A Relic of the Past: Your Ultimate Guide to Jenal Jetty
Since Singapore is a bustling metropolis, it’s easy to feel like you’re always surrounded by lights and noise. But did you know that the island also has a few sections that are practically hidden away?
One perfect example of these hidden gems is Jenal Jetty, which is also known as Sembawang Fishing Village and Singapore’s last fishing village.
It’s basically a pocket of wilderness. The serenity of nature is your only companion.
If you’re curious to check out Jenal Jetty, check out this guide. Here, I wrote all about the fishing village: how to get here, what to expect, and what to do.
A Brief History of Singapore’s Last Fishing Village
— From: kongimaging
Not much is known about the history of Jenal Jetty, but one common belief is that it used to be owned by an old fisherman after his village at Pulau Punggol Barat was destroyed in favor of new roads on the island.
Another popular theory is that the jetty was where Aboriginal people lived. These people resided in the mangrove areas at the mouth of the then-known Seletar River, and they roamed freely in the Johor Straits until they left for Sungai Pulai.
No one is certain of the real origin of Jenal Jetty. That said, it’s still interesting to think about the jetty’s history and how it still continues to exist despite no one living here anymore.
How to Get to Jenal Jetty
Address: Yishun Dam, Singapore
Jenal Jetty is located along Yishun Dam and near Lower Seletar Reservoir, so if you’re familiar with either destination, you can use it as a reference point.
If you own a car, you can park it along Yishun Avenue. You don’t have to pay a fee.
If you’re not familiar with the dam or the reservoir, you can commute to this jetty by riding bus 103 or 117 and alighting at the Bef Shell Aviation bus stop.
From there, cross the Seletar North Link to the side of the reservoir, then walk along the railing until you reach the shore.
What to Expect When Visiting Jenal Jetty
Off-the-Grid Location
— From: feliz.blue
The first thing you should remember when visiting Jenal Jetty is that its location is truly off-the-grid. This means that even though fishermen come here to fish, no one actually lives in this so-called fishing village.
Additionally, Jenal Jetty doesn’t have any water and electricity supply, and there’s a high chance that your cellular connection will be spotty. Because of this, I recommend bringing a water bottle and a power bank (just in case your phone needs charging).
At first, the idea of spending time in an off-the-grid destination sounds a bit scary, but it’s actually peaceful. The constant city noises are muffled; instead, you can bask in the quiet—with the occasional sounds of leaves rustling and waters lapping on the shore.
Four Jetties Instead of One
— From: joleeqh
First-time visitors of Jenal Jetty are always surprised to learn that there are actually four jetties in this fishing village. These jetties are operated by different owners, and their names are based on the ethnicity of the majority of fishermen that use them.
For example, one jetty is named “Chinese Jetty,” while the one next to it is the “Malay Jetty.” You’ll most likely find these jetties empty because the fishermen are out on the sea, but if you do come across some of them, be sure to say hi.
Mosquitos Everywhere
Insects—especially mosquitos—are everywhere in Jenal Jetty. This is something that a lot of people forget to consider before coming here (me included), and we regret it every time.
For this reason, I always tell people to bring mosquito repellent with them and apply a generous amount on their skin. I’d also suggest wearing long-sleeved shirts, but that might not be practical considering Singapore’s hot climate.
What to Do in Jenal Jetty
Go on a relaxing hike
— From: deliawongwh
Since Jenal Jetty is a natural wonder hidden away from the city, one of the best things to do here is to go on a hike. Most hikers have Jenal Jetty as a passing destination on their hiking trail, but I personally like just roaming around the area for some time.
When you take your time hiking around Jenal Jetty, you can really enjoy your surroundings more. Drink in the sight of the mangroves, watch out for any wildlife, and just breathe in the refreshing salty air.
Reel in some fish
— From: tnnppg
Are you great with a fishing rod? Then, this might be your chance to try your luck and reel in some fish.
If you’re struggling to find a good spot on the jetty, then I recommend going to the fishing ground on Yishun Dam, which is only a few minutes away. That spot is quite popular among people who enjoy recreational fishing.
If you’re not into fishing, then you might be interested in simply observing the fishermen as they do their work. Sometimes, I engage in small talk with them, and they tell me about their catch for the day, which includes a sack full of durians from a nearby shore.
Catch the beautiful sunset
— From: zaupetch
Aside from being a great spot for fishing and hiking, Jenal Jetty is also an ideal spot for watching sunsets.
What makes the sunsets at Jenal Jetty so beautiful is the water reflecting the golden sky.
Oh, not to mention—there are also barren trees in your view. All these elements create a picture that makes you think you’ve been transported to a different country—maybe somewhere in Europe during wintertime.
Take some stunning photos
— From: alifzayn
At Jenal Jetty, you’ll be surrounded by serene nature and the beautiful sunset, so you might as well take the chance and capture some photos for memory’s sake.
The jetty features several Instagram-worthy spots, so don’t hesitate to have a mini-photoshoot session during your visit. A few fellow visitors will also do the same thing, so you won’t be alone in this.