District 10 is usually associated with luxury homes, fine dining, top schools and embassies. But more than that, it is also where one can get up close and personal with nature. Residents of District 10 are mainly expats and well-heeled Singaporeans.
Bukit Timah
About 10km from the CBD, Bukit Timah is an elite residential district known for its high land value. It has some of the densest clusters of landed property and luxury condos, and very limited public housing. Many expatriates and well-heeled Singaporeans live here.
Not surprisingly, there are many international schools and top academic institutions here, most notably the Nanyang Primary School, Raffles Girls’ Primary School, Anglo Chinese School, St Joseph’s Institution, Singapore Chinese Girls’ School, Hwa Chong Institution, National Junior College, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, German European School, and the Swiss School of Singapore.
Aside from being an enclave of the wealthy, Bukit Timah is also home to Singapore’s highest hill. Standing at 164m, Bukit Timah Hill sits within the 163-hectare Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, which has one of the richest and most diverse equatorial ecological systems.
Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
The 25km Bukit Timah Road, which is the longest road in Singapore running from the north to the south of the island, got its name from the hill.
If you’re wondering if the region is so named because it was a former tin ore mining area (“timah” is tin ore in Malay), let us enlighten you that there was never such activity in this area. Bukit Timah probably got its present name due to a mispronunciation among the British! The area once had an abundance of temak trees, and its original name was Bukit Temak.
In 1933, the Bukit Timah Race Course was opened and served as a thoroughbred horse racing facility until its closure in 1999. Today, the site is home to The Grandstand where you’ll find food outlets, childcare centres and a Giant supermarket. More popular eateries can be found in Sixth Avenue and Turf City.
Bukit Timah Race Course
The Malaysia-Singapore railway service known as Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) had a station in Bukit Timah along its railway network from Johor Bahru to Tanjong Pagar. But today, KTM only runs its service up to Woodlands in Singapore’s northernmost end.
Currently, Bukit Timah has 6 MRT stations, spanning 2 lines – the Downtown and Circle lines. The Bukit Timah region was later extended and District 21 (Upper Bukit Timah) was formed.
Holland
A former Dutch and British enclave, Holland Village is a neighbourhood of quaint shophouses and low-rise buildings named after a popular Dutch architect and amateur actor called Hugh Holland. The area was once dotted with plantations and nurseries.
Today it is affectionately known as Holland V, and is especially popular during weekends and evenings when part of its main stretch is closed to traffic. During these times, the area is teeming with activity, what with locals and expats having a good time at its al fresco cafes, restaurants and watering holes.
The area comes alive in the evening
There are many famous F&B chains in Holland Village. But, for those who prefer up-market diners and bars, there’s the Tapas Bar, Tango’s, Baden, Harry’s Bar, and of course, Wala Wala – the mother of all bars along Lorong Mambong – that attracts nighty crowds with its live music.
Served by the Holland Village MRT station, which is part of the Circle Line, Holland V’s famous roads and landmarks include Lorong Liput, Lorong Mambong, Jalan Merah Saga, Chip Bee Gardens and three shopping malls.
For those who are more inclined towards fashion, art, fitness and relaxation, Holland Village doesn’t disappoint either. Chip Bee Gardens houses a number of local independent fashion labels and modern art galleries.
After all that wining and dining, those who frequent Holland V are happy to find many yoga, fitness and reflexology centres in the area.
Tanglin
One can find HDB flats all over Singapore, but not in Tanglin. Because of its prime location near Singapore’s world-famous shopping street – Orchard Road – Tanglin has only landed homes and condominiums to offer. In fact, Tanglin was designated as a Good Class Bungalow area in 1980.
One of many colonial houses in Tanglin
Just like in Bukit Timah, residents here are mainly wealthy locals and expatriates who appreciate the serenity and upper class air of the neighbourhood.
Tanglin is home to famous landmarks like the Singapore Botanic Gardens, Gleneagles Hospital and Tanglin Club (a members-only club). Adding to its aura of prestige are five-star hotels, embassies, consulates and high commissions of various countries.
Get close to nature at the Singapore Botanic Gardens
Sited in Tanglin is also Singapore’s oldest shopping centre – Tanglin Shopping Centre – where one can find priceless Chinese art pieces and antiques. Antique lovers can also head to Tanglin Mall and Tudor Court.
Like other parts of District 10, Tanglin is not lacking in good food either. Foodies will be happy to hear that there are al fresco bars like Hacienda and the celebrity favourite – PS Café at Tanglin Village. PS Cafe is noted for its delectable offerings and entertainment.
There is, however, only one educational institution in Tanglin: the Bukit Timah campus of the National University of Singapore, comprising the Faculty of Law and the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy.
River Valley
A high-end residential enclave comprising landed properties and high-end condos, River Valley caters mostly to expats and wealthy locals. Although near the Orchard area, River Valley is a world away from the hustle and bustle of the famous shopping street.
This does not mean that living here is boring. River Valley has gourmet eateries aplenty. Residents here can also soak in the vibrant atmosphere over at Clarke Quay and Robertson Quay where there is no shortage of F&B outlets to cater to any palate.
Have a delicious meal at one of the food outlets at Clarke Quay
For a spot of outdoor recreation, families typically head to nearby Fort Canning Park and the Singapore River.
As with other expat commune in Singapore, River Valley is served by several international schools, enrichment and childcare centres.
Being an affluent neighbourhood, River Valley’s residents typically drive private vehicles, which is probably why you won’t find much public transportation plying this area. However, residents can look forward to the up-and-coming Great World MRT station.
Great World (formerly Great World City) is just a few minutes’ walk away and offers a 6-storey shopping mall with a myriad of shops to meet all shopping needs.
Great World sits on the site of the former Great World Amusement Park
Grange Road
A minor road in the Orchard Road area, Grange Road has been broken up into three sections due to repeated redevelopment of the road. The road is lined with residential units once past India House, which is home to the Indian High Commission.
Among the area’s landmarks are the Orchard Fountain Corner (at the junction of Grange Road and Orchard Road) and the Ministry of Education Teachers’ Network (at the junction of Hoot Kiam Road and Grange Road).
The Orchard Fountain Corner is next to the Orchard Building, which is opposite the popular Cathay Cineleisure Orchard.
Popular among movie buffs: Cathay Cineleisure Orchard
Balmoral
A short drive to Orchard Road and the CBD, Balmoral is a leafy suburb with luxury condos and prestigious schools making up most of the developments in the area.
High-end condominiums are a common sight in Balmoral
Orchard Boulevard
Close to Orchard Road yet relatively peaceful and quiet, Orchard Boulevard is a prized residential enclave. It is close to key landmarks like the Singapore Botanic Gardens, Tanglin Village/Dempsey Hill and the Embassy Row. The area will soon have its very own MRT station, which is part of the Thomson-East Coast line.
Occupying the former Tanglin Barracks, Dempsey Hill is a great place to shop and dine
In this article, we’ve given you a good overview of Singapore’s District 10. If you want to know more about the area, particularly about its residences, schedule a visit with us or book a free consultation with our trusted and renowned representatives.
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