In the context of Singapore, "heartlands" typically refer to residential neighborhoods characterized by 80% HDB ​flats,with private condos and landed housing making up the other 20%.

The heartlands offer a glimpse into authentic local ​lifestyles, with amenities such as coffee shops ​(known locally as "kopitiams"), markets, healthcare ​facilities, schools, transportation hubs, community ​centers and recreational spaces.

The heartlands bustle with everyday life, reflecting ​the diversity and vibrancy of Singapore's urban ​fabric.

I shall share in this post, four distinct heartland ​neighbourhoods located at different parts of ​Singapore -- Toa Payoh, Tampines, Jurong and ​Punggol.

CENTRAL - Toa Payoh was the first satellite town developed with the concept of a centralized town center surrounded by ​high-rise apartments. This took place during in the late 1960s, shortly after Singapore gained independence.

The town center caters to the needs of its residents, offering essential amenities such as shops, eateries, a supermarket, ​an MRT station, a bus interchange, and even a library.

Toa Payoh is a success story of Singapore’s early housing program, turning what used to be squatters and farms into a ​modern town.

This achievement was recognized when Queen Elizabeth II visited Singapore in 1972 and, Toa Payoh was chosen as one of ​the places to showcase to her majesty.

It’s interesting to note that the Housing Development Board (HDB) HQ is located here. Since about 80% of Singapore’s ​population reside in HDB flats, many would have been here at least once to settle administrative matters.

The public can also explore a gallery showcasing upcoming developments through detailed models, it’s both fun and ​interesting. Do check it out!

Last but not least, Tao Payoh is the closest heartland to the city center. Therefore, when someone mentions that he lives in ​Toa Payoh, the appropriate response would be, “How convenient!”

NORTH-EAST - Punggol, an enclave in the northeastern part of Singapore, is a major residential development, ​and maintains its status as the newest one, that is, until Tengah in western Singapore takes over in the next ​few years.

I truly appreciate the effort of the Housing Development Board (HDB) and the Urban Redevelopment ​Authority (URA) in continuously improving our living environment, aesthetically and functionality.

Just like what you see in this photo👇, water elements are integrated into the neighbourhood, with park ​connectors for cycling, jogging or simply strolling. Check it out for yourself! 😃

WEST - Jurong is the regional centre of ​western Singapore as Tampines is to the ​east.

Something different though, is that the ​commercial buildings surrounding the ​transportation interchange were built only in ​the 2000s.

This translates that their aesthetics are more ​contemporary and, their environmental ​sustainability relevance more obvious — ​natural lighting, more greenery and less air-​conditioning.

Several buildings, including a hospital, are ​cleverly linked by above-ground sheltered ​walkways lined with shops, making a lively flow ​of people and creating a synergy that truly lives ​up to its name as the upcoming second CBD of ​Singapore.

The Ng Teng Fong Hospital and Jurong Community Hospital. You can’t really tell that ​its a hospital from the outside.

Sometime in 2015, the Genting Hotel sprung up ​near Jurong East MRT station. I had to do a ​double-take when I first saw it, cuz it was ​abnormal to have a hotel in the middle of a ​heartland neighbourhood!

It was probably built in anticipation of the ​highspeed rail to Kuala Lumpur, the capital of ​Malaysia - the station was to be built in Jurong ​East.

Alas, the railway project has been terminated, ​but we are all hopeful it will be reinstated. 🤞

Interestingly, there are plans for more hotels ​in Jurong East. The ongoing development of the ​Jurong Lake District, outlined in the Master ​Plan, will evolve this formerly tranquil town into ​Singapore's second CBS, featuring a vibrant ​tourism and commercial center.

There are flats of various ages in Jurong, these ​ones in the photo are about 40 years old. The ​HDB gives the flats a new coat of paint every few ​years, hence maintaining the presentability and ​liveability of the flats.

EAST - Tampines, a vibrant town in Singapore, holds a unique position as the nation's first Regional Centre.

This designation which took place in the 90s, was a pivotal step in Singapore's urban development strategy, ​aiming to decentralize commercial activities from the city center.

Consequently, this paved way for the construction of commercial buildings and large shopping malls outside ​of the city centre.

Given Tampines' proximity to the airport, I've often thought it could be a perfect stop for tourists looking to ​experience the authentic, residential part of Singapore where the locals carry on with their daily lives.

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