Boon Keng Area Guide

A subzone within the planning area of Kallang, Boon Keng is a small estate consisting of Bendemeer, Towner, and Boon Keng itself. The estate now is vibrant with HDB flats, private condominiums, retail shops, shopping centres, and eateries lining up. It is served by three main roads: Boon Keng Road, Upper Boon Keng Road, and Lorong 1 Geylang, with three MRT stations on three different lines. Boon Keng is not among Singapore’s more well-known estates, since it is usually eclipsed by its more famous neighbours, such as Little India, Farrer Park, Lavender, Rochor, and Bugis. But it is precisely its location near all these estates, as well as its proximity to the CBD and Orchard area, that make Boon Keng attractive as a place to live.

Public transport and amenities in Boon Keng

Boon Keng, nestled in the vibrant Kallang area, is a dynamic neighbourhood that blends rich history with modern living. Known for its diverse culinary scene, Boon Keng offers an array of dining options, from traditional hawker centres to chic cafes. The area is well-connected, with the Boon Keng MRT station providing easy access to the rest of the city. Residents and visitors can enjoy serene riverside walks along the Kallang River, explore nearby parks, or immerse themselves in the cultural offerings of the area. Kallang itself has been undergoing extensive changes over the last few years. Kallang has many new features, such as Kallang Wave Mall and the Singapore Sports Hub (which consists of the new National Stadium and Singapore Indoor Stadium). Residents here have all the amenities within a stone’s throw away.

Named after the forefather Mr Lim Boon Keng who was a pioneer of Straits Chinese, Boon Keng is the smallest in terms of physical area among the nine subzones that make up Kallang. Boon Keng is bounded by the Pelton Canal in the north; the Kallang–Paya Lebar Expressway (KPE) and Sims Way in the east; Sims Avenue in the south; and the Kallang River in the west.

5 Best Things to Do in Boon Keng

1. Dive into the local food scene at Bendemeer Market & Food Centre

Authentic Singaporean dishes like chicken rice, laksa, and char kway teow, make Bendemeer Market & Food Centre a must-visit for food enthusiasts. Located at the heart of Boon Keng, Bendemeer Hawker Centre offers a genuine taste of Singaporean cuisine. Here, you can indulge in a variety of local dishes prepared by experienced hawkers. Highlights include Hainanese chicken rice, a fragrant and tender dish, and laksa, a spicy noodle soup with coconut milk.

2. Enjoy outdoor activities at Kallang Riverside Park

Kallang Riverside Park is a serene oasis amidst the urban landscape, perfect for those who enjoy outdoor activities. The park features well-maintained jogging and cycling paths that wind along the Kallang River, offering scenic views of the water and city skyline. It’s an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll or an invigorating run. The park also has designated picnic areas, making it a great place for a family outing. For those who enjoy fishing, there are designated spots along the riverbank. The lush greenery and tranquil environment provide a refreshing escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.

3. Visit Sri Manmatha Karuneshvarar Temple

This beautiful Hindu temple is a cultural gem in Boon Keng. Sri Manmatha Karuneshvarar Temple is known for its intricate architecture, vibrant colours, and detailed carvings. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is an important religious site for the local Hindu community. Visitors can admire the temple’s ornate sculptures and learn about Hindu rituals and traditions. The temple often hosts cultural events and festivals, which are great opportunities to experience the local culture firsthand. The peaceful ambience of the temple provides a serene retreat for contemplation and spiritual reflection.

4. Coffee time at Chye Seng Huat Hardware

This trendy café, housed in a former hardware store, is perfect for coffee lovers. It offers a cosy ambience and a range of speciality coffees and delectable brunch options, making it a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. The café’s unique setting, with its rustic charm and modern touches, creates a relaxed atmosphere perfect for enjoying a cup of coffee and a good book or catching up with friends.

