Interesting things to do in Kallang

Think of Kallang and you’ll likely envision the next major gig happening at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. But tucked away in this area lies a plethora of hidden and interesting spots you might not know of.

We’re talking about a cluster of hot pink Bougainvillea blooms, and Singapore’s first commercial airport. Besides these, the stretch along the 10 km-long Kallang River remains an iconic part of this area which will see new homes, workplaces, exciting community spaces, and other upgrades in the near future.

Check out these lesser-known locations that you won’t want to miss out on.

1. Kolam Ayer Waterfront – scenic park connector

If you’ve exhausted your go-to running route, it might be time to switch things up and explore the Kolam Ayer Waterfront that links Kallang to the Serangoon area along the Kallang River. It offers spacious tracks where you can train for a marathon or take a leisurely stroll.

The Kolam Ayer bridge has undergone a facelift in 2016 and was given a fresh coat of paint in splashes of bright blue, red, green, and yellow. Besides its burst of hues, standing in the middle of the bridge and playing with parallel lines also makes for a picturesque moment.

If running isn’t your forte you can even fish at the designated fishing area

But that’s not all – keep your eyes peeled for exciting works along the entire Kallang River over the next few years. There’ll be a spiral bridge over the PIE and new underpasses at Kallang Bahru and Boon Keng Road that’ll improve the connectivity of this running route.

How to get there: Take bus 26 from Kallang MRT Station and alight at the second stop at Chubb Singapore. Walk 5 minutes towards Kolam Ayer Waterfront.

2. Marina Barrage Sustainable Gallery – futuristic educational centre

While much effort has been made in the name of being environmentally friendly, such as reducing the usage of plastic straws, more can be done to promote a clean and green environment. Tucked away in Marina Barrage is the Sustainable Gallery which seeks to promote a green Earth beyond just the 3Rs.

Besides having a myriad of interactive screens to educate the public, this place is filled with futuristic installations. Circular lights and teardrop-shaped bulbs dot the concave ceiling and offer trippy photo ops.

You can also attend guided tours that are available hourly except from 12PM-1PM to learn more about how you can save the environment. Once you’ve quenched your thirst for knowledge, strike a pose to snap some bokeh shots for a photo that’ll amp up your IG feed.

Address: 8 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018951
Opening hours: Mon, Wed-Sun: 9AM-6PM
Telephone: 6514 5959
Website

3. Kallang Riverside Park – bougainvillea blooms and jogging trails

Kallang Riverside Park might well be Kallang’s best-kept secret, because hidden within it is a cluster of Bougainvilleas, teeming with hot pink blooms glistening in the sun. You could even wear complementary floral prints or simply pull on a plain white shirt to take a floral-themed picture here.

Besides these gorgeous flowers, make full use of the scenic jogging and cycling tracks by the water. Swing by around sunset for the perfect spot to watch as the sun fades away and the sky is streaked with hues of orange.

What’s more, nestled among the trees in the park is the Kallang Gas Holder – a multi-purpose open-air venue. You can book the space for anything from ball games to large family gatherings, and the surrounding trees will provide just enough shade to ensure it doesn’t get too hot.

How to get there: Take exit A from Kallang MRT Station and walk 7 minutes towards the park.

4. Goodman Arts Centre – arts hub with classes and events

Image credit: @jann.jpg

Various performances, workshops and exhibitions are held regularly over at Goodman Arts Centre, which has become synonymous as an arts hive. Here, you can sign up for classes that range from pottery and paper marbling to dance, and are all open to the public.

Look out for the many other events and activities which are regularly updated on their website. It’s conveniently located a short walk from Mountbatten MRT too, so getting there will be a breeze.

Address: 90 Goodman Road, Singapore 439053
Opening hours: Mon-Sun: 10AM-10PM
Telephone: 6342 5790
Website

5. Old Kallang Airport – first civil airport in Singapore

Even after 7 consecutive years of clinching the title of World’s Best Airport, Singapore has upped the ante yet again with the opening of Jewel Changi. To truly fathom just how far we’ve come, it’s important to trace our roots and remember our humble beginnings.

Built in the 1930s, Old Kallang Airport was the first civil airport in Singapore, and our aviation gateway to the rest of the world. Today, the Terminal Building, Hangar, and even the entranceway gates and lamp posts have been conserved to keep this historic site as a place future generations can visit to get a glimpse of the past.

While you’re here, admire the massive iron wrought gates towering above you – it’s almost as if giants could’ve lived here. Watch out for sports and leisure activities happening at this space in the future.

How to get there: Take Exit A from Kallang MRT Station and walk 4 minutes towards Old Airport Gateway.

6. Splash N’ Surf – free water playground

You might’ve visited the Singapore Sports Hub for a concert or a sporting event before, but the next time you head down, you’re gonna want to bring a swimsuit instead.

Splash N’ Surf is a free water playground with bucket swings, water jets and slides for thrills and spills that’ll entertain your kiddos for hours on end.

Image credit: @jujubeattz

Adults won’t have to miss out on the fun either because bodyboarding and skimboarding are also available to let you flex your surfing skills.

Splash N Surf
Address: 1B Stadium Walk
Opening hours: Daily: 8AM-10PM
Telephone: 6653 8900
Website

7. Old Airport Road Food Centre – delicious hawker favourites

Image credit: National Environment Agency

The Old Airport Road Food Centre might be older than some of us since it’s been around for a whopping 46 years since 1973. Here, you’ll find good ol’ local hawker favourites like Prawn Mee, Rojak and Char Kway Teow.

It can get crowded during lunch hour and some stores close by evening so it’s best to visit earlier. Plus, the food centre is just a short 3-minute walk from Dakota MRT.

Address: 51 Old Airport Road, Singapore 390051
Opening hours: 6AM-11PM
Telephone: 6756 0266

Explore Kallang with us on our next #Instawalk

Kallang offers so much more than just being a venue for sports events and concerts. Hidden in the nooks and crannies of this town lies plenty of historical gems most people aren’t aware of. Whether it’s visiting Singapore’s first civil airport or indulging in delicious local fare at the legendary age-old Old Airport Road Food Centre, there’s something for everyone.

If you want to find more about what Kallang has in store, join us on our next Instawalk that takes place on 8th June 2019.

Sign up for #IWalkKallang here

Also check out:

• Lesser-known things to do in Chinatown
• Joo Chiat and Katong
• Bukit Purmei
• Tampines guide
• Pearl’s Hill

This article was brought to you by the Ministry of National Development.