The long-awaited announcement has come – more Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL) stations are finally opening, bringing convenience to many. Adding to the 17 existing stations are 7 new stations including Tanjong Rhu, Katong Park, Marine Parade, and Siglap.
We’ve scoped out things you can check out that are within walking distance from the new stations to KIV for when they open in the first half of 2024. And if you want to make it a day’s worth of adventures, read on to find out what you can do near the TEL stations.
The Thomson-East Coast Line has been opening in stages, with Stage 4 and 5 scheduled to open in early 2024 and 2025 respectively.
7 new stations will be opening in the first half of 2024, namely Tanjong Rhu, Katong Park, Tanjong Katong, Marine Parade, Marine Terrace, Siglap, and Bayshore.
Image credit: @maik_fleer via Instagram
Take a walk along Tanjong Rhu Promenade, located right by the Kallang Basin. You get the best of both worlds here – with views of residential areas on one side and the CBD skyline on the other. Pro tip: Head up to the Tanjong Rhu Lookout Tower for magnificent sunset or sunrise views.
You can head up to the Tanjong Rhu Lookout Tower for sunset or sunrise, or cycle past the Tanjong Rhu Suspension Bridge, which links the promenade to Kallang Wave Mall, Kallang Leisure Park, and the Singapore Sports Hub.
Tanjong Rhu Promenade on Google Maps.
Image credit: @yuki.inu.my.heart, @fam_heirloom via Instagram
Here’s a fun fact: Katong Park is one of the oldest parks in Singapore, once home to Fort Tanjong Katong. It was even the site of a bomb explosion in 1963.
All that’s left of its history is an archaelogical site and plenty of signboards with infoabout the history of the area. Today, it’s a peaceful park with a playground, dog run, and the IG-famous Mindanao Gum Tree.
Little Rogue Coffee is an aesthetically-pleasing cafe, should you want to go for brunch or stop by for a coffee break. Don’t leave without trying the Dalmatian ($8), a cold brew with cream foam and crushed oreos, paired with dishes such as Bacon Wrapped Prawns Risotto ($25) and Tater Tots with Furikake & Sour Cream Mayo ($12).
Address: 336 Tanjong Katong Road, Singapore 437109
Opening hours: 8.30am-6pm, Daily
Contact: 8918 3648
True OGs would know Parkway Parade, but it’s always been dubbed as an ulu mall that’s super hard to get to. With the opening of Marine Parade MRT right outside the shopping mall, it’s become even more accessible now.
Besides tons of shopping and dining options, there’s also a massive Timezone with social bowling lanes and upgraded arcade classics so you can relive your secondary school days.
Address: 80 Marine Parade Road, Singapore 449269
Opening hours: 10am-9pm, Daily
Foodies will most likely be familiar with Beach Road Prawn Noodle, a 100-year-old dining establishment in East Coast. It spans across 2 units and you have a choice of indoor or outdoor seating. Stop by for lunch and order the Prawn with Pig Tail Mee (from $6.50) or Jumbo Prawn Mee ($12.50), served alongside a choice of 2 dips: chilli and hot pink sweet sauce.
Address: 370/372 East Coast Road, Singapore 428981
Opening hours: Wed-Mon 7am-4pm (Closed on Tuesdays)
Image credit: @thetravellingfilmer via Instagram
If one of your new year resolutions is to pick up a new hobby, head over to Singapore Wake Park, a cable-skiing facility at East Coast Park. You can book 1-hour slots from $50/hour or purchase a Share-The-Fun (STF) Pass (from $350 for 10 hours).
The best part is that the wake park is open till 8pm daily, so you can head over for a session after work. If not, have a meal at the in-house Coastal Rhythm Cafe & Bar to watch fellow wakeboarders do their stunts.
Address: 1206A East Coast Parkway, Singapore 449891
Opening hours: 10am-8pm, Daily
Contact: Singapore Wake Park website
Another attraction located at East Coast Park is Xtreme SkatePark, a free skatepark where you’ll see people practicing stunts on skateboards, inline skates, or BMX bikes. It’s got features for both novice and advanced skaters, including a combo bowl and a 3.6m-deep vertical bowl.
