Lim Chu Kang is largely a rural area in the northwestern part of Singapore that is made up of agricultural farms and forests. It is also used by the Singapore Armed Forces for military training exercises.

History

The village of Lim Chu Kang was founded by Neo Tiew, a Chinese immigrant who helped to police the village. He also set up a primary school and health centre in the village. The area was originally noted for its numerous pepper and gambier plantations. Later there were rubber plantations and rubber estates.

There used to be a small public housing estate, the Lim Chu Kang Rural Centre, at Neo Tiew Road. This development was vacated back in 2002. The abandoned flats are currently being used by the military for training.

Ama Keng Chinese Temple

The Ama Keng Chinese Temple was constructed in 1900 for worshippers of the goddess of peace and happiness. The temple was initially made of attap, but it was renovated in 1943 with a zinc roof and timber. In 1965, it was redeveloped with a tiled roof, and the renovations cost $16,000. Today the temple holds wayang performances a few times a year.

Lim Chu Kang today

With so much greenery all around and no commercial buildings in sight, Lim Chu Kang is a tranquil place to visit. In recent years, the Singapore Government has made plans to conserve this unique area of Singapore for generations to enjoy. This means developing Lim Chu Kang into a weekend refuge with farm stays and spas. It will offer urban dwellers a quick getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life and will teach them about the appeal of farming.

Resort stay

Already up-and-running is D'Kranji Farm Resort, a rustic resort that is the country's first agri-tainment getaway. The five-hectare Lim Chu Kang resort houses 21 villas, 21 farming plots and retails kiosks, a wellness spa, seafood restaurant, beer garden, as well as a research and development (R&D) centre for corn plantations. 

D'Kranji is a multi-million dollar project that is the brainchild of mainboard-listed HLH Group, which specialises in the agricultural business. 

The resort is not only a great place to visit, but also offers entrepreneurship opportunities by providing rental-free agri-retail kiosks to those interested in farming. Kiosk operators will receive a two-year operating permit, renewable subject to overall performance, and will pay a monthly management fee to HLH in return.

The resort aims to attract 500,000 visitors a year. HLH is in talks with eight tour group operators, and also has plans to work with community centres to bring visitors to the site.

Landscaping company Nyee Phoe Group also has plans to launch kampung-style chalets in Lim Chu Kang.

Leisure facilities

Apart from resort construction, there are plans to introduce a greater variety of eco-based recreation, better linkages between nature and leisure attractions and easier access to the waterfront. To minimise the impact on flora and fauna, the new facilities will be designed and constructed in an environmentally-friendly way.

Nearby, residents will be able to enjoy the scenic Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. Also, new parkland will be set aside and more activities introduced near the existing Sungei Buloh visitor centre. To minimise the impact on wildlife, the new facilities will be designed and implemented in an environmentally-friendly way.

Transportation

There are various SMRT buses which ply along Lim Chu Kang/Sungei Kadut/Neo Tiew Road. They include buses 172, 925, 925C and 975. Lim Chu Kang is also located near the North South MRT line. The MRT Station closest to Lim Chu Kang is Kranji.

Did you know...

lLim Chu Kang is home to the largest cemetery in Singapore.

lSungei Buloh Wetland Reserve was named in 2003 as an ASEAN Heritage Park.