From lightsaber duels, affordable Thai and Italian cuisine, a hidden spa to the largest songbird display - Ang Mo Kio has enough things to do, see and eat that could prove all naysayers wrong.
Does your idea of fun involve visiting unique sights, getting cultured or just staying away from the hustle and bustle? You’ll be pleasantly surprised to know that Ang Mo Kio Town – yes, the uber-chill heartland in the North-East region – has it all.
Our sister site HoneyKids has already covered some fun activities to do with the kids but we’ve got some exciting spots on top of that. Care to witness the moon and Jupiter through a telescope, have dim sum at a coffee shop, watch songbirds compete to be the best singer or take some pictures at Singapore’s oldest playground? The next time you travel towards the North side, be sure to tick these spots off your list.
SEE
Kebun Baru Birdsinging Club
Trust us, you’d want to add this spot to your off-the-beaten-track itinerary. Perched on the foot of Ang Mo Kio Town Garden and block 159, the most popular and largest songbird display area (pictured above) in Singapore is quite a delight to the ears and eyes. Witness a bevy of songbirds in uniquely crafted cages hoisted 20ft up on poles to showcase their tunes. Sit back, relax and chat with the hobbyists or take a morning stroll along this beautiful hidden gem in Singapore.
Kebun Baru Birdsinging Club, Blk 159 Ang Mo Kio Ave 5 Singapore 560159
Dog Run at Bishan Park
There are two dog runs located in Bishan Park – both of which are separated fenced areas for small and big breeds so there’s plenty of room for your dogs to run leash-free. Water points are even located nearby to wash up your dogs or quench their thirst. Go during the weekends to witness a parade of these furry friends.
Dog Run, Bishan Park 2, Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1, Singapore 569981
Dragon Playground
One of the only two dragon playgrounds in Singapore (its sibling is sitting at Toa Payoh), this nostalgic dragon playground is definitely a blast from the past. Bring the kids here to give them a taste of what it was like in the past or get your parents to share some fond memories with you. And of course, don’t leave without taking a snap or two.
Dragon Playground, Blk 570 Ang Mo Kio Ave 3 Singapore 560570
SHOP
The Wallet Shop
What if we told you that you don’t have to travel all the way to town for a cool accessory fix? The Wallet Shop – we’re unclear how it got its moniker since there’s more than just wallets – carries quite the eclectic mix of bags, cardholders, laptop sleeves, travel accessories and water bottles from brands such as Bellroy, Cabin Zero, Thule, Status Anxiety and Mis Zapatos, just to name a few. No matter your preference, there’s no denying that The Wallet Shop is the one-stop destination for all your entire pocket needs.
The Wallet Shop, #02-49 Ang Mo Kio Hub, 53 Ang Mo Kio Ave 3 Singapore 569933, p. 67526884
Fwah
Speak Out, Pie Face, Wet Head, Save the Penguin, Fibber and Wheel of Shots… If your idea of fun includes having a go at one of these peculiar but entertaining games, this is the place to be. Add on to the quirk by bringing home an alarm clock with wheels, emoji cushion, mini claw machine or candy dispenser.
Fwah, #02-25 53 Ang Mo Kio Hub Ang Mo Kio Ave 3 Singapore 569933, p. 87985823
Klosh
Born out of a love for sharing all things good and beautiful in life, Klosh offers an inspiring range of novelties, stationery, home decorations and lifestyle indulgences. You’ll also spot some Singapore-inspired goodies from local designers. No excuse to gift a crappy last-minute present to your friend!
Klosh, #02-44/45 53 Ang Mo Kio Hub Ang Mo Kio Ave 3 Singapore 569933, p. 6612 7184
EAT
Fish & Chicks
Crispy, golden fish fillet drizzled with signature sauces like salted egg and chilli crab sounds like our kind of comfort food. Decked out in flavours that celebrate the best of both worlds, Fish & Chicks also has carb-tastic pasta dishes topped with a slow-cooked egg and scrumptious seafood like the Boston Lobster along with your choice of chilli crab, mentaiko or cheese sauce.
Fish & Chicks, 531 Ang Mo Kio Ave 10 Singapore 560531, p. 9828 3490
Nahkon Kitchen
Sink your teeth into affordable authentic Thai cuisine. With the number of outlets popping around each neighbourhood plus the long queues, it’s not surprising to see why Nahkon is winning everyone’s hearts. Whet your appetite with Zi Char style dishes like pineapple fried rice, prawn cakes, pandan chicken and soul-stirring bowls of Tom Yum soup and green curry.
Nakhon Kitchen, 529 Ang Mo Kio Ave 10 Singapore 560529, p. 6451 1332
The Workbench Bistro
As far as cafe grub goes, we’re content with the usual suspects like a killer plate of eggs Benedict, sandwiches, waffles, pastries and of course, a smashing cuppa but The Workbench Bistro goes above and beyond. How does purple sweet potato waffles, chocolate s’moreffles, coffee Oreo ice-cream or egg lava burger sound to you? It’s got our tummies squirming in joy.
