Everything You Need to Know about Tanglin in Singapore
Located at the heart of Singapore’s Central Region, Tanglin is a well-sought-after neighborhood. This hilly region is home to iconic landmarks like the Singapore Botanic Gardens, shopping centers like Orchard Towers, and the luxurious stretch of landed properties on Nassim Road.
Truly, there’s always something to look forward to when visiting Tanglin—even for a local like me. If you’re new to the neighborhood, here’s a guide that includes everything you need to know, from the best activities to the best places to stay.
Where is Tanglin?
Tanglin is part of the Central Region of Singapore. It’s located north of Bukit Merah, east of Bukit Timah, west of Newton, Orchard, and River Valley, and south of Novena.
What is the main street in Tanglin?
The main street of Tanglin is Tanglin Road, which is where most of the area’s hottest restaurants and shops are situated. This road also connects to other major areas, including Orchard Road, Bukit Merah, and Queenstown.
Other important roads in Tanglin are Napier Road and Holland Road, both of which also connect to Orchard Road.
How to Get to Tanglin
MRT: Getting to Tanglin is easy and convenient because it’s well-served by the MRT. The Circle, Downtown, and Thomson–East Coast lines all pass by this area, and there are several MRT stations, the most prominent being the Botanic Gardens and Farrer Road stations.
What to Do and See in Tanglin
Get lost in the Singapore Botanic Gardens
– From: meowdefilm
Address: 1 Cluny Rd
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—5 am to 12 am
Contact Number: +6564717138
The Singapore Botanic Gardens has to be Tanglin’s crown jewel. Having been around since 1822, this place is more than just a park; it’s also a botanical research institute. Because of this, the Gardens is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This public park has a sprawling 82 hectares of land, with various themed gardens within. My favorite attraction here is the National Orchid Garden, which is home to over 1,000 species and 2,000 hybrids on display. I’m always in awe looking at all the colors!
The orchidarium also mimics the environment of a tropical montane forest, so whenever I roam around the place, I always forget I’m actually in a city and not a remote forest somewhere.
Play around at the Museum of Ice Cream
– From: museumoficecreamsg
Address: 100 Loewen Rd
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday—10 am to 6 pm
- Thursday and Friday—10 am to 9 pm
- Saturday and Sunday—10 am to 7 pm
Originating in the United States, the Museum of Ice Cream is unlike any museum you’ve ever encountered before. In a way, it’s more like a colorful playground for adults, and for me, the experience is always so much fun!
The first thing you’ll notice is that this attraction is screaming in all shades of pink, and every room has various ice cream-themed decorations. There’s even a room with a pool of sprinkles! It also has a diving board and a slide, as if you’re in a real pool.
My favorite room, though, is the Inflatable, which is essentially a vibrantly pink bouncy castle. Jumping inside this bouncy castle always makes me feel like a little kid again.
Hike to Kay Siang Bunkers
– From: aventura.cite
Location: Along Kay Siang Road
If hiking is your favorite activity, then one destination you might want to check out is Kay Siang Bunkers. This historical landmark is tucked away in a remote spot, so getting there is quite the adventure.
The hike is a relatively short one, but the route can still be tricky to navigate, especially when it has just rained. So, I recommend wearing hiking shoes with a strong grip to combat the slippery terrain.
Once you’ve reached your destination, marvel at the sight of the abandoned bunkers. One of the bunkers is completely overtaken by vines and roots, making it look eerily beautiful.
Learn gardening at Open Farm Community
– From: openfarmcommunity
Address: 130E Minden Rd
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—12 pm to 3 pm, 6 pm to 11 pm
- Saturday and Sunday—11 am to 3:30 pm, 6 pm to 11 pm
Contact Number: +6564710306
For gardening enthusiasts, Open Farm Community is a must-visit. This urban farm is all about showcasing local and regional produce, and seeing the volunteers lovingly work on the farm makes you appreciate our food even more.
