An Underrated Spot in the North: A Travel Guide to Yishun
The north region is home to iconic landmarks, but if you’re looking for a more underrated spot, then Yishun might pique your interest. This neighborhood has quite a lot of charm and promises a ton of memorable experiences to visitors.
I’ve been to Yishun several times throughout the years, so I’ve visited a fair share of attractions and restaurants. And because I believe that sharing is caring, I wrote all my recommendations on where to go and where to eat in Yishun in this article.
Why does Yishun have a bad reputation?
— From: johnsg100
Before I jump straight to the good stuff, I’d first like to address something about Yishun, specifically its reputation. If you’ve been heavily researching Singapore prior to your visit, you’ve probably heard that Yishun isn’t a great neighborhood.
But why does Yishun have a bad reputation? It’s because there was a point in time when criminal reports in the area were made in succession.
A few examples of these news reports were cat killings and brothel raids. The reports regarding money-lending harassment have also made rounds in news outlets and social media.
— From: richard.media
Additionally, it doesn’t help that in 2017, the hit Netflix show Stranger Things used Yishun in its promotional video with the caption: “Is Yishun cursed, simply cursed, or struck by something stranger?”
But at the end of the day, Yishun isn’t as bad as you’ve been made to believe. In fact, the stats from Singstat showed that the crimes have gone down by 50% from 2010 to 2016.
Singstat also proved that if we were to rank all the areas in Singapore based on the number of crimes, Yishun would be middle of the road. The neighborhood taking the number one spot is the famous Orchard.
Time Zone
Singapore Standard Time (GMT +8)
Best Time to Go
Yishun is a great place to visit all year round. But if I were to pick an ideal time, I would say between June and August.
This is because touristy activities in Yishun are usually outdoors, and they’re not as fun to do when it’s raining. June, July, and August are the summer months, so you don’t have to worry about downpours during this time.
Things to Know
Currency: Singaporean Dollar
Language(s): English, Mandarin, Malay
Call Code: +65
How to Get Around
Trains: There are three MRT stations that connect to Yishun. These stations are Yishun MRT Station, Khatib MRT Station, and Springleaf MRT Station.
Buses: To ride a bus in Yishun, you have to go to Yishun Bus Interchange, which is integrated with Northpoint City. There are four bus operators: Ridwell Travel, Go-Ahead, Tower Transit, and SBS Transit.
Taxis/Car Service: There are several companies in Yishun that offer transport services. A few great examples include Caslimo Transport Services and Elitist Limousine Singapore. Ride-hailing apps like Grab and Ryde are available here.
Where to Stay in Yishun
Orchid Country Club
— From: itsnhan
Address: 1 Orchid Club Rd, Singapore 769162
Contact Number: +65 6755 9811
Pricing: $$$
To ensure the best experience in Yishun, you might want to book your stay at the Orchid Country Club. This is a 4-star hotel in Yishun boasting rooms with a lot of space and charming interior design.
The great thing about staying here is that you won’t run out of things to do. Various dining options are available to satisfy your every craving, and when you’re bored, you can go swimming or play bowling with your loved ones.
Where to Shop in Yishun
Northpoint City
— From: jack.tagay
Address: 930 Yishun Ave 2, Singapore 769098
Contact Number: +65 6754 2300
Northpoint City is the largest shopping mall in the North, making it a tourist attraction in its own right. This mall is home to 500 shops and restaurants, so you’ll definitely get to splurge and treat yourself for a whole day.
Aside from the countless shops and restaurants, Northpoint City is where the Yishun Public Library is located, a destination that bookworms will love to visit.
But even if you’re not a reader, you might still want to stop by the library because it’s peaceful and cool. I love resting here after spending hours roaming the mall, and I suggest you do the same when you feel tired.
Junction Nine
Address: 18 Yishun Ave 9, Singapore 769098
Contact Number: +65 6255 0717
Junction Nine isn’t as expansive as Northpoint City, but it’s still a great place to be if you’re looking for a quick bite or you just want to roam for a bit.
Personally, what I love about Junction Nine is that I always find something I never knew I wanted until I see it. Some of my favorite finds have been old-school toys and vintage clothes sold at a cheap price.
If you enjoy hunting for vintage things or toys for your little ones, I couldn’t recommend Junction Nine enough.
Wisteria Mall
Address: 598 Yishun Ring Rd, Singapore 768698
Contact Number: +65 6359 0255
Wisteria Mall is a relatively new mall in Yishun; it’s only been around since July 2018. But in the short period that it’s been open to the public, Wisteria has proven that it’s a mall to watch.
Though the available shops aren’t as impressive as Northpoint City, you can still find ones with products that will capture your eye.
The array of restaurants is pretty great here. I always look forward to trying out a new spot.
