Stretching over 42 kilometres, it is the longest underground and driverless MRT line in Singapore yet.
Come 21 October, the Downtown Line will finally be complete with the opening of Downtown Line 3 (DTL3), which comprises 16 stations including three interchange stations at MacPherson, Tampines and Expo. Stretching over 42 kilometres, it is the longest underground and driverless MRT line in Singapore yet, and will facilitate direct travel from the North-West and East to the Central Business District (CBD) area of Singapore.
With greater accessibility to the rest of the island and significantly shorter travelling times, where can Singaporeans go to lepak and makan now that we have the luxury of convenience and time on our hands? We highlight the key places to visit along DTL3 below.
Fort Canning Station
A Taste Of Japan @ Liang Court Shopping Mall
Step out of Fort Canning station and you will be immediately greeted by the sight of Liang Court shopping mall, which was lauded as “the closest thing to Japan you can find in Singapore” for good reasons.
The mall is akin to a small Japanese town, with Japanese eateries, bookstores, hair salons, and even a supermarket (Meidi-Ya Supermarket) that sells groceries that are imported from the land of the rising sun that are not available anywhere else in Singapore.
One of he Japanese eateries, Ryoshi Sushi Ikeikemaru, is a great conveyor belt sushi place with fresh sashimi and generous portions. There’s also Tampopo Deli, which boasts a stellar four-star rating on HungryGoWhere, that sells highly-raved udon with collagen soup, ramen with rich broth, as well as the custardy goodness that is cream puff.
Luxurious Staycation @ Hotel Fort Canning
The Fort Canning station will also provide easier access to Fort Canning Park, which will in turn provide easier access to Hotel Fort Canning—an iconic five-star luxury heritage boutique hotel—that perches on the hill and overlooks the frenetic city.
Its Deluxe Rooms are tastefully decorated with sleek furniture designed by award-winning Poltrona Frau, and offer unique bathroom designs set against a picture-window with a panoramic view. One night of indulgence over the weekend will undoubtedly recharge you for the week ahead, and prices start at S$268 only.
Bencoolen Station
Have Surprisingly Good Food @ Sunshine Plaza
Most students turn to Sunshine Plaza for their printing needs, but this unassuming building hosts a couple of eateries that have pretty good food at pocket-friendly prices as well. Thai Gold Food is one of them, and the zi char restaurant is often bustling with students who wish to satisfy their cravings for authentic Thai food without breaking the bank. A plate of generously-portioned pad thai is as cheap as $5.
For a lighter meal/tea-time snack, you can turn to the delicious dim sum at Victor’s Kitchen. The steamed carrot cake with XO sauce is by far their most unique dish, with a distinct seafood flavour that is both sweet and smooth. But that doesn’t mean the usual orders fall behind—they are equally fresh, well-made and tasty.
Bedok Reservoir Station
Get Active @ Bedok Reservoir
A short walk away from the Bedok Reservoir station, Bedok Reservoir is a popular spot for watersports enthusiasts and adrenaline junkies who go dragon boating, kayaking and wakeboarding in the extensive area of water.
For those who prefer getting active on dry land, the park also boasts a 4.3 kilometres track, as well as the first-and-only treetop obstacle course in Singapore at Forest Adventure. With 44 different obstacles to challenge, it will take you at least two and a half hours to overcome the entire course, rendering it an effective full-body workout!
Jalan Besar Station
Try Rare Hawker Delicacies @ Berseh Food Centre
Jalan Besar station is just a stone’s throw away from Berseh Food Centre, home to disappearing hawker fares such as shark meat and turtle soup.
Shark meat from the famous Lao Liang stall is boiled until sweet and tender, but tastes much firmer than your regular fish slices. It is is served alongside a sweet plum dip, made from preserved plums and generously garnished with peanuts, to enhance the flavour of the shark meat for those with a heavier palate.
Whereas Fu He Turtle Soup is one of the only two stalls in Singapore that have survived till date. Wild soft-shelled terrapins are imported live from Indonesia and slaughtered in a HACCP food-safety-certified slaughterhouse, before they are brewed into a tasty broth that is comparable to the taste of black herbal chicken soup. Turtle meat is also said to taste like chicken, but is slightly tougher on bite.
