Last Updated on 2022-05-21 , 2:39 pm
All aboard the Rail Mall!
Singaporeans are famous for short trips around the region. However, the idea of domestic travel, or at least domestic adventures, is becoming more popular with locals.
The Rail Mall and Truss Bridge combination in the Hillview area is an especially common destination. I’m pretty sure you’ve seen all the IG posts taken there.
Then, these ‘adventurous souls’ who travelled all the way to Hillview just for good prata and a bridge (read: Instaworthy shot) will trudge back to their cars or the MRT, feeling satisfied with an afternoon or evening well spent.
But wait! Don’t go yet!
Now that you’re at The Rail Mall, did you know that there are actually other fun and interesting things you can do around the area?
Here are 7 other things you can do around The Rail Mall besides taking photos of the Truss Bridge.
1. Stroll Along The Green Corridor
A fan of running amongst nature or taking a nice, refreshing stroll surrounded by nature? Then you’ve got to go to the green corridor.
It’s a walking trail situated along the now-abandoned railway tracks that stretch from Woodlands to the Tanjong Pagar Railway Station.
There are many walking trails that you can try out throughout the entire route. If you are starting at The Rail Mall, you can head south towards Holland Road or north towards Choa Chu Kang and Woodlands.
Besides being a fantastic way to burn off that prata, The Green Corridor is surrounded by gorgeous natural beauty and a great view of Singapore. Just remember to bring sufficient water, mosquito repellent and maybe a cap for hot days!
And you’re not just limited to walking or running. There’s even a mountain bike trail available for avid bikers to ride through.
2. Rock Climbing With Natural Rock Wall
Now, if you’re not in the mood for just a long walk, how about throwing in some rock climbing too?
Natural rock climbing at that.
The Dairy Farm rock quarry off Upper Bukit Timah Road is a natural rock formation perfect for rock climbing enthusiasts.
Unlike the usual man-made rock climbing walls that you’re used to, this natural rock wall is the perfect challenge for rock climbing enthusiasts who want to feel like their skills are put to real use.
The popular wall is also separated into easy, moderate and difficult levels.
3. Wildlife and Photography
Did you know that Singapore, despite being a concrete jungle, actually has very rich biodiversity?
Wildlife thrives within our green spaces, so if you’re into photography, definitely bring a good camera and a sharp eye when you explore the area around The Rail Mall.
Besides the Long-Tailed Macaques, watch out for rare birds such as owls and even shyer species of insects and snakes, if this is your kind of thing.
Side note: To those freaking out at the word ‘snakes’, don’t worry. Snakes are as a species, shy of humans, and will not bother you if you return the favour. Just take your photos from afar and stay calm.
4. Visit The Singapore Quarry
Yep, Singapore has quarries, for those (ironically) living under a rock.
Singapore’s land actually contains a lot of granite, and beginning in the early 1900s, many quarries were formed due to the extraction of the material.
These quarries have now been repurposed into beautiful natural ‘lakes’.
The one along the Rail Corridor is called Singapore Quarry, located at 100 Dairy Farm Road. After hiking there, it’s time to catch a respite beside the tranquil blue-green waters of the quarry.
Plenty of wildlife enthusiasts actually gather to photograph the unique wildlife at the quarry.
5. Learn More About WWII
Just a few bus stops away from The Rail Mall at 351 Upper Bukit Timah Road is Singapore’s Former Ford Factory.
Now a museum, the Former Ford Factory was where the British officially surrendered Singapore to the Japanese during World War II. There, you can catch a glimpse into prewar Singapore as well as gain different perspectives on the fall of Singapore.
The museum is free for Singapore citizens, permanent residents, Singapore pass holders and children aged 6 and below.
There are tours at 2:30 pm on Thursdays to Fridays and at 11 am and 3:30 pm on weekends.
6. A Hidden Food Paradise
As we mentioned earlier, we already know that this is what you came here for.
Food.
And oh boy, are you in for a treat.
Springleaf Prata Place
- Must-try: Ultimate Murtabak
- Price: $12.90 (Full) / $8 (Mini-version)
Now, true prata lovers will know this: there’s Murtabak and there’s Murtabak. And the Ultimate Murtabak by Springleaf Prata Place firmly falls into the latter category.
This delicious murtabak right here is the pioneer of Springleaf’s Ultimate Hawkerfest Series in 2012 and remain the McGriddles of Springleaf Prata Place.
And no wonder, wait till you hear what goes into each Ultimate Murtabak: Glorious chunks of smoky tandoori chicken, bountiful bits of portobello mushrooms and a generous serving of cheesy mozzarella all singing in harmony, hidden inside the prata dough.
And if you’re afraid you can’t finish the gigantic murtabak, there’s a mini-version for people with smaller appetites.
- Address: 396 Upper Bukit Timah Road, The Rail Mall, Singapore 678048
- Opening Hours: 8 am to 12 am
New Teck Kee Chicken Rice
- Must-try: Half steam chicken with rice & “Qing Long” Beansprouts
- Price: Half steam chicken ($20 excluding GST) / “Qing Long” Beansprouts ($12/$19 excluding GST) / Rice ($1 excluding GST)
Imagine fragrant chicken rice accompanied by soft, tender chicken. And don’t be fooled by their name, they’re like a marriage between a chicken rice stall and a zichar, offering delectable cuisines after a hard day of exploration.
