A Handy Guide to Kampong Lorong Buangkok, Singapore’s Last Traditional Village
Ever stumbled upon a place that feels like a secret portal to old Singapore? That’s exactly how I felt when I chanced upon Kampong Lorong Buangkok, the island’s last surviving traditional village brimming with nostalgia and the kampong spirit.
This guide will reveal the secrets of this hidden gem. Just remember to tread lightly and greet the residents with a warm smile!
History and Background
Back in 1956, Kampong Lorong Buangkok was born thanks to Sng Teow Koon, a Chinese medicine businessman with a knack for community building.
What started as a humble settlement for plantation workers blossomed into a kampong of over 40 families, where rents were once an astonishing S$2 a month—talk about the good old days!
Nestled in Buangkok, Hougang, this charming village has stood the test of time, offering a rare glimpse into Singapore’s simpler past. It’s like stepping into a living museum, but with real residents who remind you that kampong life isn’t just history; it’s still alive and thriving here.
Things to Know
Location: 7 Lorong Buangkok, near Gerald Drive off Yio Chu Kang Road
Guided tours:
- Let’s Go Tour Singapore (S$250 for a private group of 2–3 people) – Its “Kampong Experience” provides a two-hour walking tour of the village, including visits to Kampong houses and interactions with residents.
- Klook (S$250 per group) – offers “The Last Kampong of Singapore Private Tour,” focusing on the history and culture of Kampong Lorong Buangkok, with opportunities to meet residents
- Seek Sophie (US$147.31 for a group of three) – provides a “Private Tour of the Last Kampong of Singapore,” emphasising the kampong’s evolution and community spirit
Rules and restrictions:
✔ Seek permission for photography
✔ Respect property boundaries
✔ Limit group sizes
✖ No littering
✖ No loud noises and voices
✖ No vandalism
How to Get There
Kampong Lorong Buangkok is privately owned, but visitors are welcome to explore as long as they do so with respect.
Closest MRT: Take the MRT to Buangkok Station (North-East Line). From there, the kampong is a short walk via Lorong Buangkok.
Closest bus station: Take bus service 70 or 103 from Serangoon MRT Station and alight at the “Church of St. Vincent de Paul” bus stop (B67079). From there, cross Yio Chu Kang Road, proceed along Gerald Drive, and you’ll find the Kampong entrance a short walk away.
By car: Visitors arriving by car can park at the multistory car park located at 998 Buangkok Crescent, which is approximately a five-minute walk from Kampong Lorong Buangkok.
For drop-offs, it’s advisable to use Gerald Drive, which leads directly to the Kampong entrance.
Why is Kampong Lorong Buangkok significant?
Media from madalineee
Kampong Lorong Buangkok is significant because it’s the last kampong on mainland Singapore. It preserves the charm of community spirit and simple living.
Stepping into it feels like opening a time capsule to Singapore before skyscrapers and Wi-Fi.
This humble village stands as a cultural treasure, reminding us of a time when neighbours knew each other by name and self-sustainability wasn’t a buzzword but a way of life.
Life in Kampong Lorong Buangkok Today
Media from dr_pornsark
Life in Kampong Lorong Buangkok feels like a storybook, where 25 Malay and Chinese families embody “gotong royong” (Indonesian and Malay term that translates to “mutual assistance” or “community cooperation”), sharing meals, helping each other, and living simply amid the bustling city.
Take Mdm Sng, for instance, the landowner who inherited this kampong haven from her father. She’s a living legend here, not only preserving her father’s dream but also welcoming visitors curious about a life where the community comes first and traditions are more than just words.
The Future of Kampong Lorong Buangkok
Media from liuying.photos
The future of Kampong Lorong Buangkok hangs in a delicate balance between preservation and progress—think Kampong charm meets urban planning showdown.
With advocates pushing to preserve it as a cultural treasure, it might just outwit bulldozers and live on as Singapore’s best-kept secret.
Plans to integrate the kampong into parks or transform it into an educational hub are in the air, but here’s hoping the kampong spirit survives the facelift. After all, where else can future generations learn that true community isn’t built on Wi-Fi but on warmth and “gotong royong?”
Visitor Etiquette and Tips
- Respect residents’ privacy – Do not enter homes or private spaces. Avoid staring or lingering around residences unnecessarily.
- Practise responsible photography – Seek permission before taking photos of homes or residents. Stick to general scenery shots if unsure about permissions.
- Keep noise levels low – Speak softly and avoid loud conversations or disruptive behaviour.
- Ditch the crowd – Visit in smaller groups to minimise disruption to the community.
- Stick to daylight hours – Visit during the day preferably between 9 AM and 5 PM.
- Observe cleanliness – Avoid littering and take all trash with you. Leave the area the same way you found it.
- Wear comfortable clothing – Choose footwear suitable for walking on uneven paths or grassy areas. Pack a lightweight raincoat or umbrella in case of sudden rain.
- Be alert – Observe any posted signs or guidelines upon arrival.
- Be friendly – Greet residents with a smile if you encounter them.