Singapore Travel Series: Discover the Things to do in Tampines!

Following our trips to Ang Mo Kio and Toa Payoh, we’re continuing our Singapore Travel Series to Tampines!

During this visit, we covered the following areas

A. Tampines Ikea
B. Tampines Eco Green
C/F. Our Tampines Hub
D. Tampines Round Market and Food Centre
E. The Flourist

About Tampines Township

Before the development of Tampines in the 1980s, it was really “ulu” (Singlish for “remote”). It was covered with forests, swampland and sand quarries, dotted with agriculture such as rubber and coconut plantations. Tampines was also covered with the Ironwood Trees, also known as tempinis. This was where the town’s named was derived from. Various names were tabled such as Tampinis, Tempines, Tampenis and Tampenes before finally settling on Tampines – a name which could be pronounced as tam-pines (locals still “make fun” the name that way). Planning for the development of Tampines started in 1970s and construction began in April 1978. As the post-war housing demand had eased during that time, this allowed planners to be a little more creative in the development of Tampines. New ideas such as staggered/curved/angled blocks, integrated green spaces, high rise buildings and the idea of precincts all started with the development of Tampines town. In recognition of these novel ideas, the United Nations (UN) presented HDB with the World Habitat Award in 1991, calling Tampines “an innovative and successful human settlement project which could be replicated elsewhere in the world“.

We also found out 2 other interesting facts about Tampines. Firstly, local production of alcohol was rife in those days. The coconut plantations in the Tampines area used to produce Tody – an alcoholic beverage, more commonly known as palm wine. Secondly, there was a leisure resort named Golden Palace which operated from 1967 to 1973. Pictures in the Tampines Public Library showed the resort to be an idyllic destination with beaches and even paddle boats in the water!

Tampines Ikea

We started our visit at Ikea Tampines – the bigger of the 2 Ikea outlets in Singapore…

Address: 60 Tampines North Drive 2, Singapore 528764
Opening Hours: 10am to 10pm

As we were early, we headed to the Ikea restaurant to have our breakfast. The Ikea restaurant opens at 9am to allow customers to have their fill before shopping to their hearts content at Ikea. One thing you would like to consider is joining the IKEA Family. The temporary membership allows for 2 complimentary coffee/tea during your first visit. To convert to a full IKEA Family membership, you’ll have to spend $150 within the first year…

The cool thing about dining at Ikea restaurant is that it is no longer just about Swedish meatballs. In fact, at the Ikea Tampines Restaurant, we found local delights such as siew mai, lo mai gai, nasi lemak and even rendang chicken wings!

During this visit, we were scouting for new outdoor chairs for the balcony and also a stand to keep potted plants (yup, Kate has started to hone her green fingers). This search lasted for 2 hours! But it was cool to just stroll and get decorative/storage ideas for the home. Heading out, we took a bus to our next stop, Tampines Eco Green.

Tampines Eco Green

We alighted at the Tampines Park Connector, passing by the Sun Plaza Park before arriving at the Tampines Eco Green. Enroute, we even had some bird sightings!

According to the map, you can also walk or bike along Sungei Tampines to reach the Pasir Ris NTUC resort!

Although we were only at the entrance of Tampines Eco Green, we found out that it is actually a haven for biodiversity (think flora and fauna) due to the presence of grasslands, freshwater wetlands and a secondary rainforest. If you have visited the Tampines Eco Green, let us know what you think in the comments section below!

Our Tampines Hub

Our next stop was Our Tampines Hub…

There were several things we enjoyed about our visit to Our Tampines Hub

1. Promoting Active and Healthy Lifestyle. Besides being the home of Tampines Rovers FC, Our Tampines Hub is actually a hub for promoting an active and healthy lifestyle. There are indoor soccer courts, indoor tennis courts, rock climbing (for kids and adults), a roof top running track and of course the soccer field which are open to public on certain days. Just by walking there, we feel healthy already.

2. Convenience. Besides all the sporting activities that you can do under one roof, you can also visit the one-stop Public Services Centre for several government agency services. Agencies housed under the Public Services Centre include the People’s Association, North East Community Development Council, Housing Development Board, Workforce Singapore, Ministry of Social and Family Development, and ActiveSG. The public library is also located at Our Tampines Hub for added convenience.

