Bukit Timah, Singapore

The Bukit Timah Planning Area (Simplified Chinese: 武吉知马, Traditional Chinese: 武吉知馬, Pinyin: Wǔjí Zhīmǎ, Malay: Bukit Timah, Tamil: புக்கிட் திமா) is one of the most prestigious and nature-rich districts in Singapore. Covering about 17.53 square kilometres, it had a population of approximately 77,860 in 2020¹. With a population density of just over 4,440 people per square kilometre, Bukit Timah is far less crowded than many other areas, offering a blend of greenery, exclusive residences, and international institutions. It falls mainly within Postal Districts 10 and 11, both of which are regarded as prime residential zones.

Quick Facts

Size: 17.53 sq km
Population: ~77,860 (2020)
Population Density: ~4,440 people per sq km
Postal Districts: 10, 11
Name Origin: Malay “bukit” = hill, “timah” = tin (or “temak” tree)
Pronunciation: Boo-kit Tee-mah (/ˈbuːkɪt ˈtiːmɑː/)
Main MRT Stations: Beauty World, King Albert Park, Sixth Avenue, Tan Kah Kee, Botanic Gardens, Stevens
Main Expressways: BKE, PIE
Highlights: Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, Botanic Gardens, Rail Corridor, elite schools
Average Housing Prices: Condominiums ~SGD 2,000–2,800 psf; Landed homes SGD 4–8 million

History of Bukit Timah

The name “Bukit Timah” comes from Malay, where “bukit” means “hill.” “Timah” is often thought to mean “tin,” but it is more likely a corruption of “temak,” a tree species common in the area. The area’s development began in the 19th century, when a road was constructed to access granite quarries and plantations. Bukit Timah Road became one of the earliest major roads in Singapore, linking the town centre to the island’s interior. Over the years, the district evolved into a high-end residential area with large landed properties and educational institutions.

Name and Pronunciation

“Bukit Timah” is pronounced Boo-kit Tee-mah, with the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription /ˈbuːkɪt ˈtiːmɑː/. Its name, directly translated, means “Tin Hill,” though historically it referred to the temak trees of the area.

Geography and Boundaries

Bukit Timah is located in the central-western region of Singapore. It is bordered by Bukit Batok to the west, Bukit Panjang to the northwest, Ang Mo Kio Planning Area to the northeast, Novena to the east, Clementi to the southwest, and Toh Tuck to the south. The area is dominated by the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and its surrounding greenery, forming one of Singapore’s largest continuous stretches of forest.

Subzones of Bukit Timah

Transport and Accessibility

Bukit Timah is well connected by major roads and expressways, including Bukit Timah Road, Upper Bukit Timah Road, and the Bukit Timah Expressway (BKE). It also lies near the Pan Island Expressway (PIE), providing access to the rest of the island.

MRT Connectivity

The planning area is served by several MRT lines:

Downtown Line (DTL): Beauty World, King Albert Park, Sixth Avenue, Tan Kah Kee, and Botanic Gardens stations.
Circle Line (CCL): Botanic Gardens station (interchange with DTL).
Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL): Stevens station (interchange with DTL).

Residential Real Estate

Bukit Timah is one of the most sought-after residential districts in Singapore, featuring a mix of landed estates, bungalows, and luxury condominiums. As of 2024:

Landed homes (around 3,500 sq ft / 325 sq m) can range between SGD 4 million to 8 million depending on location and tenure.
Luxury condominiums are priced at around SGD 2,000–2,800 per square foot, making a 1,200 sq ft (111 sq m) apartment cost SGD 2.4–3.4 million.
Rental for a 3-bedroom condominium averages between SGD 6,000–9,000 per month².

These prices put Bukit Timah firmly in the luxury segment of the Singapore property market.

Attractions and Landmarks

Bukit Timah is famed for its natural attractions and educational institutions. Key highlights include:

Bukit Timah Nature Reserve: Home to Singapore’s highest hill at 163.63 metres and one of the richest ecological systems on the island.
Singapore Botanic Gardens: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, partly within the planning area.
Rail Corridor: A popular hiking and cycling trail running through Bukit Timah.
Private Clubs: The Singapore Island Country Club and British Club are located here.
Educational Institutions: National Junior College, Hwa Chong Institution, Methodist Girls’ School, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, and several international schools.

Community and Lifestyle

Bukit Timah is often considered an educational hub due to the concentration of top schools and tertiary institutions. The area also supports a cosmopolitan lifestyle with upscale dining, niche grocers, and equestrian facilities. Despite its modern amenities, Bukit Timah retains a lush, suburban atmosphere highly prized by expatriates and affluent locals alike.

Fun Facts

Bukit Timah Hill is the highest natural point in Singapore, standing at 163.63 metres. The nature reserve also contains more species of trees than the entire North American continent³.

Map of Bukit Timah, Singapore

MRT Stations in Bukit Timah

Beauty World MRT Station (GPS: 1.34008, 103.77597)
Farrer Road MRT Station (GPS: 1.31725, 103.80749)
Holland Village MRT Station (GPS: 1.3112, 103.79595)
King Albert Park MRT Station (GPS: 1.3354, 103.7838)
Sixth Avenue MRT Station (GPS: 1.33059, 103.79762)
Tan Kah Kee MRT Station (GPS: 1.3254, 103.80805)

Apartments, Condominiums and HDB Flats in Bukit Timah

10 Shelford Rd (GPS: 1.3259, 103.81249)
Adam Park Condominium (GPS: 1.32772, 103.81375)
Alsworth Park (GPS: 1.3202, 103.78069)
Nava Grove (GPS: 1.3259, 103.81249) New Launch 2024 Nov 38 Pine Grove, S 597774; +65 6100 0077

Roads in Bukit Timah

References

Page Details

This page was created on 7 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.

List of Planning Areas of Singapore, Singapore Sight Index and pillar page Discover Singapore

Want to share your Singapore travel experiences or get tips from fellow travellers?
Join the Singapore Travel Tips Facebook Group

More information for visiting and living in Singapore

Here are some related articles to help you get to know Singapore better.

Latest Pages & Updates

Buy Me A Coffee

If you enjoy the information I provide and want to support the work I do, please buy me a coffee! I appreciate it immensely, thank you so much!
Support me here

Backtrack | HOME | Latest Updates | Singapore Streets & Sights