Travelling has never been easier for those staying along the Downtown Line.
Now that the Downtown Line 3 (DTL 3) has finally opened its doors to the public, you can take the opportunity to tread upon new territories. The extended route from Chinatown to Expo offers many areas to explore, especially those that are less frequented.
Alongside our guide for the food lovers, we’ve curated a list of hidden gems along DTL3, most of which are located near the stations – making it ideal for everyone.
1. Battlebox (Fort Canning Station)
This one’s for all the history buffs out there.
Formerly known as the Fort Canning Bunker, the Battlebox has its roots traced back to the days of WWII. It’s with good reason that the location has such strong historical significance – apart from being a former British underground command centre, it was also where the British surrendered Singapore to the invading Japanese.
Since reopening in 1992, the Battlebox has become a museum where WWII events are recreated, although entry is only allowed through guided tours.
2 Cox Terrace, Singapore 179622 (Fort Canning Park)
2. Urban PlaySpace (Bencoolen Station)
Gear up, and get those engines revving – in the form of electric-powered radio control (RC) cars, that is.
Situated at the carpark of Fortune Centre, Urban PlaySpace is often frequented by hobbyists, though newbies are certainly welcomed. Apart from being the prime choice to host regional RC competitions, it offers on-road and off-road racing tracks as well.
Plus, there’s even a fully air-conditioned pit area that allows for resting and socialising in comfort. All in all, it’s a pretty cool (pun intended) place to check out.
190 Middle Road, Level 6B / 7 of the Multi-storey Carpark, Fortune Centre
3. Mahota Commune (Jalan Besar Station)
When it comes to this organic supermarket, healthy living is the name of the game.
Spanning across 20,000 square feet, Mahota Commune houses a wide variety of health food and organic produce, in addition to a restaurant, cafe, TCM clinic, an activity space for mediation and yoga classes, and a childcare centre.
While organic foods are generally expensive, the ones sold here are said to be of reasonable prices. Furthermore, everything that is served in the restaurant and cafe are made from products that can be found in the supermarket, so you can try making them at home too!
809 French Road, Kitchener Complex, Level 3 (also accessible by Lavender MRT)
4. Petain Road (Jalan Besar Station)
Lining the streets of Petain Road is a row of beautiful, traditional shophouses that certainly make for an aesthetic Instagram photo.
First built for businessman Mohammad Haji Omar in 1930, these shophouses take on a blend of European, Malay, Indian and Chinese influences. As such, they usually sport intricate patterns, alongside a dash of pastel colours.
6 Petain Rd, Singapore 208087
5. Cultural Hub (Tampines West Station)
As part of Tampines Town Council’s renewal programme competition, the Cultural Hub is equipped with a circular walkway and a metallic sculpture – a sleek, modernised sight amongst the greenery.
Coupled with the calm, breezy surroundings, it’s certainly an ideal spot for a hang out session. While you’re at it, why not unleash your inner child at the playground and fitness corner as well?
Blk 936 Tampines Ave 5 (also accessible by Tampines MRT)
6. Tampines Maze Garden (Tampines West Station)
Put your puzzle-solving skills to the test with this cool-looking maze – under a HDB block, no less.
Also part of the same competition as the Cultural Hub, this circular maze is deftly crafted, with the grass adding a nice, natural touch to the overall structure.
Be it to solve the maze – or for your Instagram photo – the Tampines Maze Garden is definitely worth checking out.
Block 944 Tampines Avenue 5 (also accessible by Tampines MRT)
