Toa Payoh seems to a typical Singapore neighborhood towns, but do you know it s actually the grandfather of all public housing towns in Singapore?
Even Queen Elizabeth II visited Toa Payoh town in 1972 and again in 2006. Chinese ex-Premier Wen Jiaboa also visited the town in 2007, as this is one of the oldest housing estates in Singapore! People around the world are curious to find out how Singaporean township is like.
Central Horizon
One of the iconic landmark in Tao Payoh is the Central Horizon which was rebuilt from the 10-storey block to 40-story blocks.
You are still able to spot many old flats still using the viral staircase.
All the Singapore “First” pioneered are in Toa Payoh. The first Residents’ Association, the first town to employ the neighborhood police post system, first NTUC and first MRT station.
Toa Payoh mean ‘Big swamp’ in the Hokkien and Teochew dialects. Payoh derived from the Malay word as paya, the swamp. So you could guess this place is use to be a swamp & muddy area.
Toa Payoh Mall
Over here you get a very competitive price for the household items, fruits and other groceries.
Toa Payoh Library
It is the second oldest library in Singapore, it has a total of 3 levels. Even Jet Li daughters (when younger) use to frequent this library. It is only a min away walking from the bus interchange station.
Toa Payoh Amphitheater
Toa Payoh Central Community Club
A mural by Resort World Sentosa & Sea Aquarium found in Toa Payoh
Cash converters
There are 3 cash converters in Singapore, one of them can be found in Tao Payoh and it is quite big. If there are something you don’t want, you can always sell them and get some cash.
Hersing Centre
Toa Payoh Stadium & Swimming Pool
Toa Payoh has great pools and host the National Schools’ Swimming Championship for many years. It also was the venue for the aquatic event for the Summer Youth Olympics Games in 2010.
Toa Payoh Town Park
With large pavilion, landscaped pond and occasionally turtles pop out from the lake to greet hello, this park still retains it charms and beauty. Spotted few foreigners taking an enjoyable stroll around the park.
An arch stone bridge and bend big tree are great photo opportunities!
The park was developed in the 70s, back then it was a popular venue for wedding couples but now, the park is more like a party celebration venue for the domestic workers in Singapore. I was surprised to find out all the sheltered pavilion was decorated with balloon and banners. Most of them have a theme for the group parties.
Spotted a floral girls parties, I noticed all ladies are wearing floral dresses be it long or short. Look like someone is having her 40th birthday party. I believe these ladies are Filipino domestic helpers. I really admire the way they enjoy their life, they are creative and think of ways to entertain themselves during their off day. Really cool way to live.
Another orange theme party, they named themselves as “Beach Girl Singapore” as there is a big banner hanging at the pavilion. Some group did not manage to get a pavilion but still able to have their party at the grass, under big trees and hanging balloon between trees.
Toa Payoh Tower – Historical Trail
The 4 storey viewing tower use to be one of the most significant feature in this area, that was back in the 70s. Now it is barely noticeable from the street as surrounding high-rise buildings. Back in the 70s, the octagon tower used to be a watchtower and people would climb up to have the bird eyes view of the area. But now it is no longer accessible for public as it no longer serve it function.
Lush greenery, plenty of willow at the pond make a great landscape.
Toa Payoh historical park has now turned out to be a party ground on Sunday for the domestic helpers in Singapore mainly because of it great location. It is easily accessible from north south east west of Singapore and it also easier to get the party supplies such as drinks & food from the nearby Toa Payoh Mall.
Singapore HDB Hub
Singaporean or PR who owned HDB housing will come here to settle their selling or buying documents.