Whether you’re a foodie, outdoor lover or just plain curious, here are some interesting places to check out along Thomson-East Coast Line’s six new stations!
As an Eastie, I was really excited about the Thomson-East Coast Line. After all, it’s supposed to make travel more accessible between the North to the East.
I was especially looking forward to eating good food at Springleaf Prata Place and taking instagrammable photos at the Kebun Baru Birdsinging Club — places I hesitated going to because it was just too out of the way.
But with the opening of six new stations along the Thomson-East Coast Line on 28 August 2021, it’s now easier for everyone to commute to former obscure places.
Photo credit: Land Transport Authority
While it may take a few more years for the entire 43km line to complete, there are currently nine out of 32 stations operating along the line.
For those who don’t live in the area but are curious, we’ve curated a list of popular eats, scenic nature walks and interesting activities to check out along Thomson-East Coast Line’s newest stations!
Click any of the links below to jump straight in.
1) Caldecott
2) Upper Thomson
3) Bright Hill
4) Mayflower
5) Lentor
6) Springleaf
Caldecott
Photo credit: @ltasg via Instagram
Brighten your day with hundreds of smiley faces greeting you as you enter Caldecott MRT.
As an ode to the nearby Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped, artist Claire Lim uses braille to create her artwork “:)(:” — with small holes pierced onto the station’s walls.
Caldecott is also an interchange station, serving commuters on both the Thomson-East Coast Line and Circle Line.
Fun fact: Although Caldecott is the deepest of the six stations at 35m deep, architects have designed it so natural daylight can still filter through.
1) Dine in the dark — Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped
Photo credit: @jazreelfoodstyling via Instagram
With your sense heightened, why not try dining in the dark — for a good cause too!
Founded in 1951, the Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped (SAVH) provides a variety of services to people with impaired vision. It introduced the Dining In the Dark programme to increase awareness of the difficulties the visually impaired face.
The staff are specially trained to prepare and serve meals, so don’t worry about a messy experience while in the dark!
Opening hours: 11AM – 4PM (Mon – Sat, Lunch), 5:30PM – 7PM (Mon – Fri, Dinner)
Address: 47 Toa Payoh Rise, Singapore 298104
How to get there: 3min walk from Caldecott MRT (TEL), exit 2
2) Learn horse-riding — National Equestrian Centre
Photo credit: @NEC.Singapore via Facebook
Ever wanted to learn horse-riding?
Hosting various riding programmes for kids and adults, the National Equestrian Centre is a public riding school under the Equestrian Federation of Singapore.
It’s made of 50 state-of-the-art stables and is situated at the 5.8 hectare National Equestrian Park.
The centre also connects to a 5km riding trail through Bukit Brown. But if you feel safer on the ground, you can always explore Bukit Brown on foot with our comprehensive hiking guide 😉
Opening hours: 7AM – 11AM and 3PM – 7PM (Tues – Sun)
Address: 100 Jalan Mashhor, Singapore 299177
How to get there: 14min walk from Caldecott MRT (TEL), exit 1
3) See IG-famous attractions — MacRitchie Reservoir Park
MacRitchie Reservoir Park is possibly the most well-known in Singapore, with everyone flocking to the IG-famous, 250m-long free-standing suspension bridge for a scenic view of the forest.
Though the TreeTop Walk has been temporarily closed since August 2020, it’s estimated to reopen in the third quarter of 2021. So here’s to hoping we can snap those instagrammable shots soon!
In the meantime, you can explore six routes of varying distances for hiking in the area.
Opening hours: 7AM – 7PM
Address: MacRitchie Reservoir Park, Singapore 298717
How to get there: 14min walk from Caldecott MRT (TEL), exit 1
Read more: The Ultimate List of 23 Hiking Trails in Singapore — Ranked from chill to adventurous
Upper Thomson
Photo credit: @ltasg via Instagram
Look up to the left or right at Upper Thomson MRT station and you’ll see wavy lines on the platform walls, resembling the wind leaving its traces on sand.
