Even though Singapore is a small city-state, there is much to explore and visit. Families looking for activities do not have to travel far at all. In the city itself, specifically District 11 lies many gems just for families.
Did you know there are heritage sites, family-friendly malls, “Crazy Rich Asian” hangouts at Novena and Newton, just round the corner from Orchard Road?
Our list gives you the insider hangouts at Novena, Newton and the vicinity. Forget the beaten path of Orchard and head to District 11!
Family-friendly Malls and Child-friendly Hangouts
In Novena alone, there are four malls to hang out at rain or shine. The most popular for families is United Square, the “kids learning mall”, where there is a myriad of kids fashion stores, Popular bookstore, enrichment centres such as Learning Lab, Lorna Whiston, Hua Language Centre and more. Younger children will also enjoy ZOOMOOV rides while parents and caregivers will find the food & beverage choices and convenience of Cold Storage supermarket appealing.
Goldhill Plaza, right next to United Square, has more enrichment centre options with Taekwondo, language and music classes available.
Just across the road are Velocity @ Novena Square and Square 2. Both malls are conveniently connected to Novena MRT. Get your sports gear or attend fitness classes at Velocity @ Novena Square and do more shopping at Square 2.
Zhongshan Mall, next to Zhongshan Park, has a Fairprice Finest provides more grocery options.
Good Eats in Novena & Newton
Never go hungry because the dining options are aplenty in Novena and Newton.
First up, the must-visit for non-crazy Asians is Newton Food Centre – the treasure trove of quality hawker food. This is just one stop away from Novena.
Aside from the innumerable food options inside the shopping malls, you can find plenty of others even in nondescript corners of Novena and Newton.
Our favourite haunt is Sinn Ji Hainanese Chicken Rice, located at Novena, for its fragrant chicken rice and succulent chicken. If you prefer the heritage brands of chicken rice, options include Wee Nam Kee at United Square.
Prefer café-hopping? There are numerous cafes to check out including The Clue-less Goat, Craftsmen Specialty Coffee and La Ristrettos Coffee Roastery. Be clueless no more at The Clue-less Goat, known for its affordably priced options and great coffee.
End your meal with desserts the traditional way from Ah Chew Desserts at Goldhill Plaza, ice-cream from Udders or Belleville Souffle Pancakes at Square 2.
Did we mention that some of these outlets only close at midnight? Shh, don’t let your tummy hear you.
Heritage Sites in Novena
Walking around Novena might spring some pleasant surprises as the area is rich in history and culture.
Novena Church or The Church of St Alphonsus, was one of the first churches to be built after World War 2. It is a well-visited church by devotees and stands out for its neo-classical architecture.
Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall, located next to Zhongshan Mall, was home to revolutionist Dr Sun Yat Sen while in Singapore. It is a popular site for family-friendly activities and light-ups during traditional festivals such as Lunar New Year and Mid-autumn Festival.
Nature Parks a Short Drive Away
Love parks and greenery? Just a short distance away are inviting green spaces like MacRitchie Reservoir Park, the gateway to the Central Catchment Area, and every child’s favourite Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden at Singapore Botanic Gardens for more family-friendly adventures.
Green spaces like Malcolm Park, Novena Park, Goldhill Avenue Playground and Thomson Road Playground serve as cosy, intimate getaways in the neighbourhood.
Health City Novena
Perhaps one of the biggest draws of the area is the development of a healthcare district. The Health City Novena development plan covers 17 hectares of land! The Health City will be an integrated urban development including health services, research and education, commercial, leisure and public spaces.
In addition, Thomson Medical Centre is a mere stone’s throw away, which means convenience in pre-natal, post-natal and paediatric care for young families.
Well-Appointed Luxury Residence in Novena: Peak Residence
Don’t miss the opportunity to live in Novena – a thoroughly liveable district especially for families.
Peak Residence is the latest freehold residence at District 11 that has been launched. With only 90 exclusive units, the luxurious boutique development promises spectacular views, a prime location close to many amenities and brand name schools like Anglo-Chinese School (Primary), Singapore Chinese Girls School and St. Joseph’s Institution in the vicinity. Better yet, it is minutes from Novena MRT and the upcoming Mount Pleasant MRT.
Located in the Novena area, Peak Residence will also be close to the North South Corridor slated to be ready by 2027. It will be the longest Transit Priority Corridor offering smoother and faster journeys from the CBD to the North of Singapore. Travel times can be shortened by 25% and commuters can expect less traffic on Thomson Road.
Sitting atop elevated land, Peak Residence is located along Thomson Road. Enjoy unblocked views from your home and relish the peace just minutes away from top-notch amenities and brand name schools in the surrounding neighbourhoods.
Features of Peak Residence
Peak Residence is developed by Tuan Sing Holdings, a trusted name in the industry. The low-rise boutique development is one of the few freehold properties in the vicinity. All units have high ceilings which mean the possibility of duplex configurations and are furnished with high-end fittings from luxury brands such as V-Zug.
The low-density development has three blocks which are united by a 106m long roof terrace with a 33-metre swimming pool, gym, lush landscaping and entertainment areas. Families can take a break from a long day of work at the rooftop, taking in the unobstructed 360 views of the surroundings.
Head Home at the Peak
Experience living at the peak. Peak Residence offers a refuge amidst city living.
Check out more details about the development at this site and watch this flythrough video for a preview of life amidst the best of Novena.
For enquiries, click here.
This feature is brought to you by Tuan Sing Holdings.
