Irrawaddy Road, Singapore
Irrawaddy Road is a relatively short but important road in Singapore that connects Balestier Road in the north to Thomson Road in the south. It lies partially in Postal District 11 and partially in District 12, making it a transition point between two distinct residential and commercial zones within the Novena Planning Area. The nearest MRT station is Novena MRT Station (NS20) on the North South Line, giving the street excellent connectivity to the rest of the island.
Overview of Irrawaddy Road
Irrawaddy Road is a two-way street that is known for its urban mix of residential apartments, medical facilities, hotels, and commercial developments. It is often busy with traffic due to its proximity to Thomson Road, which leads toward the Central Expressway (CTE) and the city centre. The road also plays a role in linking the Balestier heritage area with the modernised medical and shopping hub around Novena.
History of Irrawaddy Road
The road was laid out during the early 20th century, when the Novena area began urbanising with the establishment of hospitals and residential enclaves. The name “Irrawaddy” reflects colonial Singapore's practice of naming streets after places in Burma (now Myanmar), then part of the British Empire. The Irrawaddy River, one of the most important rivers in Myanmar, is the source of this street name. It is pronounced in English as “ih-ruh-WAH-dee”, with the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) rendering being /ˌɪrəˈwɑːdi/.
Character of the Street and Surroundings
Irrawaddy Road is flanked by several prominent landmarks. On one side is the Novena Medical Hub, home to Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital, and other healthcare facilities. On the other side, one finds a growing number of hotels and serviced residences catering to medical tourists. The area has an urban, bustling atmosphere, yet retains pockets of tranquillity in nearby residential estates.
Some notable neighbouring streets include Balestier Road, which is famous for its food heritage, and Thomson Road, which is a major north-south arterial road linking the central and northern parts of the island.
Interesting Sights and Amenities
- Tan Tock Seng Hospital – A historic hospital founded in the 19th century, now one of Singapore's major public hospitals.
- Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital – A modern private hospital attracting both locals and international patients.
- Novena Square & United Square – Popular shopping malls located nearby, offering dining, retail, and family-friendly services.
- Balestier Heritage Trail – Within walking distance, this trail showcases shophouses, temples, and food landmarks that recall Singapore's early 20th-century history.
Real Estate along Irrawaddy Road
The road and its vicinity fall within an attractive residential area. As of early 2025, condominiums in the Novena district typically range between 600 sq ft (56 sq m) for one-bedroom units and 1,500 sq ft (139 sq m) for family apartments. Smaller units are priced from around SGD 1.3 million, while larger units can reach SGD 3.5 million or more1. Rental rates range from SGD 3,800 to SGD 8,500 per month depending on unit size and proximity to the MRT station2.
Compared to the rest of Singapore, properties here command a premium due to the combination of central location, excellent transport links, and proximity to healthcare facilities. Many expats working in the city centre, as well as locals seeking medical convenience, choose to live in this area.
Transport and Connectivity
The closest MRT station is Novena MRT Station (NS20) on the North South Line, which provides direct connections to Orchard, Dhoby Ghaut, Raffles Place, and Woodlands. Bus stops are located along both Balestier Road and Thomson Road, with services linking the area to Toa Payoh, Bukit Timah, the Central Business District, and other key locations.
Nearby Bus Services
- Buses along Balestier Road include routes to Toa Payoh, Serangoon, and Geylang.
- Buses along Thomson Road connect to Orchard, Bishan, and Ang Mo Kio.
Fun Fact
A fun detail about Irrawaddy Road is its link to medical tourism. Many patients from neighbouring countries, especially Indonesia, Malaysia, and Myanmar, travel to Singapore for treatment in the Novena medical hub. As a result, hotels and serviced residences along Irrawaddy Road often cater specifically to these visitors, blending hospitality with healthcare.
Quick Facts
- Location: Novena Planning Area, between Balestier Road and Thomson Road
- Postal Districts: 11 and 12
- Nearest MRT Station: Novena (NS20), North South Line
- Main Landmarks: Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital, Novena Square
- Property Prices (2025): SGD 1.3M – SGD 3.5M; Rentals SGD 3,800 – SGD 8,500/month
- Character: Medical hub, residential area, hotels, and commercial spaces
- Fun Fact: Popular with medical tourists, especially from neighbouring countries
References
Map of Irrawaddy Road, Singapore
Page Details
This page was created on 23 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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