If you’re looking for a vibrant and exciting neighbourhood to explore in Singapore, look no further than Toa Payoh. Located in the central region of the island, Toa Payoh offers a diverse range of activities for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re interested in exploring cultural and heritage sites, dining at some of the best hawker centres in the city, or simply enjoying the great outdoors, Toa Payoh has something for everyone.
One of the highlights of Toa Payoh is its abundance of parks and green spaces. From the picturesque Toa Payoh Town Park to the serene Lian Shan Shuang Lin Monastery, there are plenty of opportunities to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy some fresh air. If you’re travelling with children, be sure to check out the Toa Payoh Dragon Playground, a colourful and iconic playground that has been entertaining kids for generations.
In addition to its natural beauty, Toa Payoh is also home to a number of cultural and heritage sites. Take a stroll through the neighbourhood and you’ll discover historic landmarks like the Toa Payoh Heritage Trail, which showcases the area’s rich history and heritage. And if you’re looking for some retail therapy, Toa Payoh boasts a number of shopping centres and markets, including the Toa Payoh Hub and the popular Toa Payoh Lorong 8 Market and Hawker Centre.
Key Takeaways
- Toa Payoh offers a diverse range of activities for visitors of all ages, including parks and green spaces, cultural and heritage sites, and shopping and dining options.
- The neighbourhood is home to iconic landmarks like the Toa Payoh Dragon Playground and the Toa Payoh Heritage Trail.
- Toa Payoh is a great destination for families, with plenty of children’s activities and attractions to enjoy.
Parks and Green Spaces
Toa Payoh is home to several lush green parks that offer a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Here are some of the best parks and green spaces to explore in Toa Payoh:
Toa Payoh Town Park
Toa Payoh Town Park is a popular spot for families and nature lovers. The park boasts a large pavilion, landscaped pond, and rustic-looking gazebos. There are also open-concept restrooms and plenty of amenities for visitors to enjoy. The Dragon Playground, a well-known landmark in Toa Payoh, is located within the park. It’s a great place for kids to play and for adults to take photos.
Zhongshan Park
Zhongshan Park is a beautiful park that spans over 12 hectares. It features a large lake, lush greenery, and several walking and cycling paths. The park is also home to a HDB communal garden where visitors can learn about sustainable gardening practices. There are plenty of benches and picnic tables scattered throughout the park, making it a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery.
Choa Chu Kang Park
Although not located in Toa Payoh, Choa Chu Kang Park is worth a visit if you’re a nature lover. The park spans over 11 hectares and features a large pond, several walking trails, and plenty of lush greenery. There are also several amenities for visitors to enjoy, including a playground, fitness corner, and picnic areas.
Woodleigh Park
Woodleigh Park is a small park located in Toa Payoh. It features a landscaped pond, several walking paths, and plenty of benches for visitors to relax on. The park is surrounded by lush greenery and is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
Cultural and Heritage Sites
Toa Payoh is a town that is rich in cultural and heritage sites. In this section, we will explore some of the most notable ones.
Lian Shan Shuang Lin Monastery
Lian Shan Shuang Lin Monastery is a Buddhist temple that was built in 1898. It is one of the oldest and most well-preserved temples in Singapore. The temple features intricate carvings and statues that are a testament to the skill of the craftsmen who built it. The temple is also home to a museum that showcases the history of Buddhism in Singapore.
Chang Buddhist Temple
Chang Buddhist Temple is another notable temple in Toa Payoh. It was built in the 1950s and is known for its beautiful architecture. The temple features a large prayer hall that is adorned with intricate carvings and statues. The temple is also home to a vegetarian restaurant that serves delicious meals.
Masjid Alkaff
Masjid Alkaff is a mosque that was built in the 1960s. It is known for its unique Ottoman Islamic architecture, which is a rare sight in Singapore. The mosque was built by the Alkaff family, who were prominent members of the Muslim community in Singapore. The mosque is located near the Alkaff Mansion and Alkaff Lake Gardens, which are also worth a visit.
Shopping and Dining
Toa Payoh is a great place to shop and dine. Whether you’re looking for high-end shopping malls or affordable hawker centres, Toa Payoh has got you covered. Here are some of the best places to shop and dine in Toa Payoh.
