Thomson-East Coast Line Stage 2 (TEL2) was open for passenger service on 28 August 2021. In Part 1, we shared some of our recommendations on what you can explore around the Springleaf Station (TE4). Here is part 2 of our recommendations along the Thomson-East Coast Line.

Mayflower (TE6)

Mayflower Station is located on Ang Mo Kio Avenue 4, the neighbourhood here has the most characteristic of heartland living in this second phase of the Thomson-East Coast Line.

You can come here to discover Singapore’s unique kampong bird singing heritage and admire the unique artworks displayed around the station.

The honeycomb motif around the interior and exterior of the station is one of the architectural highlights. Inspired by mayflowers and honeycombs, these hexagonal shapes reflect the area’s songbird watching heritage. Scattered around the station, there are 22 metal bird sculptures from 7 kinds of birds commonly sighted in Singapore.

Stepping out of the train carriage, there is a giant artwork by local artist Koh Hong Teng on the lift shaft. The main feature of the artwork is the banyan tree, juxtaposed with buildings, imaginatively interpreted characters, and artefacts taken from the unique blend of nostalgic shophouses and lush greenery around the Springleaf estate.

Kebun Baru Birds Singing Corner

The highlight around Mayflower MRT Station is the Kebun Baru Bird Singing Corner. Take Exit 3 from the station and walk towards the open-air parking lot behind the market. From a distance, you can see flagpoles lined up neatly on the grass. If you look closely, these are not flags, but birdcages.

The largest bird-watching corner in the area, Kebun Baru Birds Singing Corner can hold more than 1000 cages. Hear the birds take centre stage on weekend mornings and join the many visitors, both local and foreign, who have witnessed this amazing sight.

Address: Open field near Blk 159, Ang Mo Kio Avenue 5, Singapore 560159

Cage Making 159

Next to the open field of the Bird Singing Corner, there is a shop on the ground floor of the HDB block, quite conspicuous when passing by. The owner, Mr Ding (74 years old), started keeping birds at the age of 12. With more than 50 years of experience in making bird cages, he is now a rare birdcage craftsman in the area. The shop is also his working studio, where you can see many tools around. The shop is also filled with many kinds of bird cages;  besides making his own bird cages, he also imports from China, Thailand, and other countries.

Address: Blk 159 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 4, 01-530, Singapore 560159

Local Eats around Mayflower MRT Station

Mayflower Market & Food Centre

This popular gathering point for the residents was built in 1980; with a total of 124 stalls, 60 of which are selling raw food including seafood, vegetables, and meats in the wet market section. Many of the stall owners are old vendors who have been in business for decades. At the food centre, popular stalls include Ang Mo Kio 453 Wanton Noodles, 3 Sisters Prawn Noodle (三姐妹虾面), Jin Song braised mushrooms, and chicken feet noodles (金松著名香菇鸡脚面), Soon Heng Handmade Noodle (顺兴手工云吞面).

Address: Blk 162 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 4, Singapore 560162

Gim Tim Restaurant

Started in 1975, the Chinese restaurant is tucked in a humble corner of Ang Mo Kio Avenue 4. It has expanded to a group with three branches. Specialising in Hokkien and Cantonese cuisine, the signature dishes here include Buddha Jumping Over the Wall, Buns with Braised Pork Belly, Deep Fried Yam Ring, Braised Duck with Sea Cucumber, etc.

Address: Blk 157, Ang Mo Kio Avenue 4 #01-546 Singapore 560157

Sang Hock Guan BBQ Meat

A time-honoured brand that is known only to the locals; since 1981, the meat has been prepared in the traditional way, and using charcoal for BBQ. Expect crowds especially near to Chinese New Year period, we highly recommend you to place an order in advance to avoid disappointment.

Address: Blk 163, Ang Mo Kio Avenue 4 #01-446 Singapore 560163

Malaysian Hup Keep Fishball Noodle (AMK)

The stall owner inherits the recipe from his parents for making these fish balls. The process is rather cumbersome as he would have to spend six hours every day making them. As the fish balls are handmade using 100% fish meat, only limited quantities are produced every day. The stall also makes its own condiments such as the sambal chili sauce and scallion oil.

Address: Blk 158 Ang Mo Kio Ave 4, #01-590, Singapore 560158

Soi 19 Thai Wanton Mee (Ang Mo Kio)

The owner is a local who has learned to make the dish in Thailand. After returning, he opened this stall serving Thai-style wonton noodles. The ingredients in the bowl of noodles include fried wontons, fried fish cakes, crispy lard, and is seasoned with Thai fish sauce and chili powder. It is highly praised by food bloggers and has become popular. Several branches have been opened but this unit here in Ang Mo Kio is the original stall. In addition to wanton noodles, there are also other dishes such as Pig Trotter Rice, Homemade Thai Fish Cake, and Homemade Thai Fried Pork.

Address: Blk 151, Ang Mo Kio Ave 5, Singapore 560151

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