Actually there are some truths in it. The site of the BTO is very ulu (I used to stay in Whampoa and my relatives still live there) and have nothing around it. It's more than 3 bus stops to Toa Payoh Interchange because the only bus that goes there (139) will need to go through Whampoa Court, Jalan Rajah area out to Balestier Road (towards Thomson) before hitting PIE to get to Toa Payoh. About 6 bus stops IIRC.
The only way out of Whampoa is through three routes (Whampoa Drive, Kim Keat and Jalan Rajah) and all will still hit Balestier Road (at different parts) before you can go elsewhere. The other newer (newer is also like since 2000 or something) estate that is currently there (near to this BTO site) also took a long time for the units to be sold.
Walking to the market is not impossible but can be a good 15mins to 20mins walk depending on your speed. There is however one kopi tiam at Blk 74 and a few more along Blk 84, 85 there.
If you drive no issue, if you take public then you are limited to buses (6 svcs) unless you take a long walk through a tunnel to St Michael's and walk to Boon Keng MRT.
Overall, it's a really old estate with nothing fancy but there is nice food at the Hawker Centre/Market, Shaw Cinema at Balestier Road and some yummy eateries along Balestier Road.
I was referring to the bus stop along pie that is A short walking distance frm the bto site actually. buses 8, 26, 31 go to the interchange. So ard 3 stops is abt right if i rmr correctly

as if the only way out is to Balestier road. And whampoa market is walking distance.. and before whampoa market there are others eateries along the way as well. And also, they failed to mention it's just stone throw away from a reserved site for future school.