West Singapore Guides

Things to do in west Singapore: why go

Most visitors stay near Marina Bay and Orchard, so they rarely see the west. Yet there are plenty of things to do in west Singapore. The area has large gardens, forest trails along green ridges and some unusual museums. It is also full of heartland towns, where most locals live, eat and shop. A day out here shows you a calmer, everyday side of the country.

Parks and gardens

Jurong Lake Gardens

Jurong Lake Gardens is a large park around a lake in Jurong. It has lakeside paths, open lawns and big play areas for children. Entry is free. Lakeside MRT station is a short walk from the western side of the gardens.

West Coast Park

West Coast Park sits by the sea and is popular with families. It has large playgrounds, open fields and views of ships out at sea. It is a good spot for a picnic or a bike ride.

For more green spaces across the island, see our Parks & Gardens topic.

Hills and nature trails

The Southern Ridges and Henderson Waves trail links a chain of hill parks. It crosses Henderson Waves, a wave-shaped footbridge high above the road. Kent Ridge Park is part of this chain and looks out over the southern port.

Inland, Bukit Timah Nature Reserve protects old rainforest around Singapore's highest hill. Some trails are steep, so wear good shoes. The Rail Corridor follows the route of an old railway line. It is now a long, green path for walking and cycling.

Start early to avoid the heat, and bring plenty of water. Our Hiking & Nature Trails topic has more routes.

Museums and history

• Haw Par Villa is a free park full of colourful statues and scenes from Chinese myths and legends. Some scenes show the afterlife in graphic detail and may upset young children.
• Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum shows animals, plants and dinosaur skeletons. It sits on the National University of Singapore campus.
• Former Ford Factory is a museum about the Japanese Occupation in the Second World War. The British surrender of Singapore was signed in this building.
• Singapore Discovery Centre in Jurong has hands-on exhibits about the country and its people. It suits families.

For more indoor ideas, browse our Museums & Galleries topic.

Heartland food in the west

The west is mostly made up of housing towns, often called the heartlands. Each town has its own hawker centre, an open-air food hall with many small stalls. Clementi and Jurong have several busy ones. Prices are low, and the food is made for locals rather than tourists.

On the way west, near Holland Village, Ghim Moh Market & Food Centre is a well-liked hawker centre. Here are a few tips for eating like a local:

• Find a seat first. A packet of tissues on a table means someone has saved it.
• Order at the stall, pay, then carry your food to your table.
• Return your tray and plates when you finish.

New to hawker food? Read What Is a Hawker Centre? A Plain Guide for Visitors. To understand life in these towns, see Staying in the Singapore Heartlands: What to Expect.

Getting there and planning your day

The East-West Line runs through Clementi and Jurong East, so much of the west is easy to reach by MRT. The Circle Line stops at Kent Ridge and Haw Par Villa. Buses fill in the gaps. Our post How to Use the MRT in Singapore: A Tourist Guide explains fares and cards.

• Pick one or two areas per day, as the sights are spread out.
• Pair Haw Par Villa with Kent Ridge Park, as they are close together.
• Carry water, sunscreen and an umbrella for sudden showers.
• Use a transport app to plan bus links between sights.

FAQs about west Singapore

What is there to do in west Singapore?

The main draws are Jurong Lake Gardens, the Southern Ridges, Haw Par Villa and the natural history museum. You can also hike at Bukit Timah and eat at local hawker centres.

Is Jurong Lake Gardens free?

Yes. Entry to the gardens and its play areas is free.

How do I get to the west from the city centre?

Take the East-West Line MRT towards Jurong East, or the Circle Line for Kent Ridge and Haw Par Villa. Buses connect the rest.

Is Haw Par Villa suitable for children?

Mostly, yes. A few afterlife scenes are graphic, so parents may want to look first and decide.