Search Hotels by Independent in Thomson Road

The Thomson – Balestier intersection is right in the middle of the Balestier area of Singapore. This primarily residential area of the city is noted for its sizable collection of cheaper hotels and hostels. Only Geylang has more budget-rate accommodation options. The intersection is around four kilometers north of Orchard Road and has excellent bus services with routes to locations including Chinatown and Boat Quay. There are also MRT stations at Toa Payoh and Novena, which are about one kilometer away. While not the heart of downtown life, Balestier is a good area to stay for a more local Singapore experience.

Thomson – Balestier is not Singapore’s main tourist hub yet does have a few peerless attractions. Sasanaramsi Burmese Buddhist Temple boasts a golden spire and an interior adorned with statues of the Lord Buddha. The Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Hall is a restored villa containing artifacts and exhibits relating to China’s founding father. In Toa Payoh, Lian Shan Shuang Lin Monastery is a typical Chinese temple with sweeping roofs and colourful décor.

At the Singapore Polo Club, visitors can watch skilled horse riders play the sport of kings. Onsite bars and restaurants are an added bonus and open to non-members. Toa Payoh Park is a peaceful oasis centred around a lake. Pavilions, a jogging path and an open-air restaurant are among reasons to visit the park.

The choice of dining establishments in Thomson – Balestier is not as varied as along the Singapore River. Food courts and small restaurants in Balestier serve up a good selection of Singaporean dishes which include congee rice, Bak Kut The (pork bone soup), and chicken and rice. International fast food chains have outlets in the locality, with both KFC and McDonald’s represented.

Thomson – Balestier is not Orchard Road and people staying here need to get a bus to that location if they want to buy the latest designer clothes or electrical gadgets. There are a few small shopping centres in which visitors can buy toiletries, sportswear, jade, and jewellery. There are a few convenience stores dotted around, but stores selling lighting are more common.