A unique, vibrant scene with plenty of nature just outside your front door.
Bukit Timah has an average crime rate for Singapore.
Bukit Timah, meaning “tin hill” in Malay, is the natural highest point in Singapore and also the longest road in Singapore, running 25km from North to South. The area’s historical past includes being the site of the last defensive stand of the British troops against Japanese occupiers before the colonial forces’ surrender in 1942. In addition, Bukit Timah is also fondly remembered for having held the country’s premier horse races back in the 1900s, with the Bukit Timah Racecourse operating from 1933 to 1999, before being closed to make way for Kranji Racecourse.
If you are seeking alternatives to chain restaurant dining and chain store shopping in the city, this is the neighborhood for you. With a long list of popular brunch spots and hipster cafes set to satisfy even the most demanding of caffeine addicts, this neighborhood is filled with independent concepts, small artisanal businesses, and lots and lots of character.
Apart from being armed with modern necessities, Bukit Timah is also home to a high concentration of Singapore’s native tropical greenery and rainforests – a sure win for nature lovers. With a nature reserve nestled in its midst, treetop walking trails, and other unique eco-spots that offer the great outdoors right at your doorstep, Bukit Timah offers plenty of options for outdoor activities for getting in those steps and fresh air.
There are many schools in the area (including quite a number of international schools) so you’ll find a higher concentration of families and expatriates living here. Due to the presence of more private developments as opposed to government-funded housing, property prices in Bukit Timah are relatively high compared to other neighborhoods on the outskirts of Singapore’s city center.
Bukit Timah is bordered on the north by Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and the Central Water Catchment area, on the east by Dunearn and Tyersall, on the south by Holland Drive, Ghim Moh, and Dover, and on the west by Clementi and Bukit Batok.
Commute:
CBD: 9.8 km / 15-45 minutes by car / 40-50 minutes by transit
Changi Business Park: 22.6 km / 25-50 minutes by car / 80 minutes by transit
Jurong International Business Park: 7.5 km / 10-25 minutes by car / 50-60 minutes by transit
One North Buona Vista: 4.5 km / 10-25 minutes by car / 35-45 minutes by transit
Tuas: 26.3 km / 30-60 minutes by car / 110 minutes by transit
Bukit Timah LOCAL schools
Bukit Timah Local Flavor 
With one of the richest and most diverse ecological systems in Singapore, the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve sits on 163-hectares of land, and is home to Bukit Timah Hill, Singapore’s tallest natural point standing at 163m. The reserve retains one of the few areas of primary rainforests in the country. Get up close and personal with nature here and explore the indigenous species of flora and fauna of this region.
The Old Ford Motor Factory began its operations in 1941, and was the first Ford vehicle assembly plant in Southeast Asia. This site holds particular significance in Singapore’s history, being the site where the British formally surrendered to the Japanese in 1942. Today, the old factory presents a permanent exhibition showcasing life during the occupation years.
A railway owned by KTP Malaysia, the line was first opened in 1903 on the now defunct Tank Road, then rebuilt on the current Singapore-Johor Bahru Intercity mainline in 1932, before becoming a crossing loop station in the 1940s when the Jurong line was closed, and remained this way until the railway’s eventual closure in 2011. Now gazetted as a conservation building, Bukit Timah Railway Station serves as a sentimental reminder of Singapore’s railway history, and has now become a favourite spot for wedding shoots and photography projects.
Pasarbella is a community based open-concept market, and was inspired by markets from all over the world. Both international and local traders take up stalls, offering extremely unique premium products. From seafood, to meats, to wine and home furnishings, Pasarbella’s warm and welcoming nature provides a great atmosphere for a family shopping trip, and encourages everyone to “come with an empty stomach and open heart”.
Greenwood Fish Market & Bistro originally starting out on 34 Greenwood Avenue as a fresh fish market, with a small bistro at the back catering to hungry customers craving the day’s freshest catches. Over the years, this intimate establishment has gained an unwavering group of loyal patrons and is still steadily garnering groups of fans. Dedicated to offering the freshest of seafood, with catches coming in 3 times a week from all over the world, this is one of Bukit Timah’s secret foodie spots for great seafood.
Alongside the epicurean hotspots and nature trails of Bukit Timah, Bukit Timah Saddle Club offers an alternative hobby/sport in the city. Set up in 1951 to re-train retired race horses with other skills such as dressage and show-jumping, Bukit Timah Saddle Club allows learners of all ages and levels to experience horse-riding in a casual or competitive nature.
Photo Credits: Thanks to @dibyarupa, @shiryuchen, @corporatehippiethug, @purple_lyyy, @modern.myhouse, @notyourtypicaljon, @cameron_woo_design, @sandra.r8, @foodxloverxgal, @fanipunya, @luuubbi, @lchiayun, @rebekahrankine, @youfoundshane, @alliyeos, @closetkitty, @artgrain, @moon_beep, @sandra.r8, @adamw1995, @koks.yow, and @fanipunya for your great photos of this neighborhood!
