The region is the second largest region in terms of land area. Woodlands is the regional centre and also the most populous town. Comprising 13,500 hectares of land area, it includes eight planning areas. The relative isolation of the area from the Downtown Core meant relatively belated urban development and the greater abundance of natural greenery. Still, the region includes one of Singapore's largest new towns, Woodlands. Largely grouped into three new towns, although public housing tends to dominate. Excluding naturally occurring green spaces, the region has 3 square kilometres of recreational spaces.