Bishan Road, Singapore
Bishan Road is an important arterial road in the central region of Singapore. Running for about 2 km, it connects Ang Mo Kio Planning Area in the north with Toa Payoh Planning Area in the south. Starting at the intersection of Ang Mo Kio Avenue 8 and Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1, it continues southwards before terminating at Braddell Road, just before the Bishan Flyover. The road lies entirely within Bishan Planning Area and is located in District 20.
Geography and Layout
Bishan Road serves as a north-south link between the residential town of Bishan and the arterial roads that feed into Toa Payoh and central Singapore. Along its stretch, Bishan Road passes through a landscape of residential flats, schools, places of worship, and park spaces.
To the west of the road lies the Central Water Catchment, while to the east are the estates of Toa Payoh and Serangoon. Bishan Road is also close to the Central Expressway (CTE), giving it quick access to major parts of the island.
History of Bishan Road
Bishan itself has a long history. The area was once known as Peck San Theng (碧山亭), a large Cantonese cemetery established in the late 19th century. By the 1970s, as Singapore underwent rapid urbanisation, the cemetery land was acquired for redevelopment into a new town. Bishan Road was constructed during the mid-1980s as part of the road network planned for the emerging Bishan estate.
The name “Bishan” comes from the Cantonese pronunciation of 碧山 (Bìshān in Mandarin), meaning “Jade Hill.” The cemetery association continues to exist today, relocated to a columbarium at Bishan. Thus, the name Bishan Road preserves a historical and cultural connection to the area’s origins.
Pronunciation
In English spelling, it is pronounced as “Bee-shan Road.” In the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), the pronunciation is /ˈbiːʃɑːn roʊd/.
Character of the Street and Surroundings
Bishan Road is characterised by a blend of residential and institutional landmarks. It is lined with HDB flats, schools, religious institutions, and sports facilities, giving it a distinctly community-oriented atmosphere. The road is moderately busy during peak hours, as it links northern and central Singapore.
The surroundings feature greenery, with Bishan Road forming part of the boundary to the Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park. The combination of housing, amenities, and parkland makes the area around Bishan Road popular among families and young professionals seeking a balance between city convenience and suburban tranquility.
Interesting Sights Along Bishan Road
- Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park – one of Singapore’s largest urban parks, stretching along the western side of Bishan Road. The park is popular for jogging, cycling, and family outings.
- Catholic High School – a well-established educational institution located near the junction with Braddell Road.
- Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery – one of the largest Buddhist monasteries in Singapore, located just off Bishan Road, with beautiful temples, columbaria, and prayer halls.
- Religious diversity – several churches and smaller places of worship are situated along and around Bishan Road.
Real Estate Around Bishan Road
As of 2024, property prices in Bishan remain among the highest for public housing estates due to its central location and proximity to reputable schools. Flats near Bishan Road range from older HDB blocks to newer developments within walking distance to amenities and parks. Common flat sizes include 3-room units of around 700 sq ft (65 sq m), 4-room units of around 1,000 sq ft (93 sq m), and 5-room flats measuring up to 1,200 sq ft (111 sq m).
Average prices in Bishan are as follows1:
- 3-room flats: SGD 450,000 – 520,000
- 4-room flats: SGD 650,000 – 800,000
- 5-room flats: SGD 900,000 – 1.05 million
Rental rates for HDB flats in the Bishan Road vicinity average SGD 2,800 for 3-room flats, SGD 3,500 for 4-room units, and up to SGD 4,800 for 5-room units. Compared to towns such as Yishun or Bedok, Bishan commands a premium due to its accessibility and established amenities.
Private residential developments are also present nearby, with condominiums such as Sky Habitat and Clover by the Park fetching prices upwards of SGD 1,800 per square foot.
Transport and Accessibility
Although there is no MRT station directly on Bishan Road, two stations are relatively close:
- Braddell MRT Station (NS18) on the North South Line.
- Marymount MRT Station (CC16) on the Circle Line.
These stations are within a 10-15 minute walk or a short bus ride, giving residents access to both the northern corridor and the orbital Circle Line.
Bus stops are conveniently located along Bishan Road, served by trunk and feeder services connecting to Ang Mo Kio, Toa Payoh, Novena, and Serangoon. The road also provides a direct driving connection to the Central Expressway, facilitating fast commutes to the Central Business District and Orchard Road.
Fun Fact
A fun fact about Bishan Road is its close link with Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park. The park’s meandering river was part of a groundbreaking urban design project that transformed a concrete canal into a naturalised river, earning international recognition for sustainable urban development. Bishan Road offers one of the best vantage points of this transformation.
Quick Facts
- Road Name: Bishan Road
- Length: 2 km
- District: 20
- Planning Area: Bishan
- Connects: Ang Mo Kio Avenue 8 / Avenue 1 to Braddell Road
- Nearest MRT Stations: Braddell (NS18, North South Line) and Marymount (CC16, Circle Line)
- Nearby Landmarks: Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, Catholic High School, Kong Meng San Monastery
- Property Prices (2024): 3-room SGD 450k–520k; 4-room SGD 650k–800k; 5-room SGD 900k–1.05m
- Fun Fact: Bishan Road runs beside the park where Singapore’s first naturalised river project was built.
References
Map of Bishan Road, Singapore
Page Details
This page was created on 6 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.Streets of Singapore Directory
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