10 Exciting Things To Do In Paya Lebar That Even East Siders Might Not Know About

Most of us might be familiar with Paya Lebar for being an interchange stop on the MRT, but there’s so much more to do in the neighbourhood. Step out from Paya Lebar MRT, and you’re instantly surrounded by an array of exciting experiences, interesting shops and places to hang out with your loved ones. If you’re heading to Paya Lebar with your friends or family, here are some exciting things to do to make the most out of your time there!

1. Treat your family to yummy halal food

Planning to treat your family and friends to a hearty meal? Head over to Red Ginger that serves nasi padang alongside local dishes like Curry Fish Head, Assam Pedas, Ayam Merah, and our all-time favourite Sayur Lodeh that are perfect for sharing.

Are you a fan of spicy food? Then you’d love Papa Ayam, where you can challenge yourself to a plate of Ayam Geprek Original and choose your preferred spice level from 1 to 15! Don’t forget to try their Ayam Geprek Half-Half that comes with rice, kerupuk and two types of sambal: half sambal matah (raw sambal made from onion, lemongrass and chilli padi mixed with lime juice) and half sambal original (original garlic sambal)!

Otherwise, you can travel with your taste buds at Ichikokudo Hokkaido Ramen and experience the authentic flavours of Japan. Sitting at the top of our recommendations list are the Ichikokudo Ramen Original and Hokkai Ramen Gifts from the Sea. Ichikokudo’s outlet at PLQ Mall is very spacious and perfect for any occasion. Red Ginger Halal status: Halal-certified Opening hours: Daily; 8AM-10PM Address:#B2-31, PLQ Mall, Basement 2Papa Ayam Halal status: Muslim-owned Opening hours: Daily; 11AM-9.30PM Address: #B2-K3, PLQ Mall, Basement 2Ichikokudo Hokkaido Ramen Halal status: Halal-certified Opening hours: Daily; 11AM-10PM Address: #B1-15/16, PLQ Mall, Basement 1

2. Shop for gourmet food at friendly prices

Shopping for gourmet food at friendly prices in Singapore is easier these days, and Melvados at PLQ Mall takes the top spot for convenience. Besides getting the festive sampler or sticky date cookies for Raya, Melvados also sells halal sauces, pies, snacks and even roasted chicken perfect for your festive cookout.Melvados Opening hours: Daily; 10.30AM-9PM Address:#B2-06, PLQ Mall

3. Keep your kids entertained with fun family-friendly activities

Looking for fun family plans to keep your kids occupied for the upcoming public holidays? We’ve got your plans sorted! PLQ Mall has many family-friendly activities to keep your kids entertained. For toddlers and younger kids, take them to Smigy, the largest indoor playground in Eastern Singapore complete with trampoline, swings and race car tracks.

Tap into your creativity at Our Art Studio, that runs art classes and art jamming for the whole family! Do check out their line up of fun workshops and classes for the upcoming school holidays. Be spoiled for choice with a broad range of activities including canvas painting, clay workshop, manga drawing, coffee painting and more! The best part is, these sessions are also adult-friendly!

Before you head home, swing by Zone X and challenge your family to a few rounds of arcade gaming and see whether they can bring home a toy from the claw machines! In celebration of Hari Raya, get free credits with every top up of $30 or $50 and take part in their sure-win lucky draw where you can win additional tickets for prize redemption!Smigy Opening hours: Fri-Mon; 10AM-9PM, Tue-Thu; 10AM-8PM Address: #03-05 to 06, PLQ Mall, Level 3Our Art Studio Opening hours: Mon-Fri; 11AM-9.30PM, Sat-Sun; 10AM-10PM Address: #04-20, PLQ Mall, Level 4Zone X Opening hours: Sun-Thu; 11AM-10PM, Fri-Sat; 11AM-11PM Address: #05-01, PLQ Mall, Level 5

4. Get your favourite beauty essentials from Japan’s OsakaKuma

Stocking up on Japanese beauty essentials is tougher now that we’re pausing our travel plans. If you’re looking for specially curated quality products straight from Japan, you might find what you need at OsakaKuma at PLQ Mall. True to its name, this beauty and personal care store originates from Osaka, Japan and you can shop for 100% authentic skincare products, makeup and other beauty products at purse-friendly prices. From FANCL mild cleansing oil to Amplitude long lasting liquid foundation, it’s a great place to buy your favourite beauty essentials or even try new ones!OsakaKuma Opening hours: Daily; 10.30AM-9.30PM Address: #02-22, PLQ Mall, Level 2

5. Turn your home into a mini garden with indoor plants

New to being a plant parent or looking to spruce up your home for the upcoming Eid festivities? If you don't know where to start, pop over to Plant & Plant, PLQ Mall and you might just find some inspiration with its beautiful selection of indoor plants. Besides getting Tillandsia, also known as air plants, you can take home some new succulents or cactuses to add that finishing touch to your living room and show them off to your guests when they visit this upcoming Raya!Plant & Plant Opening hours: Daily; 11AM-9.30PM Address: #B1-K1, PLQ Mall, Basement 1

6. Chill out with your family and friends at the roof garden

Have you discovered this hidden gem at PLQ Mall? Looking for an alternative experience or hoping to introduce your little ones to some flora and fauna? Simply take the lift to Level 7 to check out the roof garden.

