Home » A Day Out: 13 Places On The Outskirts Of Orchard Road That Prove It’s Just As Happening
A Day Out: 13 Places On The Outskirts Of Orchard Road That Prove It’s Just As Happening
15 April 2019
With easy access to the city and some of real treasures for food, culture, shopping, nature and leisure, it’s no wonder more and more expats are calling the history-rich, North Central region, comprising Toa Payoh, Thomson, Braddell and Bishan, home.
Discover Singapore’s public housing story through cool multi-sensory exhibits from the ’60s, and get a sneak peek of future public housing developments.
It’s no grim affair at Grin affairs – natural and real ingredients you’d have in your own kitchen go into making simple yet satisfying desserts. The best part about their cakes in glass jars: get yourself a second serving to take home if your first wasn’t enough!
Grin Affair, #01-408 Blk 505d, Bishan St 11 574505
NEXT: Toa Payoh Heritage Trail →
3. Toa Payoh Heritage Trail
Explore nine interesting heritage spots in the estate. Our fave? The iconic Dragon Playground, designed in the ’70s. Your kids will get a tremendous kick out of venturing inside its colourful spine and sliding down the terrazzo tiles.
Dig into crabby delights and other seafood offerings at this popular Chinese restaurant. The Claypot Crab Vermicelli Soup, served in a thick, milky and savoury broth, will lure you back. Or, the classic Chilli Crab never disappoints.
Melben Seafood, #01-11/15, 211 Lorong 8 Toa Payoh 310211
NEXT: Macritchie Reservoir →
5. Macritchie Reservoir
With hiking trails, a canoe shed and pontoons aplenty for kayakers, it’s no wonder this lush 12-hectare green space is a must-visit for land and water recreational activities. Nature lovers will also enjoy exploring the native biodiversity along the designated trails.
We know what you’re thinking – um, visit a cemetery? Yes! Take a self-guided walking tour around this historic Chinese cemetery. Keep an eye out for the uniquely intricate sculptures said to guard the tombs there.
Check out this ice cream parlour’s unique flavours like Stout and Chocolate, Camomile Honey and Espresso and Caramel Biscuit. Oh, don’t forget to try their Chocolate Sorbet – it’s not only vegan, but also dairy-free. Perfect on a hot Singapore day!
This local book publisher encourages you to hold Singapore in your hands in the form of novels, short stories, plays, graphic novels, chapter books, picture books and poetry. Keep an eye out for its pop-up stores to get books at a great bargain.
Set within lush greenery of Bishan Park, this spa administers a range of services in contemporary treatment rooms. Pamper yourself with a milk manicure and exfoliating scrub, a slimming treatment or facial. Plus, Aramsa offers face treatments and body massages for kids from age 4 to 14.
Find out more about the Islamic civilisation via exhibits and artefacts at this learning centre cum museum at An-Nahdhah Mosque. It facilitates inter-faith dialogues through talks and activities to promote better understanding and engagement between all faith communities in Singapore.
Not only is this the oldest Buddhist monastery in Singapore, it’s also the only one to be gazetted as a National Monument. Built in the 1900s, its historical and architectural values are evident in the beautiful nine-metre-tall gates, pagoda, pond and various halls.
Green spaces soothe your soul, as does yoga. And yoga in green spaces? Sign us up – at Yoga Seeds, we mean. Whether new to yoga or sworn yogi, classes from Yoga Bsics to Heart Flow and more give you clarity and calm.
Yoga Seeds, Bishan Park 2, 1382 Ang Mo Kio Ave 1 569931
NEXT: Les Patisseries →
13. Les Patisseries
We hope you’re Team Waffles (after all, they’re pancakes with abs), as this French patisserie does a seriously indulgent one, crisp on the outside and exceptionally fragrant on the inside. Plus, all their pastries and confectioneries are freshly baked daily in-house!
