With its vibrant art scene that blends traditions and current, the country’s oldest residential neighbourhood Tiong Bahru has Art Deco buildings, hipster cafés, old-world shops, bookshops, markets, and street art. This neighbourhood is worth visiting for creatives, culture enthusiasts, and anybody interested in Singapore’s old town cultural history.
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Stop By Tiong Bahru Bakery For Breakfast
Tiong Bahru Bakery is well-known for its creamy lattes (from $5.20) and croissants (from $3.80). A visit to the neighbourhood would be incomplete without a stop at the bakery. Grab a cup of coffee and a croissant or sandwich to go and spend the day exploring.
Address: 56 Eng Hoon St, #01-70, Singapore 160056
Opening Hours: 7:30am – 8pm daily
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Visit The Monkey God Temple
Sun Wu Kong, the Monkey King from the classic novel The Journey to the West, is supposed to be almighty, inventive, courageous, and revered, and Tiong Bahru Qi Tian Gong is the first temple in Singapore to worship The Monkey God. In 1920, the Taoist temple was established.
Every year on the 15th or 16th day of the First Lunar Month, the Monkey God celebrates his birthday. Mediums can be seen conducting miracle rites like as piercing their own flesh, singing recitals, and lion dances throughout the festival.
Address: 44 Eng Hoon St, Singapore 169786
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Have Lunch And Explore Tiong Bahru Market
Tiong Bahru Market, formerly known as Seng Poh Market, was a one-story government-built sanctuary for street hawkers eking out a life in Singapore’s oldest public housing complex. Tiong Bahru Market is a large two-story facility that retains much of its timeless beauty after multiple major renovations. On most mornings, the bottom level is a flurry of hectic haggling activity, with market and retail kiosks offering anything from dry foods to low-cost clothing.
The food haven is a large, airy affair upstairs. Even the pickiest hawker centre eaters would be pleased with the high ceilings, well-spaced tables, and an outdoor area. There’s much to choose from, from the legendary shui kuih to prawn noodles, so you’ll never go hungry.
Address: 30 Seng Poh Rd, Singapore 168898
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Go Furniture Shopping At Tan Boon Liat
With 7 floors of furniture, photography and art shops, Tan Boon Liat is actually a home decorator’s mecca. There are over 33 stores providing furniture, home décor, and anything else you’ll need to make your dream house a reality.
Address: 315 Outram Rd, Singapore 169074
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Play & Let Loose At Tiong Bahru Park
Tiong Bahru Park is a fitness and family haven for locals. The most eye-catching playground you will find here would be the tilting train that would excite kids and the inner kid in you with its cool topsy turvy exterior. There are also two running trails around the park at 730m and 1050m respectively, along with exercise stations. If you have children, the playground is a must visit while you work out on the side-lines.
Address: 1 Henderson Rd, Singapore 159561
What appeared to be an ancient art deco enclave turned out to be a hidden treasure filled with one-of-a-kind pubs, restaurants, boutiques, galleries, and a wonderful group of individuals working to put Tiong Bahru on the map. Take a walk around Tiong Bahru and you’ll definitely be charmed.
This article was brought to you by Han. I pretend to be broke in order to stay wealthy, yet I’m not wealthy.
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