Get to Sembawang Shopping Centre in northern Singapore by following this detailed guide.
Welcome to the complete guide on how to get to Sembawang Shopping Centre by MRT.
Even though Sembawang Shopping Centre is located well north of Singapore’s prime sightseeing areas such as Marina Bay and Chinatown, it’s surprisingly easy to access using public transport.
In this article, we will outline all the information you need to reach Sembawang Shopping Centre fast and affordably, with no stress along the way. We will specifically discuss which stations are closest to the mall, to give you the choice of either walking or taking the bus. Also, knowing where to transfer metro lines will speed up your trip. And lastly, you have to know which line is the best one to take all the way to Sembawang in northern Singapore.
We will also share some information about shopping at Sembawang Shopping Centre and visiting other interesting places nearby to ensure that you maximize your day.
Shopping at Sembawang Shopping Centre in Singapore
Sembawang Shopping Centre is a popular shopping mall that first opened its doors in 1986. As its name suggests, it is located in Sembawang, Singapore. It’s been around for a long time and is well known amongst locals in this area.
When you visit Sembawang Shopping Centre, you can enjoy four storeys of commercial space, spanning a total floor area of 134,534.99 square feet (12,498.710 m2). There are three levels of shops and one basement level featuring, services and food and beverage outlets to enjoy with your family and friends.
There are three additional basement floors of parking available at Sembawang Shopping Centre.
Like other malls in the city, Sembawang Shopping Centre has several services available. Here is a summary for your convenience:
Nursery Room – Basement Level 1
ATM Machine (OCBC) – Level 2
Change Room (diapers for children) – Level 3
Playground and Splash Park – Level 3
The Playground and Splash Park is designed for children under 12 years of age. It’s the perfect place for your children to burn some energy before enjoying a delicious meal at Sembawang Shopping Centre.
Getting to Sembawang Shopping Centre by MRT
Step 1: Access the closest MRT station.
The first step in getting to Sembawang Shopping Centre is accessing the closest MRT station.
Fortunately, Singapore has several metro lines servicing most city areas.
If you need to book a room, try to find a place within direct walking distance of a station. Marina Bay Sands, for example, is an extremely popular place to stay and it’s 2 minutes from Bayfront Station.
Alternatively, if you are staying long-term in Singapore, simply walk from your house or apartment to the most convenient station.
Step 2: Plan your trip – stations, lines and transfers if necessary.
Making your way to Sembawang Shopping Centre is a lot easier when you know the lines, and potential transfer stations to get there!
There are two stations that are quite close to Sembawang Shopping Centre:
Canberra Station (NS12)
Sembawang Station (NS11)
These are both located on the North-South Line which is shown in Red color on Singapore’s metro map. You might also hear it being called the Red Line within the city.
Interchange Station Information (North-South Line)
We have checked out Singapore’s metro map and identified the most popular interchange stations for accessing the North-South Line and Sembawang Shopping Centre.
You can refer to them below:
Bishan – transfer between the Circle Line and the North-South Line
Newton – transfer between the Downtown Line and the North-South Line
Dhoby Ghaut – transfer between the North-East, Circle and the North-South Line
City Hall – transfer between the East-West and North-South Line
Raffles Place – transfer between the East-West and North-South Line
Marina Bay – transfer between the Thomson East Coast, Circle and North-South Line
Woodlands – transfer between the Thomson East Coast and North-South Line
Jurong East – transfer between the East-West and North-South Line
In case you need a bit more support with planning your route, refer to station maps along the way. You will find a large printed metro map in each station throughout Singapore. They are usually quite close to the entrance gates.
Step 3: Buy your metro ticket to reach either Canberra Station or Sembawang Station.
Next, focus on buying a ticket or card to reach Sembawang Shopping Centre via MRT.
You will find several ticket options available in Singapore, but they really fall into three main categories:
- Tourist Passes
- Stored Value Cards
- Multiple/Single Trip Tickets
Singapore Tourist Passes are an awesome option for foreign guests in Singapore.
You can use them on unlimited buses and trains throughout the city after buying one at an official ticketing desk. Typically, they are valid for 1-3 days so they work best with short, fast-paced itineraries. In most cases, you can return the card for a partial refund.