Address: East Coast Park Service Road
Opening hours: 7.30am-10pm, Daily
Bringing you a taste of Italy without the hefty price of a plane ticket is Al Borgo. The establishment has been around the Bukit Timah area for over 8 years, and it’s no longer a neighbourhood exclusive thanks to its close proximity to Stevens MRT.
Pasta lovers can try out their specialty pasta dishes such as the Penne alla Boscaiola ($25) and the Linguine al Nero di Seppia ($28), or branch out and order their recommended Al Borgo tomato-based pizza ($32).
Address: 383 Bukit Timah Road, Alocassia Apartments, #01-02, Singapore 259727
Opening hours: Wed-Mon 11.30am-2.15pm, 5.30pm-9.30pm (Closed on Tuesdays)
Contact: 9772 1680 | Al Borgo website
Image credit: @swittsjake, @openfarmcommunity via Instagram
Amidst our concrete buildings and skyscrapers is Open Farm Community, an urban farm and restaurant that’s 5 minutes away from Napier MRT. Outdoor lovers will enjoy dining at the alfresco deck that’s also pet-friendly, if you’re planning on bringing your fur babies.
When you’re done exploring the gardens, fuel up and get their set lunch menu ($52++/person), or a la carte items like the Brunch Carbonara ($28) from their weekend brunch menu that’s available on Saturdays and Sundays from 11am-3.30pm.
Address: 130E Minden Road, Singapore 248819
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 12pm-3pm, 6pm-11pm | Sat-Sun 11am-4pm, 6pm-11pm
Contact: 6471 0306 | Open Farm Community website
Image credit: @peiminlikes_, @latereatwhere via Instagram
While we have our beloved beef pepper rice from Pepper Lunch, upgrade your meal and indulge in atas beef from Fat Cow. Located at Camden Medical Centre just 2 minutes away from Orchard Boulevard MRT, this Japanese steakhouse boasts of top notch meat that’s worth the trip down.
It’s all about the dining experience at Fat Cow. Treat yourself with the Sumire Lunch Omakase at $138++/pax or pamper yourself after a long day’s work with the Nagoyaka Dinner Omakase at $280++/pax, available from Tuesday to Sunday.
Address: 1 Orchard Boulevard, #01-01/02, Camden Medical Centre, Singapore 248649
Opening hours: 12pm-3pm, 6pm-10.30pm, Daily
Contact: 9452 7814 | Fat Cow website
Image credit: Zha Huo Dian via Facebook
Besides going to ulu thrift shops for unique graphic tees, there’s also The Corner Shop at Far East Plaza that’s accessible via Orchard MRT. The TEL line will be linked to the existing station, so you don’t have to relearn your routes in town.
They offer streetwear brands such as Pleasures and Poshbrain that you can upgrade your wardrobe with. The shop also makes for the perfect backdrop if you’re looking to snap some pics, as it is filled with nostalgic trinkets from the 80s.
Address: 14 Scotts Road, Far East Plaza #03-16 Singapore 228213
Opening hours: 12.30pm-8.30pm, Daily
Contact: The Corner Shop Website
Image credit: @thesourcesg via Instagram
There’s no need to resort to elaborate means to be eco-friendly. Simple actions like reducing the amount of plastic bags you take at NTUC – even though the auntie in you is screaming to – can go a long way in saving Gaia. Places like The Source Bulk Foods specialise in this aspect, as their products have no packaging and shoppers are required to BYOB.
Make a trip down to the shop that’s located in Great World and top up your everyday cooking essentials like flour and oil, or purchase snacks like dried raspberries, cashews and chocolate honeycomb. There are a ton of items available so take your time and slowly browse through.
Address: 1 Kim Seng Promenade, #B1-142/143, Great World City, Singapore 237994
Opening hours: 10am-10pm, Daily
Contact: 8894 5461
Image credit: Roots
We’ve all heard about the famed philanthropist in past history lessons, known for his magnanimity and compassion. While we might not have had the privilege of meeting him IRL, his legacy lives on in the form of the Tan Tock Seng Hospital.
If you’d like to pay your respects and visit Tan Tock Seng’s final resting place, you can drop off at Havelock MRT and take a short walk over.