The Workbench Bistro, Blk 332 #01-1881 Ang Mo Kio Ave 1 Singapore 560332, p. 6452 0810
Tip Top
Never underestimate the power of a good curry puff. It’s the perfect snack to fill you up and is comfort food for the soul. True to its name, Tip Top has been giving us crispy, flaky curry puffs since 1979. Now that’s a lot of curry puffs. We’d recommend having a taste of the Nonya beef rendang for a burst of flavour and spices.
Tip Top, #01-2843 Blk 722, Ang Mo Kio Ave 8, Singapore 560722, p. 6453 4883
Pocoloco
Italian cuisine at a heartland location with heartland prices? Book us a table right now! We know what you’re thinking – how can a restaurant churn out dishes such as beef cheeks braised in red wine sauce, rucola e proscuitto di parma ham pizza, manzo (pasta with beef in truffle cream sauce) and fegato d’oca (risotto with foie gras) at such affordable prices? Well, you’ll have to try them for yourselves.
Pocoloco, #01-779 408 Ang Mo Kio Ave 10 Singapore 560408, p. 8436 3363
Kow Loon Hong Kong Dim Sum
Here’s another name to add to our never-ending list of dim sum spots (hey, we’re not complaining). Kow Loon Hong Kong Dim Sum – located at an unassuming coffee shop at Ang Mo Kio Ave 5 – tickles your appetite with over 50 handmade Hong Kong and Shanghai dim sum dishes. Try the har gao, prawn chee cheong fun, liu sa pao and century egg and pork congee for a simple yet satisfying meal.
Kow Loon Hong Kong Dim Sum, #01-3030, Blk 151 Ang Mo Kio Ave 5 Singapore 560151, p. 9685 9371
Grub
We can’t complete this guide to Ang Mo Kio without giving a shoutout to one of the most sought-after cafes in the hood. Ensconced right smack in the middle of Bishan Park, Grub serves up delectable Asian-Western cuisine in a lush setting. Burger lovers can choose from 12 burger selections including hot classics like the crispy fish burger, Grub double cheeseburger to fusion favourites, har cheong gai burger and pork yakiniku burger.
Grub, 510 Ang Mo Kio Ave 1 Singapore 569983, p. 64595743
Canopy Garden Dining
Can you imagine having your meal in a beautiful setting like this (pictured above) at your neighbourhood? Apparently, you can. Kickstart your morning with a scrumptious brunch menu of salads, egg dishes, pastas, burgers and sandwiches and wash it down with a robust combination of fruit juices. Oh, you’re welcome to bring along your fur babies at this hidden gem.
Canopy Garden Dining, 1382 Ang Mo Kio Ave 1 Bishan Park 2 Singapore 569931, p. 91134666
Kam Jia Zhuang Seafood
Take a break from cafe fare and bring your family and friends for some delish zi char featuring some interesting dishes. Yes, salted egg yolk is all the rage in the city but try the pumpkin prawns and you might just switch sides. Plump and creamy with a mishmash of savoury-sweet flavours, the dish is a healthy alternative to its cousin. The blackcurrant spare ribs, chrysanthemum fried grouper and mushroom tofu are some other dishes you must try.
Kam Jia Zhuang Seafood, #01-1690 202 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3 Singapore 560202
DO
Refresh your body and mind at Aramsa Spa
Rejuvenate, revitalize and recover from your crazy lifestyle at Aramsa Spa. Aptly located within the lush greenery of Bishan Park, the exotic resort-like spa would make you do a double turn. Try the Tropical Java Lulur for an overall top-to-toe pampering or a skin-specific Elemis facial. Yoga sessions by Yoga Seeds are also available till 8.30pm.
Aramsa Spa, 1384 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1, Bishan Park 2 Singapore 569932, p. 6456 6556
Light Saber Dueling with The Saber Authority
Here’s something for die-hard Star Wars fans and thrill-seekers. Unleash your inner Jedi and transport to a galaxy far, far away, through a session of lightsaber dueling with The Saber Authority. Saber Authority brings an activity that no gym can offer. Learn real Asian Martial Arts techniques and the art of swordsmanship with custom lightsabers – all in a fun and encouraging setting. Head to The Deck across Ang Mo Kio MRT station on Wednesday nights to join in on the fun.
Saber Authority, The Deck at Ang Mo Kio Ave 8 (under the tracks opposite Ang Mo Kio MRT station)
Free Public Stargazing by Singapore Sidewalk Astronomy
Aside from the otters (#RIPPapaOtter), come see Jupiter, the moon and some stars through a telescope and discuss the ABCs of astronomy with the folks at Singapore Sidewalk Astronomy. The perfect bonding session for the family! Follow their Facebook page for all the deets on the next session.
Public Stargazing by Singapore Sidewalk Astronomy, Outside McDonald’s at Bishan Park, 1378 Ang Mo Kio Ave 1, Singapore 569981
Gao Lin Gong Temple
Receive a dash of culture along with some beautiful pictures at the oldest Chinese Temple in Ang Mo Kio. Named Gao Lin Kong after its mother temple in China, the temple is often referred to as the Temple of the Lords by locals.
Gao Lin Gong Temple, 791 Ang Mo Kio Ave 1, Singapore 569974, p. 9022 0668
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