As a long-time Bishan dweller, I have a healthy amount of curiosity about all the other residential towns spread across Singapore. I have spent many a day out on a quest to discover the fun and new within the heartland. To me, exploring unfamiliar parts of Singapore can be as exciting as travelling abroad, and one of the best parts is planning where to go!

Sembawang marks one of my upcoming adventures. I created a quick itinerary of interesting places, and I uncovered some fascinating nuggets of information along the way!

For example, I learnt that Sembawang is actually named after the Sembawang tree (Mesua ferruginea). Did you know it was once home to a major British naval base that opened in 1983? Thus, you can find old buildings in Sembawang that are testimony to Singapore’s cultural and naval heritage.

Beaulieu House – a glimpse of Sembawang’s rich and colourful history
(photo from the National Parks Board)

The beautiful 15-hectare Sembawang Park tops my list of places to check out! The Park comes with a natural beach, and is popular with residents who head there to exercise and chill out by the seaside. I found out that the Park is connected to Sungei Simpang Kiri via the Simpang Park Connector, where you can spot a wide variety of bird species. I can definitely do with some time to recharge at such a calm natural getaway!

Quality family bonding time at the beach!

For kids, a maritime-themed playground to tie in with the area’s naval heritage!
(photos from the Urban Redevelopment Authority)

Another unique attraction in the area has got to be the famed Sembawang Hot Spring. My friend, Yiping, who has lived in Sembawang for 18 years, described the spring as having a kampung vibe. The spring is located within a garden setting, so people can enjoy the natural surroundings and a sense of open community. Having heard so much about the natural hot spring, I figured it is time to see it for myself!

Sembawang Hot Spring – A relaxing natural environment
(photo from ChannelNewsAsia)

Finally, a trip to Sembawang will not be complete without hunting down the best food in the area! Even a ‘Bishanite’ like me has heard of the tasty hawker food that Chong Pang Market & Food Centre has to offer, from nasi lemak to braised duck rice.

Other than the hawker centre, I know just where else to grab a bite! Jalan Tampang is a cluster of eateries that is conveniently located across Sembawang Shopping Centre, dishing up local favourites such as white bee hoon and claypot rice. I was in the area for dinner with my family once, and I have been wanting to go back to try all the other delicious options.

My friend Yiping also suggested several cafes within the town, which sound like perfect hangout spots to relax and indulge in specialist coffee brews and homemade ice-cream. One of the cafes even offers baking classes on top of serving their signature cakes!

Satisfy your hunger at Jalan Tampang!

A mix of traditional eateries and fancy cafes along the same street

With the upcoming neighbourhood centre named Canberra Plaza, residents can look forward to even more convenient food options and facilities! Best of all, there will be a sheltered plaza where residents can come together and bond over community activities or events. Families with children will surely enjoy spending time at the river-themed water playground for kids as well.

An artist’s impression of Canberra Plaza’s estuary-themed event plaza

Hadi, who has resided in Sembawang for 18 years, said he likes the spaciousness of the area most of all. He is fond of the jogging and cycling trails around the town, which encourages the residents to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Chatting with my friends who grew up in the area, Sembawang sounds like their sanctuary away from the bustling city, which can get overwhelming at times. Even as it continues to transform from a land of kampungs to become a more modern town, there is a lingering rusticity that might just be Sembawang’s distinctive charm!

Do you love exploring the HDB heartland too? Tag us on Instagram @singaporeHDB – we’d love to see your photos and experiences!