5. Self-contemplate at Sakya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple

Also known as the Temple of a Thousand Lights, this Buddhist temple is a significant spiritual site in Boon Keng. The temple features an impressive 15-metre-high statue of Buddha, surrounded by a thousand lights that create a serene and ethereal atmosphere. The temple’s interior is adorned with intricate murals and statues depicting various scenes from Buddha’s life. Visitors can explore the temple’s peaceful grounds, meditate, or simply enjoy the tranquil environment. The temple is a place of worship and reflection, offering a glimpse into the spiritual practices of the local Buddhist community. It’s a peaceful retreat from the bustling city, providing a space for quiet contemplation.

Stay - Boon Keng

The interesting part of living in an estate like Boon Keng is that you get to enjoy three often overlooked aspects of residing in a less hyped neighbourhood: lower home purchase, lower rental prices, and proximity to more popular neighbouring estates. One of the HDB developments in the area is Boon Keng Ville, a 99-year leasehold HDB development located at the Upper Boon Keng Road. If you are more interested in condominium living, several projects near Boon Keng MRT Station you can look into include Cavan Suites, Riverbay, Beacon Heights, and Sturdee Residences.

Shops - Boon Keng

Where to shop in the Boon Keng neighbourhood? Here are some shopping options we at 99.co recommend:

Bendemeer Shopping Mall

Bendemeer Shopping Mall is located between the busy Serangoon Road and Bendemeer Road, only a stone’s throw away from the Boon Keng MRT Station. The shopping mall consists of shops selling a wide range of goods and services. The covered pedestrian mall between Block 25 and Block 27 provides convenience to shoppers, protecting them from the sun and rain.

One of the main attractions of the neighbourhood centre is the Market and Food Centre, located at Block 29. Here, there is a wider range of speciality food, and fresh fish, meat, and vegetables. All these commercial facilities serve the residents of Boon Keng as well as workers from neighbouring offices and factories. 

Boon Keng Ville

Another shopping area we recommend is Boon Keng Ville, located along the Upper Boon Keng Road. You can take a 10-minute walk from the Kallang MRT station to get to this shopping centre. It consists of shops selling a wide range of goods and services. The market and food centre, known as the Upper Boon Keng Market & Food Centre, is a centre of attraction.

On top of all, of course, residents can head to nearby supermarkets like FairPrice - Upper Boon Keng and FairPrice - Kallang Bahru for groceries and household products. In addition, Boon Keng is within driving distance of Orchard Road, Singapore's popular shopping area, which is an 11-minute drive away.

Eats and Drinks - Boon Keng

Food-wise, this small neighbourhood certainly does not disappoint. When it comes to local food, the famous Boon Tong Kee, best known for its signature chicken rice, has its Whampoa West outlet just beside the Boon Keng MRT station. Also close to the MRT station is the Bendemeer Food Centre, which features local favourites such as Yong Xiang Carrot Cake, Chung Ping Chicken Rice, and One Ton Noodle, to name just a few.

If you feel like having non-Chinese dishes, a little further down the road from Boon Tong Kee is Oh My Tian, a quirky, carnival-themed café opened by the same people behind the popular Hatter Street Bakehouse and Café in Hougang. And should you want to indulge your sweet tooth, Bloomsbury Bakers is just next to Bendemeer Food Centre. Here, you can not only enjoy delectable cakes with flavours such as Chocolate Sea Salt Caramel and Speculoos Cheesecake, but you can also order from a selection of customized buttercream and fondant cakes.

Of course, you can also count on the Upper Boon Keng Market & Food Centre. It is a multiracial hawker centre with a wide variety of foods. The Upper Boon Keng Food Centre contains a whole lot of small shops with large servings of different food and drinks. There are many traditional types of foods at the hawker centre. The customers can savour their tom yum seafood soup, vegetarian bee hoon, fishball noodles, and chicken rice plate.