3. Sharing Public Spaces. One thing we loved about Our Tampines Hub is how the public space is being shared. The Tampines Public Library really embodies that. You can bring your kids to the kids section of the library and be entertained by the wide array of selection as well as play area (to be opened). Moreover, a section of the library overlooks the soccer field – you can enjoy the match even without buying tickets, in the comfort of air conditioning. Of course you cannot shout “Referee Kayu!” (Singlish for bad refereeing) in the library! -_-” Our Tampines Hub is also a pick up point for buses travelling to Malaysia. How cool is that!?

At the Tampines Public Library, you’ll also be able to visit the Our Tampines Gallery. Here, you’ll be able to learn all about the history of Tampines township. Highly recommended for Singaporeans, especially Tampines residents to know more about our roots.

Tampines Round Market and Food Centre

After a short 10 minutes walk, we arrived at the Tampines Round Market and Food Centre…

There are several recommendations at Tampines Round Market and Food Centre…

1. Teo Kee Mushroom Minced Pork Noodle (潮记香菇肉脞面）

2. Pig’s Viscera Pork Ribs Prawn Noodle (老记猪杂排骨虾面）

3. Sarawak Kolo Mee (砂捞越哥捞面）

We enjoyed the pork rib noodles from Teo Kee Mushroom Minced Pork Noodle (潮记香菇肉脞面). The $4 portion was particularly generous and the taste shouts of 家乡古早味 (the old familiar taste). The pork ribs itself, though not as tender as we wanted it to be, had a firm bite but still came off the bone quite easily. The meat ball noodles from Pig’s Viscera Pork Ribs Prawn Noodle(老记猪杂排骨虾面） on the other hand had mixed reviews. Tom liked the fresh “taong” (bouncy) texture of the meat balls but Kate thought it was slightly under cooked.

Before we left the vicinity, we chanced upon the Kungfu Roast (烤功夫）which became popular in Singapore some time back due to its cheap whole roasted duck going for only $15! It’s located next to the Tampines Round Market and Food Centre at Blk 131 Tampines Street 11 (Coffee Shop)

If you have more recommendations at Tampines Round Market and Food Centre, tell us more in the comments section below.

The Flourist – Tampines Ice Cream Shop

How can a visit to Tampines be complete without a stopover at one of the quaint cafes in the hood? This time, we checked out The Flourist – a local creamery in Tampines. Nice play of words by the way…

Address: Block #01-36, 824 Tampines Street 81, Block 824, 520824
Opening Hours: 12pm to 11pm (Closed on Mondays, 2pm to 11pm on Sundays)

During this visit, we had the waffles and one scoop of ice cream for $10. Legend has it that the Rum and Raisin ice cream has the most alcoholic content ever! Having travelled to over 40 countries and had our fare share of heavily doused ice cream, this we got to check out…

On first taste, our eyes lit up. The alcoholic content was POWER! Confirm plus guarantee plus chop, one of the highest alcoholic content for rum and raisin ice cream out there. Don’t take our word for it, try it!

Match between Tampines Rovers and Geylang International at Our Tampines Hub

You may have already observed from the picture above, we were able to snag free tickets to the match at Our Tampines Hub between Tampines Rovers and Geylang International. The reason is because it was the first match when Tampines Rovers calls Our Tampines Hub their home ground. Mr Masagos Zulkifli, MP for Tampines GRC and Minister for the Environment and Water Resources graced the opening ceremony…

Although the Geylang International team looked confident at the start…

They actually conceded within 30 seconds (literally!) with Jordan Webb converting a cross from Ryutaro Megumi. Tampines Rovers then went up 2-0 before Geylang equalised just before half-time.

Khairul Amri then converted a penalty, winning the first home match at Our Tampines Hub 3-1.

We also noticed that the stadium only had seatings on one side of the stadium (west side). The other three sides were public spaces. This also signalled an acknowledgement that Singapore Premier League attendance won’t be picking up anytime soon. To us, this was a good strategy. Firstly, it ensures that seats are filled – no more scattered seatings as before. Secondly, it allows the community to be involved in enjoying soccer matches as well. Overtime, if interest is cultivated, these viewership may turn into seated attendance.

Check out the launch of Our Tampines Hub as the home ground of Tampines Rovers FC…

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We hope you have enjoyed our coverage of the Things to do and Attractions in Tampines! Let us know your thoughts in the comments sections for our Singapore Travel Series!

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