This is part of artist Troy Chin’s work, entitled “Lost In Our (Concrete) Jungle”.
Photo credit: Chong Jun Liang via The Straits Times
There are also 88 animals hidden around the station, see if you can find all of them! The illustrated long-tailed macaques are influenced by the wildlife at the Central Catchment Nature Reserve in the area.
Fun fact: Why the number 88? Because Upper Thomson is the 88th station part of the Land Transport Authority’s Art-in-Transit programme.
4) Tuck into flavourful kampong chicken rice — Chicken House
Photo credit: @chee_cheong_funn via Instagram
You can find chicken rice in almost every corner of Singapore, so what makes Chicken House so special?
This stall is famous for using kampong chickens, making the meat more juicy and tender. Try it and you’ll see what we mean!
Opening hours: 10:30AM – 9PM
Address: 255 Upper Thomson Road, Singapore 574382
How to get there: 3min walk from Upper Thomson MRT (TEL), exit 4
5) Munch on fresh bakes — Woodlands Sourdough
Photo credit: @woodlandssd via Instagram
Known for its trademark sourdough bread and brownies, Woodlands Sourdough is perhaps one of the best in Singapore.
The sourdough has a slightly sticky texture but rest assured, it’s fully baked! Be treated to tarts, sandwiches and cookies as well, when you drop by this bakery-cafe.
Opening hours: 8:30AM – 3PM (Thurs – Sun)
Address: 183 Upper Thomson Road, The Longhaus #01-03, Singapore 574429
How to get there: 6min walk from Upper Thomson MRT (TEL), exit 4
6) Spot wildlife on nature trails — Windsor Nature Park
Hop on a bus from Upper Thomson MRT and you’ll arrive at Windsor Nature Park within 10mins!
Don’t miss the highlight of the park while you’re there, which is the 150m long elevated walkway. There are also four unique trails you can hike on, including a wheelchair-friendly Hanguana Trail.
Opening hours: 7AM – 7PM
Address: 30 Venus Drive, Singapore 573858
How to get there: From Upper Thomson MRT (TEL), take bus 132/163/165/167/855. from Bef Thomson Ridge bus stop and alight at Opp Flame Tree Pk (3 stops) — 350m walk to Windsor Nature Park.
Read more: Hiking Windsor Nature Park — A Lesser-Known Alternative to MacRitchie
Bright Hill
Photo credit: @ltasg via Instagram
Inspired by the surrounding Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, Bright Hill’s station design takes elements from nature.
You’ll see blue line patterns on the walls of the platform, symbolising the Kallang River flowing through the park. And if you look up, there’s a huge gap in the ceiling — imitating crown shyness, where trees avoid touching each other.
Photo credit: @SIswaran via Facebook
Artist Angie Seah who grew up around the area also created a piece called “A Kaleidoscopic Nature”, featured on the station’s lift column. It portrays microscopic forms and lines inspired by plants at the park.
Fun fact: Bright Hill station is a designated MRT Civil Defence shelter, acting as a public shelter during wartime emergencies.
7) Travel to “Hong Kong” — So Good Char Chan Tang
Photo credit: @SoGoodCCT via Facebook
The Singapore-Hong Kong travel bubble may have burst but you can still experience a taste of Hong Kong at So Good Char Chan Tang.
This Hong Kong-style cafe, or cha chaan teng, serves a wide variety of dishes and drinks. My personal favourite is the curry beef brisket rice, which I highly recommend.
If you prefer something lighter for breakfast, there’s also a bakery right next to the cafe with delicious egg tarts and polo buns.
Opening hours: 8AM – 8:30PM
Address: 26 Sin Ming Lane, Midview City #01-121B, Singapore 573971
How to get there: 5min walk from Bright Hill MRT (TEL), exit 3
8) Explore nature in the heartlands — Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park
Photo credit: NParks
Bring your family along and walk, jog or cycle at Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, one of the largest urban parks in Singapore.
