A Guide to the Underrated Tzu Chi Humanistic Youth Centre
If your ideal day off includes lounging comfortably, enjoying great food, or participating in a yoga class, then you should check out the Tzu Chi Humanistic Youth Centre, a community center in Yishun.
What makes this community center interesting is the fact that it’s run by young people who are passionate about serving others. It’s also a very underrated center—even some locals don’t know about it—so you can enjoy a relatively peaceful time here.
This article lays out the best things to do at Tzu Chi Humanistic Youth Centre, the best places to eat, and more!
Things to Know
Address: 30A Yishun Central 1, Singapore 768796
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—10 am to 10 pm
Contact Number: +6562354901
History and Background
When the Tzu Chi Foundation was first established in Singapore in 1993, their primary focus was to relieve poverty. Their scope has broadened, which now includes the areas of medicine, education, humanistic culture, and environmental protection.
After 20 years of its establishment, the foundation decided to team up with like-minded partners to build and operate the Tzu Chi Humanistic Youth Centre (HYC). The center’s main goal is to instill humanistic values in young people.
Aside from that, the center is also meant to act as an international area for all kinds of events. This can range from simple courses and conferences to massive camps and youth summits.
How to Get There
Car: Driving is the best way to get to Tzu Chi Humanistic Youth Centre. You can park your car in the parking lot of Nee Soon Sports Center, which is right next to Tzu Chi.
MRT: If you prefer riding the MRT, the nearest station is the Yishun station. From there, it’s a short walk to the youth center.
Bus: Another mode of public transportation you can take to the youth center is the bus. Ride the bus services 806, 812, or 969, and disembark at Yishun Ctrl – Blk 322 (59359), which is a few minutes away from the youth center.
Best Time to Visit
You can visit the Tzu Chi Humanistic Youth Centre anytime you want. That said, I recommend coming here during the day; if you can, try to come here as soon as the center opens.
This is so that you can pick your desired seat in any of the center’s venues or enjoy a few moments of peace to yourself before other visitors come in.
Plus, most of the businesses within the center are open in the morning and afternoon, so you can easily access them.
What to Do
Work out at The Fitness Protocol
Are you on a weight loss journey? Or are you just looking for ways to remain physically active?
If your answer is yes to either question, you might want to book a session at The Fitness Protocol.
The Fitness Protocol is an indoor training group that focuses on functional fitness, resistance training, and high-intensity interval training. The workouts here are based on your body weight, and they use tools like ropes, sandbags, kettlebells, and more.
I’ve heard nothing but praises for The Fitness Protocol; I’ve had friends who vouch for the insane results they got after joining the group. So, if you ever want to get your ideal body shape, this is your sign to sign up for The Fitness Protocol!
Join a Pilates or yoga class at Bhumi Lifestyle
Location: 01-05/06
Contact Number: +6596667960
If lifting weights sounds too extreme for you, you might prefer getting into Pilates or yoga instead. If so, then Bhumi Lifestyle is for you.
Bhumi Lifestyle is a boutique studio that offers a wide range of wellness services. Pilates and yoga are the most popular services here, and you can join group classes for either; it’s also possible to book a private, 1-to-1 session if that’s what you prefer.
Aside from Pilates and yoga, you can also avail of their myofascial release service, which is an alternative medicine therapy that improves blood and lymphatic circulation, releases muscle tension, and more.
Take a look at the Glow On Gallery
The Glow On Gallery has one main highlight: a sizeable Earth-like sphere that lights up. It may seem like a simple structure, but it has an interesting background.
This exhibition explores the theme of sustainability in the areas of environment, society, and economy. It also pays tribute to the gallery’s venue, which is near the swamp forest where a new species of fireflies was discovered.
This is why the exhibition glows (in honor of the fireflies) and why the displays and furniture are carefully curated secondhand objects (to promote sustainability). The gallery also doesn’t have air conditioning to help reduce energy consumption.
Aside from the glowing Earth exhibit, this gallery also features eco-friendly artwork pieces and interactive exhibits. Hopefully, visitors will feel inspired to take concrete actions to save our environment.
Buy something from the Zero Market
When: Every first and third Saturday and Sunday of the month, 9 am to 2 pm
Is it time for you to shop for groceries? Why not check out the youth center’s Zero Market?
Zero Market is the center’s lifestyle market that happens every first and third weekend of the month. This market predominantly offers fresh produce, but there are also other goods, such as local crafts and house plants.
Since this market is all about sustainability, sellers try to avoid as much plastic as possible. For that reason, you’re encouraged to bring your own bag if you want to shop here.
Catch an event
Sometimes, the youth center hosts events, such as talks and concerts. So, if there’s an event during your visit, don’t be afraid to join!
From my experience, I’ve attended conferences and storytelling competitions. In addition to these, there’s also an annual celebration for the center’s anniversary; this event usually has live music performances, interactive workshops, and more.
Every year ushers in a unique set of events. If you want to see what’s available for this month and the next, check out the What’s On page on the center’s website.
Host an event or celebration
Instead of attending an event, you can host your own in the youth center. Whether it’s a birthday party or a corporate event, you’ll definitely find a venue that works best for you.
Here are the different venues available in the youth center:
If you’re interested in booking any of the venues mentioned—or if you have more questions to ask—send an email to the center. Their email address is [email protected].
Where to Eat
Real Food Yishun
Location: 01-09
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—10 am to 9 pm
- Saturday and Sunday—9:30 am to 9 pm
Pricing: $$
Contact Number: +6594562370
If you’re looking for a vegetarian restaurant, then you’re in luck because there’s an option at the Tzu Chi Humanistic Youth Centre: Real Food Yishun.
Real Food Yishun offers Western-style dishes, such as burgers and pasta, but you can also find Asian noodle bowls and rice dishes. There are also vegan cakes if you want to end your meal with a sweet treat.
What I like about this cafe, aside from the delicious food, is that the menu clearly labels the vegan and allium-free meals. Additionally, the menu features a clear nutrition information of each dish, so you can rest assured that you’re eating healthy.
Slow Bakes
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—7 am to 2 pm
Pricing: $
Right next to Real Food Yishun is Slow Bakes, which is the perfect dining spot for pastry lovers.
As the name suggests, Slow Bakes sells handmade baked goods. There’s a great variety sold here, but if you’re feeling overwhelmed with your options, I recommend choosing the Big Breakfast Set, which includes four toasts, eggs, and two drinks.
If you prefer something sweet, you can’t go wrong with the cinnamon roll or the matcha mochi.
Jing Si Books and Cafe
— From: sgtealover
Location: 01-07
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—11:30 am to 7 pm
- Saturday—10 am to 7 pm
- Sunday—10 am to 6 pm
Pricing: $
Contact Number: +6588664985
Transport yourself to Taiwan when visiting Jing Si Books and Cafe. This cafe is decorated with potted plants and faces the idyllic Yishun Pond; these features create a serene atmosphere, which is why this cafe is perfect for students and remote workers.
There are also books and notebooks sold here, so feel free to browse when you have the chance.
Keep in mind that this teahouse only offers tea, so don’t come here if you’re extremely hungry. As for the tea, I recommend trying the unique flavor options, such as the Chinese Yam and Job’s Tear and Multi-Grain Drink.