Singapore celebrates National Day tomorrow, 9 August, and I thought now would be a good time to give you all a peek of the neighbourhood I live in. It’s not an area many tourists see, so here’s a little photo tour to give you a taste.

I live in Toa Payoh (which translates from Hokkien to “big swamp”), part of Singapore’s heartlands. It’s a mostly residential neighbourhood in the middle of the island, just three stops north on the MRT from Orchard. It’s a charming, quiet little HDB (Housing Development Board, responsible for government housing in Singapore) “town,” perfect for relaxing and chilling out at the end of a long day.

a blue bird right outside my flat

tall HDB blocks

Toa Payoh Town Centre

Toa Payoh Mall

Public Library

colorful mailbox outside my flat (now sadly repainted white)

my building; I live on the top floor

Toa Payoh HDB skyline outside my flat