This 62-hectare park features a beautiful meandering river running through the centre and has open lawns and grass patches all-around — perfect for a scenic picnic.
The playgrounds here are also inclusive for all children, with features like a wheelchair-accessible merry-go-round and swings so that those with special needs can enjoy this too!
Opening hours: 24 hours
Address: 1348 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1, Singapore 569981
How to get there: 3min walk from Bright Hill MRT (TEL), exit 1
Read also: 9 Scenic Spots to Picnic in Singapore and Pro-tips For the Perfect Alfresco Meal
9) Visit Singapore’s largest Buddhist temple — Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery
Photo credit: @tehhanlin via Instagram
Did you know Bright Hill is actually an English to Mandarin direct translation of Guang Ming Shan Monastery or Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery?
Founded in 1921, this is the largest Buddhist temple in Singapore with space equivalent to the size of nearly 11 football fields! Besides offering prayer and cremation services, the monastery also holds several health and wellness activities.
Fun fact: This monastery houses one of Asia’s largest Buddha statues, which is 13.8m high and weighs 60 tonnes.
Opening hours: 8AM – 4PM (book at least one day in advance)
Address: 88 Bright Hill Road, Singapore 574117
How to get there: 6min walk from Bright Hill MRT (TEL), exit 2
Mayflower
Photo credit: Chong Jun Liang via The Straits Times
Honouring the neighbourhood’s songbird-watching culture, artist Song-Ming Ang purposefully placed 22 sculptures of birds all over Mayflower MRT station.
They are representations of seven different bird species commonly kept as pets in Singapore and Southeast Asia, such as the red-whiskered bulbul and oriental white eye.
If you look closely, there’s also a honeycomb motif on the walls and roof of the station, inspired by mayflowers and beehives.
Fun fact: To maximise the usage of space, there’s a bicycle parking facility built on top of the station at entrance two!
10) Listen to birds sing — Kebun Baru Birdsinging Club
Photo credit: @adriandoestheworld via Instagram
Have you ever seen or heard a songbird display before?
Kebun Baru Birdsinging Club is the largest songbird display in Singapore. It accommodates more than 1000 colourful cages hung up on poles.
The club is run entirely by volunteers and bird enthusiasts bring their pet birds here for competitions as well as training, whereby these feathered friends learn to sing from each other.
It’s an amazing sight to behold while listening to the sweet coos of the merbok or zebra doves at the field.
Opening hours: 9AM – 4PM
Address: Open field near Block 159, Ang Mo Kio Avenue 5, Singapore 560159
How to get there: 8min walk from Mayflower MRT (TEL), exit 3
11) Indulge in a variety of food — Mayflower Market and Food Centre
Photo credit: @houlimhl via Instagram
After listening to the birds sing, you can make your way to Mayflower Market and Food Centre and indulge in a variety of local delights. Some popular eats are the Ang Mo Kio 453 Wanton Noodles and 3 Sisters Prawn Noodle.
Bird sculptures can also be spotted near the centre!
Opening hours: 6:30AM – 8PM
Address: 162 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 4, Singapore 560162
How to get there: 3min walk from Mayflower MRT (TEL), exit 3
Read more: Ultimate Singapore Food Guide — 54 Local-Approved Things to Eat in Singapore
Lentor
Photo credit: Chong Jun Liang via The Straits Times
Titled “Interlude for Lentor”, the interior artwork of this station is a “visual poem”, featuring a series of shapes that resemble musical notes and calligraphic scripts.
Local artist Tan Guo-Liang was inspired by memories of visiting his aunt who lived at the Teachers’ Estate nearby — where the streets are named after poets and philosophers.
Fun fact: This area was also formerly part of the Thomson Road Grand Prix Circuit. Cars and motorcycles used to race along the 4.865km circuit between 1961 and 1973.
