Upper Aljunied Road, Singapore
Upper Aljunied Road is an important thoroughfare in Singapore, linking the northwestern junction with Upper Serangoon Road to the southeastern intersections with Aljunied Road and MacPherson Road. Located within Postal District 13, it falls under the administrative boundary of the Toa Payoh Planning Area. The road lies close to residential estates, commercial clusters, and industrial hubs, serving as an important connector for traffic in the central-eastern part of the island.
Overview and Surroundings
Upper Aljunied Road runs through a dynamic mix of neighbourhoods. On one end, it adjoins the lively corridor of Upper Serangoon, known for its blend of heritage shophouses and modern developments. On the other, it merges into Aljunied and MacPherson, which carry strong industrial, residential, and commercial characteristics. The surrounding network of roads includes Upper Paya Lebar Road, Bartley Road, and Bidadari Park Drive, which connect seamlessly to other arterial roads and expressways.
The road is frequented by commuters who rely on it for access to major business districts, housing estates, and industrial areas. Its role as a connector makes it busy throughout the day, though traffic flow is generally well-managed with signalised junctions and wide lanes.
History of Upper Aljunied Road
The name “Aljunied” comes from Syed Omar bin Ali Aljunied, a wealthy Arab merchant and philanthropist who settled in Singapore during the early 19th century. The Aljunied family played a prominent role in the development of Islamic institutions in Singapore, including the construction of mosques and charitable projects. The road bearing the family’s name reflects their lasting legacy in the country’s history.
Upper Aljunied Road was developed in the mid-20th century as part of urban expansion plans. With the growth of housing estates in Potong Pasir and MacPherson, the road became a crucial link connecting the older settlements with the city. Over the years, widening projects and improved junctions have kept the road relevant to changing transport needs.
Name and Pronunciation
The word “Aljunied” is pronounced in common English spelling as “Al-joo-need.” Its International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription is /ælˈdʒuːniːd/. The name originates from the Hadhrami Arab clan of Aljunied, which has a long lineage associated with trade and philanthropy in Southeast Asia.
Character of the Road and Surroundings
The character of Upper Aljunied Road is eclectic. Parts of the road near Upper Serangoon are distinctly residential, flanked by condominiums, landed houses, and the newly developed Bidadari estate. Moving southeastward, the road gradually transitions into industrial and commercial pockets closer to Aljunied and MacPherson. This mix of land use makes the road unique, balancing quiet residential enclaves with bustling business activity.
Nearby schools, parks, and community institutions contribute to the area’s vibrancy. The newly developed Bidadari Park, with its lush greenery and water features, lies within walking distance, offering residents recreational spaces amidst urban density.
Interesting Sights and Landmarks
- Bidadari Park – A new nature park built on the site of the former Bidadari Cemetery, offering scenic walking trails and a lake.
- St. Andrew’s Village – A major educational complex housing several St. Andrew’s institutions, located not far from the Upper Aljunied corridor.
- Industrial Clusters – Sections of the road closer to MacPherson feature light industrial estates and workshops, adding to the area’s economic significance.
- Shophouses and Food Spots – Around the Upper Serangoon end, heritage shophouses provide eateries, minimarts, and family-run businesses that add character to the area.
Real Estate along Upper Aljunied Road
Residential properties near Upper Aljunied Road include a mix of HDB flats, condominiums, and landed homes. As of August 2025, resale prices for HDB flats in the vicinity range between SGD 650,000 to SGD 850,000 for 4-room flats (about 1,000 sq ft / 93 sq m). Condominiums nearby, such as those in Bidadari or Potong Pasir, command higher values, averaging around SGD 1,800 to SGD 2,000 per square foot 1.
For example, a 3-bedroom condominium of about 1,100 sq ft (102 sq m) may fetch between SGD 1.9 million to SGD 2.1 million. Rental rates for similar units are in the range of SGD 4,200 to SGD 4,800 monthly, depending on furnishing and proximity to MRT stations. These prices are slightly above the national average due to the road’s central location and accessibility.
Transport and Connectivity
MRT Stations
The nearest MRT station to Upper Aljunied Road is Woodleigh MRT Station (NE11), located along the North East Line. This provides residents and workers convenient access to the city centre and northeastern Singapore. Additionally, Serangoon MRT Interchange (NE12/CC13), a short distance away, connects commuters to the Circle Line.
Bus Services
Upper Aljunied Road is served by multiple bus stops on both sides of the road, with services connecting to Potong Pasir, MacPherson, Toa Payoh, and Serangoon. Bus routes make the road accessible to those who prefer public transport for short commutes.
Fun Facts
Did you know that Upper Aljunied Road forms part of the boundary of the new Bidadari housing estate, which has been envisioned as a “tranquil urban oasis”? The area integrates lush landscaping, heritage trails, and park connectors, blending history with modern living in a way few other estates in Singapore do.
Quick Facts
- Location: Toa Payoh Planning Area, Postal District 13
- Connects: Upper Serangoon Road to Aljunied Road and MacPherson Road
- Nearest MRT Station: Woodleigh MRT Station (NE11, North East Line)
- Main Land Use: Residential near Bidadari; Industrial near MacPherson
- Notable Sites: Bidadari Park, St. Andrew’s Village
- Real Estate (2025): Condominiums ~SGD 1,800–2,000 psf; 4-room HDB ~SGD 650,000–850,000
- Pronunciation: “Al-joo-need” (/ælˈdʒuːniːd/)
References
Map of Upper Aljunied Road, Singapore
Page Details
This page was created on 30 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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