Feel in love with Hougang 

The fourth time I came back to Singapore was at 2023. I went with the whole family, my husband, 8 years old son, and 5 years old daughter. We stayed in condominium because my brother-in-law had moved to condominium.

Although it became smaller, but the facilities were better. Our favorite was the pool. Kids were beyond happy because they can swim all the time.

We visited Gardens by The Bay, Merlion Statue, Masjid Sultan, Kampung Glam and watched spectra, a light and water show. We became tourist again because my daughter had not seen some Singapore landmarks. Unfortunately, she got sick because she cannot enjoy the food and tired of walking.

As you notice that in Singapore we should walk everywhere because we used public transportation. I forgot to measure the strength of my daughter.

On the fifth visiting to Singapore, we had learnt from previous trips. Four days visiting and no need to act as tourist again. Listen our needs, choose food wisely, and enough resting.

At this time, we stayed in condominium at Hougang because my brother was moved there. Hougang is also at northeast region of Singapore, near Punggol. This area was quite old than Punggol. Therefore, the building looked classic and modern.

In our visiting, Singapore was rain so hard. Three days in a row was raining almost all the time. Therefore, we cannot go far. We just went around Hougang. We went to Hougang mall and visiting the night market.

It was almost Chinese New Year, so it was full of red. It reminded me at Pasar Malam in Indonesia. There were many clothes, furniture, and food seller. The food was also similar. I found fritter like bakwan with big shrimp, takoyaki, fried potato, kebab, putu bamboo, and some ice drinks. All of them were local (like Indonesian UMKM).

My son tried potato chips with BBQ sauce. It was less salty and tasty than ours. In Indonesia, we say ‘micinnya kureng’. Actually, it was healthier, but for me street food should be salty, tasty, and unhealthy! LOL!

At Hougang, I also saw landed house. This was my first time to see it in Singapore. From my previous trips, I just see apartments. I like Hougang neighborhood than Punggol. The people were more friendly.

When we eat at hawker, an old lady looked at my daughter couple time. Then, I smiled and nodded at her. She smiled back and said goodbye while away. Wow, I was surprised. I never greeted by local while in Singapore.

When we came back from Hougang mall on foot, an old man greets us. “Forget umbrella”, he said with smile. Because he saw four of us walked under the rain while others used their umbrella.

I did not know why this made me warm. I think I will choose Hougang as my place to live in Singapore.