Things to do in Potong Pasir & Bidadari
If you passed your Bahasa Melayu, you’d know that Potong Pasir means “cut sand”, named after the sand quarries in the estate from the early 1900s to the 1930s. The quarries are long gone and you may now recognise it as somewhat of a BTO hotspot.
But don’t let the rows of HDB blocks fool you into thinking this neighbourhood is just a place for housing. We took a trip down and found 9 things to do in Potong Pasir:
1. Dine with your pets at a K-pop-themed cafe
Say “annyeong” to your fave K-pop stars when you dine at the Nayana Kpop Cafe and Restaurant. The eatery was built for stans with posters of K-pop groups like Blackpink, Itzy, and NCT plastered all over the walls.
Desserts like the Oreo Banana Bingsu start at $12.90.
You’ll feel like you’re in Seoul without having to break out your passport. The booths here are designed to look like the signboards in popular metro stations in Seoul, like Women’s University, Myeong-Dong, and Hongik University.
Image adapted: from Nayana Kpop Cafe and Restaurant
This cafe is also pet-friendly to dogs, cats, birds, bunnies, and hamsters. Pawrents, you needn’t worry about your furbabies missing out while you chomp on kimchi pancakes ($16.90) and fried chicken ($12.90). The restaurant also serves pies and cookies (from $8.90) for animals.
Address: 51 Upper Serangoon Road, #01-28 Poiz Centre, Singapore 347697
Opening hours: 10am-10pm, Daily
Contact: 6281 0339 | Nayana Kpop Cafe and Restaurant website
2. Snap pics of iconic sloping HDB blocks
If you think all HDB blocks look alike, then look up when you walk past Block 142 Potong Pasir Avenue 3. The sloping roofs on this block and the ones behind it are unique to this part of Potong Pasir and serve as as a landmark for residents living in this ’hood.
The sloping roof is meant to be a feature that’s distinct to the district.
You’ll see more of such interesting features in our guide to pretty HDB blocks in Singapore. Aspiring photographers – you’ll want to whip your cameras out at these spots to level up your skillz.
Address: Around 142 Potong Pasir Avenue 3
Opening Hours: 24 hours, Daily
3. Explore colonial-era houses in Woodleigh Park
Spot the characteristic whitewashed walls supported by beams of ebony timber wood.
Chances are, you might’ve seen similar black-and-white houses in other parts of Singapore. But Woodleigh Park is where you can find a small neighbourhood filled with these buildings built during the early 1900s when Singapore was still under British colonial rule.
These houses were popular among the British expat community, with many being the residence of personnel from the British government and military, but are now homes to those who are lucky enough to find a rental listing under the Singapore Land Authority.
The neighbourhood is covered in lush greenery, and getting here is quite a walk from the nearest bus stop in front of the PUB Recreation Club, so you’d do well to don a pair of good walking shoes before making a visit. Be warned, this place attracts mozzies, so do be sure to spray yourself down with insect repellent beforehand.
Getting there: Ride bus 155 from Woodleigh MRT Station Exit B for 3 stops and alight at the PUB Recreation Club. The houses are located to the south of the bus stop.
Address: Woodleigh Park
Opening Hours: 24 hours, Daily
4. Play futsal on same field that David Beckham has played on
Nope, we’re not joking at all. The Arena is a mega sports facility that houses 4 futsal pitches for rent for games with 5-11 players a side. The field is where football superstar David Beckham once visited and played on during a trip to Singapore.
Outdoor gym.
Even if bending it like Beckham isn’t up your alley, there are plenty more fitness activities available here. There’s an outdoor gym as well as studios for Muay Thai and aerial yoga classes.
When you’re done working up a sweat, wind down and grab a bite at The Arena’s own Cafe Football. The football-themed diner is co-owned by former Manchester United legends Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville.
Football jersey restaurant decor and churros.
Image adapted from: @jonnyboyeats
The cafe serves up Western and local fare like burgers (from $16), pizzas (from $15), and nasi goreng ($16). There are also appetisers like gyozas and breaded oysters (from $11) if you’re looking to snack on something.
While munching, soccer fans will want to keep their eyes peeled for soccer memorabilia planted all over the cafe like signed jerseys and boots worn by various club players. The cafe also streams football matches and are usually open till late to accommodate fans. Heads up: They’ll be streaming all matches for the upcoming World Cup this November.
Price:
Futsal pitch – Mon-Fri 9am-5pm: From $60/hour
Futsal pitch – Mon-Fri 5pm-10pm, Sat-Sun 7am-10pm: From $90/hour
Address: 48 Woodleigh Park, Singapore 357844
Opening hours: 9am-10:30pm, Daily
Contact: 9088 0234 (The Arena) | 8820 8814 (Cafe Football) | The Arena website
5. Rest & relax along the Kallang River
Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life with a visit to ABC Waters @ Kallang River (Potong Pasir). No ex-stream activities need to be done here except enjoying the view and cool breeze.
The waterfront has benches along the river, and decks that overlook the calm Kallang waters. Hang out long enough and you’ll be able to spot wildlife like monitor lizards and even a family of otters that call this river home.
