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Top 9 Things to Do in Tampines That’ll Make You Forget It’s Just the Suburbs

| Last Updated: September 19 2025

Tampines was close to where I grew up, so it was always the go-to spot for hangouts with friends. We used to visit almost every weekend! 

But years passed, and we all drifted a little. We got new friends, new routines, and our own busy lives. 

But one day, feeling a little nostalgic, I wandered around Tampines just for old times’ sake. So much has changed, yet I could still picture us running around, laughing like we used to.

I decided to take note of what’s in the area now, partly to share with my old friends someday, and partly because there’s still a lot that’s fun to explore. Here’s my guide to the best things to do in Tampines.

1. Drop by Our Tampines Hub for a bit of everything in one spot

Media credit: @ourtampineshub

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourtampineshub/
Website: https://www.pa.gov.sg/our-network/our-tampines-hub/our-tampines-hub/
Address: 1 Tampines Walk
Phone: +65 6340 3636
Hours: Open 24/7

Our Tampines Hub is Singapore’s first integrated community and lifestyle hub. I’ve heard that it replaced a lot of the older facilities, like the Sports Hall and the original regional library.

Instead, there’s now the Town Square Stadium, a 5,000-seat stadium with a FIFA-endorsed two-star artificial turf pitch.

The one my buddies and I used to go to most often was the elevated Jogging Track, where we’d race each other. It’s even equipped with lockers and shower access, so you can just bring a change of clothes.

There’s also the more recent regional library, with a collection that’s expanded to over 400,000 books! They even have a culinary studio and a Make.IT makerspace for 3D printing and robotics, plus reading terraces and study lounges.

Pro Tip: For a unique evening experience, check the regional library’s social media for updates on “Reading Under the Stars” at the Sky Garden. This event offers a serene atmosphere for reading under the night sky.

2. Wander through wild trails and wetlands at Tampines Eco Green

Media credit: @jimmy6968

Website: https://www.nparks.gov.sg/visit/parks/park-detail/tampines-eco-green/
Address: Tampines Ave 9
Hours: Daily – 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM

Another stop we often went to was Tampines Eco Green. It felt like a small nature reserve hidden away in the urban landscape.

The park emphasises a minimal-intrusion, nature-centric design, retaining marshland, secondary forest, open grassland, and freshwater ponds in their natural state.

We walked the trails a bunch of times; the full loop takes about 1.5 to 2 hours at a leisurely pace. Personally, I always enjoyed the stroll.

During the walk, you’ll probably spot plenty of different birds. Eco Green is home to over 75 species of birds, along with 20 species of dragonflies and 35 species of butterflies. 

Beyond the birdlife, the park is also known for the larger residents like monitor lizards and turtles, so there’s always something to look out for.

Pro Tip: Visit in the early morning to witness the park’s wildlife at its most active.

3. Pop into the malls for a retail fix

Media credit: @wearasunray

Tampines Mall
Website: http://www.tampinesmall.com.sg/
Address: 4 Tampines Central 5
Phone: +65 6788 8370
Hours: Daily – 10 AM to 10 PM

Century Square
Website: http://www.centurysquare.com.sg/
Address: 2 Tampines Central 5
Phone: +65 6789 6261
Hours: Daily – 10 AM to 10 PM

Tampines 1
Website: http://www.tampines1.com.sg/
Address: 10 Tampines Central 1
Phone: +65 6572 5522
Hours: Daily – 10 AM to 10 PM

If you’re in the mood for shopping or just not much of an outdoorsy person, you can always head over to the malls in Tampines.

One of them is Tampines Mall, which has quite a variety of shops—from fashion and electronics to toys and popular books. Movie-goers also flock here for the Golden Village Cinema.

You can check out Century Square, too. They’ve recently undergone a S$60 million facelift. It now spans six storeys with over 150 tenants. There are supermarkets, enrichment centres, arcade-style gaming, and plenty of food spots. 

What I like about this place is the prayer rooms for those who need a moment to themselves, plus a roof garden with seating and greenery.

An even bigger option is Tampines 1. This mall has Sephora, Muji, Daiso, Don Don Donki, and a lot more. It’s my favourite because they also host community events regularly, making it a lively spot to hang out.

Pro Tip: Swing by on weekday afternoons. The shops tend to be quieter, and the staff have more time to offer personalised help or let you know about in-store promos that aren’t heavily advertised.

4. Chill out under the trees at Sun Plaza Park

Media credit: @nparksbuzz

Website: https://www.nparks.gov.sg/gardens-parks-and-nature/parks-and-nature-reserves/sun-plaza-park
Address: Tampines Ave 7
Hours: Open 24/7

For a relaxing day out, I recommend Sun Plaza Park. It’s a sizable neighbourhood park with lots of attractions to explore.

I especially like the Therapeutic Garden. It has a gentle garden brook, shade-tolerant plants like palms and aroids, and groves designed for some peaceful “me-time.”

The Amphitheatre is pretty nice, too, since it’s used for community performances and cultural events like music recitals, dance showcases, and small theatre productions.

But I think people enjoy the Sense Discovery Garden the most. It’s a landscaped space designed to engage your senses, with areas where you can feel different textures underfoot and enjoy plants arranged to catch your eye with vibrant colours and shapes.

For us, it usually just becomes a picnic spot, thanks to the large grassy spaces.