12) Choose from a plethora of food stalls — Ang Mo Kio 628 Market
Photo credit: @karhingc via Instagram
A short 9-minute walk from Lentor MRT, Ang Mo Kio 628 Market is a well-known hawker centre in Ang Mo Kio. Housing a wide selection of food stalls, you’ll be spoilt for choice during mealtime.
Some recommended stalls to try would be the Bedok Chwee Kueh, Ho Bee Roasted Food and Sumo Fried Hokkien Prawn Mee.
Opening hours: 6:30AM – 9:30PM
Address: 628 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 4, Singapore 560628
How to get there: 9min walk from Lentor MRT (TEL), exit 4
Springleaf
Photo credit: @SIswaran via Facebook
As its name suggests, Springleaf MRT station’s design draws inspiration from the surrounding nature in the neighbourhood. Commuters won’t be able to miss the huge banyan tree plastered on the elevator shaft within the station.
The artwork by artist Koh Hong Teng is named the “Tree of Memories” and was adapted from a banyan tree in Springleaf Nature Park. Can you also spot drawings of shophouses entwined with the tree?
13) Feast from the famous prata shop— Springleaf Prata Place
Photo credit: @realspringleafprataplace via Facebook
When I hear Springleaf, the first thing that comes to mind is the famous Springleaf Prata Place. Crispy on the outside yet chewy on the inside, the prata servings at this shop are huge and affordable.
This place is well-known for its interesting concoctions, such as the Murtaburger — a combination of Murtabak and Ramly burger. Also try its Plaster Blaster, which is basically eggs benedict but on a prata.
Opening hours: 8AM – 11PM (Last order at 10:30PM)
Address: 1 Thong Soon Avenue, Springleaf Garden, Singapore 787431
How to get there: 3min walk from Springleaf MRT (TEL), exit 2
14) Take a scenic walk by the river — Springleaf Nature Park
Photo credit: @jxlee0312 via Facebook
As previously mentioned, the design of Springleaf MRT was based on this nature park, so it’s gotta be worth visiting right?
You can stroll or cycle along the 1.2km Springleaf Park Connector and soak in the rich biodiversity on the way. Springleaf Nature Park is also home to more than 80 species of migratory and resident birds, some including white-throated kingfishers and long-tailed parakeets.
Opening hours: 24 hours
Address: 1230 Upper Thomson Road, Singapore 787129
How to get there: 7min walk from Springleaf MRT (TEL), exit 1
15)Enjoy authentic Hakka food — 928 Ampang Yong Tau Foo
Photo credit: @chiaksimi via Instagram
Do a quick google search on Ampang Yong Tau Foo and there’s nothing but good reviews all around. With more than 10 years of history, this stall truly lives up to its reputation.
It’s situated among the shophouses near Springleaf MRT and is popular for serving authentic Hakka-style yong tau foo. But don’t take our word for it, why not head down via the Thomson-East Coast Line to try it out for yourselves?
Opening hours: 9AM – 7PM (Tues – Sun)
Address: 928 Upper Thomson Road, Singapore 787121
How to get there: 3min walk from Springleaf MRT (TEL), exit 1
Discover something new about local communities along the Thomson-East Coast MRT Line
As you can already tell, the station designs along the Thomson-East Coast MRT Line are influenced by the neighbourhoods they’re in.
For example, above is Woodlands MRT station whereby the brown-coloured walls and tree-like designs reflect the former rubber plantation area.
It’s clever how these MRT stations incorporate elements of the surrounding areas to showcase a unique trait of the local community there, not to mention, it makes for great IG-worthy photos too!
And if that’s not enough, here are other instagrammable MRT stations in Singapore you can explore too!
Featured image credit: Kebun Baru Birdsinging Club via Facebook
Which new station are you most excited to visit? Share with us in the comments below!