Bukit in Malay means ‘hill' whilst Timah means ‘tin'. This is the reason why people in the past thought this region to be abundant in the production of tin. But the real fact is that the word ‘Timah' is taken from the Temak trees that were found aplenty in this area. Today Bukit Timah is known to be a residential area for the well heeled.

HDB estates and condominiums are found in various parts of the region. One of the key features of this area is the natural greenery and serenity which is preferred by those who are tired of the noisy city life. Bukit Timah HDB estates are highly sought after and span over an area of 18 sq km. The approximate population of the HDB estates is 78,000.

The residents of these HDB estates can enjoy a large number of facilities. There are nature trails at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve as well as many shopping centres to enthral the residents. Reputed healthcare centres are found in various parts of the region. Many recreational facilities in the form of parks and playgrounds are also available in Bukit Timah. Some other facilities include transportation, security and educational facilities. Several reputed bank branches can also be found in the area.

Location Specifics

Bukit Timah HDB estates lie in the central region of Singapore. Some of the regions that surround this area are Balestier, Dempsey Road, Ghim Moh and Thomson.

Bukit Timah is a large tract of land having a great variety of flora and fauna. It is divided into 7 sub zones:

• Swiss Club

• Holland Road

• Ulu Pandan

• Hillcrest

• Coronation

• Leedon Park

• Farrer Court

Superb facilities are available in these small sub zones of Bukit Timah. Despite the small nature of some of these zones they still contain a large residential population.

Transportation Network

Bukit Timah HDB estates are inhabited by many commuters and these people are kept well connected to the other parts of Singapore with the help of the railway and road transportation networks. There are many broad roads and expressways that have been built in this region to take care of the traffic.

Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) is the local railways network that serves the people of this region. Nearby MRT stations can be found at Newton, Little India, Novena and Farrer Park.

Singapore Bus Services (SBS) and Singapore Mass Rapid Transit (SMRT) buses take care of the road transportation needs in the area. SMRT night services are also available to the residents of the HDB estates. Some of the bus services available include:

• SBS - 48, 52, 61, 66, 77, 151,153, 154, 156, 157, 170, etc.

• SMRT - 67, 75, 171, 173, 184, 700, 852, etc.

• Night Services - 3N and 8N

One can also hire taxis to travel in comfort from this region to other parts of Singapore.

Educational Institutions

There are several prestigious educational institutions found in the vicinity of the Bukit Timah HDB estates. Institutes catering to all levels of education right from kindergarten to higher learning can be found. Some of the reputed educational institutes are:

Primary Schools

• Bukit Timah Primary School

• Ghim Moh Primary School

• Henry Park Primary School

• Anglo-Chinese School

Secondary School

• Methodist Girls' School

• Nanyang Girls' High School

• Singapore Chinese Girls' School

Tertiary Institutes

• Singapore Institute of Management

• Catholic Junior College

• National Junior College

• National University of Singapore

Amenities / Facilities

The prices of the Bukit Timah HDB estates are particularly high because of the scenic beauty of the place and the vast number of facilities available in and around the area. All the necessary facilities required for modern living are available at the Bukit Timah HDB estates. There is an abundance of healthcare, security, educational and transportation facilities in this region. Recreational facilities such as parks, playgrounds and movie theatres are also placed in close distance to the residential area of this city. Some of the facilities found in this region are:

Shopping Centres

• Balmoral Plaza

• Beauty World Centre

• Bukit Timah Shopping Centre

Dine-Out Places

• Teck Kee Pau

• Kopitiam

• Genki Sushi

Community Centres and Clubs

• The Pines

• Tanglin Community Club

• Swiss Club

Healthcare Facilities

• KK Women's and Children's Hospital

• Communicable Disease Centre

• National Skin Centre

Places of Worship

• Seu Teck Sean Tong

• Singapore Hakka Methodist Church

• Masjid Al-Huda

Others

• Bougainvillea Park

• Malcolm Park

• Cathay Cineleisure Cineplexes

• Moulmein Community Children's Library

The sales of the HDB estates in Bukit Timah are multiplying itself with every passing year and why not, with such a wide range of facilities surrounding cosy HDB estates. Its location further increases its appeal and makes it one of the more sought after places in Singapore.

Did you know...

• The highest point in all of Singapore is at the top of Bukit Timah Hill.

• The Bukit Timah Road is 25km long and is Singapore's longest road.