Top 5 Must-Try Activities at Toa Payoh, Singapore
Known as one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Singapore, Toa Payoh is a vibrant town with a multitude of traditional and modern spots. If you’re a foodie, you’ll be amazed by several old-school restaurants and trendy cafes found here.
To help you plan your visit, we listed some must-try activities at Toa Payoh. Ready for a day filled with adventures? Let’s go!
Take a Stroll at Various Parks
If you want to begin your day in a calm atmosphere, you can head over to the Toa Payoh Town Park. This place showcases a striking stone bridge, rustic gazebos, and an observation tower.
You can also enjoy a casual stroll here, as well as running and biking. From time to time, there are Tai Chi sessions at the park’s large pavilion too.
Another great place to visit is the interactive Toa Payoh Sensory Park. This one is a local favourite due to multisensory structures displayed throughout the park—from stainless steel dishes to metallic pipes.
Checkout Fun Playgrounds for Kids
At Toa Payoh, there are two distinctive Dragon Playgrounds perfect for kids of all ages. Found within the town’s estate, these playgrounds are known for their iconic design featuring a dragon head with terrazzo and tiles.
In fact, the playground located at Block 28 Toa Payoh Lorong 6 has a sand pit and is considered one of a kind. Due to its unique structure, it was recognised as one of the world’s most amazing playgrounds in 2012.
Additionally, you can check the Kidz Amaze at SAFRA Toa Payoh too. This is an indoor playground that allows kids to figure out puzzles, enjoy themed zones, and more.
Visit the Historical Lian Shang Shuang Lin Monastery
The Lian Shang Shuang Lin Monastery is a sacred Buddhist temple that testifies the presence of Mahayana Buddhism in the country. Notably, it’s also a national monument.
It’s hard not to notice the astounding architecture of this place, as well as the famous seven-story Dragon light pagoda found in the area. There’s also a quaint wishing well on your way out here.
As a general rule, it’s advisable to wear appropriate clothing while you visit the monastery. It’s best to opt for a smart casual look without showing an excessive amount of skin.
Location: 184 Jalan Toa Payoh, Singapore 319944
Indulge in Delectable Dishes at Local Restaurants
You can find tons of local restaurants here at Toa Payoh. But if you want to experience the most authentic dishes, go straight to Toa Payoh Lorong 8 Market and Food Centre.
With affordable prices ranging from $2 to $10, this hawker centre offers delicious food without breaking your wallet. So if you’re on a budget, this is the place for you!
You can also check some of the local restaurants below:
- Al Ameerah
- Nagara Thai
- Lik Ming Laksa
- Oasis Taiwan Porridge
- Toa Payoh Lucky Pisang Raja
- Chef Kang’s Noodle House & Prawn Noodle House
If you’re craving sweets, you can visit Happiness Nyonya Cakes and Confectionary to taste their popular Kueh or savoury glutinous rice. You can drop by Nelly’s Retro Snacks as well for some old-school biscuits.
Stop by Toa Payoh’s Iconic Developments
There are two iconic developments at Toa Payoh such as the “Y” Block 53 and the MRT Station (NS19). Both of them have earned recognition from several local and foreign dignitaries for good reasons.
Block 53 is considered to be the only HDB flat in Singapore that features a distinctive Y-shape and a rooftop viewing gallery. Due to its design and structure, this 19-storey building was even visited by Queen Elizabeth II in 1972.
Deemed as one of Singapore’s earliest MRT stations, Toa Payoh’s MRT was the first among other five stations along the North-South line finished in 1985. Fun fact: it is the first MRT station in the country to open for passengers.