Everything You Need to Know about Paya Lebar in East Singapore
Welcome to Paya Lebar!
Paya Lebar is an underrated planning area in East Singapore with a fascinating history.
For starters, it was once a swamp near the Kallang River (hence it’s named Paya Lebar; in Malay, “paya” means swamp, and “lebar” means wide). Then it became a squatters area that bred pig, poultry, and other market produce.
In the 1950s, the district became more active because it was where the Singapore International Airport was being constructed. But sometime in the 1980s, plans changed, and the government decided to have the international airport in Changi instead.
The airport in Paya Lebar was eventually converted into a military air force base and was renamed Paya Lebar Air Base. To this day, this air base remains the area’s main landmark, and now it has a museum that attracts even more tourists.
Where is Paya Lebar?
Paya Lebar is located on Singapore’s eastern side. It’s bordered by Pasir Ris to the north, Bedok to the south, Hougang to the west, and Sengkang to the northwest.
Technically, only the airbase is situated within Paya Lebar’s borders, but for Singaporeans, the neighborhood includes MacPherson and parts of Geylang.
Paya Lebar Road runs through these two areas, and many landmarks with Paya Lebar in their names (Paya Lebar Square, PLQ Mall, and Paya Lebar MRT station) are located there as well.
What is the main street of Paya Lebar?
The Kallang-Paya Lebar Expressway is the road you’ll be taking if you’re driving. This is the main road that cuts through the neighborhood, and the Singapore Air Force Museum is located right on it.
Another prominent road in Paya Lebar is Paya Lebar Road. This is where most of the attractions and eateries are located, so it’s perfect for exploration.
How to Get to Paya Lebar
Closest MRT station: The best way to reach Paya Lebar is by riding the MRT. Alight at Paya Lebar MRT Station, which is located at 15 Paya Lebar Road.
Closest bus stop: The bus is another form of public transportation that you can take to Paya Lebar. Take any of the following bus services: 30, 51, 70M, 24, 28, 43, 70, 76, 70A, 2, 7, 13, 21, 26, 80, or 80A. Then stop at Paya Lebar Stn Exit C (81119), which is only a four-minute walk from Paya Lebar Square.
What to Do and See in Paya Lebar
Unleash your inner creative at Our Art Studio
Address: #02-10, Floor 4, PLQ Mall
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—11 am to 8:30 pm
- Saturday—10 am to 8:30 pm
- Sunday—9:30 am to 8 pm
Contact Number: +6569083183
Whether you’re a passionate artist or a person who’s never done art before, joining an art workshop is always a great idea. If you want to give this a go, try Our Art Studio!
This art studio offers a wide variety of art classes, workshops, and camps. I personally tried the art jamming sessions, which I really enjoyed because there was no guide; I was free to splatter paint and create an “abstract” painting without anyone judging me.
Aside from offering classes and other art-related events, this studio sells paintings and Chinese calligraphy works. If you’re interested in bringing home an art piece, be sure to check their gallery.
Treat your child to a fun time at Smigy Playground
Address: #03-05/06 PLQ Mall
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday—10 am to 8 pm
- Friday to Sunday—10 am to 9 pm
Contact Number: +6587973001
If you’re visiting Paya Lebar with your child, then you might want to drop by Smigy Playground. It’s an indoor playground inside PLQ Mall that looks like a pastel wonderland!
I only go here whenever I’m with my niece, and she has a blast every time. In particular, she enjoys sliding down to the ball pit and pretending to drown there. Then, she’ll head to the adorable, two-story castle and act like she’s the reigning queen.
When she’s tired, she likes to rest on the suspended swing seats. Sometimes, she’ll also get in a play car and just ride around the playground. The floor does have paintings of roads, so it’s easy to feel like she’s driving for real.
Play under the sun at PLQ Parkside
Address: 2 Tanjong Katong Rd
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—9 am to 9 pm
Paya Lebar also has its own public parks, and my go-to is the PLQ Parkside.
Various retail stores and restaurants are located along the perimeter. But of course, the green space in the middle is the highlight here.
Children like to run around and play games here, but personally, I like sitting down and maybe reading a few pages of my book.
When I’m with other people, we’ll have a full-blown picnic. I’m the one who brings the blanket, while my friends prepare the snacks we’re going to eat.
