Downtown Line 3 (DTL3), the longest stretch of the line, will finally open on Oct 21.
The 21 km-long line consists 16 stations: Fort Canning, Bencoolen, Jalan Besar, Bendeemer, Geylang Bahru, Mattar, MacPherson, Ubi, Kaki Bukit, Bedok North, Bedok Reservoir, Tampines West, Tampines, Tampines East, Upper Changi and Expo.
Come 2024, the entire Downtown Line will be complete when the remaining three stations are ready: Expo, Xilin and Sungei Bedok.
Till then, here are 8 places you can explore when DTL3 begins operations this Oct!
1. Forbidden Hill at Fort Canning Park
Take romantic walks or turn on your history mode and explore this forbidden hill. It was believed that the kings of ancient Singapore were buried there. Legend also has it that the fresh-water spring on the south side of the hill was the bathing place of Malay princesses.
You could also opt for a free Spice Garden Tour at Fort Canning from 26 Aug to 28 Oct!
MRT: Fort Canning station
2. Budget Karaoke at Hotel Rendezvous
This is a secret hideout for all K-lovers. For as cheap as $6 per pax (small room), you get to sing your heart out for three hours! The best part? It’s right in the heart of town and just next to Bencoolen station.
Remember to book (way) in advance and choose a bigger room if there are strong vocalists in your group – the walls are thin!
MRT: Bencoolen station. Take Exit B.
3. Hipster Cafes at Jalan Besar
Step aside Tiong Bahru. Jalan Besar is the new hipster enclave.
You know the hipster meter is high when you stroll past a cafe thinking it’s a hardware shop when it’s actually not. Don’t miss out other unassuming cafes like The Tiramisu Hero for Instagram sake!
MRT: Jalan Besar station
4. Music Dreamer Live! Cafe at Bendemeer
Tucked in little corner of Aperia Mall, this cafe comes alive at night when budding singers hit the stage. It’s hard to miss this cafe when it stands out as a little Santorini and the music is so good (and loud) that it captivates your soul.
For $14.80++, you get to indulge in a free drink and three hours of live music!
MRT: Bendemeer station
5. Vegetarian food haven at Circuit Road
Circuit road food centre is home to some of the best local (vegetarian) delights. From home-made mee hoon kuay to duck rice, you can practically find anything that excites your taste buds and leaves you craving for more.
We highly recommend Victor’s Vegetarian Food which serves Singapore’s best otah at 80 cents per piece. The fried oyster omelette from Choo Zai Zhai Vegetarian is worth a try too – do note that it contains egg so you have to indicate if you prefer it eggless.
All dishes are priced between $3 to $5. It’s also open till 11pm and for some stalls, 1am – perfect for hungry foodies in need of late dinner or supper.
MRT: Mattar.
6. Car hunting at Ubi
For people who don’t drive, getting to Ubi is a hassle. But this is about to change.
With the opening of Ubi station, you can literally walk to any car dealer shops to test drive the car of your choice and make one of the biggest investments in your life.
MRT: Ubi station
7. Grow your own food at Bedok Reservoir
This is a local kampong farm located on a HDB rooftop. At this community farm, you get to cultivate green fingers and enjoy the fruits of your labour. Farm your own organic food and save some cost!
If you’re keen and you don’t mind getting your hands dirty, contact the longvale RC for more details.
MRT: Bedok Reservoir station
8. SUTD at Upper Changi
The first to rejoice would be the students of Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD)! But there’s no harm visiting the campus especially if you’re thinking of furthering your studies.
Or if you’re looking for a quiet spot to do your reading, this campus is definitely more conducive than Starbucks at Changi Airport!
MRT: Upper Changi station
If there are any other interesting places to explore along the DTL3, do leave a comment and contribute your ideas below!