- Address: 450 Upper Bukit Timah Road, The Rail Mall, Singapore 678069
- Opening Hours: 10 am – 9 pm
SunnyChoice
Feel like going healthier choice? Then SunnyChoice’s the one you’re looking for.
A cafe housed within a health store, you can find organic and natural food, fresh fruits and even healthy vegetarian and vegan meals at affordable prices.
- Must-try: Lion’s Mane Mushroom Rendang
- Price: $9.50
Rendang is the number one dish in CNN International’s list of World’s most delicious foods chosen by readers in 2011. And now, SunnyChoice is bringing this delectable goodness to vegetarian and vegan food lovers at SunnyChoice.
Lion Mane’s mushrooms are known for their savoury taste with health benefits, and they pair it with refreshing homemade achar and organically grown brown rice.
Mildly spicy yet gentle on your tummy (unlike other spicy food), who says delicious food isn’t healthy?
- Address: 434 Upper Bukit Timah Road, The Rail Mall Singapore 678060
- Opening Hours: 10.30 am – 9 pm
[SUNNYCHOICE GIVEAWAY]
Can’t wait to try the SunnyChoice’s Lion’s Mane Mushroom Rendang for yourself? Now you can do so…for free.
Simply like The Rail Mall’s Facebook page and tag a friend you’d like to share this prize with on The Rail Mall’s Facebook post comment section, and you might just win 2 Lion’s Mane Mushroom Rendang + 2 Cactus Juice Drink (Worth $9.50 + $3.60 = $13.10 x 2 sets = $26.20).
Yes, it’s that simple!
Just make sure to fast-hand-fast-leg because the giveaway contest ends on 12 May 2019 at 23:59 hrs, okay?
Don’t say we bojio hor!
Acqua e Farina
If you’re looking to pamper you and your loved one, Acqua e Farina‘s one place you can’t miss out.
Here’s what you got to try when you’re there.
- Must-try: Fettuccine Nere alla Polpa di Granchio
- Price: $25++
A savoury plate of homemade squid ink pasta with crabmeat tossed in tomato sauce and topped off with a touch of cream.
- Must-Try: Pizza Acqua e Farina
- Price: $25++
Imagine tomato, mozzarella, ricotta cheese, salami and sautéed spinach served on soft pizza dough. Yum.
- Address: 400 Upper Bukit Timah Road, The Rail Mall, Singapore 678050
- Opening Hours: Tuesday – Friday: 11 am – 2.30 pm; 5.30 pm – 10.15 pm / Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays: 11 am – 3 pm; 5 pm – 10.15 pm
BlooiE’s Roadhouse
When it comes to burgers, no one does it better than the roadhouses in North America.
Feel like sinking your teeth into American burgers with their thick, juicy burger patties?
Then, it’s time to visit BlooiE’s Roadhouse where they offer you the best of North American Roadhouses.
- Must-try: BlooiE’s Bacon Mushroom Cheese Burger
- Price: $18.90
Imagine a thick, succulent beef patty wedged between perfectly toasted buns and slathered with mushrooms, bacon and cheese.
Mmmm.
- Must-try: BlooiE’s Crispy Pork Knuckle
- Price: $38.80
And they’re not just known for their burgers. Check out their pork knuckle where it’s crispy on the outside, soft and tender on the inside.
And there are craft beers available for you to wash the food down. Plus, what’s pork knuckle if it’s not accompanied by beer, right?!
- Address: 428 Upper Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 678054
- Opening Hours: 11.30am – 1.30am / Open till 3 am on Fri & Sat
7. The Nightlife
Now, when we talk about nightlife in Singapore, the first place that comes to peoples’ minds are probably clubs and pubs along the Singapore River.
But did you know that The Rail Mall has its own nightlife appeal too?
Granted, if you’re a clubber, this area isn’t for you.
But if you’re just looking to chill and drink the night away with a close group of friends? You’ll probably want to be there.
Sixteen Ounces
Sixteen Ounces serves up a variety of craft beers guaranteed to fit every palate.
They have 8 different styles of craft beer on tap, curated from craft breweries around the world.
And their pricing’s pretty affordable as well, costing $12 to $14 during Happy Hour or $15 to $17 after 8 pm.
- Address: 398 Upper Bukit Timah Road The Rail Mall, 678049
- Opening Hours: Tue – Fri: 5 pm – 12 am / Sat: 3 pm – 12 am / Sun: 3 pm – 11 pm
The Straits Wine Company
Not a beer person? It’s okay.
You can enjoy different types of quality wine at The Straits Wine Company.
But if there’s one wine you have to try, it’s their Vina Pedrosa Crianza 2015. Vina Pedrosa Crianza is a powerful wine with a meaty, sumptuous character. The volume is balanced out with smooth, integrated tannins, rounded by 18 months of oak ageing.
Priced at $73.30, this wine is perfect to share and chill with your friends in the cool night weather of The Rail Mall.
- Address: 424 Upper Bukit Timah Road, The Rail Mall, Singapore 678052
- Opening Hours: 2 pm-12 am (Mon-Sat) / 11am-11pm (Sun)
So there you go, 7 other things to do around The Rail Mall besides taking IG-photo at the Truss Bridge for the 10,000th time.
By the way, they come up with events from time to time with attractive prices, so make sure to check out their website and Facebook Page from time to time!
This article was first published on goodyfeed.com and written in collaboration with The Rail Mall.