Pro Tip: You can utilise the shaded paths for jogging or walking. The park offers various routes to accommodate different exercise preferences.

5. Find a quiet moment by the water at Tampines Quarry

Media credit: @peishi.ng

Address: Tampines Industrial Ave 1
Hours: Open 24/7

Formerly a sand quarry, Tampines Quarry has naturally transformed into a serene lake surrounded by lush vegetation.

These days, people mostly come here for slow walks and nature exploration. Visitors often follow informal forest trails, jog, or just wander and take in the scenery. 

It’s also a peaceful spot for fishing, especially in the early morning or late afternoon.

You’ll probably see photographers capturing the calm waters, beautiful foliage, and reflections, and I’ve even spotted some flying drones here as well.

Pro Tip: Be cautious of steps and muddy paths when exploring the area. Some trails may be slippery, so appropriate footwear is recommended.

6. Spot murals and take in the neighbourhood’s architectural mix

Media credit: @murallingo

Hours: Open 24/7

Every time I wander around Tampines, I can’t help but notice how alive the streets feel with art. 

The butterfly murals in Tampines North are such a fun sight, with whole walls covered in bright colours. Each block has its own set of wings, like they’re waiting for you to pose in front of them.

At Block 863, there’s a mural called “Yesterday Once More” that shows old Singapore, and it’s like stepping back in time. 

Then there’s the 3D mural at Block 478—it’s styled like an old provision shop and barbershop, complete with real benches you can actually sit on. It’s nostalgic, interactive, and perfect for a quick photo break.

But one that really caught my eye was the paper crane mural at Tampines West Community Club. The cranes are painted with patterns we all know, like the “Good Morning” towel and sarong kebaya, which feel really familiar.

Pro Tip: Walk the streets early in the morning for the best light and empty backdrops. 

7. Go through guided prayers and reflections in the Masjid Darul Ghufran

Media credit: @darulghufran

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darulghufran/?hl=en
Website: http://darulghufran.org/
Address: 503 Tampines Ave 5
Phone: +65 6786 5545
Hours: 

  • Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 1 PM; 2 PM to 5:30 PM
  • Saturday – 9 AM to 1 PM
  • Sunday – Closed

Right in the heart of this regional centre is Masjid Darul Ghufran, the biggest mosque in Singapore. It first went up in 1990 with a really bold Brutalist design—lots of strong concrete walls and shapes that blended with the nearby swimming pool and stadium.

By the late ’90s, the brown brick façade got swapped out for a bright blue cladding, which is why everyone now calls it the “Blue Minaret.”

They’ve got a Dakwah Centre for religious outreach, classrooms for Islamic education, and a Youth Hub where young people hang out and do activities. 

Residents engage a lot in the social programs and evening classes here. They even collect zakat to help those in need. I’d say it’s one of those places that really feels like the heart of the community in Tampines.

Pro Tip: Try to speak with volunteers or staff. They’ll be happy to share more about the mosque’s design and purpose.

8. Indulge in local delights at the hawker centres

Media credit: @oh.o.natti

Hawker Centre @ Our Tampines Hub
Website: https://www.pa.gov.sg/our-network/our-tampines-hub/our-tampines-hub/
Address: 1 Tampines Walk
Phone: +65 6225 5632
Hours: Daily – 6 AM to 10 PM

Tampines Round Market & Food Centre
Website: https://www.nea.gov.sg/our-services/hawker-management/overview
Address: 137 Tampines St. 11
Phone: +65 6225 5632
Hours: Daily – 6:30 AM to 3 PM

Tampines is full of food spots, but the hawker centres here really capture the neighbourhood’s vibe. The one at Our Tampines Hub on the first floor is kind of like a modern food paradise.

There are over 40 stalls, and some of the names are a head turner—Ah Fat Braised Duck Rice and Boon Lay Ho Huat Fried Hokkien Mee, for example, always gather a crowd. 

The meals are still super affordable, with some dishes going for just a few dollars!

Then there’s the Tampines Round Market & Food Centre, which has been around since 1983. 

This is where you’ll find the classics: Song Han Carrot Cake, the famous Nasi Lemak Specialist, and other local favourites that’ve been keeping people coming back for decades.

Pro Tip: Avoid the peak lunch hour by going just before noon or closer to 2 PM; the lines are shorter at this time.

9. Unwind while butterflies float by at Changkat Butterfly Garden

Media credit: @abitoftravels

Website: https://www.nparks.gov.sg/contact-us
Address: Tampines St. 11
Hours: Open 24/7

Found within the Changkat neighbourhood is the Tampines Changkat Butterfly Garden, a tiny green escape between HDB blocks.

The project came about through MP Irene Ng’s collaboration with NParks and ButterflyCircle. The goal was simple: to bring butterflies into everyday life. 

The space is filled with host and nectar plants, so you’ll spot species like the Common Mormon and Plain Tiger fluttering around.

There’s a small enclosed area where you’re able to get up close to the butterflies, along with benches and a wooden alcove, if you just want to enjoy the surroundings. 

You’ll catch kids running around chasing butterflies while older residents rest in the shade.

The garden even links to a nearby Nature Centre in a converted void deck, where exhibitions and workshops happen. It’s free, open all day, and a lovely reminder that even in a busy town, nature can still find a home.

Pro Tip: Mid-morning visits are ideal since the butterflies are livelier and you’ll have a better chance of seeing them fluttering around the flowering plants.

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