With the new Thomson - East Coast MRT line, we are now even more connected with each other and we can easily get to places around Singapore. I bet there still many things you have yet to explore in Singapore despite staying here all your life. So here are some of things you can do that are located near the TEL3 MRT stations.
1. Marina One - 2 Minutes From Marina Bay MRT
[Image credits : @_imanrizqi_]
The park at Marina One may make you reconsider finding solace in the concrete jungle that is the CBD. With over 386 different plant species, curtain waterfalls, and overhanging walkways, the skyscraper valley is lush. A green heart-shaped forest beats at the centre of this stunning building's 34 storeys of offices, shops, and residences, giving it the moniker Green Heart.
[Image credits : @the_beautyoftheearth]
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There is also plenty of Wi-Fi available here, as well as places to sit and speak with friends. When you're craving caffeine, stop by Cafe Milligram for Arabica roasted coffee starting at $3.60. Pair your cup of tea with some home-baked treats from The Social Space; the Cinnamon Bread Pudding ($4) is said to be delicious.
Address: 7 Straits View, Singapore 018936
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday 10:00am – 9:00pm
Contact Info: Marina One Website
2. Giok Hong Tian Temple - 1 Minute From Havelock MRT
[Image credits : @wendyklm]
[Image credits : @li0nheart07]
There is a lavish, crimson-red temple right at the end of Havelock Road that contrasts somewhat with the other high-rise structures. The temple is an enduring symbol of Singapore's spiritual history with its flying fish dragon statues and poetry-written walls. The Jade Emperor may be seen inside but photographing and unmasking are prohibited.
Address: 495 Havelock Road, Singapore 169635
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 7:00am – 2:00pm | Sunday 7:00am – 1:30pm
Contact Info: 6733 5727
3. Malcolm Park - 2 Minutes From Stevens MRT
[Image credits : @myleencs13]
Although Jurong Bird Park will be closed till next year, there are other places where you can still see our feathered friends. The Hornbill and Crested Serpent Eagle are just two examples of the unique birds that frequent Malcolm Park and are all free-flying.
[Image credits : @myleencs13]
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For bird viewing, all you actually need is a pair of binoculars, some sunscreen, and lots of patience. Set out a picnic mat on the soft, grassy slopes while you're there and take in a peaceful lunch with a view.
Address: 247 Whitley Road, Singapore 297830
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday 24 Hours
4. NUS Baba House - 9 Minutes From Outram Park MRT
[Image credits : @singadayday]
You may have noticed a random blue shophouse located along Neil Road, it is the NUS Baba House. This Peranakan shophouse is from the early 20th century that is accessible to the public. The heritage home was eventually purchased by NUS, who turned it into a current, livable piece of history.
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You may get a close-up look at the countless Peranakan artefacts and heirlooms shown within, as well as inside life for a Straits Chinese family in the 1920s. Singaporeans, Permanent Residents, and students are entitled to free guided tours, however you must make an appointment in advance.
Address: 157 Neil Road, Singapore 088883
Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday 10:00am - 11:00am | Saturday 1:00pm - 4:30pm | Closed on Mondays & Sundays
Contact: 6227 5731 | NUS Baba House website
5. Singapore Botanic Gardens
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It is easy to overlook the two museums that are located inside of Singapore Botanical Gardens as we are busy looking at flora and fauna. While you are taking a stroll through the garden, you will definitely spot the famous Orchid Garden of Singapore.
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[Image credits : @kayla.le_95]
The 2 museums located inside of Singapore Botanical Gardens are CDL Green Gallery and SBG Heritage Gallery. THE CDL Green Gallery has attractive plant-covered walls that also serve as energy-saving elements, as well as eco-related displays that rotate every six months. While the SBG Heritage Gallery showcases a collection of audio recordings, garden artefacts and rare botanical literature to educate you on the park’s history.
Singapore Botanical Gardens
Admission: Free
Address: 1 Cluny Road, Singapore 259569
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday 5:00am - 12:00am
CDL Green Gallery
Admission: Free
Address: 1 Cluny Road, Singapore 259569
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 9:00am - 6:00pm
Contact: CDL Green Gallery website
SBG Heritage Gallery
Admission: Free
Address: 1 Cluny Road, Singapore 259569
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 9:00am - 6:00pm
Contact: SBG Heritage Gallery website
6. Chinese tea culture in the CBD
SILK Tea Bar
[Image credits : @silk.teabar]
Tea Chapter
[Image credits : @tea.chapter]
There are a number of tea houses near Maxwell, where you may connect with your Asian side and master the graceful art of Chinese tea appreciation. For an intensive traditional experience, go over to Tea Chapter ($9/pax), while for a more laid-back and contemporary experience, head over to SILK Tea Bar ($10/pax).
Amoy Street Food Centre
[Image credits : @augustinelohsh]
While you're there, try to find the intriguing paintings that are located between Thian Hock Keng Temple and Amoy Food Street Center. In honour of their old school grounds, which had its modest beginnings there a century ago, Anglo Chinese School students hand-painted these murals near the food centre.
Tea Chapter
Address: 9 Neil Road, Singapore 088808
Opening Hours: Sunday to Thursday 11:00am - 9:00pm | Friday & Saturday 11:00am - 10:30pm
Contact Info: 6226 1175
SILK Tea Bar
Address: 26A Sago Street, Singapore 059021
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 9:30am - 9:00pm | Closed on Mondays
Contact Info: 6733 5727
7. Miniature Merlion in town
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Do you know that there are 6 other merlions located around CBD area, excluding the one at Fullerton Bay? One of the merlion is located at Singapore Tourism Board’s Taxi Stand which is within a 2 minute walk from Orchard Boulevard MRT.
[Image credits : @4shikatsu]
After seeking out for the hidden merlions around town, you can head into Singapore Tourism Board to learn more about Singapore's tourist history. You can even take pictures with some of the interactive and kid-friendly exhibits.
Singapore Tourism Board
Admission: Free
Address: 1 Orchard Spring Lane, Singapore 247729
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 9:00am – 6:00pm | Closed on Saturdays & Sundays
Contact Info: 6736 6622 | Singapore Tourism Board website