What I like the most about this mall is the fact that it’s not crowded. I can just enjoy window-shopping without worrying about being stuck in crowds.
What to Do in Yishun
Dip your feet in a hot pool at Sembawang Hot Spring Park
— From: daniele.mari78
Address: Along Gambas Ave, Singapore 756952
Contact Number: +6518004717300
Sembawang Hot Spring Park is the only hot spring park in Singapore!
This hot spring park features cascading pools and a water collection point. Its ambiance is quite rustic, which I love because it gives me an idea of what old kampongs were like.
I also love that the park is accessible for people in wheelchairs.
My go-to activity here is dipping my feet into the footbath pool, but I also enjoy just roaming around the park.
I can even cook my own soft-boiled eggs using the hot spring water. It’s so fun, and I recommend you try it out!
Explore Khatib Bongsu
— From: kayakasia.sg
Address: Along Yishun Avenue 8, Singapore
Khatib Bongsu is a perfect example of a natural landmark that will leave you in awe. It’s an area rich in mangroves and mudflats, and there are towering trees here that will keep you in shade for the whole day.
Kayaking here is such a magical experience. There were parts where the trees on the banks reached up so high the sky was covered, and I genuinely felt like I was cruising through a fantastical tunnel.
It was also fun spotting the wildlife here, especially birds. I’m not even the biggest bird enthusiast, but still, I kept my binoculars ready just in case something fluttered by.
Embark on an adventure at SAFRA Yishun Country Club
— From: velsun
Address: 60 Yishun Ave 4, Singapore 769027
Contact Number: +6568528200
If you’re planning to block out an entire day to do something fun, I suggest you check out SAFRA Yishun Country Club. This country club is jam-packed with countless facilities, so you can find the best activities for your whole family here.
My favorite is the Canopy Sky Walker, which is an obstacle course that’s suspended 15–18 meters from the ground. I don’t have a fear of heights, but I admit that my heart was racing the entire time I climbed the ropes and navigated the wooden trail.
When I’m not in the mood for intense physical activity, I just dive into the pool and casually swim around.
Immerse yourself in nature at Lower Seletar Reservoir
— From: johnsg100
Address: Yishun Ave 1, Singapore 769139
Contact Number: +6518004717300
Lower Seletar Reservoir Park is the ideal place to be when you just want to immerse yourself in the calm and peace of nature. I love hiking or jogging here, especially since I get to enjoy the view and the cool breeze while I do so.
There are other fun things to do in the reservoir as well. If you’re with children, you can splash around in the water play area, or if you’re adventurous, you can try kayaking on the water.
Fishing is also possible here. Just bring your own fishing rod, head to the jetty, and cast your line.
Who knows, you might actually reel in a large snakehead or a tilapia!
Check out the reptiles at The Live Turtle & Tortoise Museum
— From: jadeseah
Address: 81 Lor Chencharu, #01-16, ORTO 769198
The Live Turtle & Tortoise Museum has to be one of the favorite attractions I’ve ever visited in Yishun. This place is really chock-full of all kinds of turtles and tortoises—from the mysterious river turtle to the beautiful radiated tortoise.
This fascinating museum even has the magnificent Malaysian Giant River Turtle, and it really is gigantic! Honestly, there are just so many reptiles to see here, and it’s extra fun because they’re free to roam around, so you never know which ones you’ll bump into.
Pay your respects at Sree Maha Mariamman Temple
— From: vijayalakshme67
Address: 251 Yishun Ave 3, Singapore 769061
Contact Number: +6567566374
Shrines and temples in Singapore are all so aesthetically pleasing, and the Sree Maha Mariamman Temple is no exception. On the outside, the temple seems to sparkle in gold, and on the inside, everything just seems to scream in color.
This place is also quite peaceful, which isn’t surprising since it’s a place of worship. I don’t practice the religion, but I still pay my respects here.
Please be respectful when visiting the temple. Avoid making any loud noises and disrupting the people praying.
Test your trampoline skills at Katapult Trampoline Park
— From: kaizhecrxxnky
Address: 81, 01-11 Lor Chencharu, ORTO, Singapore 769198
Contact Number: +6590047752
Do you love an adrenaline-pumping experience? Then, you might want to give Katapult Trampoline Park a shot!
Leaping from trampoline to trampoline is just so exhilarating, and it’s even more so when you bounce off the angled trampoline walls. If you’re looking for more thrill, you can play exciting games like dodgeball, slam dunk, and wall run!
After a session of jumping on trampolines, I usually head to the on-site cafe, where I grab a few pastries and a glass of cold drink.
Go on a peaceful hike along Yishun Dam
— From: sgeateatwalkwalk
Address: Yishun Ave 1, Singapore 769130
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
Yishun Dam is actually a causeway built over a man-made reservoir. It’s part of a hiking trail, and you can also jog or ride a bike here.
