Young families flock to Punggol Digital District for 'domestic tourism'

Singapore's newest attraction is no theme park or resort, but an under-construction tech park in the country's north-eastern tip.

- Teo Kai Xiang

Punggol Digital District (PDD) may not be slated for completion until 2026, but that has not stopped curious visitors from exploring the area.

On the first two weekends of March, The Straits Times observed many visitors - most of them families with young children - posing for photos and peeking at cordoned-off areas of the futuristic development.

One such visitor was software engineer Norman Yeo, 26, who spent two hours walking from his home in Hougang to PDD and nearby Coney Island.

"Singaporeans like new things and new MRT stations, but it's curious because there are not many shops open here yet," he said.

Thus far, a small number of tenants such as Japanese lifestyle brand Muji and budget retailer Daiso have opened at Punggol Coast Mall, as well as eateries Sushi-Go and Astons.

Part of the area's appeal stems from limited weekend "domestic tourism" options, said visitors.