This section of the river is located a distance away from any main roads, so you’re pretty much guaranteed a peaceful time here. You can enjoy this respite at the open plaza that has plenty of seats for you and your friends to chill at. We recommend packing a picnic lunch from a nearby cafe like Rise.
Address: In front of 51 Potong Pasir Avenue 1, Singapore 358400
Opening hours: 24 hours, Daily
6. Feast on drool-worthy seasonal cakes
Image adapted from: @charlietanwl and @strangerwalkaround
Located just a 2-minute walk from Potong Pasir MRT is Rise. This aesthetic cafe looks like it came straight out of Pinterest with its rattan and wooden furniture, dried flowers, and of course, delectable desserts. Look forward to Instagrammable cakes and brownies (from $7.50) that taste just as good as they look.
Speculoos Cookie Cheesecake from their autumn seasonal specials.
Many of their sweet creations are only available for a limited time as they use seasonal ingredients like pecans and maple syrup. For updated menu additions, check the Rise Instagram page for updates.
Address: 148 Potong Pasir Avenue 1, #01-53, Singapore 350148
Opening hours: Sun-Thu 10am-6pm | Fri-Sat 10am-9pm
Contact: Rise Facebook
7. Join interest groups or sign up for courses
Your days of being bored on the couch fiddling with your phone while the TV plays in the background are over. Especially since there are plenty of activities to do at the Potong Pasir Community Club all year round. Plus, good news for those who don’t stay in the area: These activities are open for both residents and non-residents alike.
Image adapted from: Potong Pasir Community Club
Pick up an activity like line dancing and peking opera, which have subsidised rates for residents of the neighbourhood. Otherwise, they also have interest groups for hobbies such as photography, singing, and board games.
There’s a full kitchen available where cooking and baking courses are held.
Address: 6 Potong Pasir Avenue 2, Potong Pasir Community Club, Singapore 358361
Opening hours: 10am-10pm, Daily
Contact: 6280 1182 | Potong Pasir CC Website
8. Visit a “roaming” Hindu temple
This Hindu temple has been known to “roam” about Singapore, as it has moved 3 times since its inception in 1906. This fourth location for the Sri Siva Durga Temple was built in 1987 with the help of sculptors, architects, and trained craftsmen recruited from India.
This place of worship honours several deities like Sivan, Durga, and Sundravalli Amman from the Hindu faith.
Image credit: Sri Siva Durga Temple Official
Apart from worship, the temple works to help the underprivileged in the neighbourhood, regardless of their religion. They’re open to food donations and volunteers to help the needy, just contact them to find out how you can help.
If you’re planning to visit the temple, remember to be respectful and maintain proper temple etiquette by leaving your footwear outside and wearing modest clothing.
Address: 8 Potong Pasir Avenue 2, Singapore 358362
Opening hours: Sun-Mon & Wed-Thu 6.30am-11.45am, 4.45pm-8.45pm | Tue & Fri-Sat 6.15am-12.15am, 6pm-9pm
Contact: 6284 1898 | Sri Siva Durga Temple website
9. Taste prawn noodles from a 50-year-old stall
River South (Hoe Nam) Prawn Noodles is a long-standing, popular prawn noodles store that has stood the test of time. As its name suggests, their prawn noodles are its signature dish, with toppings such as pork ribs, offal, and abalone available.
These start at $5 a bowl and come in soup or dry versions with your choice of yellow mee or beehoon. The umami-rich broth is made with prawn heads and you can get refills of this at a dollar.
Address: 31 Tai Thong Crescent, Singapore 347859
Opening hours: Sun-Thu & PH 7am-3pm, 5pm-10pm | Fri-Sat & PH Eve 7am-3pm, 5pm- 2am
Contact: 6281 9293 | River South Prawn Noodles website
Bonus: Look forward to a new mall & park in late 2022
Image credit: CPG Consultants
Down the road from Potong Pasir is the upcoming HDB BTO hotspot, Bidadari. Apart from new residents moving in, it’s also the future home of a sustainable park in the North-East. Bidadari Park will be built around a replica of a former Bidadari landmark, Alkaff Lake.
Image credit: CPG Corporation
The park will be a place for friends and families to enjoy a slice of nature in the middle of the estate. There’ll be a heritage walk with storyboards to showcase the neighbourhood’s rich history, as well as playgrounds for little ones. There are also plans to use salvaged materials where possible, such as in the park benches that will be made using felled timber.
Image credit: Style Degree
The park will also be connected to the upcoming Woodleigh Mall. This 3-storey mall will include a multitude of retail stores and eateries as well as an indoor sunken garden, a community centre and neighbourhood police centre.
Image credit: The Woodleigh Residences
Bidadari isn’t the only district to get a modern makeover. Check out our guide to more upcoming openings in Singapore for more changes to our skyline.
Visit Potong Pasir today
This underrated neighbourhood is full of hidden gems. From cute cafés and distinct architecture to a football club, Potong Pasir has got it all, as long as you’re open to walking the path less travelled.
Here are more estates in Singapore with sights to see :
- Spooner Road – an estate stuck in time
- Spots to visit in Bedok other than Bedok 85
- Neighbourhood guide to Bukit Purmei
- Things to do in Punggol
Photography by Gan Guat.