The best part of this farm is that it also has its own restaurant with dishes that are made using locally produced ingredients. I love coming here for brunch, and my go-to order is the OFC Super Breakfast, which is loaded with lamb sausages, applewood bacon, and eggs. I always feel full and satisfied afterward!
Where to Eat in Tanglin
Nassim Hill Bakery Bistro Bar
– From: nassimhillbakery
Address: 56 Tanglin Rd, #01-03 Singapore Post
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday—8 am to 10 pm
Contact Number: +6590996405
Pricing: $$
Nassim Hill Bakery Bistro Bar is oozing with simple and chill vibes. It’s a great spot for breakfast and brunch!
My favorite meal to get here is the buttermilk fried chicken and pancakes. The pancakes are so light and fluffy, while the fried chicken is golden and crispy. The chicken is also smothered with honey mustard, so every bite is sharp and sweet.
Tentsuru
– From: tentsurusg
Address: 29 Tanglin Rd, Floor 2 The St. Regis Singapore
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday—12 pm to 2:30 pm, 6 pm to 10:30 pm
Contact Number: +6581133612
Pricing: $$$
At Tentsuru, you can enjoy authentic Japanese flavors without having to get on a flight. This restaurant uses fresh, premium ingredients that are air-flown from Japan itself!
This spot practices omakase, which means the dishes served to you are up to the chefs. The highlight for me is always the tempura. The batter is perfectly fried, and the meat inside—usually wild tiger prawn, but it can also be scallops or king crab—is delicately sweet.
Blu Kouzina Dempsey
– From: bluekouzina
Address: 10 Dempsey Rd, #01-20 Dempsey Hill
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11:30 am to 2:30 pm, 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm
Contact Number: +6597108303
Pricing: $$$
If you’re looking for a brunch spot in Dempsey Hill, then Blu Kouzina should be on your itinerary. This restaurant specializes in Mediterranean fare, so dining here feels like taking a trip all the way to Greece and its neighboring countries.
I wholeheartedly recommend paidakia, which is a dish with grilled lamb chops, vegetables, and roasted potatoes. The lamb chops are tender and savory, with a hint of smokiness, and they taste so good paired with the vegetables. It’s such a hearty meal!
Al Borgo Italian Restaurant
– From: alborgosg
Address: 383 Bukit Timah Rd, #01-02 Alocassia Apartments
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11:30 am to 2:30 pm, 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm
Contact Number: +6597721680
Pricing: $$
If you prefer Italian cuisine, then you’ll love Al Borgo Italian Restaurant. This Italian restaurant makes their own pasta in-house, and the atmosphere is warm and cozy.
I’m a pasta enthusiast, so I always order one here. My favorite is the penne con formaggi e salsiccia because I love how cheesy and savory it is. It also has a nice kick of spice because of the sausages.
Atout
– From: atout_restaurant
Address: 40C Harding Rd
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday—12 pm to 9 pm
- Friday and Saturday—12 pm to 9:30 pm
Contact Number: +6587994567
Pricing: $$$
Atout is a French restaurant that has an elegant rustic appeal. It’s one of my favorite places to go for a romantic date!
The menu here is prix fixe, which means you’ll pay a set price for a multi-course meal. I usually start my meal with a creamy butternut squash soup, then followed by lamb spare ribs that are so tender they melt in my mouth.
Kam Boat Teochew Restaurant
– From: kamboatrestaurant
Address: 1 Tanglin Rd, #01-13 Orchard Rendezvous Hotel
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—11:30 am to 2:30 pm, 6 pm to 10 pm
- Saturday—11:30 am to 3 pm, 6 pm to 10 pm
- Sunday—10 am to 3 pm, 6 pm to 10 pm
Contact Number: +6567336755
Pricing: $$
Experience the very best of authentic Teochew and Cantonese cuisine with Kam Boat Teochew Restaurant!
I usually come here with friends and family, so we get a set menu. In particular, we love the menu with roasted chicken in Hong Kong style (the meat is so juicy and smoky) and fried scallops with asparagus (I love how mellow their sweetness is).
