Tampines: The Heartbeat of Eastern Singapore

• Hello你好
  [Nǐ hǎo]
• Goodbye再见
  [Zàijiàn]
• Yes是
  [Shì]
• No不是
  [Bù shì]
• Please/You're welcome请
  [Qǐng]
• Thank you谢谢
  [Xièxiè]
• Excuse me/Sorry对不起
  [Duìbùqǐ]
• How are you?你好吗？
  [Nǐ hǎo ma?]
• Fine. And you?很好，你呢？
  [Hěn hǎo, nǐ ne?]
• Do you speak English?你会说英文吗？
  [Nǐ huì shuō yīngwén ma?]
• I don't understand我不懂
  [Wǒ bù dǒng]

• I'd like to see the menu, please请给我看菜单
  [Qǐng gěi wǒ kàn càidān]
• I don't eat meat我不吃肉
  [Wǒ bù chī ròu]
• Cheers!干杯！
  [Gānbēi!]
• I would like to pay, please我想付账，请
  [Wǒ xiǎng fù zhàng, qǐng]

• Help!救命！
  [Jiùmìng!]
• Go away!走开！
  [Zǒu kāi!]
• Call the Police!报警！
  [Bàojǐng!]
• Call a doctor!叫医生！
  [Jiào yīshēng!]
• I'm lost我迷路了
  [Wǒ mílùle]
• I'm ill我病了
  [Wǒ bìngle]

• I'd like to buy...我想买...
  [Wǒ xiǎng mǎi...]
• I'm just looking我只是看看
  [Wǒ zhǐ shì kàn kàn]
• How much is it?多少钱？
  [Duōshǎo qián?]
• That's too expensive太贵了
  [Tài guìle]
• Can you lower the price?可以便宜点吗？
  [Kěyǐ piányi diǎn ma?]

• What time is it?现在几点？
  [Xiànzài jǐ diǎn?]
• It's one o'clock一点钟了
  [Yī diǎn zhōngle]
• Half past (10)十点半
  [Shí diǎn bàn]
• Morning早上
  [Zǎoshang]
• Afternoon下午
  [Xiàwǔ]
• Evening晚上
  [Wǎnshàng]
• Yesterday昨天
  [Zuótiān]
• Today今天
  [Jīntiān]
• Tomorrow明天
  [Míngtiān]
• 1一
  [Yī]
• 2二
  [Èr]
• 3三
  [Sān]
• 4四
  [Sì]
• 5五
  [Wǔ]
• 6六
  [Liù]
• 7七
  [Qī]
• 8八
  [Bā]
• 9九
  [Jiǔ]
• 10十
  [Shí]

• Where's a/the...?......在哪里？
  [...... Zài nǎlǐ?]
• What's the address?地址是什么？
  [Dìzhǐ shì shénme?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?可以给我看（地图）吗？
  [Kěyǐ gěi wǒ kàn (dìtú) ma?]
• When's the next (bus)?下一班（公共汽车）什么时候？
  [Xià yī bān (gōnggòng qìchē) shénme shíhòu?]
• A ticket (to ....)一张票（到......）
  [Yī zhāng piào (dào......)]

Tampines, named after the 'tempinis' tree (Streblus elongatus) that once thrived in the area, started as a forested region rich in natural resources. Indigenous Malay communities lived off the land, practicing subsistence farming and fishing. The name 'Tampines' itself is a nod to the area's abundant natural heritage.

During the British colonial era in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Tampines saw a transformation with the establishment of rubber plantations. The British leveraged the area's fertile land, turning it into a hub for rubber production. This era marked the beginning of Tampines' integration into the broader economic activities of Singapore.

During World War II, Tampines fell under Japanese occupation from 1942 to 1945. The area witnessed significant hardship as local resources were commandeered for the Japanese war effort. Tampines' forests and plantations were a strategic resource, and the local population endured forced labor and resource scarcity.

After World War II and the Japanese occupation, Tampines began to rebuild. The 1950s to 1970s saw the area as a patchwork of kampungs (villages), where residents lived in wooden houses and engaged in small-scale farming and poultry rearing. This period laid the foundation for the strong community ties that Tampines is known for today.

The 1980s marked a significant turning point for Tampines with the launch of the HDB (Housing and Development Board) estate. The government initiated a massive urban development project to transform Tampines into a self-sufficient new town. High-rise residential buildings, schools, parks, and commercial hubs were constructed, reshaping the landscape and lifestyle of its residents.

In the 1990s, Tampines was designated as one of Singapore's regional centres, further boosting its development. The establishment of Tampines Mall, Century Square, and Tampines 1 provided residents with ample shopping and entertainment options. The area also saw an influx of multinational corporations and business parks, transforming it into a commercial and business hub.

In recent years, Tampines has embraced green initiatives and sustainable living. The development of Tampines Eco Green, a nature park with diverse flora and fauna, and the promotion of cycling paths and green spaces highlight the area's commitment to environmental sustainability. Modern Tampines is a vibrant blend of urban convenience and natural beauty, reflecting its rich history and forward-looking spirit.

Tampines is located in the eastern part of Singapore. The nearest major international airport is Changi Airport, which is approximately a 10-15 minute drive away. From Changi Airport, you can take a taxi, which is the fastest option, or use public transportation. The MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) system connects Changi Airport to Tampines via the East-West Line and Downtown Line. Alternatively, public buses also service this route.

Getting around Tampines is convenient and efficient. The area is well-served by the MRT system, with Tampines MRT station and Tampines East MRT station being major hubs. Public buses are also an excellent way to travel within Tampines and to other parts of Singapore. Taxis and ride-hailing services like Grab are readily available. For an eco-friendly option, you can rent bicycles through various bike-sharing services that operate in Tampines.

The official currency in Singapore is the Singapore Dollar (SGD). Credit cards and debit cards are widely accepted in most establishments, including restaurants, shops, and hotels. Mobile payment options such as PayNow, Apple Pay, and Google Pay are also commonly used. ATMs are plentiful in Tampines, particularly in shopping malls and around MRT stations, making it easy to withdraw cash if needed.

Tampines is a very safe area with low crime rates, including those targeting tourists. However, basic safety precautions should still be observed. Avoid leaving your personal belongings unattended and be cautious in crowded areas. Tampines has well-lit streets and public spaces, making it safe to walk around even at night. Always keep an eye on your belongings, especially in busy areas like shopping malls and public transport hubs.

In case of an emergency, dial 999 for police assistance and 995 for fire or medical emergencies. Tampines has several medical facilities, including Changi General Hospital, which is nearby. Pharmacies are also widely available for minor health concerns. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For non-urgent medical issues, you can visit one of the local clinics.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and modestly. Lightweight clothing is recommended due to Singapore's tropical climate. Avoid overly revealing attire, especially in religious sites. Religion: Do respect all places of worship. Remove your shoes before entering temples and avoid disrupting any ongoing prayers or rituals. Public Transport: Do be mindful of priority seats reserved for the elderly, pregnant women, and those with disabilities. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a polite nod or a handshake. Using respectful language is always appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local foods at hawker centers and food courts. Don’t litter; use the trash bins provided.

To experience Tampines like a local, visit the Tampines Round Market & Food Centre, where you can try a variety of local dishes. Explore Tampines Eco Green, a hidden gem for nature lovers. For shopping, check out Tampines Mall, Century Square, and Tampines 1, which offer a mix of local and international brands. Interact with locals; they are friendly and often happy to share insights about the area. Don't miss the community events often held at Our Tampines Hub, a vibrant community center.