Learn - Boon Keng

Boon Keng neighbourhood may only offer a limited number of preschool options. There are only 15 available centres, and this small number may give rise to some concern for parents with young children as finding a place for their children at a preschool may be challenging. However, the shortlist of options include some of the best preschools in the country.

MindChamps PreSchool @ Boon Keng, for example, is just minutes away from Bendemeer and Boon Keng MRT station. It offers learning and enrichment programmes for children from 18 months to 6 years old, in the playgroup, nursery, and kindergarten levels. 

For older children, there are several schools in and around Boon Keng, including:

• Bendemeer Primary School
• Bendemeer Secondary School
• Hong Wen School
• Stamford Primary School
• Northlight School
• Global Indian International School (GIIS) – Balestier Campus

Move - Boon Keng

The area is served by three MRTs. The first one is Boon Keng MRT station on the North-East Line, an underground station located underneath Serangoon Road just after the traffic junction with Towner Road and Boon Keng Road. The station is within a 10-minute walking distance to the second one, the Bendemeer MRT station on the Downtown Line. 

The Kallang MRT station is also near Upper Boon Keng and is on the East-West Line. It means residents of Boon Keng can easily access three MRT lines without any hassle and get the best convenience of public transport at the tip of their fingers. Moreover, this neighbourhood's relatively central location makes the area beneficial for those who drive. The CTE and PIE are a short distance away, providing easy access to the rest of the island.

Parks and Gardens - Boon Keng

The parks and green spaces in Boon Keng provide a range of recreational options for residents and visitors, promoting an active and healthy lifestyle while offering serene environments to relax and enjoy nature. Kallang itself is a popular place for water sports, and many such activities are conducted at the Kallang River. On weekends, dragon boating, canoeing and water skiing are all common sights in this part of Kallang, making it particularly attractive to water sports enthusiasts and athletes.

Kallang Riverside Park

Located along the banks of the Kallang River, this park offers a serene environment with beautiful waterfront views. It features well-maintained jogging and cycling paths, making it a popular spot for fitness enthusiasts. The park also has picnic areas and benches where visitors can relax and enjoy the scenic surroundings. Additionally, Kallang Riverside Park is great for bird-watching and fishing, providing a tranquil retreat in the midst of the city.

Kallang Park Connector

The Kallang Park Connector is another vital part of the Park Connector Network (PCN) that runs through Boon Keng. This scenic route follows the Kallang River and connects several parks, including Kallang Riverside Park and Pelton Canal Park Connector. It is ideal for walking, jogging, and cycling, offering residents a continuous green corridor. The connector is well-maintained and features lush landscaping, benches, and fitness stations along the way, promoting an active lifestyle while providing a peaceful environment for outdoor activities.

Whampoa Park Connector

Linking various parks and green spaces, it runs along the Whampoa River and provides a scenic route for walking, jogging, and cycling. The connector is lined with lush greenery and features several rest stops, making it a pleasant path for a leisurely stroll or an invigorating workout. It also connects to other nearby parks, enhancing the overall accessibility of green spaces in the area.

Bendemeer Park

Bendemeer Park is a small neighbourhood park located within the residential area of Bendemeer. It offers a playground for children, fitness equipment for adults, and open spaces for various recreational activities. The park is a popular spot for families and residents to unwind and enjoy some outdoor time. Its convenient location makes it an easily accessible green space for the community.

Towner Road Park

This neighbourhood park provides a peaceful setting for residents to relax and engage in outdoor activities. Towner Road Park features playgrounds, fitness stations, and open fields suitable for sports and picnics. The park's well-kept pathways are perfect for a leisurely walk or jog. It serves as a local hub for community gatherings and recreational activities, enhancing the quality of life for those living nearby.

St. George's Lane Playground

Located within a residential area, this playground offers a safe and fun environment for children. It features a variety of play equipment, including slides, swings, and climbing structures. The playground is surrounded by green spaces and seating areas where parents can relax while keeping an eye on their children. It’s a popular spot for families with young kids to spend an afternoon outdoors.