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Complete Guide to Punggol Settlement: From Fresh Seafood to Fun Activities

Updated: 9 min read

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Punggol, a name that evokes images of kampongs and fishing boats, has transformed dramatically over the years. From a humble fishing village, it’s now a vibrant, modern town in Singapore, offering a delightful mix of urban living and natural beauty. Today, we are taking a close look at The Punggol Settlement; a two storied commercial property that offers bespoke dining options right by the Punggol beach.

But before that, a quick look at Punggol’s history….

The name “Punggol” is believed to have originated from the Malay word “pengkol,” meaning “a bend”. It is likely that the term referred to the bend in the Serangoon River. Historically, Punggol was a sleepy fishing village, dotted with attap houses and thriving with fishing and farming activities.

The area was also known for its prawn farming. Punggol Point, with its iconic jetty, was a familiar landmark, and in the 1980s and 90s, it was known for its popular seafood restaurants. The jetty was also a bustling hub for fishermen and a gateway to nearby islands. Old pictures of Punggol Point that are popular on Singapore’s Facebook groups show a bustling seaside town, famous for its chilli crab and mee goreng.

Old picture of Punggol Point and jetty
Source: Facebook (The Long and Winding Road)

However, Punggol’s history also carries a darker chapter. During the Second World War, Punggol was one of the sites of the Sook Ching massacre. This horrific event, carried out by the Japanese occupying forces, serves as a reminder of the cost of war and the importance of peace. It’s a significant part of Punggol’s history, acknowledged and remembered as part of Singapore’s collective heritage.

Over time, Punggol has been redeveloped into the modern residential town we see today, while still retaining some of its coastal charm. The area, including the old jetty, was redesigned and developed in 2011. It was opened to the public as the Punggol Point Park, complete with a promenade and beach-side restaurants.

Cycling around Punggol Point Park
Punggol Point Park (Source: National Parks Board)

Dining at The Punggol Settlement

Now that we know a bit about Punggol’s history, let’s take a deeper dive into what The Punggol Settlement has to offer. This commercial hub is known for its wide array of seafood restaurants, offering everything from chilli crab to fresh prawns and fish. It’s a great place to satisfy your seafood cravings with a stunning view of the sea.

The Punggol Settlement boasts of seafood restaurants like House of Seafood, House of White Bee Hoon, Izakaya 95, Georges By The Bay and more. If you like Thai mookatas, then Siam Square is an option you absolutely must consider! Here’s what we know of each of these restaurant options:

House of Seafood

Award winning chilli crab at House of Seafood (Source: Restaurant website)

Famous for its fresh and premium seafood dishes, especially crabs prepared in various delicious styles. The restaurant offers a beautiful seaside view, making it perfect for a casual yet delightful dining experience.

Open daily from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

House of White Bee Hoon

White_Bee_Hoon_Restaurant_Punggol
Crab bee hoon at The House of White Bee Hoon (Source: TripAdvisor)

Known for its signature white bee hoon, this cosy eatery serves authentic, tasty seafood dishes that are a hit with both locals and tourists. The dish is served with fresh ingredients and a flavourful broth that makes it a standout.

Open daily from 11:30 AM to 9:30 PM.

Izakaya 95

Izakaya_Punggol_Settlement
Japanese seafood menu at Izakaya (Source: Quandoo)

A casual Japanese restaurant offering a variety of yakitori and izakaya-style dishes, paired with an impressive selection of sake and beers. It’s the ideal place for enjoying hearty small plates and great drinks in a relaxed atmosphere.

Open daily from 5:00 PM to 10:30 PM.

Georges By The Bay

Georges_By_The_Bay_Punggol_Settlement
Burgers at Georges By The Bay (Source: Quandoo)

Georges By The Bay offers a laid-back dining experience with a fusion of Western and Asian flavours. With its breezy, outdoor setting overlooking the water, it’s a great spot for both meals and drinks.

Open daily from 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM.

Siam Square Mookata

Mookata at Siam Square restaurant, Punggol
Mookata at Siam Square (Source: TripAdvisor)

Siam Square serves authentic Thai mookata (BBQ steamboat) with a range of fresh ingredients, allowing guests to enjoy both grilling and steamboat-style dining in one meal. It’s a lively spot for families and groups to indulge in flavourful Thai food.

Open daily from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

We also found blog reviews for restaurants at The Punggol Settlement, if you’d like to read more first-hand accounts of the dining experience.

But The Punggol Settlement isn’t just about food. There’s plenty more to explore and enjoy. Our recommendations below!

 

Activities near The Punggol Settlement

1. GoCyling along the quiet Punggol Promenade

If you’re feeling active, you can rent a bicycle from one of the GoCycling kiosks located conveniently within the Settlement. From there, you can embark on a scenic ride along the Punggol Promenade.

According to the official description, the Promenade has three different thematic zones – Riverside Walk, Nature Walk and Punggol Point Walk. There are many lookout points along the promenade which help you get a closer look at the Serangoon Reservoir.

Note: The cycling kiosks close at 7pm, so plan your day accordingly.

2. Take a break and stroll along the Punggol Waterway Park

Jewel Bridge, Punggol
Jewel Bridge, Punggol (Source: Flickr)

This beautiful park, just a short distance from the Settlement, offers a picturesque route along the waterway, perfect for cycling, jogging, or simply taking a leisurely stroll. Covering 12.25 hectares, Punggol Waterway Park is divided into four distinct zones: Nature Cove, Recreation Zone, Heritage Zone and Green Gallery.

Some of the park’s most eye-catching features include the domed Jewel Bridge and the Sunrise Bridge, both of which offer stunning, almost mystical views at dawn. If you’re looking for a fun and unique photo opportunity, be sure to check out the park’s Graffiti Spot – the robot mural is perfect for those quirky Instagram shots.

3. Visit Coney Island for a wildlife experience

Easily accessible from The Punggol Settlement, the rustic Coney Island (also known as Pulau Serangoon) with its laid-back vibe, makes for a perfect day of exploration. You can cycle or walk around the island, discover hidden beaches, and spot some local wildlife. Coney Island is about a 20-minute cycle or bus ride from The Punggol Settlement.

4. Visit Marina Country Club

A 20-minute walk from The Settlement will bring you to the Marina Country Club, Singapore’s unique (and only) private club that’s open to the public. Whether you’re into water sports, dining, or just relaxing by the water, there’s something for everyone here.

The Marina Boardwalk boasts Asia’s largest fleet of wakeboard boats (45!), making it the perfect spot for wakeboarding and wake-surfing enthusiasts. If you prefer a more relaxed pace, you can enjoy a scenic boat trip or try your hand at fishing.

Looking for houses in Punggol? We got you!


But this is not all…

The Punggol Settlement is also a fantastic place to spend special occasions. If you’re looking for things to do on Valentine’s Day, for instance, a romantic seafood dinner by the sea could be just the ticket. Imagine enjoying a delicious meal with your loved one, with the gentle sea breeze and the twinkling lights of the surrounding area creating a magical ambience. Sounds like a shiok plan, right?

Getting to The Punggol Settlement is easy. You can drive, take a Grab, or hop on a bus. There are also several parking spaces available if you choose to drive. The Settlement is almost 15 minutes by walk from the Punggol Coast MRT station.

Whether you’re a foodie looking for fresh seafood, an outdoor enthusiast wanting to explore the parks, or simply someone seeking a relaxing day out, The Punggol Settlement is worth a visit.

So, next time you’re looking for a place to lepak and enjoy the best of what Singapore has to offer, why not head down to The Punggol Settlement? You might just discover your new favourite spot. Don’t forget to leave us a comment and let us know how your day went!

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