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10 hidden gems in Commonwealth that even people staying there might not know

2016-06-07 , 12:48 pm

Last Updated on 2016-06-23 , 12:29 pm

Commonwealth, once part of Queenstown stands tall in the central-west area of Sunny Singapore. Though small, Commonwealth is cosy with a couple of churches, mosques and temples.

This brought together people of all races into the community. With a bunch of schools, hawker centers and little shopping malls around, the residents of Commonwealth is satisfied with what is provided. Here’s a list of 10 points on why people love Commonwealth.

Commonwealth MRT Station
As the area of Commonwealth is small, people living in all directions of the location is near to the MRT station. Almost every resident is at most 4 bus stops away from the MRT station.

Roof Top Garden
There are 2 rooftop gardens built on the top of buildings in Commonwealth. Just a street down from the schools, the rooftop garden next to Block 88 set on top of a multi-storey carpark is frequently visited by neighbouring primary and secondary school students ready to hang out after school. Another rooftop garden is hidden just a couple of blocks down, in the midst of HDB flats.

Affordable Cheng Tng
In Singapore’s sweltering heat, everyone loves getting dessert to help cool themselves down. If you are the traditional foodie, Commonwealth Crescent Market and Food Centre is just the one for you.

Selling a variety of classic shaved ice dessert or warm delicious soups, this stall Dessert 90 stands out the most as not only do they sell yummy and not over-the-top sweet desserts, their prices are as low as a $1!

Homemade Ice Cream
If you’re more of a modernised resident and prefer to hang out at a cafe, Commonwealth has got you covered as well! Just at a corner at Tanglin Halt Road, stands a stall selling homemade ice-cream, waffles and coffee. The structure of the cafe is cosy and small but is able to house about 15 customers.

If that isn’t reason enough for you to head down, you might just say yes as it is a local business owned by Singapore’s Campus Superstar Alumni, Renfred Ng.

IKEA Alexandra
Singapore has a total of 2 IKEAs and 1 is located just 4 stops away from Commonwealth MRT Station. Just alongside the road, the 2-storey building is easy to spot with its bright colours of blue and yellow.

Complete with a restaurant on the 2nd floor, residents love to step in and find themselves walking through the maze-like area and picking up items.

Queensway Shopping Centre
Just across from IKEA, by the cross junction stands the 4-storey building: Queensway Shopping Centre. Recognised as the to-go place for anything sports related, the mall is covered with sports equipment on every floor and almost every stall.

Right in the middle of the mall is a small area of tables and chairs surrounding a kitchen where customers can sit and order their famous Katong Laksa, Curry Chicken rice and large cups of sugarcane drinks.

Anchorpoint Shopping Mall
Although small and sometimes unheard of, the 2-storey shopping mall mainly consists of eateries, bakeries, bookshops and retail stores. Just a short walk from the neighbouring HDB blocks, residents frequently walk over to get their tummies filled or wardrobe full.

The few retail stores located there are usually seen with huge discounts for sales as they are more commonly known for being sold at warehouse prices.

MacDonalds
The MacDonalds outlet, just two stops away from the MRT station is separated into 3 sections with 2 sections being outdoors while the 1 enclosed with air conditioning.

Just a street away from two schools, the place is usually bustling with students ready to snack on fries after school. Complete with a kids playground and large pond filled with eels, turtles and fishes, many customers like taking photos while standing on the pathway in the middle of the pond.

MOE Heritage Centre
Previously New Town Primary School, the area has since been re-painted when the students were moved to a new school two streets up. Now an MOE heritage centre and secretly a museum, people are welcomed on Fridays to enter and reminisce Singapore’s past while checking out the ancient textbooks, desks and school equipment.

Historical Business
As more businesses in the hair industry rises, many barber shops and salons have changed their layout to a more modernised style opting for a fancier look. However, on the street of Commonwealth Drive stands a barber shop that has been operating for the last 30 years. Choosing to keep his barber shop looking old-school, Sin Palace Hair Dressing Saloon relocated here after the 1961 fire in Bukit Ho Swee.

10 hidden gems in Commonwealth that even people staying there might not know

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