The Republic of Singapore is an island nation that spans only 719 square kilometres. Just around the size of a medium-sized city elsewhere, this little country packs a lot of experience into its limited land area. Apart from all the well-known attractions such as the Singapore Zoo, Sentosa Island, Jurong Bird Park, and Gardens by the Bay, as well as the incredible shopping on and off Orchard Road, and areas such as Little India and Chinatown, Singapore also boasts some unique neighbourhoods. Tiong Bahru is one of our favourites. Once a cemetery for the Hokkien immigrants (since 1859) and redeveloped as a housing estate built in the 1930s by the Singapore Improvement Trust, Tiong Bahru is now a charming locality that merits exploration on your next visit to Singapore. It has everything from traditional shophouses and colonial-era structures to Art Deco enclaves and hipster cafes. Here’s everything you need to know before you go.
If you are fascinated by Singapore’s charming neighbourhoods, check out this guide to 24 hours in Duxton Hill, where you can cosy up at an indie bookshop, binge on bagels, or party the night away.
Getting there
Located in the Bukit Merah planning area of the Central Region of Singapore, Tiong Bahru can be reached by road or Mass Rapid Transit (MRT). A little longer than three km, Tiong Bahru Road can be accessed from Redhill at its western end to Outram Road on the other side. The Tiong Bahru Station (EW17) is on the East-West MRT line. Exit A at the station will bring you close to the Tiong Bahru Market, less than a kilometre away.
T+L tip: A Singapore Tourist Pass offers unlimited bus and MRT trips on specific days. Our ultimate guide to public transportation in Singapore will help you navigate better.
The best time to visit Tiong Bahru
While travellers wanting to stay indoors could visit the rest of Singapore in the heavy-rain months of November, December, and January, trying to do Tiong Bahru in this season is not advised as it’s more of an outdoor experience. Although quite hot and humid year-round, Singapore is at its best in the relatively drier months between February and April. Visiting in these months will ensure you avoid the two monsoons that characterise the wet weather in Singapore. You may also be able to coincide your trip with local festivals such as Chinese New Year and Holi, which are colourful and fun. For more details, check out our guide to the best time to visit Singapore.
T+L tip: If you want to visit on a budget, pricey Singapore is best explored in the quieter off-season, August and September.
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Top things to do in Tiong Bahru
- Admire the street art: Several magnificent murals (most by artist Yip Yew Chong) can be found along the lanes of Tong Bahru. They depict the people and culture of Singapore and are cleverly integrated into the walls they adorn. Watch out for the ones titled Home, Pasar, and the Fortune Teller. Our favourite? It’s the one at Bird Song Corner. It’s visually appealing and tells a story of its space — a street corner where people once held contests for the best singing by their pet birds!
Also read | Discover Singapore’s Inspiring Art Scene At These Must-Visit Galleries
- Follow the Tiong Bahru Heritage Trail: This is a 2.5 km-long route that showcases Tiong Bahru’s historical origins. In about an hour (longer, if you like to linger), you’ll see 10 different aspects of the area. Thanks to the National Heritage Board, there are signs with detailed information about each place along the way, which will bring the neighbourhood to life for you.
- Discover the delights of Tiong Bahru Market. This multi-level market opened in 1951 and is one of the most prominent landmarks in Tiong Bahru. Initially called Seng Poh Road Market, it has a food court with affordable hawker stalls and the original wet market and garden. With more than 200 produce vendors on the first level and almost 100 food stalls on the second, this stop at Tiong Bahru Market is a fantastic way to start (or end) your visit to Tiong Bahru.
- Notice the unique Art Deco of Tiong Bahru: Built during the Art Deco revolution sweeping through architecture worldwide, this new housing estate’s designers embraced the designs. The apartment buildings exhibit a ‘Streamline Moderne’ style of Deco, emphasising long horizontal lines and curved edges.
- Do a photo stop at the Dancing Lady sculpture: Visit the Seng Poh Garden to see the graceful statue created by Lim Nang Seng (the same sculptor behind Singapore’s famous Merlions).
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- Bow to the Tao at the Qi Tian Gong Temple: Known as the Tiong Bahru Monkey God Temple, this colourful Taoist shrine offers a glimpse into Chinese culture. Admire the idols and decorations, light a joss paper, and even get to know your future by throwing fortune sticks.
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Shopping in the neighbourhood
- Fresh produce is best from Tiong Bahru Market.
- Head to White Space Art Asia to purchase contemporary art from regional artists or to glimpse their creativity.
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- We found the quirkiest gifts and souvenirs at Cat Socrates.
- Are books more your thing? We enjoyed browsing BooksActually, which had an enjoyable and quirky selection.
- Woods in the Books is another great place for a literary find, especially for children’s books.
- T+L tip: One of the best local things to bring away from Tiong Bahru is a Pandan Chiffon Cake from Cheng’s@27. It travels well and eats even better.
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Tiong Bahru food guide
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- Whether it’s a trendy bakery that serves the best and flakiest almond croissants (we’re looking at you, Tiong Bahru Bakery!) or a traditional kopitiam serving kaya toast (the original Ya Kun is now a chain), this neighbourhood is a coffee hub and foodie haven.
- At the Tiong Bahru Market, try Michelin Bib Gourmand stalls like Hong Heng Fried Sotong Prawn Mee, and taste Loo’s Hainanese Curry Rice, beef brisket noodles at places such as Joo Chiat Beef King, or char kway teow (flat noodles tossed with cockles, sausage, sliced fishcake, and bean sprouts, stir-fried in dark soy sauce and pork fat) at Tiong Bahru Fried Kway Teow.
- Go loco with locals at Koh Brother Pig’s Organ Soup, sampling the oomphy broth made of offal and salted mustard greens with sticky rice with meat and chestnuts. There’s fish head steamboat or salt-baked chicken at Ting Heng Seafood Restaurant.
- Dirty Supper pushes the envelope with its evolved whole-animal cooking.
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- The House of Peranakan Petit gives you an authentic taste of this Singaporean subculture, and the beautiful Merci Marcel does French in style.
- If you want more variety, restaurants serve other global cuisines – Thai, Korean, Japanese, American, Italian, Greek, and more.
- If you’re craving a drink, Canjob Taproom does draught beer, housemade ciders, and cocktails.
- Coq & Balls has a chilled-out vibe, and plenty of places serve craft beer, wine, and stylish cocktails.
- T+L tip: Don’t miss a bowl of Ah Chiang’s traditional charcoal porridge early in the day.
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(Feature image credit: cattan2011, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons)
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The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
You could say that all of Tiong Bahru is a heritage site, as it is one of the oldest developments in Singapore.
The pretty shophouses and colourful murals make the perfect backdrop for photos in Tiong Bahru.
The ‘Streamline Moderne’ Art Deco style used for the pre-war housing in this neighbourhood is worth seeing for its economical yet artistic aesthetic.
In addition to the murals on many streets, several art galleries dot the neighbourhood. The Monkey God Temple offers a unique insight into Taoist culture.
The meld of the old and new, traditional and trendy, is what makes Tiong Bahru special.
One day is enough to explore this area.
Written By
Priya Pathiyan
A chronicler of all things culture and lifestyle. Priya\'s forte is fresh perspective on everything. ..Read More
