Some Businesses in ORTO Have Yet to Find a New Location Even After Its Closure

Yishun may be rife with weird happenings but it has amazing places as well.

One of which is Orto, the leisure park in Yishun that officially closed its doors on 30 June.

ORTO, a 24-hour Leisure Park that opened in 2014, was popular for its kampung-style ambience, fishing activities, green spaces, and delicious food. 

It has been a go-to place for relaxation and entertainment in Singapore. 

Some Businesses in ORTO Have Yet to Find a New Location Even After Its Closure

A staff from Fishing Paradise@Orto, Mr Muhammad Said Yacob, says his employer had no business plans for the future. He only wanted to “end it well” at the leisure park.

The business closed down on 25 June 2023, leaving behind many memories and regular customers.

Meanwhile, the owner of The Gym Pod, a private gym facility franchisee, has currently suspended operations until further notice.

According to a TODAY report, only 2 out of 16 businesses moved to the new Orto in West Coast.

The remaining 14 business have either shut down, shifted elsewhere or are still looking for places to operate from.

Why Are They Having Such a Hard Time Finding New Places?

The owner of Happiest Hour bar and bistro told TODAY that it’s difficult to find a place with “similar tranquility”.

Mr Kenny Xu pointed out that there is no other place like Orto. It is accessible and chill despite being located in “a very part of Singapore”.

However, he’s sure that it won’t be a final goodbye and told customers to keep a lookout for announcements in Q4 2023.

Mr Said, who has been working at the leisure park for many years, pointed out that no other place in Singapore has “this kind of vibe”.

The vibe, he says, is very “chill” and “open”, very “kampung” and yet, located close to housing estates.

Customers Recall Fond Memories of Orto Leisure Park

The park was originally known as Bottle Tree Park but was rebranded to Orto in 2014 after a change in ownership.

Despite the change, the park is still popular for its rustic charm and fishing spot.

A 17-year-old Republic Polytechnic student remembered how fishing became his family’s weekly bonding sessions.

Meanwhile, a 25-year-old sales specialist said he would miss the affordable food and drinks in the park.

He could remember heading over to the park to unwind after exams or study sessions.

New Orto @ West Coast

Well, if you’re a westie and you love prawning, here’s an additional option for prawning other than Jurong Hill.

The new facility, located at 27 West Coast Highway, is reportedly Singapore’s biggest prawning establishment, with ten ponds containing big-head prawns and yabbies

Their new location is also open 24 hours daily, except when private events are scheduled. 

The pricing for freshwater prawning is listed as $20 per hour, $38 for three hours, and a ten-hour package is available at $108.

The ten-hour package comes with two rods for people coming in pairs. 

For groups of 20 or more, private sessions with exclusive ponds are available.