Positioned at one end of the Orchard Road shopping, dining and entertainment strip, Tanglin is a leafy district with beautiful gardens, cocktail bars and art galleries. This central district offers a wealth of cultural institutions, as well as convenient access to the Singapore River and Marina Bay attractions.
Things to do in Tanglin
Tanglin’s peaceful streets meander around the Singapore Botanic Gardens, where you can wander down scenic trails past sculptures, rose gardens, a swan-filled lake and tropical plants. The World Heritage-listed botanic garden features a range of hybrid orchids, a cascading waterfall in the Ginger Garden and interactive exhibits at the Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden.
Discover a range of contemporary Asian artwork at the Museum of Contemporary Arts, from elaborate sculptures and detailed drawings to inspiring photographs and thought-provoking paintings. Duck into the Linda Gallery next door or the REDSEA Gallery down the road to browse local artwork. If you get hungry, stop in at Roadhouse for hearty American-style burgers.
Tanglin is on the edge of Orchard Road, where you can find some of Singapore’s best shopping malls and department stores. Lucky Plaza has an amusement park and Asian food court, while ION Orchard Mall has international brands, such as Tiffany & Co, Prada, Cartier and Levi’s. Don’t forget to grab a pint at The Drunken Poet or indulge in a massage at Natureland Spa.
Are you interested in learning more about the local culture? Tanglin is a 10-minute drive from Sri Thendayuthapani Temple, a 19th-century Hindu temple where the annual Thaipusam festival celebrations take place. You’ll find body piercings, free food and vibrant street processions.
Getting around Tanglin
Tanglin offers reliable public transport inside and outside of the district, thanks to multiple MRT stations and bus interchanges. Many of Tanglin’s popular areas can be explored on foot, but you can also catch taxis or use a hired car to get around.