On one end of the causeway, there’s a spot that’s perfect for fishing.
You can also just chill here. Sometimes, I just like to sit down on a bench, read a book, or enjoy the view.
Enjoy a picnic at Yishun Pond Park
— From: yeohpohleng
Address: Yishun Central, Singapore 760323
Contact Number: +6518004717300
Speaking of scenic landmarks where you can just relax, Yishun Pond Park is another one that’s worth visiting. It may be a tiny park, but it’s still one that I love revisiting because the atmosphere is so serene.
Usually, I would hike or jog here while listening to music or a podcast, but I also like having a picnic here, especially if I’m with family and friends.
Where to Eat in Yishun
Refuel J9
Address: 18 Yishun Ave 9, #01-04 Junction Nine, Singapore 768897
Contact Number: +6562641351
Pricing: $$
If a cozy ambiance and good coffee are what you’re looking for, you can’t go wrong with Refuel J9. I personally love coming here for breakfast, but some people also treat it as a brunch spot.
What I love about this restaurant is that the food is served relatively fast and with quality ingredients.
I also like that there’s a variety of drinks, so I can switch up my order whenever I want. I can drink coffee today, but tomorrow, I might go for a milkshake.
Heng Hua Restaurant
— From: alexchootw
Address: Yishun Street 72, #01-212 Block 748, Singapore 760748
Contact Number: +6567571762
Pricing: $
Heng Hua Restaurant may be tucked away in Yishun, but it’s still a popular spot. In fact, queues can reach up to 30 minutes, especially during peak hours, because everyone just seems to want the Putian delights.
The great thing about this restaurant is that the dishes have generous portions while still being affordable. Because of this, you can order a feast for the whole family without worrying about burning a hole in your pocket.
In terms of flavor, I find it very mild. It does make me think of home-cooked meals, and I love that because home-cooked meals are just so comforting for me.
Coba Coba
— From: gabriel_goh
Address: 156 Yishun Street 11, #01-106, Singapore 760156
Contact Number: +6563822622
Pricing: $
Craving Indonesian cuisine? I know just the spot for you: Coba Coba in Yishun.
Established in 2014, Coba Coba aims to create traditional and handmade Indonesian food in a clean and homely environment. The menu currently has over 30 dishes, so you’ll have countless meals you’ll want to try.
Of all the dishes, the standout has to be the Deluxe Nasi Ambeng. This one is really huge—it was able to feed me and my parents—and it’s just an explosion of flavors!
Rasa Rasa
— From: followmytumtum
Address: 348 Yishun Ave 11, Singapore 760348
Contact Number: +6563520336
Rasa Rasa is a halal restaurant that serves delicious dishes in a casual, laid-back outdoor setting. In my opinion, it’s a great spot for family reunions and friend hangouts because there’s just room for everyone.
The portions of the dishes are also big enough to accommodate multiple servings. Because of this, I always end up so full after a trip to this restaurant—and that’s why I’ll be coming back here again.
Bei Sheng Taste of Thailand Yishun
— From: castor_gmh
Address: 701A Yishun Ave 5, #01-01, Singapore 761701
Contact Number: +6567564883
Pricing: $$
Thai cuisine is one of my favorites, so I’m always on the hunt for exceptional Thai restaurants. Luckily, I found one that I like in Yishun, and it’s Bei Sheng Taste of Thailand.
My favorite has to be the fried fish. Typically, I avoid fried fish dishes in restaurants because they come out greasy, but the one I got at Bei Sheng was just perfection—crispy and flavorful, just how it should be.
I also really liked the chicken with honey sauce and pineapple fried rice. And when the weather is cold, I always go for the tom yum soup.
925 Yishun Hainanese Chicken Rice
— From: niuniueats
Address: Blk 1#01-249, 925 Yishun Central, Singapore
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11 am to 8:30 pm
Pricing: $
Whenever my cravings for chicken hit, 925 Yishun Hainanese Chicken Rice is one of the first places I want to go.
The Hainanese chicken rice here may appear simple, but it’s bursting with flavor. The chicken is perfectly tender and juicy, while the rice is fluffy, oily, and sinfully decadent.
You’ll also get served with a Peranakan salad. It’s sweet, sour, and tangy, which is the perfect thing to eat after a hefty meal.
928 Yishun Laksa
— From: henryteo67
Address: 928 Yishun Central 1, #01-155, Singapore 760928
Contact Number: +65 9731 9586
Pricing: $
Sometimes, a hot bowl of laksa is all you need to brighten up your day, and the one sold at 928 Yishun Laksa is sure to put a smile on your face.
When you order laksa here, you’ll receive a bowl with your choice of noodles and other necessary ingredients, such as crabsticks, beancurd puffs, bean sprouts, boiled eggs, and fish cakes.
