Stashed away from the rest of the world, The Grandstand at Turf Club Road seems simultaneously isolated and vibrant in the depths of Bukit Timah – a precinct many consider to be an atas neighbourhood. It can be out of the way for the average joe, especially when public transport options are limited.
But beneath its notorious ulu-ness lies a hideout that’s often overlooked. The Grandstand at Turf Club Road is home to a plethora of shops and activities. Whether you’re a shopaholic or someone who likes to rough and tumble, you definitely won’t be bored here. So put on your comfiest walking shoes and get ready to explore.
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If being Lightning McQueen was your childhood dream, this is for you. The Karting Arena is Singapore’s very first permanent electric karting track where you can go up to speeds of 30km/h, or 50km/h if you’re a licensed driver. Channel your inner Lewis Hamilton and go pelting down the track in an intense 8-minute race to clock in the fastest timing.
Kick-start your karting journey with the Grand Prix package ($105) that includes a 4-minute practice round, a 6-minute qualifying session, and a thrilling 6-lap race. Then, once you’re comfy behind the wheel, go for the more gruelling Ironman ($800 for 4 karts), where you’ll have to clock as many laps as possible during your session.
Before you can hit the track, you’ll need to obtain a $5 Yearly Race License. Also, note that bookings for The Karting Arena at Turf Club will end on 30th July 2023. Their last day of operations will be on 13th August 2023.
Those searching for an outlet to release pent-up frustrations or seeking an alternative way to work out their arms can hop over to Axe Factor. It’s probably the only place in Singapore where you can freely throw an axe without fear of hitting somebody.
If you’re concerned about handling the weapon or have difficulties aiming accurately, there are coaches present to guide you and provide valuable tips on axe-throwing techniques. There’s also a refreshment corner for you to refuel on snacks and canned drinks whenever you need to take a breather.
Prices start from $30/pax for a 1-hour session. But trust me, that time is more than sufficient to give your arms a satisfying workout.
Nightowls in search of a new hangout spot with their pals can check out On1 Sports Bistro. It’s open till the wee hours of 3am, so you can have a few games of pool, snooker, and even darts.
There’s no need to worry about sudden hunger pangs disrupting your fun-filled night. On1 Sports Bistro serves food on-site, saving you the hassle of scouring the city for 24-hour restaurants. From mains like chicken chop ($8.50) to finger foods such as seaweed chicken (from $6), their menu will satisfy your late-night cravings.
For those planning to spend quality time with friends to catch up for hours on end, consider the 3-hour buffet package starting at $28. With unlimited games of pool or snooker at your disposal and free-flow food and drinks, you can munch and play to your heart’s content.
Address: 200 Turf Club Road, #03-08/09, Singapore 287994
Opening hours: 11am-3am, Daily
Contact: 9696 2499 | On1 Sports Bistro website
Image credit: @airdrozbikeskillacademy via Instagram
Avid cyclists seeking a thrilling and challenging experience beyond long-distance cycling routes can have a go in pump track riding at Airdroz. You’ll navigate through a series of carefully crafted humps and bumps, which will challenge your balance, coordination, and bike-handling skills.
Image credit: @airdrozbikeskillacademy via Instagram
Airdroz offers classes tailored to individuals of various skill levels, ensuring that both beginners and seasoned pros can revel in the thrill of pump track riding. Even kids as young as 5 years old can attempt this sport.
Dismayed at the lack of quality football pitches in Singapore, 2 ex-professional football players, combined their forces to launch The Premier Pitch. With both indoor and outdoor pitches, you can play in any weather.
You’ll have to book a pitch in advance if you want to head down with your mates for a ballgame. At $60/hour during off-peak hours (7am-7pm) for an indoor 5-a-side pitch, it’s a pretty sweet deal.
Challenge your wits and strategic thinking abilities with a paintball shoot out at Red Dynasty Paintball Park. It doesn’t matter if this is your first run – there are coaches who’ll be able to walk you through how best to take down your target.
Gather a group of up to 4 to join you in the action ($350 for 2,500 paintballs). But if you prefer to ride solo, single players can walk in on Sunday mornings to meet like-minded players for a game (500 paintballs for $60).
Address: 220 Turf Club Road, Singapore 288001
Opening hours: 9am-7pm*
Contact: 6755 7537 | Red Dynasty Paintball Park website
*Reservations required in advance; walk-ins available on Sundays.
Horsecity is a testament to Turf Club Road’s horse-racing past, complete with stables, horses, and even a riding school. For kids, there are pony rides ($10) and even opportunities to feed the horses ($2).
As for everyone else, Horsecity has lessons that cater to riders of all levels and abilities, and are even suitable for children as young as 3 years old. Lessons start at $45/session for 3-year-olds and there are discounted packages available if you book 5 or 10 classes together.
Even if you’re not one to ride on horses, at least pop by to see the IG-worthy row of stables that have been painted in eye-catching, vivid colours. No doubt about it – these will make for a colourful backdrop to give your #OOTDs extra oomph.
