Buangkok Drive, Singapore

Buangkok Drive is a significant road in the Hougang Planning Area of Singapore. Measuring approximately 3.71 km, the road begins in the west at Yio Chu Kang Road and stretches eastwards to meet Buangkok East Drive, Upper Serangoon Road, and Sengkang East Drive. While most of the road lies within District 19, a portion extends into District 28. Buangkok MRT Station (NE15) on the North East Line serves as the nearest MRT station, making it a vital connector between Hougang and Sengkang residential estates.

Quick Facts

History of Buangkok Drive

Buangkok Drive was constructed in the 1990s and early 2000s, in line with the rapid urban development of Hougang and Sengkang. The road was designed to alleviate traffic congestion from parallel routes like Hougang Avenue 3 and Ang Mo Kio Avenue 6. Over time, extensions were added to improve east–west connectivity between Hougang and Sengkang New Town. The area surrounding the road transitioned from kampong settlements and farmland into a highly urbanised corridor filled with housing estates and community facilities1.

Origin of the Name

The word “Buangkok” originates from the Malay phrase buang kok, meaning “broken bamboo” or “discarded bamboo.” This reflects the abundance of bamboo groves historically found in the region. As part of urban naming conventions, the suffix “Drive” was added to distinguish the road as a main thoroughfare supporting significant vehicular traffic2.

Character of the Street and Surroundings

Buangkok Drive today is a broad, multi-lane road bordered by modern residential developments and healthcare facilities. It runs past the Buangkok Green Medical Park, which houses the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) and other specialised facilities. To the north and south, high-rise HDB flats and private condominiums dominate the skyline. The road also features landscaped walkways, bus stops, and cycling paths, providing convenience for commuters and residents alike. The area strikes a balance between urban infrastructure and community greenery, making it a vibrant and liveable corridor.

Neighbouring Streets

Several major roads connect with Buangkok Drive:

Interesting Sights and Amenities

Along Buangkok Drive and its vicinity, residents and visitors will encounter several landmarks and community amenities:

Real Estate along Buangkok Drive

As of 2024, property prices in the Buangkok Drive vicinity are competitive compared to other areas in District 19. Private condominiums here average between SGD 1,600 and SGD 1,950 per square foot3. For instance, a 900 sq ft (84 sq m) apartment could cost around SGD 1.5 million, while larger 1,200 sq ft (111 sq m) units may range from SGD 2 million to SGD 2.3 million. Rental prices are also robust, with two-bedroom units typically fetching SGD 3,200 to SGD 4,200 per month, depending on furnishing and location. Compared to the national average of approximately SGD 1,600 psf, Buangkok Drive properties are moderately priced, benefiting from strong transport links and nearby amenities.

Transport and Accessibility

MRT Connectivity

The closest MRT station is Buangkok MRT Station (NE15) on the North East Line. This line connects residents directly to central locations like Dhoby Ghaut, Outram Park, and HarbourFront, making Buangkok Drive a strategic location for commuters.

Bus Services

Multiple bus stops line Buangkok Drive, offering routes to Bishan, Toa Payoh, Serangoon, and Sengkang. Services provide last-mile connections to MRT stations, schools, and commercial centres, ensuring excellent accessibility for residents.

Fun Facts

Buangkok Drive is closely associated with Singapore’s heritage through Kampong Lorong Buangkok. Built in 1956, the kampong still houses several families in zinc-roofed huts, preserving a slice of old Singapore amidst modern developments. Its unique coexistence with nearby HDB flats makes the area an interesting contrast between past and present4.

Map of Buangkok Drive, Singapore

References

  1. National Library Board Singapore – Historical Resources
  2. Roots.sg – Street Names of Singapore
  3. Singapore Property Market Listings (2024)
  4. Channel NewsAsia – Features on Kampong Lorong Buangkok

Page Details

This page was created on 4 October 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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