Experience the "real Singapore" with this laid-back neighborhood.
Potong Pasir is a local housing estate located in the North region of Singapore and is particularly notable for being a bastion of the opposition party in a city where one party has been dominate for years. Potong Pasir, meaning “cut sand” in Malay, was dominated by sand quarries between 1910 to 1937. In the mid-1950s the land in this area was also cultivated for farming vegetables. The development of public housing estates in Potong Pasir started in the 1980s, replacing the old semi-concrete attap houses with their zinc roofs with modern residential quarters.
Potong Pasir is relatively underdeveloped compared to other larger neighborhoods that boast more modern facilities. Residents in the area don’t seem to mind though, cherishing the rare idyllic pace that has seemed to escape the rush and speed of the rest of the city. You’ll find more local convenient stores in the area (such as ABC) selling your everyday household items rather than large modern shopping malls, and more local eateries such as New Trend Eating House and N&B Snacks to sample the local cuisine than western restaurants (there is a McDonalds in the vicinity for those who need a fix).
Expatriates living in the area find the local cultures and flavors of the neighborhood charming and seek it out to experience living in the “real Singapore”. This small neighborhood is serviced by a number of public bus routes and Potong Pasir MRT station. There are a number of education institutions in the area (kindergartens, primary and secondary schools, as well as an international school) which makes it convenient for families with children. Local supermarkets such as ABC, Ang Mo Supermarket, and NTUC Fairprice can be found nearby for residents to grab groceries and household items. Due to the quieter nature of the area and affordability of housing, Potong Pasir is mostly home to families, senior citizens, and couples.
Potong Pasir is bordered on the north by Woodleigh, on the east by Sennett, on the south by Bendemeer, and on the west by Toa Payoh.
Commute:
CBD: 6.9 km / 10-25 minutes by car / 25 minutes by transit
Changi Business Park: 13.9 km / 15-40 minutes by car / 65-75 minutes by transit
Jurong International Business Park: 16.8 km / 20-35 minutes by car / 55-70 minutes by transit
One North Buona Vista: 12.4 km / 15-45 minutes by car / 40 minutes by transit
Tuas: 35.6 km / 40-70 minutes by car / 110-120 minutes by transit
Potong Pasir LOCAL schools
Potong Pasir Local Flavor 
The temple originated from 1906 when it was first build in the Lavendar area. Following a few migrations of the site, the Sri Siva Durga Temple came to its most recent home in Potong Pasir in the early 1980s. The deities presiding at this Hindu temple are Durga and Siva. The temple was constructed in the Dravidian architectural style, typical of South Indian temple buildings.
ABC is a minimart retail chain boasting to offer the cheapest prices in Singapore. Open 24 hours, 7 days a week, it is a convenient place for residents to get their everyday household items. You’ll find a variety of products here ranging from cooking ware, to cutlery, to personal hygiene products such as soaps and shampoos, to stationery items, to food items (less fresh produce), and even a mini pharmacy.
A small local supermarket chain selling common local grocery items. Whilst you can find some international brands available here, do not expect many familiar brands though you may be able to find suitable local substitutes.
NTUC is the largest supermarket chain in the country. You can find groceries, fresh foods, as well as other household necessities at this convenient neighborhood supermarket.
A local eatery serving up Chinese food such as rice, noodles, and seafood dishes.
N&B Snacks is a small franchise specializing in traditional “tao huey” (beancurd) and fresh-made soya milk. The small shops also offer other snacks such as chicken pies and tuna puffs – perfect for an afternoon snack.
Photo Credits: Thanks to @dinesy72, @msbudget, @indungceye, @elaine_wxyy, @sakura9093, @marcuschiawl, @yunktot, @mrbryan86, @cay_leb_tan, @archichu, @ychrissy, @airlaxnduh, @mkthehansum, @mai5sd, @nal_faiz, @smokesforshots, @rufusadams for your great photos of this neighborhood!
