Hougang, Punggol, Sengkang (District 19)

Situated in the north-eastern region of Singapore, district 19 is a main residential area filled with recreational and commercial activities. Punggol, for one, is a great spot for avid water-sports lovers. In particular, Punggol is known for the Punggol Waterway Park where nature lovers, cyclists and joggers can head to for peace and quiet. For those seeking to lend a hand to the less fortunate, Hougang is abounding with opportunities as various charitable organizations are located within the area; and various charity events are also held here. Sengkang is a thriving residential enclave that provides nearby residents with a few shopping malls where daily amenities can be obtained.

Hougang, or ‘Ow Kang’ that means “back of the river” in Hokkien was a village occupied mainly by Chinese immigrants of either Teochew or Hokkien descent. In 1928, the British sealed off an area that was known as Trafalgar which is now called Buangkok that currently houses the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) for mentally ill patients. Buangkok also encompassed the very last kampong or village in Singapore. Today, Hougang comprises a wide variety of propert...

Situated in the north-eastern region of Singapore, district 19 is a main residential area filled with recreational and commercial activities. Punggol, for one, is a great spot for avid water-sports lovers. In particular, Punggol is known for the Punggol Waterway Park where nature lovers, cyclists and joggers can head to for peace and quiet. For those seeking to lend a hand to the less fortunate, Hougang is abounding with opportunities as various charitable organizations are located within the area; and various charity events are also held here. Sengkang is a thriving residential enclave that provides nearby residents with a few shopping malls where daily amenities can be obtained.

Hougang, or ‘Ow Kang’ that means “back of the river” in Hokkien was a village occupied mainly by Chinese immigrants of either Teochew or Hokkien descent. In 1928, the British sealed off an area that was known as Trafalgar which is now called Buangkok that currently houses the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) for mentally ill patients. Buangkok also encompassed the very last kampong or village in Singapore. Today, Hougang comprises a wide variety of property types including HDB flats, HUDC flats, condominiums and private houses within Lorong Ah Soo and Rosyth. Numerous commercial places also surround the area that serve the basic needs and amenities for nearby residents, including Hougang Mall, Heartland Mall, Hougang1 and the Hougang Green Shopping mall. Moreover, Hougang could attribute its strong community spirit to its many charitable organizations within the area, including the Surya Home, SIRLA, Salvation Army and Pelangi Home.

Like many other areas in Singapore, Punggol derived its name from the Malay word “punggul” which is the very action of throwing sticks at the branches of fruit trees to obtain the fruits. Before the 1970s, Punggol was recognized as a place for rubber planting, poultry farming and pig rearing. Today, it is known as a waterfront urban estate adorned with its abundance of recreational watersports activities and seafood restaurants like Mei Chin Seafood Restaurant and Cheng’s Seafood Village.

Sengkang which used to house several vegetable and pig farms is now a sub-urban area that has smaller HDB units than its counterparts within district 19. However Sengkang acquires several reputable primary and secondary schools including Seng Kang Primary School and Nan Chiau High School. Sengkang also provides its residents with great shopping experiences at The Compass Point Shopping Centre, Rivervale Mall and Rivervale Plaza.