Clementi Road, Singapore
Clementi Road is a major thoroughfare in Singapore, stretching for about 5.6 kilometres from Jalan Anak Bukit in the north to the West Coast Highway in the south. The northern portion of the road lies within Bukit Timah, while the southern stretch forms a natural boundary between the Clementi Planning Area to the west and the Queenstown Planning Area to the east. It falls under Postal Districts 5 and 21, serving as an important connector between residential neighbourhoods, education hubs, and commercial clusters.
Character of Clementi Road
The road is characterised by a mix of greenery, institutional landmarks, and housing estates. Driving along Clementi Road, one passes lush pockets of foliage from the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve to the north, sprawling university grounds such as the National University of Singapore, and high-density residential zones closer to the southern end. The contrast between older housing estates and modern condominiums reflects the evolving identity of the area.
Streets and Connectivity
Clementi Road intersects with several important roads and expressways, enhancing its connectivity. Notable junctions include its meeting with Ulu Pandan Road, Commonwealth Avenue West, and the Ayer Rajah Expressway (AYE). These link residents to nearby planning areas such as Bishan, Novena, and Serangoon, further boosting the road’s strategic significance.
History of Clementi Road
The origins of Clementi Road can be traced back to the colonial period. It was once part of Reformatory Road, so named because of a boys’ reformatory situated in the area. In 1947, the road was renamed in honour of Sir Cecil Clementi Smith, a British colonial administrator who served as Governor of the Straits Settlements. Over time, the road was extended southwards to serve the expanding housing and educational institutions in western Singapore.
Pronunciation of the Name
The name “Clementi” is commonly pronounced as “Klem-en-tee”, phonetically represented in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /ˈklɛm.ən.ti/. It is widely recognised thanks to the adjacent town, Clementi, which shares the same name.
Surroundings and Sights
Clementi Road is flanked by a number of significant landmarks and attractions:
- National University of Singapore (NUS) – A major educational and research institution located just off Clementi Road.
- Singapore Polytechnic – Situated near Dover, one of the oldest tertiary institutions in Singapore.
- King Albert Park – Known for its cluster of eateries and shopping amenities.
- Clementi Town Centre – A bustling hub for shopping, dining, and community activities near Clementi MRT.
- Religious and cultural landmarks including churches, temples, and mosques spread along the road.
Transport and Accessibility
MRT Stations
Several MRT stations serve the vicinity of Clementi Road:
- King Albert Park MRT Station (DT6) on the Downtown Line, located at the northern stretch.
- Dover MRT Station (EW22) on the East West Line, adjacent to Singapore Polytechnic.
- Clementi MRT Station (EW23), the main gateway to Clementi Town.
Bus Services
Numerous bus stops line Clementi Road, offering routes to central Novena, Paya Lebar, and even eastern nodes like Bedok and Tampines. These bus services complement MRT accessibility, making Clementi Road a well-connected transit corridor.
Real Estate Around Clementi Road
The residential market along Clementi Road is diverse, ranging from Housing & Development Board (HDB) flats to private condominiums and landed properties. As of 2025, average resale HDB flats in Clementi range between SGD 650,000 to SGD 850,000 depending on size1. Condominium units such as those at The Trizon or The Clement Canopy typically measure between 850 sq ft (79 sq m) and 1,500 sq ft (139 sq m), commanding prices of SGD 1.6 million to SGD 2.5 million2. Rental rates hover around SGD 3.80 to SGD 5.20 per sq ft monthly.
Compared to central districts like Orchard or Commonwealth Road, real estate along Clementi Road is considered more affordable while still offering strong connectivity and amenities, making it attractive to both families and investors.
Fun Facts
One interesting fun fact is that Clementi Road is one of the few roads in Singapore directly named after a colonial governor rather than a geographical feature or local term. It is also noteworthy for passing through educational hubs, earning it a reputation as an “academic corridor.”
Quick Facts
- Length: 5.6 km
- Connects: Jalan Anak Bukit (north) to West Coast Highway (south)
- Postal Districts: 5 and 21
- Planning Areas: Bukit Timah, Clementi, Queenstown
- Nearest MRT Stations: King Albert Park (DTL), Dover (EWL), Clementi (EWL)
- Notable Landmarks: NUS, Singapore Polytechnic, Clementi Town Centre
- Real Estate (2025): HDB flats from SGD 650k; Condominiums from SGD 1.6m
- Pronunciation: “Klem-en-tee” (/ˈklɛm.ən.ti/)
References
Map of Clementi Road, Singapore
Page Details
This page was created on 31 August 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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