Singapore Area Guides: Singapore Central

Bukit Timah Area Guide

The purpose of education?
“What is the ideal product? The ideal product is the student, the university graduate, who is strong, robust, rugged, with tremendous qualities of stamina, endurance and at the same time, with great intellectual discipline and, most important of all, humility and love for his community; a readiness to serve whether God or king or country or, if you like, just his community.”
Lee Kuan Yew
1st Prime Minister of Singapore
Bukit Timah
Singapore Central, UAE
Do your children attend a Singapore school? Take our survey and help other parents.
WhichSchoolAdvisor's annual school survey.
LET'S GO

Luxury villas, landscaped grounds, swanky shops and eclectic cafes (and did we mention that there’s also a natural rainforest in your backyard?). There are several reasons why Bukit Timah is one of Singapore’s most desirable and exclusive neighbourhoods, and why many expats claim ‘West is best’.

This gem of a neighbourhood has so much to offer. At the heart of the Western region, Bukit Timah is home to bungalows and modern houses in quiet and leafy suburban-style streets. Families are drawn to its large properties, many with outdoor living spaces, off-road parking and a pool. Areas such as Sixth Avenue, Signature Park, Maplewoods, The Tessarina and Parc Palais are popular for their attractive condos. As you’d expect, there’s a price for having such a sought-after address and Bukit Timah has some of the highest rents in the city.

Head north and you’ll venture into the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, one of the only remaining pockets of natural rainforest left in Singapore. Here, you can trek up Singapore’s highest hill, hike, jog or cycle along one of its many trails, go rock-climbing, or simply enjoy the wonderful flora and fauna. It’s hard to believe that you’re on the outskirts of Singapore’s metropolis.

Bukit Timah has a bohemian vibe that’s brought to life by its arty hangouts, European restaurants and delis, and one-of-a-kind shops. If you’re not content with the growing bar scene here, it’s only a short drive to the livelier Holland Village, Orchard Road and Quay areas.

In line with its reputation as an expat-friendly area, there’s a great choice of international schools located in this this quiet community. There are also several family-friendly facilities including The Grandstand, which hosts food outlets, soft play centres and a Giant supermarket; riding clubs including Horse City Stables; playground fun at Watten Estate Park; and even a choice of daycare centres for your dog.

Transport links
Bukit Timah is well connect by public transport. You have the Beauty World, King Albert Park, Sixth Avenue and Tan Kah Kee MRT stations on the Downtown line, and Farrer Road on the Circle line. For motorists, the Pan Island (PIE) and the Bukit Timah (BKE) Expressways connect you to all other regions.

Schools
International schools include the Chinese International School, German European School Singapore, Hwa Chong International School, Hollandse, Singapore Korean School and Swiss School Singapore.

Healthcare
For family medicine, head to the International Medical Clinic – Jelita. The Gleneagles Hospital and Mount Elizabeth Hospital are a short drive away, as is the Thomson Medical Centre and its 24-hour walk-in emergency clinic.

Shopping
There’s a combination of high street brands and independent labels at Bukit Timah Shopping Centre, Beauty World Centre, Bukit Timah Plaza, Balmoral Plaza, and Cluny Court. Grocery options range from organic delis and the Bukit Timah Market & Food Centre through to Cold Storage supermarkets.

Attractions
There are plenty of natural attractions at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and the Upper Pierce Reservoir, and a hiking trail at the disused railway track, The Green Corridor. Social and sporting members-only clubs include the Hollandse Club and Raffles Town Club.

Bars and restaurants
Bukit Timah Road and Sixth Avenue are a haven for cafes, restaurants and trendy bars, and for cheaper eats head to the Bukit Timah Market & Food Centre.

Who lives here?
Expats and well-heeled Singaporeans

 

Bukit Timah Ratings

Schools

4.5

Entertainment

4

Family Friendly

4.5

Transport Links

4.5

Bukit Timah Pros & Cons

Pros

add_circle
Very family-friendly
add_circle
A huge natural attraction at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
add_circle
Good variety of cafes and restaurants
add_circle
Excellent location on outskirts of the city centre
add_circle
Well served by MRT stations on the Downtown and Circle lines

Cons

remove_circle
Very high rents
remove_circle
Older shopping malls
remove_circle
Short drive to the nearest A&E department

Comments
Latest Singapore articles
Choosing A School

Everything You Need to Know About the CAT4

As a new academic year is underway, your child may be preparing to sit a CAT4. So, what ex…

University

Record Numbers Get Uni Place Via Clearing

A record number of UK 18-year-olds have secured a place at a UK university using Clearing.…

School Performance

Top UK Boarding Schools for A Level Results

The top five boarding schools in the UK for A Levels results in 2023 are Oxford Internatio…

School Fees

Singapore's Top Scholarships for the IBDP, Music & More!

If your child is academically-gifted or has exceptional skills and talent in the arts, tec…

Choosing A School

Top 10 UK Independent Schools for BTECs

BTECs (Business and Technology Education Council – named after the body which first …

Wellbeing

Checkmate: Why Chess Should Be Taught In Schools

Schools worldwide, including the Overseas Family School in Singapore, recognise that chess…

School Performance

On-screen GCSEs: Are They a Success?

Thousands of students received their results this summer after sitting traditional pen-and…

Wellbeing

Starting Online School: Your First Year Checklist

Starting an online school can be an unfamiliar and new experience. As students take their …

0 Schools Selected
keyboard_arrow_down keyboard_arrow_up
Your selection Clear All