Hot Spot : Bukit Timah

Source: The Sunday Times, 24 June 2007

Jalan Jurong Kechil / Bukit Batok

Mature estate with affordable units

The Jalan Jurong Kechil district features a blend of mature low-rise HDB flats, shophouses and older condominiums.

Condo prices in the area range from $489 per sq ft (psf) for the 99-year High Oak Condominium at the junction of Toh Tuck Road and Toh Yi Drive to $623 psf for the Grand Regency at Jalan Selanting.

The area marks the end of Bukit Timah Road proper and the start of Upper Bukit Timah Road.

With many older developments that are situated close to one another, the neighbourhood bears little resemblance to its Bukit Timah Road counterparts, with their far more exclusive feel.

Residents can take advantage of the shops and restaurants at Bukit Timah Plaza and Beauty World Centre, as well as the Bukit Timah Food Centre and market located nearby.

Resale HDB flats in the nearby Bukit Batok area have averaged $214.58 psf for three-room units, which range in size from 645 sq ft to 807 sq ft.

An executive flat sold for an average of $236 psf in the second quarter of this year, said property consultancy CB Richard Ellis.

The area is also a short bicycle ride from Bukit Timah Hill and Nature Reserve, which offer outdoor types and fitness fans many options to get up close with Mother Nature.

King Albert Park

Mix of condos and low-rise homes

THE stretch of Bukit Timah Road leading to King Albert Park is dominated by a prominent cluster of condominiums, which include Maplewoods, the new Nexus, The Sterling and The Cascadia.

Prices range from $888 per sq ft (psf) for Maplewoods to $924 psf at The Sterling, based on transactions in the second quarter of this year.

These developments enjoy the convenience of being located near the King Albert Park Cold Storage and McDonald’s, as well as the Tan Chong Motors showroom along Bukit Timah Road, which is particularly busy during weekends.

But travel further in along Wilby Road and Old Holland Road and the hustle and bustle give way to quiet undulating roads sparsely dotted with low-rise houses and condominiums.

The presence of large plots of as-yet-undeveloped state land and the Malayan Railway Track which cuts across Bukit Timah Road, give a rustic feel to the area - a sharp contrast to the contemporary feel closer to King Albert Park itself.

Families with young children will appreciate the proximity of Methodist Girls’ Primary School situated along Old Holland Road.

Hillview

Rich in history and tradition

THE area bordered by Hillview Avenue and Upper Bukit Timah Road owes its old-world charm to the presence of the sprawling Bukit Batok Nature Park and nearby Bukit Timah Nature Reserve.

The Old Ford Factory, which dates back to World War II, contributes to the air of history and tradition, as does the Bukit Batok Memorial located at Lorong Sesuai.

There are a number of condominium developments in the area that have taken advantage of the natural beauty to create a scenic atmosphere that blends in with the surrounding greenery.

The freehold Petals development near Hillview Terrace was priced at $424 per sq ft (psf) in transactions carried out in the second quarter of this year.

During the same period, the Summerhill and Symphony Heights, both on Hume Avenue, saw prices of $652 psf and $569 psf respectively.

Residents in the area also have the option of shopping at the Rail Mall opposite Hillview Road, which boasts eateries, pubs, a hairdresser, a Cold Storage outlet and other amenities.

Hindhede

A hit with nature lovers and trekkers

LUXURIANTLY green, the area in and around Hindhede Drive is a hit with nature lovers who make the most of the proximity of Bukit Timah Nature Reserve.

Large trees and shrubs line the roads criss-crossing the neighbourhood, which has a sleepy feel for most of the day.

This is broken only by groups of trekkers making their way up and down Bukit Timah Hill, Singapore’s highest natural summit.

The area is also a hit with cycling enthusiasts who want to be near the popular Bukit Timah mountain-biking track, which stretches all the way to Mandai.

Besides the soothing presence of the nature reserve and Angsana Park, residents also enjoy the convenience of being a minute’s drive from the Pan Island Expressway as well as the main Bukit Timah Road.

Prices for condominiums in the neighbourhood range from $450 per sq ft (psf) for the 99-year Le Wood project to $568 psf for The Raintree, also 99 years, at the end of Bukit Drive.

Binjai

Exclusive turf that also draws in food lovers

THE shady Binjai Park area’s exclusiveness is boosted by the presence of the Swiss Club, the Belgian embassy and the British Club nestled deep in the estate.

Narrow winding roads shaded by immense trees lead to large sprawling good-class bungalows along Yarwood Avenue and Binjai Park itself.

Away from the main Bukit Timah Road are many low-rise bungalows and semi-detached houses, and the neighbourhood boasts a cosy, friendly ambience.

One of the main attractions is the Binjai Park cluster of eateries just a stone’s throw away from the turning on to Bukit Timah.

A perennial favourite with many Singaporeans is the Ivins Peranakan restaurant, but there is a wide variety of restaurants to choose from.

Developments in the area include the Binjai Crest cluster housing project, priced at $451 per sq ft (psf) based on transactions in the second quarter.

The 99-year leasehold Gardenvista condominium, which is eight years old, recently transacted at $806 psf, said property consultancy CB Richard Ellis.

Watten

Good access to schools and eateries

WITH the Adam Road Food Centre located nearby and the Greenwood Avenue row of eateries, bistros and pubs nestled in the heart of the Watten estate, foodies will never be short of options here.

There also many leading schools within a one-km radius, including National Junior College, Hwa Chong Institution and Nanyang Primary School.

During term time, traffic is predictably high before and after school hours, but the presence of the Adam Road-Farrer Road junction nearby provides easy access to town.

What characterises both the Watten estate and the Duchess Road residential area across the road is the seclusion despite being near busy Bukit Timah Road.

With largely low-rise developments and landed properties, residents can usually expect unblocked views in all directions.

Home to many of Singapore’s wealthy elite, the area also features new developments such as The Tresor, being built at the junction of Duchess Road and Duchess Avenue.

The 999-year development is going for $1,397 per sq ft (psf), based on transactions in the second quarter of this year.

The freehold Casabella tucked into the end of Duchess Avenue recently saw transactions priced at $1,020 psf this year.

Sunset Way

Area chock-full of amenities

FAMED for its quiet rolling roads, large parks and scenic greenery, Sunset Way is a haven for those who crave a peaceful abode just a 10-minute drive from Orchard Road.

Besides the HDB flats and maisonettes at the start of Sunset Way just off Clementi Road, the area features a mix of impressive bungalows, semi-detached houses and condominiums.

The two largest condos in the area - Clementi Park and Brookvale - have recently become possible candidates for going en bloc, although it is understood that neither freehold development has received the required 80 per cent approval yet.

Clementi Park recently transacted for $723 per sq ft (psf) while Brookvale sold for $681 psf.

The newer Freesia Woods, also freehold, saw prices of $587 psf in the second quarter of this year.

Residents can avail themselves of the restaurants and retailers at the Clementi Arcade next to Freesia Woods, or check out the food centre and shops opposite the HDB flats at the start of Sunset Way.

The presence of two veterinary clinics in the area is also a boon to pet-owners in the neighbourhood.

Fitness enthusiasts will also appreciate the running track and exercise corner along the Sungei Ulu Pandan canal.