Burnt Ends
– From: burntends.sg
Address: 7 Dempsey Rd, #01-02
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday and Wednesday—6 pm to 11 pm
- Thursday to Saturday—12 pm to 2:30 pm, 6 pm to 11 pm
Contact Number: +6562243933
Pricing: $$$
If you’re looking to splurge on a fine dining experience, then you need to visit Burnt Ends. This restaurant received a Michelin star in 2018, so you just know that the food and service here are excellent.
Australian barbeque is the specialty here, and the menu is filled with so many options that I always feel overwhelmed. Ultimately, I gravitate toward the grilled king crab. It’s so massive, and I love how the sweetness of the tender meat complements the rich, buttery flavors of the sauce.
P.S. Cafe Harding Road
– From: pscafe
Address: 28B Harding Rd
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday—8 am to 10 pm
- Friday and Saturday—8 am to 10:30 pm
Contact Number: +6567089288
Pricing: $$$
What I like about P.S. Cafe Harding Road is that its menu is filled with my favorite comfort foods. That’s why I love to come here when I just want to relax with a delicious treat or have brunch with my friends.
I usually get the P.S. Big Breakfast because it’s jam-packed with so many good items, including two eggs, smoked bacon, baked beans, sausage or Angus beef, and more. So, I’m always full and satisfied afterward.
Yantra
– From: yantrasg
Address: 163 Tanglin Rd, #01-129 Tanglin Mall
Operating Hours:
- Monday—6:30 pm to 11 pm
- Tuesday to Sunday—12 pm to 3 pm, 6:30 pm to 11 pm
Contact Number: +6568363088
The fancy Indian restaurant—that’s always how I describe Yantra to my friends. The restaurant’s interior is bright and luxurious, and the dishes are always plated like they’re works of art!
Booking the Experience Menu is the best way to dine here. With this menu, you can enjoy several mouthwatering courses. My favorite dish has to be Mapillai Tharavu. The pulled duck is so rich and savory!
Where to Shop in Tanglin
Tanglin Mall
– From: mypreciouzkids
Address: 163 Tanglin Rd
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—10 am to 10 pm
Contact Number: +6567364922
Tanglin Mall is the primary shopping destination in Tanglin. This mall has several levels full of chain and independent stores, services, and a food hall in the basement.
If you were to ask me what my favorite stores are in this mall, we’d be here all day, so to save time, here are a few that I recommend.
The first is Little Farms, which is an organic store selling healthy and ethically produced grocery products from all over the world. I also quite like Badger and Fox because the clothes here always look so cute!
Lifestorey Prestige
– From: lifestoreyprestige
Address: 8D Dempsey Rd, level 2
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11 am to 8 pm
Contact Number: +6562533177
Dempsey Hill has a bunch of amazing shops, and one of my favorites is Lifestorey Prestige, a shop selling furniture with modern design.
I’m thinking about purchasing a sofa from this shop because I love how many of their sofas have built-in beds that you can pull in a pinch. It’s quite convenient, especially when I have guests over.
Timothy Oulton at Curio
– From: timothyoulton
Address: 01-01 Dempsey Rd, BLK 13
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—10:30 am to 6:30 pm
- Saturday and Sunday—10:30 am to 7:30 pm
Contact Number: +6564797619
Another furniture shop that deserves a visit is Timothy Oulton at Curio. This one also specializes in modern design, but the color palettes you’ll get from the items on display are dark, earthy tones, so the vibes are moody yet relaxing.
The bed frames always give me pause whenever I come here. Most of them are not made of wood; they’re made of leather or linen. They’re so luxurious to touch, and you can even customize their appearance to make them your own!
The Honey Colony
– From: thehoneycolony
Address: 131 Tanglin Rd, #02-19 Tudor Court
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Friday—11 am to 7 pm
- Saturday and Sunday—10 am to 7 pm
As the name suggests, The Honey Colony is a shop that specializes in all things honey. In particular, this place sells Manuka honey, which originates in New Zealand and is one of the most popular types of honey because of its antibacterial properties and wound-healing capabilities.
