9 Things To Do At Temasek Shophouse, The NEW & FREE Community Garden & Space At Orchard Road

Temasek Shophouse has been given a modern and green revamp while retaining its old-world charm. Now transformed into a community space with a gorgeous outdoor garden, this local gem has plenty of charming elements that families will love! Read on for all the best things to do at Temasek Shophouse.

There’s nothing we love more than accessible green spaces right in the heart of our urban jungle. The latest to turn heads is the newly revamped Temasek Shophouse. Built as a “social impact hub”, the highlight of this new addition to Dhoby Ghaut at Orchard Road is the outdoor community space, where you’ll find a beautifully landscaped community gardens, a preserved “habitat” of bumblebees, a kids’ rock wall, and even indoor community spaces that give you a break from the buzz of the city outside. Read on for all there is to do at Temasek Shophouse.

1. Hang out at the aesthetic community garden

If you need a dose of greenery while in the city, the Temasek Shophouse Community Farm has everything you need to feel at ease. This community garden features local herbs and plants used in some of our favourite Singapore dishes, from Laksa leaves to Kaffir lime. You’ll also spot sustainable initiatives built right into the garden, including solar panels.

The garden also features a cool rainwater collection system that’s filtered through natural means such as gravel, soil and plant roots, and reused to water the garden plants and restore the water balance of the nearby Stamford Canal.

What also stands out is the fact that the mature trees that’ve stood there from before have been preserved.

An adorable fun fact? There’s a little community of chubby bumblebees that live in the garden! Based on the signage we spotted, we reckon their habitat has also been preserved. You’ll spot the bumblebees buzzing around the flowers–they’re generally harmless and non-aggressive, but we recommend just staying calm and observing them from a respectful distance if you encounter them.

We love that this entire space invites visitors to slow down and soak it all in. There are plenty of seating and lounging areas, branded as “green social spaces”, as well as a wheelchair-accessible walkway that doubles as an elevated walkway for great photos.

You’ll also be able to peek into the canal that runs below the garden. If you’re here with little ones, they may be able to spot fish in the canal, too!

A very much-welcomed element is also the drinking water fountain for humans and doggos at the entrance of the Community Farm.

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2. Let the kids climb an interactive rock wall

No playground? No problem! Temasek Shophouse has a rock wall located near the entrance of the Community Farm, that’s free-to-use. Built especially for kids, this rock wall has some great tactile elements the kids can fiddle with while burning all their energy climbing. 10/10 points for the fact that this rock wall also features a vibrant and aesthetic mural of mangrove trees, hornbills, flowers and more!

There’s also a little stage in front of the rock wall–definitely a spot we reckon toddlers will love stomping up and down (with parental supervision, of course). If the kids need more time to explore the rock wall, there are tables and chairs nearby for parents to take a breather.

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3. Snap photos with the huge wall mural

Other than the beautifully preserved architecture of Temasek Shophouse, one of the standouts here is the snazzy new wall mural you can spot from the community garden.

Spanning at least four storeys tall, the mural pretty much has no bad angles–so just walk around the garden and you’re bound to find great photospots featuring the mural.

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4. Check out a hidden photo booth & old-school exhibit

Head over to the Orchard Road entrance of Temasek Shophouse, and you will find a small but very cool old school mama shop “exhibit” that easily doubles as a photo booth. It’s fairly easy to miss if you’re walking by, but we recommend taking some time to check it out.

It has a counter which is great for snapping pictures, but you’ll also spot many nostalgic memorabilia such as snacks and toys displayed behind and around the counter. On the right-hand side of the space is a stack of biscuit tins–some of which feature miniature scenarios of local gems. Our faves? Singapore’s beloved otters, a lion dance head and LEGO men.

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5. Dial in from an indoor co-working space with kids’ play area

Here ye! FREE co-working space at Temasek Shophouse! Step indoors and you’ll find a decent amount of tables and chairs, as well as booths and even a long table where you can dial into work. There’s also a small cafe onsite, Foreward Coffee, where you can fuel up on your classic brews, teas and even some special concoctions such as Iced Black Coconut and Timeless Yuan Yang.

You don’t necessarily need to order something from the cafe in order to use the co-working area. Just take note that, because it’s easily accessible to the public, it may not be the quietest spot to work, especially during lunch hour. If you’ve got kids in tow, you’ll also be glad to know that there’s a small kids’ corner with some kids’ books and chairs, as well as a rocking horse.

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6. Play the piano/guitar

Another reason why your work sesh at Temasek Shophouse may not be the quietest experience: there’s a piano and guitar available for public use! We weren’t there for very long, but we spotted plenty of adults and kids giving the piano a try–super wholesome in our books, and definitely a great conversation starter if you’re feeling sociable.

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7. Spot preserved elements of the original Temasek Shophouse

We really mean it when we say it’s worth it to slow down and observe everything around you at Temasek Shophouse. On the floor, you’ll spot several “windows” that reveal the original flooring tiles from the early 1900s.

There’s also a mini exhibit with some of the original building materials from back in the day.

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8. Enjoy peranakan faves at Bibik Violet

A peranakan restaurant at a preserved shophouse go together like bread and butter–or should we say, kaya and toast! Bibik Violet of Violet Oon fame is already drawing long lunch queues–and for good reason. It’s casual dining but with local comfort food, including Nyonya Laksa, Nasi Lemak, Prawn Mee, eggs and toast, kueh and more. Extra points for the striking peranakan-inspired interior. More info here.

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9. Pick up a keepsake at the gift shop

You can’t call a place a “shophouse” without some shopping! Tucked behind the co-working area is Martket by ABRY, a store featuring the wares of makers, artists and crafters. You’ll find everything from home decor and books, to cute cards, keychains and more. Follow them here.

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More things to do at Temasek Shophouse

Besides serving as a community space, Temasek Shophouse also has event spaces–all of which are equally stunning and beautifully refurbished. Overall we love how family-friendly the space is, with a nursing room onsite and easy access to Dhoby Ghaut MRT and Plaza Singapura.

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Temasek Shophouse opening hours & entry fees

Entry to Temasek Shophouse’s community spaces is completely free! The indoor space at Temasek Shophouse is open from 8am to 9.30pm on weekdays and 10am to 9.30pm on weekends, but the outdoor space is accessible 24/7.

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How to get to Temasek Shophouse

Located just by Dhoby Ghaut MRT, beside Plaza Singapura on Orchard Road, Temasek Shophouse is incredibly accessible! There’s a bus stop right in front, too, and parking is available at Plaza Singapura.

Temasek Shophouse, 28 Orchard Rd, Singapore 238832, www.temasekshophouse.org.sg

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