Taman Jurong: Still A Singaporean's Favourite

Hidden in plain sight, away from the well-known entertainment paradise of Jurong East. The historic name, Taman Jurong, is barely known to youngsters. But for us parents, we have heard of it. As one of Singapore’s oldest residential precincts, many think that Taman Jurong is no longer a place worth exploring. However, its long history and captivating places (that still exist) will prove you wrong, and make you want to visit frequently for some fun and relaxation, just like last time.

1. Remembering 1, 2, Till 12

Taman Jurong Road Names

Travelling to Taman Jurong used to be very confusing as the main roads were named after the place, from Taman Jurong 1, 2, 3 till 12, but without 11! Subsequently in the 1970s, the most significant change in its history happened – the renaming of roads. As part of the renaming, the roads were categorised into two groups: odd-numbered roads will have “Yuan” which means eternal, while even-numbered roads will have “Ching” which means sceneries. For example, Taman Jurong 4 is Hu Ching Road, 6 is Tao Ching Road, 3 is Yuan Ping Road, and 5 is Yuan Kuang Road. Navigating to this area is no longer as complicated as last time!

2. Good Food = 60 Stalls + Market I

Taman Jurong Market and Food Centre

Taman Jurong Market and Food Centre located at 3 Yuan Sheng Road is well known among foodies across Singapore to this day. This legacy of good food has been around since the 1970s, where Yuan Sheng Food Centre, commonly known as 60 Stalls, was built to house hawkers who operated from mobile pushcarts. After a typhoid outbreak in 1975, another well-known food centre, Jurong Market I, combined with Yuan Sheng Food Centre to form today’s Taman Jurong Market and Food Centre. If you are ever visiting this area, remember to come with an empty stomach, and you will surely be satisfied!

3. More Than Bowling

Taman Jurong Superbowl Complex

Known for its pin knocking fun, Superbowl Jurong is a modern-day landmark of Taman Jurong. In recent years, it has developed rapidly to become a lifestyle spot with something for everyone. Other than good food, Superbowl Jurong hosts a range of activities such as bars, restaurants, darts, and spas, that promises to entertain its visitors. Not to mention, its retro-looking buildings always mesmerize shutterbugs to explore for hours!

4. Hidden Diamond

Taman Jurong Diamond Blocks

Hidden in Taman Jurong is another favourite spot for shutterbugs – the “diamond blocks”. As the name suggests, this icon at Yuan Kuang Road is formed by four public housing blocks connecting into the shape of a diamond. Standing for more than 40 years since 1973, the “diamond blocks” were initially planned for demolition, but were eventually used as rental flats, and now a Covid-19 housing facility. This unique architecture is definitely worth visiting, as it may not be around for long.

taman jurong diamond blocks

5. Lake Meets Garden in Jurong

Jurong Lake Gardens is an up-and-coming recreational space for all ages. Gaining popularity since 2019, it recently made headlines once again with Singapore’s biggest man-made floating wetlands. While enjoying the spectacular view of the lake, don’t forget to take Instagram-worthy photos for the family at the various pavilions. Jurong Lake Gardens also have a waterfront facility for those interested in water activities such as paddle-boating and kayaking.

Floating Wetlands Jurong Lake Gardens

6. Feathered Paradise

Jurong Bird Park Lory Loft

Just a short drive away from the Jurong Lake Gardens is the one and only Jurong Bird Park. With almost 400 species, including 20 per cent that are threatened, this attraction is Asia’ largest bird park with up to 3,500 birds! When visiting this beautiful feathered enclosure, be sure to check out the Malayan black hornbill and the twelve-wired bird of paradise that placed this park on the world map as the first to breed these two species for conservation. Another must-visit spot will be the park’s largest walk-in aviary, the Waterfall Aviary, with a 30-metre-high waterfall and over 600 birds flying freely!

7. The Prawning Ending

Right beside Jurong Bird Park and Jurong Hill, another famous place amongst photography enthusiasts, is a cosy, family-friendly 24-hours prawning place – ATC Fishing Village. This village lets you kick back, relax and embark on your chase to capture the biggest prawn in the pond. Not to mention, you reap what you fish, and will be able to have a hands-on barbecue session right after with the BBQ grillers provided*. ATC Fishing Village is the perfect reward, with a peaceful atmosphere and good food, after a long day of exploring the hidden Taman Jurong.

During your Taman Jurong exploration journey, you can also WOW your family with these two historical facts that made this neighbourhood famous before the 00s.

8. Cinema, But Drive-In

Imagine being in the comfort of your own car, while enjoying a movie on a 47ft by 100ft giant screen raised above ground level. Opened in 1971, Singapore’s only open-air drive-in cinema at Yuan Ching Road established Taman Jurong as a popular go-to spot since back in the day. This cinema could hold up to 900 cars across the 5.6ha drive-in, as well as 300 visitors at its walk-in open gallery. Screening mainly English language films and Hong Kong action movies, the drive-in cinema had 15 years of success, before closing down in 1985.

9. Tang Dynasty In Jurong

taman jurong tang dynasty roots Photo credit: Roots

Tang Dynasty Village was a star attraction and theme park in the 90s. Spanning over 18 football fields, the village was built along Yuan Ching Road and modelled after the Tang Dynasty capital in Chang-An. The attraction had an impressive 3m tall Great Wall of China, an artificial lake, and was known for its numerous terracotta warrior replicas. While many had high hopes for the village, the attraction was closed in 1999 after short seven years due to poor visitorship. Tang Dynasty Village was a milestone in the development of Taman Jurong, even though it was eventually demolished.

*Barbecue session/dining in is dependent on the latest Covid-19 safety measures.

SOURCES

1. Taman Jurong Naming: LostnFiled
2. Food Market: Roots
3. Diamond Blocks: TC, Remembering SG & ST
4. Jurong Lake: Mothership
5. Bird Park: Bird Park
6. ATC Fishing Village: Klook & FB