Get lost in a book at The LLibrary
Address: 11 Eunos Road 8 #03–02, via, Lobby B Lifelong Learning Institute
Operating Hours: Monday to Saturday—8:30 am to 10 pm
Book lovers, rejoice because the Paya Lebar neighborhood has its own public library! Located at the Lifelong Learning Institute, The LLibrary boasts a spacious interior with modern self-service technologies that make the place feel like a room from a sci-fi film.
This library is designed for working adults who dream of pursuing a different career or starting their own business. If you fit this description, feel free to browse the different books and magazines that will give you information and inspiration.
But even if you don’t fit the description, you’re still free to check out this library. Personally, I come here to enjoy the air conditioning and catch up on a few episodes. Of course, I also enjoy sitting back and getting lost in a novel.
Check out the Singapore Air Force Museum
— From: lzaviation
Address: 400 Airport Rd
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Saturday—9 am to 4 pm
Contact Number: +6564618507
The Paya Lebar Air Force is the main highlight of this neighborhood, so it only makes sense that you check it out. In particular, stop by the Singapore Air Force Museum because that’s where you’ll learn more about the SAF’s history and legacy.
There are many interactive displays inside, but my favorites are the galleries with role-playing games. In these galleries, I get to participate in a simulation and pretend that I’m an Air Force officer as well. It’s so thrilling!
Outside, you can find even more galleries. These displays are mostly life-sized replicas of fighter jets, missiles, and anti-aircraft systems. Seeing these vessels with my own eyes is such a surreal experience. I’m always in awe at how big they are!
Where to Shop in Paya Lebar
Paya Lebar Square
Address: 60 Paya Lebar Rd
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—10 am to 10 pm
Contact Number: +6567023107
Paya Lebar Square is probably the most popular shopping mall in Paya Lebar. Technically, it has 10 stories, but most of them are office spaces; only three levels are reserved for retail and dining.
What I like about this mall is its casual atmosphere. I enjoy checking out the array of fast food chains (my favorite is Jollibee) or buying something from Miniso.
There’s also a massive supermarket here, which is helpful when I’m shopping for groceries for my multi-day stay in the neighborhood.
Paya Lebar Quarter (PLQ) Mall
Address: 10 Paya Lebar Rd
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—10 am to 10 pm
Contact Number: +6569558800
Another popular mall in Paya Lebar is the PLQ Mall. To be more specific, this mall is popular among families because it has many family-friendly spots (if you recall, Smigy Playground and Our Art Studio are located here).
This mall has stores in as many categories as possible. You can shop for furniture for your house, jewelry and watches for a loved one, and makeup and skincare for yourself. There are also clothing stores like Cotton On and H&M if you need new clothes.
When you’re hungry after shopping, dine at any of the F&B establishments here. I recommend Chimichanga (if you like Mexican cuisine), Ajumma’s (if you’re craving Korean dishes), and Elemen (if you’re vegetarian or vegan).
Scoop Wholefoods
Address: B1-07/08/09 30, PLQ Mall
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday—10 am to 9 pm
- Friday and Saturday—10 am to 10 pm
Contact Number: +6565131811
Scoop Wholefoods is a popular brand in Australia that specializes in organic snacks. Now, the brand has reached Singapore, with one location in PLQ Mall, so you better check out this store and stock up on organic food!
I feel so overwhelmed every time I visit this store because there are just a lot of options! Personally, I always go for artisan chocolate (I recommend the honeycomb dark chocolate), but I also like buying nut butter and raw honey here.
Snacks aren’t the only things sold here. You can also find natural soap bars, aromatherapy stones, and even a few makeup and skincare items.
SingPost Center
Address: 10 Eunos Rd 8
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—10 am to 10 pm
Contact Number: +6569091644
SingPost Center is the one-stop destination for all your shopping, dining, and entertainment needs!
Personally, I love coming here to dine. My favorite restaurant is the ManNa Korean Restaurant because it has an eat-all-you-can offer (only available for 90 minutes). I get full so fast, and it’s even more fun with other people.
Aside from dining, I enjoy watching movies with my loved ones here. Or when we’re bored and we don’t know what else to do, we do some window-shopping in stores like Cloud 9 Studio and Home’s Harmony.
Where to Eat and Drink in Paya Lebar
Haig Road Market and Food Center
— From: makoeats
Address: 14 Haig Rd
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—6 am to 10 pm
Contact Number: +6562255632
Pricing: $
Hawker centers in Singapore are a godsend for travelers on a budget, and fortunately, there are a few in and around Paya Lebar. One of my go-to recommendations is Haig Road Market and Food Center.