Address: 254 Outram Road, Singapore 169051
Opening hours: 24 hours, Daily
Image credit: @the_homme_baker via Instagram
Whoever said guys can’t bake have not heard of The Homme Baker, a local bakery opened by Thailand-born pastry chef Pond Lim. Those looking to satisfy your sweet tooth no longer need to scour far and wide as you can order and opt for self-collection at their address that’s just opposite Great World.
Don’t mistake their famous chocolate shell cakes (from $24) for actual blocks of cheese – they’re just designed to look like Swiss cheese inspired by the hit cartoon Tom and Jerry.
If you’re looking to order some of these baked goods for dessert, consider the Nama Chocolate Collection (from $24) as well – it might have a deceptively simple appearance but the rich, ambrosial cacao used makes it a delectable delight.
Address: 87 Zion Road, Singapore 160087
Telephone: 8748 4726
Contact: The Homme Baker website
Image credit: @shuichi_japan_singapore via Instagram
This next place is a go-to if you’re in need of some zen vibes. Perched atop Pearl’s Hill Terrace, Pearl’s Hill City Park is peppered with Tembusu trees that offer shade from the blazing sun, and ponds filled with lotus plants.
Gather your friends and family for an outdoor yoga session on the grass, or chill by the ponds and watch the terrapins laze about. Time stands still as you’re immersed in the sounds of nature and it’s almost a guarantee that you’ll leave the park feeling less stressed.
Address: Along Chin Swee Road, Pearl’s Hill Road, Singapore 169879
Image credit: Yixing Xuan Teahouse
3 minutes away from Maxwell MRT is Yixing Xuan Teahouse, helmed by a father-daughter duo. Both started out in the banking industry but decided to leave and pursue their passions of tea appreciation, and the rest is history.
You can explore the benefits of drinking tea, its rich history and culture at the Tea Appreciation workshop (from $55/person). The workshop also teaches you the traditional way to prepare tea, just like how they do in Story of Yanxi Palace.
Address: 78 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088499
Opening hours: Mon-Thu 10am-8pm | Fri-Sat 10am-9.30pm | Sun & PH 10am-7pm
Contact: 6224 6961 | Yixing Xuan Teahouse website
A short 4-minute away from Shenton Way MRT, the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre (SCCC) houses numerous exhibitions that are aimed toward promoting local Chinese culture.
Address: 1 Straits Boulevard, Singapore 018906
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9am-6pm (Closed on Saturdays & Sundays)
Contact: Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre website
Image credit: @designmuseumshop via Instagram
Adding to the list of art exhibits and museums is Red Dot Design Museum, set along the Waterfront Promenade at Marina Bay. The museum showcases curated entries for the Red Dot Award For Design Concept, an international design award with participants from all over the world.
Address: Red Dot Design Museum, 11 Marina Boulevard, Singapore 018940
Contact: 6514 0111 | Red Dot Design Museum website
Image credit: @liveyourgreenpassion via Instagram
Picnics and kite flying might be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Marina Barrage – but wait, there’s also the Sustainable Singapore Gallery which you can visit for free.
The museum has interactive displays and informative visuals that will fill your brain with facts that’ll help towards building a greener Singapore.
If you’re overwhelmed with the exhibitions and unsure on where to begin, the museum offers guided tours that happen every hour except from 12pm-1pm. Don’t be shy and clarify any questions you may have with the knowledgeable staff.
Address: 8 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018951
Opening hours: Wed-Mon 9am-6pm (Closed on Tuesdays)
Contact: Sustainable Singapore Gallery website
Image credit: @yeojingeok via Instagram
Wedged between Lower and Upper Seletar Reservoir is Springleaf Nature Park, a pocket of green often overshadowed by the larger nature parks and reserves nearby. Birdwatchers and wildlife photographers can look forward to spotting more than 80 species of resident and migratory birds here from a wooden bird watching platform.
Meanwhile, cyclists can bring along their foldable bicycles to continue down the PCN to explore Lower Seletar Reservoir and Yishun Dam.
Umami-50
Image credit: Burpple
Of course, when you hear “Springleaf”, the word that often comes after is “Prata”. Springleaf Prata has expanded to many locations but the OG store lies on Thong Soon Road, a short 3-minute walk from the new MRT station.
Come by to enjoy crispy pratas alongside wacky creations like the Umami-50 ($8.90), stuffed with spam, chicken floss, mayonnaise, mushrooms and a whole handful of cheese.
