Arthur Road, Singapore
Arthur Road, Singapore (AI generated on 25 December 2025)
Arthur Road is a short but well-established residential street located in the eastern part of Singapore, within the Marine Parade area. Measuring approximately 860 metres in length, the road runs from Meyer Road in the south and extends northwards before ending in a quiet cul-de-sac. Despite its modest size, Arthur Road occupies a notable position within one of Singapore’s most prestigious landed housing enclaves, surrounded by historically significant roads and long-standing residential developments.
Quick Facts
- Road length: Approximately 860 metres
- Postal District: 15 (Marine Parade / Katong)
- Planning Area: Marine Parade
- Southern starting point: Meyer Road
- Northern end: Cul-de-sac
- Intersecting roads: Mountbatten Road, Wilkinson Road, Goodman Road
- Nearest MRT station: Katong Park MRT (TE24)
- Primary land use: Low-density residential
History and Early Development
The origins of Arthur Road can be traced to the early 20th century, a period when the eastern coastal fringe of Singapore was gradually developed into a suburban residential zone. At the time, areas such as Meyer Road, Mountbatten Road, and the wider Katong region were favoured by Europeans and affluent locals seeking spacious homes away from the congested city centre.
Arthur Road emerged as part of this broader residential expansion, serving large housing plots and linking several important roads in the area. While much of Marine Parade later experienced significant redevelopment and land reclamation, Arthur Road retained its original residential intent, remaining largely untouched by high-density public housing projects.
Origin of the Name
According to Singapore Street Names by Victor R. Savage and Brenda S. A. Yeoh, Arthur Road was named after Sir Arthur Henderson Young (1854–1938), a senior colonial administrator of the Straits Settlements1. He served as Colonial Secretary from 1906 to 1911, before being appointed Governor of the Straits Settlements, a position he held from 1911 to 1920.
Sir Arthur Henderson Young played an important role in the administration of Singapore during a period of growth and political change. The naming of Arthur Road reflects the colonial-era practice of commemorating prominent officials by assigning their names to streets in newly developed residential districts. While the exact year of the road’s naming is not always documented, it is generally associated with the period of his governorship in the early 20th century.
Character of the Street and Its Environment
Arthur Road is characterised by its calm, low-density residential atmosphere. The street is lined predominantly with landed homes, including detached houses and semi-detached properties, many of which sit on generous land parcels. Mature trees, landscaped gardens, and relatively low traffic volumes contribute to a tranquil living environment that contrasts sharply with busier arterial roads nearby.
The northern cul-de-sac further enhances the sense of privacy, making parts of Arthur Road particularly attractive to residents who value seclusion and minimal through traffic. While some older houses have been rebuilt into modern residences, the street as a whole retains a cohesive and established character.
Road Connections and Surrounding Streets
Although Arthur Road is relatively short, it connects to several important and well-known roads in District 15:
- Meyer Road, at its southern end, one of Singapore’s most exclusive waterfront residential roads.
- Mountbatten Road, a major arterial road linking the eastern and southern parts of the island.
- Wilkinson Road, another quiet residential street known for landed housing.
- Goodman Road, a prestigious residential road forming part of the same landed enclave.
These connections provide residents with convenient access to both major transport routes and nearby neighbourhood amenities.
Nearby Sights and Amenities
While Arthur Road itself is residential, its surroundings offer a variety of attractions and conveniences. The nearby Katong and Tanjong Katong areas are renowned for their cultural heritage, historic shophouses, and diverse dining options. East Coast Park, one of Singapore’s most popular recreational spaces, is also a short drive or cycle away, offering beaches, cycling paths, and seaside dining.
Educational institutions, including well-known schools in the Katong and Mountbatten area, further add to the appeal of living along Arthur Road.
Real Estate Landscape
Arthur Road sits within one of Singapore’s most sought-after residential districts. As of 2024–2025, landed property prices in District 15 typically range from approximately SGD 2,200 to SGD 3,000 per square foot of land area, depending on factors such as plot size, frontage, and redevelopment potential2.
Residential plots along Arthur Road commonly range from about 3,500 to 6,500 sq ft (325–604 sq m). Detached houses in this area often command sale prices from around SGD 8 million to over SGD 14 million. Rental demand is strong, particularly among expatriate families, with monthly rents generally ranging between SGD 9,000 and SGD 16,000. Compared to the national average, property values here are significantly higher, reflecting the area’s exclusivity, proximity to the city, and limited supply of landed homes.
Public Transport and Accessibility
The nearest MRT station to Arthur Road is Katong Park MRT Station (TE24) on the Thomson–East Coast Line. This line provides direct connectivity to the city centre, Marina Bay, and the northern parts of Singapore, significantly enhancing accessibility for residents3.
In addition, several bus services operate along Mountbatten Road and Meyer Road, with bus stops located within walking distance of Arthur Road. These bus routes offer convenient links to the Central Business District, Paya Lebar, and other parts of eastern Singapore.
Fun Fact
An interesting detail about Arthur Road is that, together with Goodman Road and Wilkinson Road, it forms part of a cluster of streets named after senior colonial figures from the early 20th century. This concentration of historically named roads within a small area provides a subtle reminder of Singapore’s colonial administrative past, even as the neighbourhood continues to evolve with modern residential redevelopment.
Map of Arthur Road, Singapore
References
- Savage, V. R. & Yeoh, B. S. A., Singapore Street Names
- PropertyGuru Singapore – District 15 Landed Property Market Trends
- Land Transport Authority – Thomson–East Coast Line Overview
Page Details
This page was created on 25 December 2025. Hi, my name is Timothy and created it from my research, for my own entertainment, knowledge and to satisfy my curiosity. I am providing the information to you in good faith and hope it is useful. I try to get the details as accurate as possible. I also try to update the page whenever I stumble on new details. So this and all my other pages are perpetual work in progress. If you discover any error, please politely inform me, pointing out where the error lies, and I will correct it as soon as possible. Your helpfulness will keep this page accurate, relevant and helpful to those who need the information.Streets of Singapore Directory
Want to share your Singapore travel experiences or get tips from fellow travellers?
Join the Singapore Travel Tips Facebook GroupMore information for visiting and living in Singapore
Here are some related articles to help you get to know Singapore better.- Cost of Living in Different Singapore Neighbourhoods (2025 Guide)
- EZ-Link Card
- Owning a Car in Singapore
- Singapore MRT Map & Guide 2025
- Singapore Postal Districts and Postcodes
- Singapore Tourist Pass
- Taking the Bus in Singapore: A Visitor's Guide
- Understanding CCR, RCR and OCR in Singapore real estate
