Looking to move to a new neighbourhood? Nothing would be better than to hear from the residents themselves. We chat to JENILEE YELLAND from the UK who works as a Professional performer at Sing’theatre about living in Pasir Panjang in Singapore.
The Specifics
What’s the name of the street where you live? Pasir Panjang Road.
If it’s in another language, what does it mean? The Malay words “Pasir Panjang” literally mean “long sand”, referring to the long sandy shore that stretches along the West coast of Singapore.
Exact words you tell a taxi driver to get home? “Past Haw Par Villa MRT and opposite Pasir Panjang Post Office, please – after the traffic lights.”
Closest MRT station? Haw Par Villa MRT Station.
How long have you lived here? Eight months in this apartment and area. My husband and I have lived in Singapore for four and half years, previously living at Reflections at Keppel Bay in HarbourFront, which we also loved.
Why here? We were after lots of outside space, palm trees, a tropical view, and room for a barbecue, large outdoor table and chairs. We also fancied a split-level apartment, which we’re really enjoying. Our agent did a wonderful job of finding nearly everything on our wish list – it was a very long list!
The Scene
The closest store to your front door is: Pasir Panjang post office and 7-Eleven.
Your street would make the perfect backdrop for a remake of: A Singaporean version of the Australian soap Neighbours.
Your neighbours are great, but you wouldn’t mind a little less: Swimming late at night – it can be pretty noisy!
The unofficial uniform of your street is: Shorts, T-shirts and flip-flops, worn while walking dogs.
When you’re in need of a dose of culture, you: Go to Haw Par Villa.
If you’re missing home, you: Go to Smiths (fish and chip shop) or the British Club for a roast dinner with our lovely friends who are members.
A mandatory stop for out-of-town guests is: Haji Lane and Arab Street to see the street art, boutiques and cafés and sample some delicious satay. Also, seeing the beautiful view from the top of MBS at night.
A common myth about your neighbourhood is: It’s so far away from everywhere – in fact, it’s about a 15-to-20-minute taxi ride to most places and super close to Holland Village and HarbourFront where we like to hang out.
The Superlatives
Your hands-down favourite neighbourhood joints are: Dario Pizza & More at the end of our road does a great lasagne, and Paddy Hills for brunch.
You won’t find better local food than at: Formosa Delights nearby our place.
The strangest thing you’ve ever seen on your street is: Three huskies being walked all at the same time.
We love a good bargain. The best deals in your neighbourhood are: The Nike outlet store at West Coast Plaza, about a five-minutes bus ride from our condo.
The guiltiest pleasure in your area is: Barrels for a curry!
One thing you’d never change is: The village feel and having no tower blocks in view.
But one thing you wouldn’t mind seeing go is: The uneven pathways here and there.
The city gives you $5 million to soup up your street. You use it to: Make the roads a little more even and add an MRT really close by to give extra options.
Condo fact file
Name: Village @ Pasir Panjang
Size: 149 apartments
Age: New, around two and a half years
Facilities: Swimming pool, children’s pool, playground, gym, function room
Vibe: Friendly and relaxed
For more helpful tips head to our Living in Singapore section:
Where to live in Singapore: Bartley
The benefits of living in a service apartment
Guide to living on the East Coast
This article first appeared in the May 2019 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase a copy or subscribe so you never miss an issue!
