Bidadari, Toa Payoh, Singapore

Bidadari is a subzone within the Toa Payoh Planning Area of Singapore. Once home to a cemetery and later military facilities, Bidadari is now being transformed into a modern housing estate with lush greenery, transport connectivity, and thoughtfully designed residential precincts. As of 2024, it has a population of 7,550 residents, making it one of the newer and fast-developing neighbourhoods in central Singapore.

Quick Facts

Name and Etymology

The name “Bidadari” (比达达利; Bǐdádálì) comes from the Malay word for “fairy” or “angel,” rooted in local folklore that likened the beauty of the area to a celestial garden. The name was originally given to a house built in the 19th century by a Sultan of Johor for his consort, and it has endured through the estate’s various transformations.

History

Bidadari has a layered history. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it was the site of the Bidadari Cemetery, serving Christian, Muslim, Hindu, and Sinhalese communities. The cemetery was in use until the 1970s and exhumed in phases from 2001. For several decades after, parts of the area were used for military training grounds. In the 2010s, the government announced plans to redevelop Bidadari into a new public housing estate under the Housing & Development Board (HDB), with the first Build-To-Order (BTO) flats launched in 2015. By the early 2020s, residents began moving into the new neighbourhoods.

Geography and Boundaries

Bidadari spans 0.5725 sq km in the central region of Singapore. It is bordered by Upper Paya Lebar to the north, Joo Seng to the east, Sennett to the south, and Woodleigh to the west. The subzone is situated near the major arterial road Upper Serangoon Road and is well connected to the rest of the island.

Population and Demographics

As of 2024, Bidadari’s population is estimated at 7,550, with a population density of 13,188 people per sq km. The demographics are relatively young, reflecting the influx of families and professionals moving into newly completed flats. Its appeal is bolstered by the estate’s central location and modern amenities.

Land Use and Character

Bidadari is designed as a sustainable and green residential estate, with a strong emphasis on integrating natural landscapes into urban living. The development is centred around Bidadari Park, which incorporates a 10-hectare area with a lake, heritage walk, and open green spaces. The neighbourhood features a car-lite design, pedestrian-friendly streets, and seamless connectivity between residential blocks and communal facilities.

Transport and Connectivity

Residents of Bidadari enjoy excellent public transport links. The estate is served by Woodleigh MRT Station and Potong Pasir MRT Station on the North East Line. The upcoming Bartley MRT Station on the Circle Line is also nearby, ensuring residents have multiple travel options. Major roads such as Upper Serangoon Road and Upper Aljunied Road provide road connectivity to other parts of the city, while expressways such as the Kallang-Paya Lebar Expressway (KPE) are within easy reach.

Community and Amenities

Bidadari offers a growing number of community amenities, including neighbourhood centres, childcare facilities, and schools in nearby estates. The Bidadari Park provides recreational opportunities with cycling paths, walking trails, and landscaped gardens. The estate also includes community spaces such as playgrounds, fitness corners, and gathering areas designed to foster social interaction among residents.

Neighbourhood Identity

Bidadari has been promoted as a “tranquil urban oasis,” balancing its rich heritage with modern residential development. The integration of heritage markers from the former cemetery, alongside contemporary architecture and green spaces, creates a distinct identity that honours the past while embracing the future.

Interesting Sights

Key attractions in Bidadari include:

Real Estate Information

As of 2024, housing in Bidadari mainly consists of HDB flats from recent BTO projects. Unit types range from 2-room Flexi flats to 5-room units, with prices at launch ranging from approximately SGD 150,000 for smaller units to around SGD 600,000 for larger ones1. By 2024, resale prices for 4-room flats in the estate average around SGD 700,000–750,000, reflecting strong demand for centrally located new flats. Rentals for a 4-room flat are around SGD 3,000–3,300 per month2. No private condominiums or landed properties exist within Bidadari, as it is planned primarily for public housing.

Fun Fact

The Bidadari estate is one of the first HDB developments to adopt a “car-lite” concept, where car parks are located at the periphery of housing blocks, freeing up central spaces for pedestrian walkways, gardens, and community areas.

References

  1. City Population – Singapore Administrative Subdivisions
  2. Housing & Development Board (HDB)
  3. Land Transport Authority

Map of Bidadari, Singapore

MRT stations in Bidadari

  1. Bartley MRT Station (GPS: 1.34241, 103.88021)
  2. Woodleigh MRT Station (GPS: 1.33938, 103.87075)

Page Details

This page was created on 28 September 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.

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