sweet tooth with waffles and ice cream at this cafe open till 12am

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There’s nothing quite as satisfying as being able to act on those random bouts of ice cream cravings you get at night. Fortunately, those staying in Woodlands are finally able to do so, thanks to Two Plus One! Take your pick from their classic, buttermilk or charcoal waffles, and we have it on good authority that the Creme Brulee with Figs ice cream comes highly recommended.

Want to stay around Woodlands?

Woodlands gets a pretty bad rep for being super ‘ulu’, but with these amazing amenities and suppliers located nearby, there’s no denying that staying here will allow you to get the most bang for your buck. If you’re thinking of staying at Woodlands, check out this table of average resale flat prices in the past!

	3-room	4-room	5-room
2016	$273,250	$359,000	$427,500
2015	$272,625	$360,000	$426,250
2014	$295,625	$382,375	$444,075

Data from HDB

Want to get a condo instead? Here are some great options in Woodlands:

The Woodgrove – $743 average psf.

Woodgrove Condominium – $751 average psf.

Rosewood Suites – $768 average psf.

Casablanca – $842 average psf.

Parc Rosewood – $1,104 average psf.

Woodhaven – $1,124 average psf.