Aside from selling jars of honey, this shop also has honey-themed snacks. I love getting the honey candies. They’re so fun to chew, plus they come in various flavors. My favorite has to be the honey and raspberry one. It’s sweet and fruity!
Where to Stay in Tanglin
Shangri-La Singapore
– From: shangrilasg
Address: 22 Orange Grove Rd
Contact Number: +6567373644
Pricing: $$$
If you want the very best stay in Tanglin, then you might want to splurge by booking a room at the fancy Shangri-La Singapore.
This hotel is nestled within a wide expanse of a lush landscaped garden, so you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a tropical paradise. There are also different types of rooms. For example, if you want your very own personalized butler, then you should book your stay at The Valley Wing.
As for other perks, you have plenty. From elaborate restaurants to the sleek spa—you can access them all!
JEN Singapore Tanglin by Shangri-La
– From: hoteljentanglin
Address: 1A Cuscaden Rd
Contact Number: +6567382222
Pricing: $$
Do you want to stay in Shangri-La but can’t justify the price? Then, JEN Singapore is a worthy alternative. It is, after all, still by Shangri-La, and though it’s not as expensive, the services and amenities are just as noteworthy.
The rooms are bright and stylish, so it’s hard not to feel light and happy here.
Staying at this hotel also gives you access to many facilities, including a gym, swimming pool, and of course, Club Jen at 17. This club is exclusive to guests, and it’s the perfect spot to unwind or work in peace.
Mercure Singapore on Stevens
– From: mercurestevens
Address: 28 Stevens Rd, #01 02 Orchard District
Contact Number: +6564916100
Pricing: $$
Influenced by colonial black and white houses, Mercure Singapore on Stevens is a picture of timeless beauty. But inside your room, you can find modern, state-of-the-art amenities, such as a flat-screen television and unlimited mobile internet access.
You also have access to a wide array of on-site amenities. If you love swimming, then you’ll be delighted to know there’s a lap pool and an infinity pool available. For foodies, the four restaurants inside the hotel will be more than enough to satisfy their cravings.
Novotel Singapore on Stevens
– From: novotelstevens
Address: 28 Stevens Rd, Orchard District
Contact Number: +6564916100
Novotel Singapore on Stevens is a contemporary hotel that’s perfect for families. The rooms are spacious and equipped with all the necessities like high-speed Wi-Fi and web TV, and there are also facilities to keep the children entertained, like a playroom and the pool.
For the parents, you can stop by the on-site restaurant to treat yourself to a handcrafted cocktail or a romantic date with your spouse eating tasty international cuisine. If you two are the sporty type, you might want to challenge each other by playing a round of tennis on the court.
Metropolitan YMCA
– From: ymca.singapore
Address: 60 Stevens Rd
Contact Number: +6568398333
Pricing: $$
Metropolitan YMCA is actually best known as an organization that’s passionate about leading positive community transformation by working with young people. But this association also has a hotel that offers world-class service without the hefty price tag.
The rooms are simple yet still fully equipped with everything you need, such as complimentary Wi-Fi. Guests even have the perk of complimentary parking, which is good news for people who are driving to Tanglin.
As for amenities, there’s a pool, so feel free to take a dip to relax at the end of the day!
Fraser Suites Singapore
– From: fraser_singapore
Address: 491A River Valley Rd
Contact Number: +6567375800
Pricing: $$
Fraser Suites Singapore is conveniently located in Tanglin. Not only is it near Orchard Road, but it’s also just a stone’s throw away from three famed quays, namely Clarke Quay, Boat Quay, and Robertson Quay. This is your chance to go shopping and dining all you want!
Once you’re done with your gallivanting around Tanglin, come back to this hotel and go for a relaxing swim in the pool. Or you can head straight to your hotel room and have an immersive movie-watching experience, thanks to the room’s comprehensive entertainment system.