Stored value cards are another very popular option for getting around the city.
They are the number one choice for long-term guests and residents in Singapore.
We used one of these while learning how to get to Sembawang Shopping Centre by MRT.
You can purchase single and multiple trip tickets at machines in each MRT station. These are not popular with daily commuters but can be handy if you are in the city just for a day or two and don’t plan on using the MRT a lot.
Step 4: Complete any necessary transfers to the North-South Line and take the MRT to either Canberra Station or Sembawang Station.
You can access Sembawang Shopping Centre using either one of these stations
Canberra Station (NS12)
Sembawang Station (NS11)
And the one you choose really comes down to factors such as which one you stop at first and whether you want to walk or take a bus to the mall (after exiting the MRT)?
Regardless, you have to travel to the North-South Line to reach one. Therefore, complete any necessary transfers and take the MRT to Canberra Station (NS12) or Sembawang Station (NS11).
Step 5: Alight at Canberra (NS12) or Sembawang Station (NS11).
Alight at either Canberra Station (NS12) or Sembawang Station (NS11).
Remember to grab all your personal belongings from the train before getting off.
Step 6: Walk from the train platforms to the station exits.
Once you arrive at Canberra Station (NS12) or Sembawang Station (NS11) make your way from the train platforms to the station exits.
Singapore MRT stations have three main ways to access the exits:
- Stairs
- Escalators
- Elevators
Accessing the Exits at Canberra Station
Canberra Station has three main levels:
L2 – where the train platforms are and the Link bridge
M – Access to Canberra Plaza
L1 – Concourse and additional exits
You will arrive at Level 2 of Canberra Station. Follow the signs to the level needed to exit the station.
Accessing the Exits at Sembawang Station
Sembawang MRT Station (NS11) consists of two main levels:
Level 1
Level 2
You will arrive at the train platforms on Level 2 of Sembawang Station.
Walk or take the escalator/elevator down to Level 1.
The exits are located on ground level.
Step 7: Exit your preferred station and travel to Sembawang Shopping Centre (walk or take a bus).
The next step is selecting the correct exit at your station, and then either walking or taking the bus to Sembawang Shopping Centre.
Getting from Canberra Station to Sembawang Shopping Centre
The best way to reach Sembawang Shopping Centre from Canberra station is by walking. Once you’re off the train follow the station signs to the exits.
Canberra Station has a total of five exits to choose from: A, B, C, D and E.
Take Exit E.
Then walk northwest on Canberra Link toward Canberra Way.
Turn left onto Canberra Lane and stay on Canberra Lane until you reach Canberra Drive.
Then, turn left onto Canberra Drive and cross it. Walk south through Jalan Sendudok Park.
Turn right onto Jalan Sendudok and walk northwest to Sembawang Road.
Turn left onto Sembawang Road and walk south until you reach Sembawang Shopping Centre on your left.
Enter the mall.
Distance: 1.1 km
Approximate Walking Time: 10-13 minutes
Getting from Sembawang Station to Sembawang Shopping Centre
Once you get off the train at Sembawang station you can either walk or take the bus to Sembawang Shopping Centre.
Walking Directions
Sembawang MRT station has four ground-level exits to choose from: A, B, C and D. Follow the station signs from the platforms to ground level.
Take Exit A and head south. Turn left toward Sembawang Vista
Turn left onto Sembawang Vista and then turn right onto Canberra Rd
Take a slight right onto Sembawang Road and walk south along Sembawang Road until you reach Sembawang Shopping Centre.
Enter the mall.
Distance: 1.1 km
Approximate Walking Time: 10-13 minutes
Bus Directions
From Sembawang Station head east on Sembawang Way toward Canberra Road
Turn right onto Canberra Road and stop walking at the following bus stop:
Aft Admiral Hill – Stop ID: 58159
Get on Bus 856 and stay on it for 2 stops until you reach the following bus stop:
Aft Sembawang Shop Ctr – Stop ID: 58019
Get off the bus and walk northwest toward Jalan Jeruju.
