Moulmein Road, Singapore
Moulmein Road is a significant roadway in Singapore that connects Thomson Road in the west to Balestier Road in the east. Located within the Novena Planning Area in Postal District 11, it is one of the arterial roads that forms a vital link between residential, cultural, and commercial precincts of central Singapore. The nearest MRT station serving the area is Novena MRT Station (NS20) on the North South Line, providing convenient connectivity to the rest of the island.
Overview and Surroundings
Moulmein Road serves as an east–west corridor in the central region. It begins from the junction with Thomson Road and stretches eastward until it meets Balestier Road. Along its route, the road intersects smaller residential streets such as Derbyshire Road, Mandalay Road, and Shamah Terrace. The surroundings are a mix of private residential properties, commercial complexes, and historic shophouses, reflecting the eclectic character of central Novena.
The area around Moulmein Road is notable for being close to several healthcare facilities, including Tan Tock Seng Hospital and the HealthCity Novena medical hub. To the east, Balestier is famous for its heritage shophouses, temples, and vibrant food culture.
Connecting Streets
- Balestier Road
- Jalan Tan Tock Seng
- Mandalay Road
- Moulmein Rise
- Shrewsbury Road
- Sinaran Drive
- Thomson Road
History of Moulmein Road
The origins of Moulmein Road date back to the mid-19th century, when Singapore expanded northward from its colonial town centre. The road was named after the coastal city of Moulmein (today known as Mawlamyine) in Myanmar, which was then part of British Burma. This reflected the British practice of naming Singaporean roads after territories within the empire.
The name is pronounced in common English spelling as “Mole-main”, and in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) it is /ˈmoʊl.meɪn/. The naming is an enduring reminder of Singapore's links with the broader British colonial world.
Character of the Street
Moulmein Road has a distinctly urban yet residential feel. On the west side, near Novena, modern condominiums, serviced apartments, and medical facilities dominate the landscape. As one travels eastward towards Balestier, the atmosphere becomes more traditional, with pre-war shophouses, local eateries, and small businesses lining the street.
Because it lies on the boundary between the sleek, modern Novena district and the historically rich Balestier precinct, Moulmein Road is often seen as a transition zone where old meets new. It provides a blend of convenience, heritage, and cosmopolitan living that is attractive to both locals and expatriates.
Notable Sights and Attractions
Visitors and residents will find several places of interest along or near Moulmein Road:
- Tan Tock Seng Hospital – One of the oldest and largest hospitals in Singapore.
- Sakya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple – A Thai-style Buddhist temple also known as the “Temple of a Thousand Lights.”
- Balestier Food Trail – Just east of Moulmein Road, Balestier Road is a haven for food lovers, famous for chicken rice and traditional bakeries.
- Novena Square and Velocity – Shopping malls located near Novena MRT, offering retail and dining options.
- Heritage Shophouses – Early 20th-century buildings along Balestier, showcasing Chinese baroque architecture.
Real Estate Around Moulmein Road
Residential properties along Moulmein Road are predominantly private condominiums, freehold apartments, and boutique developments, with some landed houses nearby. Given its location in District 11, one of Singapore's prime residential zones, property prices are higher than the national average.
As of early 2025, condominium prices in the area range from SGD 2,000 to 2,400 per square foot1. For a typical 1,200 sq ft (111 sq m) unit, this translates to around SGD 2.4–2.9 million. Rental prices average SGD 5,000 to 7,000 per month for similar-sized apartments. These rates reflect the convenience of living close to healthcare facilities, malls, and MRT connectivity.
Compared to the rest of Singapore, Novena and Moulmein Road properties fall into the “prime city fringe” category—less expensive than Orchard or Marina Bay, but more costly than suburban areas like Woodlands or Punggol.
Transport Connectivity
Nearest MRT Stations
The closest MRT station to Moulmein Road is Novena MRT Station on the North South Line. From here, commuters can travel south to Orchard, Dhoby Ghaut, and Marina Bay, or north towards Toa Payoh, Bishan, and Yishun. Future connections via the Cross Island Line are expected to further enhance accessibility in the broader Novena area.
Bus Services
Moulmein Road is served by several public bus routes, with stops located near Mandalay Road and outside residential blocks along the street. These bus services provide links to Orchard Road, Balestier, and other parts of central Singapore, making it convenient for both residents and visitors.
Fun Facts
One fun fact about Moulmein Road is its literary connection. The British writer George Orwell, who served in Burma, wrote an essay titled Shooting an Elephant while stationed in Moulmein (Myanmar). Though not directly related to Singapore, the road's name evokes the same city where Orwell lived and wrote.
Quick Facts
- Moulmein Road connects Thomson Road (west) to Balestier Road (east).
- Located in Novena Planning Area, Postal District 11.
- Named after Moulmein (Mawlamyine) in Myanmar, reflecting British colonial links.
- Pronounced “Mole-main” (/ˈmoʊl.meɪn/).
- Nearest MRT: Novena MRT Station (NS20), North South Line.
- Mix of modern condos, hospitals, heritage shophouses, and eateries nearby.
- Real estate prices: SGD 2,000–2,400 psf (as of 2025).
- Rental for 1,200 sq ft units: approx. SGD 5,000–7,000/month.
- Close to Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Balestier Food Trail, Sakya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple.
References
- EdgeProp Singapore – Property Market Trends
- Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA)
- The Straits Times – Singapore News
- Land Transport Guru – Singapore Bus Routes
Map of Moulmein Road, Singapore
Page Details
This page was created on 22 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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