Tucked away in the northern region of Singapore, Yishun makes news headlines regularly. From drug ring busts and cat murders to civilians trying to attack policemen with stun guns, Yishun has developed a reputation for bad news.
“Build a wall around Yishun”, they said.
What’s up with Yishun? Could it be something in the air or perhaps the water? Is the temperature different in Yishun?
But it turns out, after multiple visits to Yishun, that the problem with Yishun is simple. There’s no problem. Nothing. Zero. Zilch.
Recently, I came across an Instagram (@makeyishungreatagain2018) that aims to make Yishun the greatest neighbourhood in Singapore. And here’s why I believe that Yishun is a pretty damn cool neighbourhood.
Contrary to popular belief, Yishun is a great place to raise your kids. Don’t believe? Come, I show you.
1. Yishun Has President Halimah, Your Neighbourhood Got What?
Remember when everyone went crazy about President Halimah living in a flat in Yishun. After being declared President on September 13, President Halimah continued to live in her flat, making her Singapore’s first head of state to live in public housing while in office.
In her Facebook post, she mentioned: “Therefore, as much as I would like to continue living in my current home in Yishun, I have accepted MHA’s recommendation and will make arrangements to move to a new place soon.”
She’s so chill and down to earth. She’s the kind of President we all need!
Who knows, living in Yishun might inspire your kid to be the next President of Singapore.
2. Cheap, Good Food For The Soul
Living in Singapore may be expensive but food doesn’t have to be.
You’ll be surprised but Yishun Hawker Centre is home to some pretty darn good and cheap food.
Ah Tan Wings (Yishun Park Hawker Centre)
They’ve managed to perfect Har Cheong Gai that is crispy yet juicy, perfectly cooked, smells like heaven and tastes like an umami bomb.
For just $1.70, you can get a bomb Har Cheong Gai that will keep you coming back for more. Their wings are so good that they sell out quite quickly, so if you’re feeling brave and want to venture into Yishun, don’t waste the trip and stop by Ah Tan’s because where else can you get Har Cheong Gai to die for?
You can read more about Ah Tan Wings here!
$1 Carnival – Reunion @ Yishun Park Hawker Centre
For the longest time, Singaporeans have complained about the increasing prices of food and housing.
But for a day in the month of June, Yishun Park Hawker Centre is taking things back to the old days, when food was still cheap, and a crisp $10 note made you seem like a rich man.
For ONE DAY ONLY, 26 stallholders in Yishun Park Hawker Centre will be showcasing food from its traditional and young hawkers and you get to try the signature dishes from the participating stalls, for just ONE DOLLAR.
You can find out more about the $1 Carnival here.
Raising your kids in Yishun is a great idea if they eat WAY too much. Beats paying $7 for a McDonald’s meal any day.
3. Coolest Playground That’ll Put Other Playgrounds To Shame
Your neighbourhood got playground like this? Don’t have right?
Created by US-based light sculptor, Mini Pool consists of 16 pads on the ground that light up and change colour when they are stepped on, according to a Straits Times report.
Complementing the playground’s whimsical theme are three crooked houses that seem to have been plucked straight out of a Dr Seuss book. There is also a kinetic hammock trellis – a swing set with nine seats installed at different heights.
Your kid will thank you for this. This playground is definitely not #basic.
Yishun River Green Playground
Where: Block 330 Yishun Ring Road
4. Home To The Largest Mall in the Northern Part of Singapore
Can we please talk about Northpoint City’s glo-up?
If you’re both busy working parents, figuring out where to bring your kids to over the weekends can be quite a headache.
Well, you won’t have that problem living in Yishun. Northpoint City recently opened their new South Wing and the options are endless.
There are over 100 food and dining concepts so if you have a kid who is a picky eater, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from. If you need a quick retail therapy, there’s even Uniqlo in Northpoint City now.
Fun fact, Northpoint City has all major bubble tea brands in one mall. Gong Cha, Liho, Koi, Share Tea, Hi Tea, Teafolia, Yuan Cha etc. Your neighbourhood can beat anot?
Who needs Vivocity when you have Northpoint?
Good things do come to Yishun.
5. HDB Prices Are Considerably Cheaper Than Mature Estates
If you work in the northern region of Singapore, or would prefer your abode to be away from the hustle and bustle of the city, then this location might make sense. With prices being correspondingly lower, a unit here could offer great value in the long-term.
If cost of living in Singapore is a major concern of yours, you can consider buying a house in Yishun to start a family.
Not only that, you don’t have to leave Yishun to access markets, schools, parks and even Khoo Teck Phuat Hospital. Everything you need is in one location.
There are also buses to almost everywhere from Yishun. Which makes travelling from place to place a whole lot more convenient.
6. Bowling, Prawning, Paintball, What Else You Want?
There’s no such thing as “nothing to do” in Yishun.
Welcome to the world of ORTO, where fun never sleeps.
There’s a 24 hours prawning spot, a paintball park, drift kart arena, trampoline park and more.
You literally can never get bored if you live in Yishun because there’s so much things to do. See, Yishun isn’t all that bad afterall.
So, is Yishun jinxed or merely misunderstood?
Whether there has been bad publicity, extensive social media coverage or preconceived notions, much of Yishun’s reputation has been a made-up phenomenon.
Yishun isn’t that bad and maybe it’s time for us to Make Yishun Great Again.
If you believe that Yishun deserves a second chance, send your contributions to [email protected]. Who knows, you might just see your submission on their Instagram page.
Make Yishun Great Again
IG: @makeyishungreatagain2018
Also Read Bishan’s Carnival This Weekend Offers Food, FREE Workshops, And Black Panther Screening
(Header Image Source: @makeyishungreatagain2018 )
