About
On the northernmost part of Singapore lies Woodlands, a district with some land and no woods. Primarily a Housing Development Board (HDB) estate, Woodlands is best known for being Singapore 's gateway to Malaysia. The Causeway, a long road leading to Johore Bahru, is at the tip of Woodlands and links Singapore to Malaysia. The Causeway is always jammed, with thousands of workers travel to and fro Singapore and Malaysia each day. Going to the Causeway at 6 a.m. hoping to escape the jam is not going to work.
History
Woodlands' reputation for being Singapore 's link to Malaysia far precedes Singapore 's independence. The purpose of this district, the fundamental reason for its existence, was to link the two countries together. In 1823, Woodlands was developed for this reason. Comprising the Woodlands, Marsiling and Admiralty zones, this district was named after the rubber trees growing here in the good old days. During this time, Woodlands was filled with not only rubber plantations, but also poultry farms and villages.
Residences and Amenities
Although most of Woodlands consists of HDB flats, condominiums have started to spring up in the area. Initially a secluded, quiet town, Woodlands is not bustling with activity. Here are some places to visit in Woodlands:
- Causeway Point
The largest shopping centre in the district, Causeway Point is 7 storeys high and boasts a multitude of retail outlets. This one-stop centre contains a library, banks, the town council and a post office. - Woodlands Town Garden
One of the few lakes in Singapore can be found in Woodlands Town Garden, which is man-made and was constructed in 1983. It also reflects Singapore 's Malay and Chinese heritages, with Chinese pavilions and Malay stilted huts decorating the place. - Arasakesari Sivan Temple
Not just Malay and Chinese artifacts can be found in Woodlands. One of the oldest artifacts in Woodlands, the Hindu Arasakesari Sivan Temple, still stands here today. Built in the 1930s, this temple is built in Dravidian style architecture and is dedicated to Lord Shiva, known in Hinduism as The Destroyer.
Amenities in Woodlands include:
- Schools
The new Republic Polytechnic is located in Woodlands. Singapore 's only polytechnic to offer arts, humanities and cultural programme, Republic Polytechnic contains The Republic Cultural Centre, a venue for the arts. Other schools in Woodlands include Evergreen Primary School, Evergreen Secondary School, Woodlands Primary School, Admiralty Primary School … the list goes on! - Medical Facilities
Man Fut Tong Nursing Home, a nursing home for the elderly, is located in Woodlands. You also find View Road Hospital here.
Other Informations in Woodlands: The Link to Malaysia