Clementi, Singapore

The Clementi Planning Area (Simplified Chinese: 金文泰, Traditional Chinese: 金文泰, Pinyin: Jīn Wén Tài, Malay: Clementi, Tamil: கிளெமென்டி) is a well-established residential and educational hub in the western region of Singapore. Covering a land area of about 9.49 square kilometres, Clementi is home to a population of roughly 91,990 as of 2020, translating to a population density of around 9,700 persons per square kilometre¹. The planning area falls mainly within Postal District 5, which also encompasses Dover, West Coast, and parts of Pasir Panjang.

History of Clementi

The Clementi area has a rich history that traces back to early 20th century Singapore. It is believed to be named after Sir Cecil Clementi Smith, the first British High Commissioner to the Straits Settlements, although some sources attribute the name to Sir Cecil Clementi, a later Governor of the Straits Settlements². Before its urbanisation, the area was characterised by kampongs, rubber plantations, and military installations. Development into a modern new town began in the late 1970s, when the Housing and Development Board (HDB) built Clementi New Town, which has since evolved into one of the most vibrant residential districts in Singapore.

Name and Pronunciation

“Clementi” is pronounced as Klem-en-tee in English, with the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) form /ˈklɛmɛnti/. The name continues to reflect Singapore’s colonial past, as it honours a British colonial administrator.

Geography and Boundaries

Clementi is strategically located in the west of Singapore. It is bordered by the Bukit Timah Planning Area to the north, Bukit Batok and Jurong East to the west, Bukit Merah and Queenstown to the east, and the West Coast Planning Area to the south. Its location places it close to major expressways and educational institutions, making it a highly accessible and well-connected residential zone.

Subzones of Clementi

Transport and Accessibility

Clementi is served by the Ayer Rajah Expressway (AYE), which runs along its southern boundary, providing direct connectivity to the Downtown Core and Jurong. Clementi Road, a major arterial road, cuts through the area from north to south, linking it with Bukit Timah and West Coast.

MRT Connectivity

Clementi MRT Station, on the East West Line, is the main MRT hub serving the area. Dover MRT Station, also on the East West Line, provides additional access, especially for students and staff at nearby institutions such as the Singapore Polytechnic and National University of Singapore (NUS). Future connectivity improvements are expected with the completion of the Cross Island Line, which may further enhance Clementi’s accessibility³.

Residential Real Estate

Clementi is a highly sought-after residential location due to its central-west position, proximity to top schools and universities, and abundant amenities. As of 2024:

A 4-room HDB flat (about 1,000 sq ft / 93 sq m) typically sells between SGD 700,000 and SGD 900,000, depending on proximity to MRT and amenities.
Private condominiums in the area are priced at around SGD 1,700 to SGD 2,200 per square foot, so a 1,100 sq ft (102 sq m) unit can fetch over SGD 2 million.
Rental rates for a 3-bedroom HDB flat average SGD 3,000–3,800 per month, while condominiums of similar size rent for SGD 4,500–5,800⁴.

These prices place Clementi among the more expensive suburban planning areas, comparable to Bishan or Novena, due to its strong educational and transport appeal.

Interesting Sights and Attractions

Clementi is notable for its mix of green spaces, shopping amenities, and educational institutions. Some highlights include:

Clementi Mall: The main retail hub, directly integrated with Clementi MRT Station and the bus interchange.
Singapore Polytechnic: One of Singapore’s oldest polytechnics, established in 1954, located near Dover MRT.
National University of Singapore (NUS): Singapore’s premier university, whose main Kent Ridge campus lies partly within Clementi’s boundaries.
Clementi Woods Park: A popular park with walking trails, fitness corners, and a dog-friendly environment.
West Coast Park: Easily accessible from Clementi, offering outdoor recreational facilities and large open fields.

Community and Lifestyle

Clementi offers a dynamic mix of lifestyles. Families benefit from its educational cluster, which includes schools like Nan Hua High School, NUS High School of Mathematics and Science, and Anglo-Chinese School (Independent). Its proximity to NUS and Singapore Polytechnic also brings a youthful, academic energy to the district. Residents enjoy a wide selection of food options, from hawker centres like Clementi 448 Market & Food Centre to restaurants and cafés around Clementi Central.

Fun Facts

One fun fact about Clementi is that it was one of the first HDB towns to integrate a large-scale shopping mall, transport hub, and residential blocks into one interconnected development — Clementi Mall and the surrounding housing towers. Another interesting fact is that Clementi was once home to the “Colombo Camp,” a British military encampment before the area was redeveloped into housing estates⁵.

Quick Facts

Size: 9.49 sq km
Population: ~91,990 (2020)
Population Density: ~9,700 people per sq km
Postal District: 5
Established: Clementi New Town developed in late 1970s
Name Origin: Named after Sir Cecil Clementi or Sir Cecil Clementi Smith
Pronunciation: Klem-en-tee (/ˈklɛmɛnti/)
Main MRT Stations: Clementi (EWL), Dover (EWL)
Main Expressways: Ayer Rajah Expressway (AYE)
Highlights: Clementi Mall, NUS, Singapore Polytechnic, Clementi Woods Park
Average Housing Prices: HDB 4-room ~SGD 700k–900k; Condominiums ~SGD 1,700–2,200 psf

References

Map of Clementi, Singapore

MRT stations in Clementi, Singapore

Clementi MRT Station (GPS: 1.31532, 103.76513)

Apartments, Condominiums and HDB Flats in Clementi, Singapore

Elta Residences (GPS: 1.30754, 103.76884)

Shopping malls in Clementi, Singapore

The Clementi Mall (GPS: 1.31491, 103.7643)

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.

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