Surrounded by lush foliage and clear skies, it's the perfect space for a cosy get together with your friends and family for the line-up of public holidays this May. P.S. Not just a family-friendly mall, you can find a suite of nursing friendly facilities that includes feeding rooms, diaper changing stations, hot and cold water dispensers and more!

7. Spend time with your kids in the lush outdoors

To wind down after a day of shopping, take your kids to PLQ Parkside to have a ball of their time. This outdoor playground is just a short walk from Paya Lebar MRT or if you're driving, great news! Park at the PLQ Mall basement retail car park and enjoy complimentary first hour parking every Sunday for all vehicles entries between 10AM to 6PM (last vehicle entry by 5.59PM) from now until 31 May!A popular favourite amongst many parents! Not only your kids can frolic amidst the vast expanse of lush green spaces, you can also enjoy some couple time with more than sufficient seating areas. Let your little ones roam around as they enjoy going down the slides and through the climbing nets with their newfound friends. Planning to get some drinks and snacks? Make your way to the nearby 7-Eleven concept store, also at PLQ Parkside, where you can pick up some refreshing thirst quenchers and hang out at their alfresco seating. 7-Eleven Opening hours: Daily; 7AM-11PM Address:#01-08 PLQ Parkside

8. Enjoy some quiet time to yourself

After a busy week at work or taking care of the family, what you need is a bit of downtime. Perfect for busy adults, Footnote Reflexology at PLQ Mall will be there to melt your stresses away. Remember to book an appointment for a signature foot reflexology, back and shoulder acupuncture massage or acupressure body massage.

Credit: Lifelong Learning Institute (Disclaimer: this photo was taken pre-pandemic)Just a short walk from PLQ Mall, you can also enjoy a quiet read at The LLiBrary situated within the Lifelong Learning Institute. Complete with plenty of nooks and corners to read some skills and career development books, digital magazines, and non-fiction titles, remember to book your slot in advance before your next visit! Footnote Reflexology Opening hours: Daily; 11AM-10PM Address: #04-15 PLQ MallThe LLiBrary Opening hours: Mon-Sat; 8.30AM-6PM (Closed on Sun) Address: 11 Eunos Road 8 #03–02, via, Lobby B Lifelong Learning Institute, Singapore 408601

9. Immerse yourself in the history and culture of Paya Lebar

Beyond PLQ, immerse yourself in the history and culture of Paya Lebar, which is also home to one of the last Malay settlements in Singapore. Head over to the Geylang Serai Heritage Gallery at Wisma Geylang Serai for an eye-opening session. The gallery consists of three sections where you can see the transformation of Paya Lebar from a plantation to a residential estate. You’ll also get to learn more about the early Malay community which resided in this cultural enclave through photographs, poems, and oral recordings.Geylang Serai Heritage Gallery Opening hours: Tue-Sun; 10AM-6PM Address: Wisma Geylang Serai, 1 Engku Aman Rd, Singapore 409923Disclaimer: Do note that the store operating hours are subject to change and we recommend that you contact the store in advance or check their website and social media pages for the latest opening hours before you pay a visit.

10. Day or night, pick your favourite OOTD spot at PLQ!

Gather up your family and friends, strut your stuff and flaunt your baju raya OOTDs at PLQ's multiple Instagrammable spots!

BONUS: This Hari Raya, redeem shopping vouchers and enjoy greater perks when you download the Lendlease Plus Mobile App!

Are you a Lendlease Plus member yet? Kickstart your shopping journey with Paya Lebar Quarter! Enjoy 5,000 Plus$ points that'll allow you to redeem shopping vouchers, E-Deals and car park credits! Simply download theLendlease Plus mobile appand key in the referral code LLP21HHWT upon download.Not a Lendlease Plus member yet? Kickstart your shopping journey with Paya Lebar Quarter! Enjoy 5,000 Plus$ points that'll allow you to redeem shopping vouchers, E-Deals and car park credits! From now to 31 May, simply download theLendlease Plus mobile appand key in the referral code LLP21HHWT upon download.Shopping Rewards 11 - 31 May 2021 Simply spend $120 ($100 for Lendlease Plus members) to redeem a $10 Lendlease voucher. [Lendlease Plus Privilege] In-app redemptions now available for members to save you time! Simply upload your receipts via the Lendlease Plus mobile app to qualify for E-Vouchers.Wednesday Flash Deals 19 - 31 May 2021 [Lendlease Plus Exclusive] Redeem retailer E-Vouchers with Plus$ from your favourite brands at 80% off. Simply check out the DEALS section of your Lendlease Plus app. Stay tuned to the latest deal drops at noon every Wednesday!Terms & Conditions apply.Though the popular physical Geylang Serai Ramadan Bazaar has been temporarily shelved in light of the pandemic, don't worry and be sure to check out the rest of the neighbourhood. From scrumptious halal food options to indoor and outdoor play for the little ones plus awesome shopping perks, we've got you covered!This article is brought to you by Paya Lebar Quarter.

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