Things to do

Beyond the Bustle: The Best Things to Do in Bishan

Have a blast at Bishan!
By: Aina Shamshuri / October 27, 2023

Did you know that Bishan used to be a cemetary for the Hakka and Cantonese communites in Singapore? However, the spooky aura of the area is now long gone, and the place has transformed into one of the country’s most popular areas for (living) people to reside in. Also known as Peck San, Bishan New Town or Bishan Town, Bishan is located at the northernmost portion of the Central Region, and there’s nothing short of things to do in this area. From aesthetic cafes to popular playgrounds, let’s check out the best things to do in Bishan.

What to Do in Bishan

1. Hang Out at Junction 8

Image via Junction 8

This is a no-brainer, Junction 8 practically serves as the beating heart of Bishan district. Easily accessed via Bishan MRT Interchange Station and Bishan Bus Interchange, this mall is teeming with the best things to do in Bishan. There’s plenty of clothing stores to window shop at, beauty and hair parlours, and of course, countless restaurants and cafes to sip and savour at. There’s the ever popular Shake Shack to get your burger fix, Laneige if you want to get your hands on the Neo Cushion, and plenty of nail salons to get your claws done.

For more information, click here.

Address:9 Bishan Pl, Singapore 579837
Operating hours:10am – 10pm daily
Contact details:65 6354 2955

2. Be One with Nature at Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park

Image via National Parks

A real saviour if you need to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park will welcome you with open arms and plenty of fresh air. One of the largest urban parks in central Singapore, this park has an old concrete canal that has been transformed into a beautiful 3km river lined with wildflowers, as well as open lawns and grassy banks to just relax and hang out at. This 62-hectare park is also home to an inclusive playground, located in River Plains if you just feel like letting your inner child out, have some fun, and let all your stresses fade away into the background.

For more information, click here.

Address:1384 Ang Mo Kio Ave 1, Singapore
Operating hours:Open 24 hours daily
Contact details:

3. Play with Paint at Splat Paint House

This place is seriously fun. Splat Paint House is where you can let loose and let paint fly, literally. It’s a whole space where you can destress, play, and just have some fun with paint! Splash it around, paint a picture, decorate the walls or your friends – you choose. You’ll be fitted in overalls, shoe covers, hair nets, and gloves, so don’t be afraid to get messy. In fact, it’s encouraged! Unleash your inner artist, and get those creative juices flowing and go create some masterpieces that even Jackson Pollock would be jealous of.

For more information, click here.

Address:207a Upper Thomson Rd, Singapore 574346
Operating hours:Wed – Fri: 3pm – 9pm
Sat: 11am – 9pm
Sun: 11am – 8.30pm
Contact details:65 8882 0839

4. Be the Main Character Bishan Public Library

Image via Arch Daily

Who knew that one of the craziest looking buildings in Bishan would be a public library? Imagine being in your academia era, curled up at one of the windows, book in hand, earphones in because you’re not like the other girls – we’re getting ahead of ourselves. But for real, being at Bishan Public Library is one of the best things to do in Bishan because not only does it have plenty of space for you to study and do work at, it also has a basement (for the dark academia vibes) as well as a rooftop terrace (for the main character vibes) for you to destress at.

For more information, click here.

Address:5 Bishan Pl, #01-01, Singapore 579841
Operating hours:10am – 9pm daily
Contact details:

5. Fall on Your Butt at Bishan Park Skating Rink

Image via National Parks

If you’re tired of hanging out at malls, why not grab your buddies and try your hand at skating instead? The skating rink at Bishan Park has a designated area for beginners to put on a pair of skates and safely learn how to practise inline skating, while being guided by a Skateline instructor. If you’re new to skating, you don’t have to jump into the scary bowl and zoom through professional-level skaters – you can literally take it one step (or glide) at a time in a controlled environment. Plus, everybody around you is new to skating too, so you won’t be the only one falling on your butt.

For more information, click here.

Address:Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, 1380 Ang Mo Kio Ave 1, Singapore 569930
Operating hours:Open 24 hours daily
Contact details:

6. Unleash Your Inner Child at the Bishan Clock Playground

Image via SG Play Finder

Okay, you may stick out like a sore thumb if you go out and play at at the Clock Playground as an adult, but it makes a good backdrop for a photo, right? Or, you can bring your niece/nephew/godchild/child/grandparent and have some fun with them at this super cool playground! It’s actually two playgrounds next to each other, but it’s known as the Clock Playground thanks to the giant mosaic clock where kids can peek their heads through and wave at you. It’s a super sturdy playground, with seats nearby for the adults and plenty of parking space.

Address:514B Bishan Street 13, Bishan Bus Interchange, Singapore 572514
Operating hours:Open 24 hours daily
Contact details:

7. Grab a Bite to Eat

Image via Good Bites

There are tons and tons of cafes, restaurants, and even ice cream parlours at Bishan practically everywhere you look – just walk around and you’ll definitely spot a place you’ll want to go in. We recommend Good Bites for halal good eats (pictured), Shamrock Cafe for some sweet treats, and Canopy Garden Dining for a meal al fresco.


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