Then, turn left onto Jalan Jeruju. Walk briefly west along Jalan Jeruju until you reach Sembawang Rd.
Turn right onto Sembawang Road
Walk north along Sembawang Road until you reach the entrance of Sembawang Shopping Centre and then enter the mall.
Approximate Bus Ride Length: 9 minutes
Bus Pick-up Frequency: Every 5 minutes
Sembawang Shopping Centre – Shuttle Bus Service
Conveniently, Sembawang Shopping Centre also offers complimentary shuttle bus services.
Pick-up/drop-off points are at designated bus stops. At the time of writing, there were 6 bus routes to choose from.
You can refer to the links below for specific information about each route:
- Sembawang Route
- Yishun Route
- Woodlands Route
- Canberra Route (New!)
- Yishun Lunch Route
- Woodlands Lunch Route
The shuttle bus service to Sembawang Shopping Centre is subject to change, so be sure to check the route and times before you go using the links above! When you are figuring out how to get to Sembawang Shopping Centre by MRT, consider using a combination of MRT and the shuttle bus.
Exciting things to visit near Sembawang Shopping Centre
Sembawang Shopping Centre isn’t in a prime sightseeing area like Chinatown, Marina Bay, and Sentosa Island. But you will still have an opportunity to enjoy the parks, malls and food options in this area of Singapore.
Try to do some shopping, dining and visiting a few parks while in Sembawang.
Two of the parks in Sembawang are:
Sembawang Hot Spring Park (south of the mall)
Sembawang Park (north of the mall along the waterfront)
Consider taking a taxi, bus, or private vehicle from Sembawang Shopping Centre to reach these parks.
If you want to shop at more malls than just Sembawang Shopping Centre, there are other great malls not far away. For example, you could check out any one of these:
Canberra Plaza (Directions)
Sun Plaza (Directions)
Northpoint City (Directions)
Junction 9 (Directions)
Wisteria Mall (Directions)
Yishun Mall
Khatib Central
Canberra Plaza and Sun Plaza are both super close to Sembawang Shopping Centre.
If you are looking for some affordable, delicious hawker food centres, you have a few options such as:
Broadway Food Centre
Chong Pang Market (How to get there using MRT)
Yishun Park Hawker Centre (How to get there via MRT)
Expect delicious food at affordable prices at all three of these places.
Where to stay near Sembawang Shopping Centre?
Accommodation is limited in Sembawang. Therefore, if you are shopping at Sembawang Shopping Centre, you will likely have to find a room that is in another area of Singapore.
Areas such as Marina Bay and Orchard are popular with tourists, business people and staycationers. You can walk to famous points of interest in these spots and enjoy a greater selection of rooms.
If you want to stay in northern Singapore then take a look at Orchid Country Club (4-star, 8.2/10 review score based on 356 reviews).
Orchid Country Club is in a nice location – directly north of Lower Seletar Reservoir and south of most malls and parks in this area. With an excellent golf course on-site and lots of room for walking around, it’s an excellent place for people of all ages.
Travel to Khatib MRT Station (NS14) to access Orchid Country Club.
Alternative popular areas with guests include Sentosa Island, Chinatown, Bugis, and Little India. Chinatown and Little India are known for cheap options. Sentosa tends to be pricier.
Conclusion
Hopefully, you now know how to get to Sembawang Shopping Centre by MRT! And ideally, you should be able to get there fast and affordably.
Even though Sembawang Shopping Centre is located in northern Singapore, it’s pretty easy to get there via MRT. Typically, the most challenging aspect of the trip is transferring between lines. But, this is only relevant if you are not starting your trip along the North-South (Red Line).
After transferring lines, just continue on the North-South Line to either Sembawang or Canberra Station. If you plan on walking, the distance from either one of these is similar. However, you will likely find more convenient bus connections from Sembawang Station to the mall. Therefore, if you want to take the bus, go to Sembawang Station.
Regardless of the type of ticket, you purchase, accessing the metro is easy. Simply tap to enter and exit the system. There are several other malls and parks near Sembawang Shopping Centre, so make the most of this area of Singapore while you’re there!