Other popular food stops in the area include 928 Ampang Yong Tau Foo and Mongkok Dimsum.
Springleaf Prata
Address: 1 Thong Soon Avenue, Singapore 787431
Opening hours: 8am-11pm, Daily
Image credit: Grillhood Mains x Desserts
Cafe hopping can easily burn a hole in our pockets, but at Grillhood Mains x Desserts, prices almost match those you’d find at your favourite kopitiam Western stall. Indulge in affordable burgers here priced from $9.90 alongside desserts like waffles and ice cream from $7.90.
Nearby, there’s also Korean-owned Chelabela dishing out affordable army stew with banchan, and Mr Teh Tarik Eating House.
Address: 603 Ang Mo Kio Ave 5, #01-2661 Block 603, Singapore 560603
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 11am-9pm (Closed on Mondays)
Contact: 6261 4166 | Grillhood Mains x Dessert website
A touch of old in this bustling city of new is Kebun Baru Birdsinging Club. Not your usual attraction, this is the last remaining bird singing club in Singapore, and everyone – bird keeper or not – is welcome to visit.
Visit in the morning to spot birdcages being raised in the open field, with folks old and young sitting around enjoying the melodic singing of our feathered friends. A single songbird here is priced from $80 if you’re interested in buying one – but price tags can go up to $98,000, which someone paid for with no regrets.
Address: Blk 161, Ang Mo Kio Ave 4, Singapore 560161
Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park is a picturesque 62 hectares of rivers, jogging routes and even an outdoor spa. Find sculptures to snap your next IG profile picture and a dog run for your little furball to run free. Yoga and taichi enthusiasts can also find waterfront platforms for a serene AM stretch to kickstart the day.
MacRitchie Reservoir needs no introduction – it’s the reserve we can all escape to for major out-of-Singapore vibes. The trails leading to the panoramic treetop walk and tranquil waterfront boardwalks are now a short 10- to 15-minute walk from the Thomson-East Coast Line.
Enjoy Splat Paint House’s after-dark UV parties without struggling for direction as Upper Thomson MRT is now only 4 minutes away by foot. Expect glorious chaos with glow-in-the-dark paint, squirt bottles and water guns.
Address: 207a Upper Thomson Road, Singapore 574346
Opening hours: Wed-Fri 3pm-9pm | Sat 11am-9pm | Sun 11am-8.30pm (Closed on Mondays & Tuesdays)
Contact: 8882 0839 | Splat Paint House website
Image credit: Bobby Wan
Heartland mall Thomson Plaza is where you can find old-school cobblers and key shops alongside newer additions like Daiso and Starbucks. There’ll be something for the whole family here, including a Cow Play Cow Moo arcade for the little ones to enjoy.
Just a short distance from MacRitchie’s trails, this is also a great place to refuel if the other cafes in the area don’t fit your fancy. Restaurants here include Astons, iVegan, and Omote.
Address: 301 Upper Thomson Road, Singapore 574408
Opening hours: 8am-10pm, Daily
Toa Payoh is synonymous with good food and Toa Payoh West Market & Food Centre is among the hottest food stops in the area, as some residents may proclaim. First-time visitors have to go for their fried carrot cake, Hokkien mee, and fishball noodles.
Address: 127 Lorong 1 Toa Payoh, Singapore 310127
Image credit: @fareastflora via Instagram
Aspiring plant parents, look no further than Far East Flora’s flagship outlet near Caldecott MRT. Indoor, outdoor, flowering and edible plants can all be found here. Pots of herbs are also available here for those looking for homegrown greens to add to their next culinary creation.
Address: 555 Thomson Road, Singapore 298140
Opening hours: 9am-6pm, Daily
Contact: 6254 6662 | Far East Flora website
With the opening of more Thomson-East Coast Line stations, places and activities that were once inaccessible are now less than 10 minutes’ walk away. You can hop off the train for some authentic Italian food, and stroll around the park after eating to help digest your meal.
For more things to do in Singapore, check out:
Cover image adapted from: Eatbook & @picsque_andychong via Instagram
Original article published on 8th September 2021 by Kezia Tan. Last updated by Dewi Nurjuwita on 20th February 2024.
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