One man’s trash is another man’s treasure – this couldn’t be more true here at this stretch of road nicknamed Antique Row where you’ll find Junkie’s Corner. The antique store sells a mishmash of statues, discarded furniture, and even vintage cameras. It’ll take some sifting through, but the hard work might pay off in a valuable collectible.
Address: 2 Turf Club Road, Singapore 287988
Opening hours: 10am-5pm, Daily
Contact: 9791 2607
Pasarbella is the place to go to feel like you’re overseas for a day. Emulating the traditional English or Australian Farmer’s Market, it’s home to all sorts of retailers, peddling everything from delicious steaks to adorable patterned cutlery, from party supplies to minimalist furniture.
With its quirky design and an impressive array of food and imported groceries, it’s possibly Turf Club Road’s most colourful attraction yet.
Once you enter Pasarbella, you’ll be greeted by an inviting display of fresh seafood flown in from international sources like the famous Tsukiji fish market in Japan. Here, you can savour quality seafood cooked in whichever style you please without breaking the bank.
As you navigate the place, your senses will be assaulted by the vibrant colours and aromas of hot, tantalising pans of pizza and paella. Take your time to explore the place – you don’t know what it’s like to be spoilt for choice until you try to dine here.
The Providore is the ultimate hipster supermarket. Their cafe is located just next to Pasarbella, and the grocery store is a sight to behold, selling organic fruit and vegetables, artisanal spirits and boutique wines, teas, coffee, chocolates, jams and even mason jars tinted in various colours. Everything is so beautifully packaged, they’d make great gifts for friends.
Image credit: The Providore
Food aside, Pasarbella is home to many other retailers. Pick up some adorable mugs and cupcake-shaped bath bombs at Shabby Chic, or stop by The Singapore Trading Post to check out their whimsical collection of antique furniture.
Pet owners, this one’s for you. Sunny Heights is a series of brightly-coloured buildings providing grooming and boarding services for pets.
Their swimming pool is open to the public in the afternoon, so you can bring your canine companion for some splashy fun. If you’re more of a feline person, there’s a cat cafe nearby too!
At Sunny Heights, you can dine with your pets at Ah B Cafe or Pawlicious. The former serves up Western fare like burgers and pork collars, while Pawlicious dishes out doggy treats like pastas and cupcakes. Ah B is closed on Mondays, whereas Pawlicious is closed on Wednesdays.
If you’re craving a quiet retreat away from the noise and the bustle of the city, Rider’s Lodge is perfect for a peaceful getaway. Leave your laptops and tablets at home and prepare to immerse in an oasis of lush greenery.
Boasting 40 colonial-style rooms with rodeo-inspired decor, it’s situated right in the middle of HorseCity. Unlike staycations in town where all you do is shop and eat, get in touch with nature by taking a horse-riding lesson, or relish a quiet stroll to bask in the countryside. The lodge also offers babysitting services, so Mom and Dad can have some time to unwind.
Rooms at Rider’s Lodge start at $225 for a deluxe twin bedder, including the price of breakfast. They’ve got a bistro and restaurants on-site, but if you want to widen your dining options, you’ve got the whole of Turf Club Road at your disposal.
There’s so much to do and explore at Turf Club Road, so why not head down for a day of adventure? With the festive season looming in the horizon, The Grandstand makes the perfect one-stop destination to do your Christmas gift shopping, feast with your family, or catch up with your friends over a game of paintball or karting.
Note: The following promotion has ended and is currently unavailable.
If you’re heading down to The Grandstand between 16th November 2015 – 5th January 2016, spend $50 and stand a chance to clinch the top prize – a 3D2N holiday package for 4 and cash vouchers. I don’t know about you but with all the long weekends in 2016, I could surely use that.
If you spend $80 at The Grandstand or $150 at Giant, don’t toss your receipts into the trash just yet for you can use them to redeem this adorable 3-in-1 lunchbox for free:
Head down for a day of fun, feasting and good vibes as Christmas draws nearer.
Contrary to popular belief, Turf Club Road isn’t that inaccessible. While it is nestled in a rather far-flung part of Bukit Timah, getting there is a breeze.
Free shuttle bus services operate from Botanic Gardens, Tan Kah Kee, and Sixth Avenue MRT stations, with additional stops at The Tessarina and Aft Swiss Club Rd bus stop.
But if you suay suay miss the shuttle bus and don’t want to wait for the next one, you can reach The Grandstand via a 10-minute walk from Sixth Avenue MRT Exit B.
Myth debunked: you don’t need to have a car to explore Turf Club Road. But if you are driving, they have over 3,800 free carpark lots available so you’ll definitely find parking.
Check out more places to visit in Singapore:
Cover image adapted from: @airdrozbikeskillacademy via Instagram
This post is brought to you by The Grandstand.
Originally published on 20th November 2015. Last updated by Pat Yuan Teng on 8th July 2023.
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