Don’t Say Bojio: Mini ‘River Hong Bao’ in Jurong West with Cai Shen Ye

Anyone who’s lived in Jurong would know that there are three Jurong Wests.

The first is the old Jurong West 400+, an area that’s beside a canal and made famous after a massive fire brought down an entire wet market.

The second is the old Jurong West 500+, an area beside 400+ with hawker food so good, people all over Singapore would go over there just to have a meal. It’s, however, unknown how many of those hawkers have retired.

The third is the new Jurong West, the one near Boon Lay MRT Station. There’s nothing there except Jurong Point, so it’s not as exciting.

So, which Jurong West is getting redder with Cai Shen Ye?

Jurong West 500+ Having a Red Pasar Malam with Cai Shen Ye

Other than housing one of the greatest hawkers in Singapore, the Jurong West 500+ houses quite a bit of empty spaces as well.

Here, take a look.

Image: Google Maps

Empty spaces here and there.

Image: Google Maps

But it’s understandable: a lot of old folks live there and unlike new estates, old folks are used to empty spaces so that they can mingle around and chit-chat.

And these empty spaces are about to turn red because a pasar malam has landed there.

Image: Facebook (Singapore Night Bazaar (新加坡夜市))

We’re talking about CNY decorations that’s so piggish, you might just see a real pig walking along the area.

Image: Facebook (Singapore Night Bazaar (新加坡夜市))

Other than that, there are the usual pasar malam fares like clothes and accessories…

Image: Facebook (Singapore Night Bazaar (新加坡夜市))
Image: Facebook (Singapore Night Bazaar (新加坡夜市))

…and even a kiddo Uncle Ringo to throw the grandchildren in while the older folks chat in a coffee shop about how they’ve built Singapore to where it is today.

Image: Facebook (Singapore Night Bazaar (新加坡夜市))

What you’ll notice is the lack of food items, and I guess it’s for a reason: old Jurong West 500+ is a food haven. Competing against those giants is like a new player trying to enter the food delivery business: you’ll be squashed like a cockroach.

So if you want some goody food, just head down to the hawker centre or any of the coffee shops. And if you’re new to the place, simply ask around: the people there are friendly because they’re mostly old folks who live in a world without WhatsApp or Facebook.

Cai Shen Ye

But this article’s all about this fellow who’s gracing the pasar malam:

Image: Facebook (Singapore Night Bazaar (新加坡夜市))

Other than looking like he’s going to throw 4 digits out for you, you can even read how the Pig year is treating you based on your Chinese Zodiac sign (though you can also read it here lah).

If River Hong Bao is too far and crowded for you, this could be your place for your Instagram.

Here’s a map lest you intend to go there right away:

Image: Google Maps

You can walk there from Lakeside MRT Station (about 10 to 15 minutes walk), but to get there the fastest and sweat-free way, alight at Lakeside MRT Station, cross the road via the overhead bridge and take Bus 98 or 187. After one stop, you’ll be able to see the mini River Hong Bao.

Date of Event: 03 January 2019 – 03 February 2019
Venue: Open areas in front Blk 501 to Blk 507 at Jurong West Street 51