While the Eastsiders and the Westsiders continue to bicker for generations about whose neighbourhood is better, the folks up north continue to bask in the easy-going, ultra-quiet districts of their own backyard (those actually living in the south are too busy rolling in money to engage in the conflict). Hey, nothing much goes on around here — especially in the northernmost municipality of Woodlands — but we certainly like what we already have here. If you grew up in Woodlands, you’ll remember that…
1. You know Causeway Point like the back of your hand
Yeap, we really mean it when we said nothing much happens in our suburbs. That’s why absolutely everyone flocks to the biggest mall in the north, and it’s literally the only place to do some proper shopping and hang out — and that’s why it’s our home away from home. We’re even more glad that it’s a lot bigger now after the mega renovations.
2. You’re a well-read person
Photo: National Library? Chuhh, we already had multiple floors of books upon books right at our doorstep with the Woodlands Regional Library, and it was an awesome after-school spot as well. You’d know to avoid to top floor (because that’s where all the noisy kids are at the children’s section) and the second floor was the best place to do some work while having an endless array of reference books to cite in your assignments.
3. Woodlands Pasar Malam is eternal and forever
Other neighbourhoods really are missing out — their pasar malams don’t come as frequently as the ones at the big field right in front of the MRT station. The prevalence of the huge white tarpaulin tent and the smoky aroma of Ramly Burgers has come to a point where it should just become a permanent feature already.
4. You load up on commuter entertainment
Speaking of the MRT, you’ve also come to accept that getting anywhere from Woodlands is a right pain in the ass (and our feet) because its just so far from everything else. Over the years, you’ve learned to adapt to the long-ass commuting times by making sure your preferred portable media player has tonnes of music, movies, TV shows or reading material so you can make time go faster — especially at that wretched black hole between Khatib and Yio Chu Kang MRT stations.
5. The bus interchange is old, but it gets you where you need to be
The underground interchange hasn’t seen any major renovation for eons, and you just know that if you stayed there for more than a couple of hours you’d either choke (because it gets so musty sometimes) or contract some pulmonary problems (due to all the bus exhaust). But hey, it has all the buses you need to get anywhere in Singapore.
6. You pity the Republic Poly kids queuing up every morning
Oh the queues, the snaking queues. The RP kids are a constant sight every morning at the bus interchange, and you can’t miss it. You see them trudging slowly moving forward inch by inch waiting for either the 169 or 902 bus services, and you can’t help but feel a little sympathy for them. Oh well!
7. Forget simpang, you love Old Woodlands Town Centre
Eastsiders have their Simpang Bedok, but who cares when we have our own food district in the ancient suburbs of Old Woodlands Town Centre? Arguably tastier and helluva lot cheaper, it’s the closest thing you can get to sampling the authentic richness and variety of Malaysian cuisine. But that’s because it’s situated so close to Woodlands checkpoint, and most of the people working there are Malaysians anyway.
8. Your frequent trips to JB
Since we’re so damn close to Johor Bahru, we might as well consider it an extension to Woodlands. Whether its for cheap petrol, Factory Outlet Store shopping, grocery runs or dirt cheap seafood at Senibung, we saved so much money that we almost pity the rest of our Singaporean brethren living elsewhere.
9. You were spoilt for choice when it comes to parks
If we needed some fresh air and some greenery, we’d actually have to stop and think about which park we’d like to visit. Should we go to the clean-cut Admiralty Park? Should we visit the dodgy Woodlands Town Garden? Or should we head to Woodlands Waterfront to enjoy the view and the sea breeze? So many choices…
10. Wildlife is right at your doorstep
Should the parks prove to be unsatisfactory, the vast rural expanses of Singapore are just a a short drive away. You want to see and maybe buy some of the freshest seafood around? Senoko Fishery Port’s nearby. Love horses and maybe want to try your hand at riding one? Singapore Turf Club Riding Centre’s right here. Hell, even the world’s best rainforest zoo is just a bus ride away. Maybe Woodlands is pretty happening after all, eh?
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