Singapore Region Guide - Siglap

Siglap is a predominantly residential region located in the eastern part of Singapore. The region belongs to District 16 and is a part of the Bedok Planning Area. Although the region is relatively calm and peaceful during daytime, it becomes crowded in the evening. The majority of visitors are younger people who come here to spend their evenings in one of the many of pubs, cafes and restaurants for which Siglap is known.

The region’s name derived from the Malay phrase Si Gelap which means ‘the dark one’. It is believed that on the day of the arrival of a Malay chief the region experienced dark clouds and heavy thunderstorms. Earlier this sea-side village was a land of pirates. It was a green area covered by many large trees.

Modern Siglap was established in 1955, although most of the developments took place later during 1970s. Once luxurious residences for civil servants, Siglap’s many apartments are now privatized. This region has excellent infrastructure and a wonderful natural ambience.

Siglap is a coastal region that attracts large numbers of tourists and local visitors with its opportunities for great water sports and beach resort experiences. Some of the best tourist spots in Singapore are located in this area. Apart from the beach resorts, Siglap is also popular for its nightlife.

• SKI 360 (Ski Park) – The first cable ski park in Singapore, SKI360 is a major attraction for visitors to this country and also for locals. Not only does it allow people interested in adventure to enjoy waterskiing, but also other sporting activities such as kneeboarding, trick skiing, slalom and surfing without waves to visitors of every age group.

• East Coast Park – It is Singapore’s largest park and includes a man-made beach. SKI 360 is located here, as is the Xtreme Skate Park. The park offers a great ambience along the coast with several recreational and entertainment facilities. A long track for cycling and skating measuring over 20km and running along the perimeter of the park is a major attraction.

• NEWater Visitor Centre – It offers a great learning experience to visitors interested in the sustainability of Singapore’s water supply. With a guided tour including multimedia shows and interactive games, visitors get first hand knowledge of NEWater production and the advanced membrane technologies used for purifying water.

Shopping/Dining

Siglap has fabulous eating and shopping choices nearby. East Coast Road and Upper East Coast Road provide a bewildering variety of shops and restaurants. There are also popular shops located in the housing complexes.

• Siglap Shopping Centre – It is the largest shopping centre in the region. Shops in this shopping centre sell mostly consumer and utility items although specialty products, electronics goods and other services are also available here.

• Geylang Serai – This is a shoppers’ paradise in this part of the country. Here popular national and international branded products, and various services are available.

Siglap is known for its large number of restaurants, cafes and pubs. People visit this region for authentic Chinese, Indian, and Cantonese foods as well as fusion cuisines.
Some of the best known places for dining are:

• East Coast Seafood Village
• UDMC Food Centre
• East Coast Lagoon Food Village
• Thai Express
• Via mare
• BLooiE’s Roadhouse Grill

Facilities such as schools, colleges, shopping centres, and community centres are plentiful within the region. Branches of popular banks including UOB, MayBank, DBS, and Standard and Chartered bank are located in the vicinity. Healthcare services are provided by the East Shore Hospital, Windsor Nursing Home, Changi General Hospital and Saint Andrew’s Hospital.

Siglap region has access to every mode of transportation that offers quick and easy mobility across the region. The MRT stations located close to Siglap connects the region to the nation’s MRT network. The nearest MRT stations are Bedok, Kembangan and Eunos.

Singapore Bus Services operate across Siglap. There is a Bus Interchange at Bedok and bus stops at comfortable locations all over the region.

Taxi and shuttle transport are also available which offer convenient traveling.

Some educational institutes in the region are:
• ST. Stephen’s School
• Ngee Ann Primary School
• Opera Estate Primary School
• St. Patrick’s Secondary School
• Chai Chee Secondary School
• Tampines Secondary School
• Victoria School
• CHIJ Katong Convent
• Sekolah Indonesia Singapura (Private School)
• Rosemount Kindergarten
• Global Indian International School (GIIS) – East Coast Campus
• ITE College Central (Bedok Campus)