Shopping Malls
If you’re looking for some retail therapy, head to the Toa Payoh Hub. This shopping mall has everything you need, from fashion and beauty to electronics and home decor. It’s also home to a cinema, so you can catch the latest blockbuster after a day of shopping.
Another great option is the HDB Hub Mall, which is connected to the Toa Payoh MRT station. This mall has a great selection of shops, including a supermarket, so you can stock up on groceries while you’re there.
Hawker Centre
Toa Payoh is famous for its hawker centres, and the Toa Payoh Lorong 8 Market & Hawker Centre is one of the best. Here, you’ll find a wide variety of local dishes, including the famous carrot cake. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the Chey Sua Carrot Cake, which has been awarded the Bib Gourmand by the Michelin Guide.
Chinese Restaurant
For a more upscale dining experience, head to the Char Siew restaurant. This Chinese restaurant is known for its delicious roast meats, especially the char siew. The Hokkien Prawn Mee is another must-try dish, and the restaurant also offers a great selection of dim sum.
No matter what your budget or taste, Toa Payoh has something to offer. So why not head down and explore all that this vibrant neighbourhood has to offer?
Children’s Activities
Toa Payoh is a great place to bring your kids for a fun day out. There are plenty of activities for children to enjoy, from indoor playgrounds to educational play areas. Here are some of the best children’s activities in Toa Payoh:
Indoor Playgrounds
If you’re looking for a fun and safe place for your kids to play, Toa Payoh has several indoor playgrounds to choose from. These playgrounds offer a variety of activities for children of all ages, including climbing, sliding, and jumping. Some of the most popular indoor playgrounds in Toa Payoh include:
- Kidz Amaze – This indoor playground at SAFRA Toa Payoh is a massive 12,700 square feet, with an awesome jungle gym and a maze with fun play elements that’ll keep your kids climbing and jumping.
- Pororo Park – This indoor playground at Shaw Plaza is based on the popular Korean cartoon character Pororo and offers a range of activities for children, including a ball pit, slides, and a mini train ride.
- Tayo Station – Another indoor playground at Downtown East, Tayo Station is based on the popular Korean cartoon character Tayo the Little Bus and features a range of activities for children, including a ball pit, slides, and a mini train ride.
Bricks Play
If your child loves building and creating things, Bricks Play is the perfect activity for them. Bricks Play is an educational play area that uses Lego bricks to teach children about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Children can build and create their own structures, as well as participate in workshops and classes. Some of the best Bricks Play centres in Toa Payoh include:
- Bricks World – This Bricks Play centre at HDB Hub offers a range of Lego sets and activities for children of all ages.
- Kidz Education City – This educational play area at SAFRA Toa Payoh offers a range of activities for children, including Bricks Play workshops and classes.
Overall, Toa Payoh is a great place to bring your kids for a fun and educational day out. With plenty of indoor playgrounds and educational play areas to choose from, your children are sure to have a great time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some must-see attractions in Toa Payoh?
Toa Payoh is home to several must-see attractions that are worth visiting. The iconic Toa Payoh Dragon Playground is a popular spot for photography enthusiasts, while the Toa Payoh Town Park offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. You can also visit the Toa Payoh Heritage Trail to learn more about the history and culture of the area.
What are some interesting facts about Toa Payoh?
Did you know that Toa Payoh was Singapore’s second satellite town and the first to be built by the Housing and Development Board (HDB)? It was also the first town to have a fully air-conditioned bus interchange and the first HDB town to have a town centre with a library, cinema, and other amenities.
What are the best places to shop in Toa Payoh?
Toa Payoh is a great place to shop, with several malls and markets to choose from. The Toa Payoh Mall, also known as HDB Hub, is a popular shopping destination that houses a variety of shops and services. The Toa Payoh Lorong 8 Market and Food Centre is also worth a visit, with its wide selection of local food and fresh produce.
What are some unique things to do in Toa Payoh?
If you’re looking for something unique to do in Toa Payoh, why not try your hand at pottery-making at Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle? You can also visit the Toa Payoh Sports Hall for a game of badminton or basketball, or take a stroll along the Toa Payoh Sensory Park, which features a variety of interactive installations and sculptures.