While this hawker is pretty small, it still has some amazing spots. I recommend Warong Sudi Mampir, which is known for its delicious chicken, mutton, and beef satay. Also, this stall has won several certifications, so you can expect nothing but greatness here.
Aside from this stall, you should check out Traditional Haig Road Putu Piring, especially if you have a sweet tooth like me. This stall specializes in putu piring (a kind of rice take that has a sweet filling), and the line is always long!
Hjh Maimunah Restaurant
Address: 20 Joo Chiat Rd
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—8 am to 7 pm
Contact Number: +6563485457
Pricing: $$
Hjh Maimunah Restaurant is all about traditional, kampung-style cuisine, which is why the vibe here is casual and rustic. It feels like you’re dining right at home!
I like getting the Premium Ambeng Platter, which can feed up to three people. It’s jam-packed with all my favorite Malay dishes, such as beef rendang (a spicy and creamy beef stew) and ayam kalio (chicken with spiced coconut gravy).
When I only have a small amount of money with me, I go for the set meals because they’re cheap and filling. My favorite is the beef rendang set, which has egg in sambal (chili paste) and stir-fried vegetables.
Knots Cafe and Living
Address: #01-07, Orion@PayaLebar
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday—9 am to 9 pm
Contact Number: +6568170383
Pricing: $$
What drew me to Knots Cafe and Living at first was its calming and lovely interior. Pots of plants are situated in the corners, and there are also plants hanging from the walls. Because of this, you’ll feel like you’re in the countryside.
The food is what made me come back often. In particular, I come here for brunch, and my go-to order is the Knots Waffle Brekkie. The waffle is so soft and stacked with smoked beef sausage, bacon, and scrambled eggs—what a filling meal!
When I’m visiting during dinner, I like ordering the steak and eggs. The steak is hefty (it weighs 200 grams) and each piece melts on my tongue. It comes with sides (sunny-side-up eggs, roasted baby potatoes, and salad), so I get full in no time.
VEGANBURG Jalan Eunos
Address: 44 Jln Eunos
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday—11:30 am to 9:30 pm
- Friday to Sunday—11:30 am to 10 pm
Contact Number: +6568446868
Pricing: $$
Looking for a spot that offers meatless dishes? Then you might want to check out VEGANBURG Jalan Eunos!
As the name suggests, this burger joint specializes in burgers with plant-based patties, and they’re absolutely delicious. I’m not even vegan, but every time I come here, I always forget that I’m not eating the real thing.
My favorite burger is the Smoky BBQ one, which also happens to be the bestseller. The patty is GMO-free soy that’s pan-grilled and slathered with smoky BBQ sauce. This burger tastes savory, but it also has a hint of sweetness.
Another one that I like is the Char-Grilled Satay, which has peanuts as toppings. I never thought that peanuts could work in a burger, but I’m glad to be proven wrong.
The Tuckshop
Address: 403 Guillemard Rd
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—5 pm to 12 am
Contact Number: +6567448205
Pricing: $$
The Tuckshop is the perfect place to go if you’re just looking for a place to unwind with an alcoholic drink. There’s a wide variety of beers, wines, and other spirits here, but if you want something sweet, you can order a cocktail as well.
I recommend Cabanas. It’s such a simple and homely cocktail, but it has that sweet and herby flavor combination that I just really like.
Pair your drink with something delicious! Personally, I like eating steak with my cocktails, but sometimes, I switch it up and order pasta instead. I recommend the Pomodoro chicken stew pasta. It’s rich and tangy with a kick of spice!
Where to Stay in Paya Lebar
Aqueen Hotel Paya Lebar
Address: 33 Jln Afifi
Contact Number: +6567139999
Pricing: $$
Whenever I visit Paya Lebar, Aqueen Hotel is my go-to hotel. This is also perfect for tourists from overseas because it’s conveniently located because it’s near Changi Airport, so you don’t need to travel far.
And if you want to explore the city center, it’s also a short drive away!
All rooms feature modern interior design and are decked with essential amenities like Wi-Fi and a desk. If you want the premium experience, book any of the suites and you’ll be able to enjoy sleeping on a king-size bed and taking a bath in a bathtub.
When you’re hungry, head down to Petite Menu, which is the hotel’s on-site restaurant. This spot features a wide array of Asian and Western dishes. Sandwiches are also available if you’re looking for a quick bite.