But what makes the laksa served here stand out is its thick and creamy gravy.
The homemade sambal is also quite noteworthy. Just a tiny drizzle is enough to give you a spicy kick, which I love.
BaliNice
— From: wendychee
Address: 630 Yishun Street 61, Singapore 760630
Contact Number: +65 8887 9736
Pricing: $
BaliNice is a stall that specializes in traditional BBQ, and it’s a great place for a get-together. One stick typically costs about 80 cents, while pork belly is S$1.60, so you can buy multiple sticks of satay without breaking the bank.
Aside from being affordable, another great thing about BaliNice is that its meat is incredibly tender and juicy with a fantastic char. And the sauce that comes with the satay—peanut sauce with lime—is just perfection.
To make things easier for you, I suggest purchasing the bundle sets instead of individually ordering the satays.
Prawning at Orto
— From: c8899174
Address: #01-09 81 Lorong Chencharu, Singapore 769198
Pricing: $$
If you’re looking for a unique dining experience in Yishun, you might be interested in giving prawning a try. This involves catching the prawns that you’re going to grill and eat.
In Yishun, the most popular prawning place is Prawning at Orto. It’s also the largest prawning center in all of Singapore!
I’m not into fishing at all, but I still find prawning such a fun thing to do. And if a total newbie can catch a few prawns, there’s definitely hope for you too.
If you’re an absolute beginner, a good rule of thumb to follow is to ensure that your bait touches the pond’s bottom. This way, you’ll have better chances of catching anything because prawns tend to hover around the bottom.
Slow Bakes
— From: henryteo67
Address: 30A Yishun Central 1, Singapore 768796
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—7 am to 2 pm
Pricing: $$
Start your morning by getting a delectable breakfast at Slow Bakes. The pastries here are both hearty and affordable, which is simply the best of both worlds for you.
Another thing that I love about this bakery is its ambiance. It’s situated within a park, so the whole place is just surrounded by greenery and inundated with sunlight—a pretty sight that will also soothe your soul.
For this reason, I find myself coming to this place just to sip coffee or munch pastries while lazily checking out the view around me.
Moin Moin Gelato
Address: 930 Yishun Central 1, #01-125, Singapore 760930
Contact Number: +65 9711 4446
Pricing: $$
If you love ice cream as much as I do, then Moin Moin Gelato might be your next favorite dining spot. This modern, aesthetically pleasing ice cream shop features premium gelato in various flavors.
If you’re overwhelmed by all the choices, you can go for a classic flavor, such as cookies and cream, salted caramel, and black sesame. But if you want to try a unique flavor, go for osmanthus lychee or chocolate stout!
I also love ordering the waffles with gelato here. The crispiness of the waffle pairs incredibly well with the silky smooth gelato, and every bite is just so addictive!
Holy Cow Creamery
Address: 292 Yishun Street 22, #01-291, Singapore 760292
Pricing: $
Another ice cream shop in Yishun that I’ll always recommend to visitors is Holy Cow Creamery.
This is actually a very underrated spot. It’s so small that only a dozen people can be accommodated inside.
That said, its lack of popularity can be a blessing because that means you can enjoy your ice cream in peace.
My go-to order will always be the waffle and ice cream combo, but sometimes, I also order a cup of coffee to get me energized for the day.
Coconuto
Address: 645 Yishun Street 61, #01-322, Singapore 760645
Contact Number: +65 9645 3262
Pricing: $
As you can probably guess from the name, Coconuto specializes in all things coconut. Its signature products are coconut shakes and juice, but other flavors are also available, such as black sesame, Lotus Biscoff, and Nutella.
The one thing that I appreciate about Coconuto is the fact that it’s one of the few cafes that actually remain open late into the night. So when I’m having a late-night dessert craving, I can just drive here to satisfy it.
When ordering ice cream or a shake here, feel free to add as many toppings as you want. My favorite is nata de coco, but you might also want to try black sticky rice in your dessert (don’t knock it until you’ve tried it!).
What to Expect from Yishun Weather
— From: johnsg100
Just like any other place in Singapore, Yishun only experiences two seasons: dry and wet.
The dry season usually lasts from March to August, and during this period, the heat can get really oppressive. That’s why it’s always recommended that you wear sunscreen or wear hats to protect yourself from the sun.
The wet season runs from September and February, and during this time, you’ll encounter rain—from mild to heavy downpours—quite often. If you’re visiting during this time, you better prepare an umbrella or a raincoat.
Apps to Make Your Trip in Yishun Easier
Grab. The most popular ride-hailing app in Singapore
Ryde. Another ride-hailing app that’s popular in Singapore
Gojek. Another ride-hailing app that’s widely used in Singapore
Google Translate. Word translation with offline capabilities