The signs all tell of a rail line that’s swell. Here’s TEL4’s best, in a nutshell!

The fourth stage of the Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL4) brings you even closer to the things that make Singapore a great place to live in: gardens, food, shops and heritage sites.

Even our wonderful schools—the line serves more than a dozen popular schools, meaning more sleep in the mornings for happy students! Wending its way underground, the TEL promises discoveries wherever it pops up.

Here are our five favourite things about TEL4:

1. Gardens and Greens Galore   

The East Coast is synonymous with the East Coast Parkway. With the TEL4, it’s even easier to get to the beachside park and its many attractions. Here’s your chance to discover other verdant sites too.

Check out the historical Katong Park, toss a frisbee at the Tanjong Rhu Promenade, stroll over to Gardens by the Bay East or fly a kite atop the Keppel Marina East Desalination Plant.

2. Get Active

It’s likely that you’ve cycled along the East Coast Parkway, but why not give wakeboarding a go at the lagoon? Out in the open sea there are options to paddle board or sail as well.

Over at Tanjong Rhu, the Kallang waterfront beckons. You can kayak or dragonboat against the unbeatable backdrop of the Singapore Flyer, Marina Bay Sands and the domes of the Gardens by the Bay all at once.

Picking up golf? Catch a similar view after a round at the Marina Bay Golf Course’s public driving range, too. If gyms are more your thing, you’ll be spoilt for choice with everything from Spin classes to Pilates to martial arts in Katong—all the better to burn those calories you snarfed up nearby!

3.  Foodies’ Favourite Haunts    

The vacation vibe of the East extends to its gastronomical offerings. It’s no secret that this is where epicures head when thoughts of food appear.

The renowned cuisine of Katong is now right across from Marine Parade station, while the Siglap stop brings you to the perennially popular East Coast Lagoon Hawker Centre and East Coast Seafood Centre.

TEL4 is how you’ll get to Singapore’s oldest Peranakan restaurant (Guan Hoe Soon), most famous Nonya kueh chang (Kim Choo), best Laksa(s) (which version of Katong Laksa do you prefer?), birthplace of the Chilli Crab (Roland’s), Michelin-listed north-Indian fare (Zaffron Kitchen), nostalgic 1920s kopitiam bakes (Chin Mee Chin) and, oh, SO much more!

4.     Estates that Fascinate

Get your cameras out, because here along the TEL4 you’ll find some of the most interesting architecture of decades past!

From the iconic Katong Shopping Centre to the great mansions along Mountbatten, to the multi-hued Peranakan shophouses of Joo Chiat. Join one of many walking tours or just wander the day away!

Soak up some culture at The Intan, the award-winning museum experience and home-based haven for over 5,000 Peranakan artefacts; or pop into Katong Antique House, which houses heirlooms from the 1800s.

The 1970s HDB estate of Marine Parade, the first to be built on reclaimed land and boasting sensational views, is also waiting to be explored (look out for sculptures of dolphins and sea lions!)

5. Shop Till You Drop

Needs or niceties, you’ll find reasons to lighten your wallet in these parts.

The old estates are chock-a-block with little shops that add to the character of the East Coast. Music, antiques, and art all have their niches here.

Peranakan-themed baju and houseware can be found just about everywhere here, but you’ll also satisfy a taste for all things modern in big malls like Parkway Parade and Katong i12. TEL4’s Marine Parade station also offers a new underground shopping street, inviting you to linger along the way in air-conditioned comfort.

What else?

We love of course that you can go the other way—letting the brown bring you to town!

Easties have direct access to the lush Gardens by the Bay, the posh nosh at Dempsey and the glitz of Orchard Road, all straight off the TEL.

Isn’t that swell?

Be sure to download the TEL4 digital brochure (PDF, 9.3MB) to explore more of the exciting food, fun and outdoors of the East Coast with the newly-opened TEL4!