Northern Region | Singapore

The Northern Region of Singapore is known for its spacious residential estates, military installations, industrial zones, and abundant green spaces. Covering approximately 134.5 square kilometers, it is the second-largest region in the country and features a mix of urban development and nature reserves.

Geography and Boundaries

The Northern Region is bordered by:

• South: Central Region
• West: Western Region
• East: North-East Region
• North: The Johor Strait (Malaysia)

It consists of 5 planning areas, each with its own distinct characteristics.

Key Planning Areas and Districts

1. Woodlands

• The largest and most developed town in the North.
• Houses Woodlands Checkpoint, Singapore’s main land border with Malaysia.
• Key landmarks: Causeway Point Mall, Marsiling Park, and Woodlands Waterfront Park.
• Well-connected via Woodlands MRT Interchange (North-South & Thomson-East Coast Lines).

2. Yishun

• A well-established residential town.
• Features Northpoint City (one of the largest suburban malls), Lower Seletar Reservoir, and Yishun Park.
• Home to Khoo Teck Puat Hospital (KTPH) and Yishun Community Hospital.

3. Sembawang

• A coastal residential town with a mix of HDB estates and landed homes.
• Key attractions: Sembawang Hot Spring Park, Sembawang Park, and Sungei Sembawang Nature Area.
• Home to Sembawang Shipyard and former British naval base sites.

4. Mandai

• A nature and wildlife-focused area.
• Houses Singapore Zoo, Night Safari, River Wonders, and the upcoming Mandai Wildlife Reserve.
• Known for Mandai Reservoir and Mandai Mangrove and Mudflat.

5. Simpang

• A largely undeveloped and reserved area.
• Expected to undergo future urban development.

Major Attractions and Landmarks

1. Woodlands Checkpoint & Causeway

• Main land connection to Malaysia (Johor Bahru).
• One of the busiest border crossings in the world.

2. Mandai Wildlife Reserve

• Home to Singapore Zoo, Night Safari, and River Wonders.
• A major eco-tourism hub with a focus on conservation.

3. Sembawang Hot Spring Park

• Singapore’s only natural hot spring, with a public foot bath area.

4. Woodlands Waterfront Park

• A scenic coastal park with views of the Johor Strait.

5. Lower Seletar Reservoir

• A popular spot for kayaking, fishing, and nature walks.

Economic and Business Significance

• Woodlands Regional Centre is a growing commercial and business hub.
• Sembawang Shipyard supports Singapore’s maritime industry.
• Industrial estates in Woodlands & Yishun cater to manufacturing and logistics.

Transport and Connectivity

• MRT Lines:
  • North-South Line (NSL)
  • Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL)
• Expressways:
  • Seletar Expressway (SLE)
  • Bukit Timah Expressway (BKE)
  • North-South Corridor (NSC) (Upcoming)
• Woodlands Checkpoint provides land access to Malaysia.

Residential Areas

• Woodlands & Yishun: Large HDB estates with shopping and community facilities.
• Sembawang: A mix of public housing and landed properties.

Green Spaces & Recreation

• Mandai Nature Reserves & Parks for wildlife and conservation.
• Sembawang Park & Woodlands Waterfront for leisure activities.

The Northern Region is a blend of urban and natural environments, serving as a gateway to Malaysia while offering scenic landscapes and expanding business opportunities.