Now that Singapore’s getting closer to Phase 3 and life has (mostly) returned to normal within the city, what better time to celebrate our different neighbourhoods and iconic venues? We’re starting a new series where we’ll be highlighting neighbourhoods from all over Singapore, walking you through the things to do, eat, drink, shop and see while you’re there.
We’re kicking it off with the charming neighbourhood of Bukit Timah – which feels different from the rest of the city. Maybe it’s the beautiful landed properties and the lack of high rise buildings. But beyond the atas surface and top schools, it was once a World War II battleground and a logging and quarrying site.
Today, Bukit Timah offers a diverse mix of things to eat, drink and do. Whether you’re in high heels, sneakers or slippers, there’s bound to be something for you!
Former Ford Factory
Learn more about World War II history at the Former Ford Factory. Designated as a national monument in 2006, the first auto assembly plant in Southeast Asia was also the place where British Forces surrendered to the Japanese army in 1942. It’s now a museum which, through pictorial exhibits and film documentaries, details just how residents in Singapore and Malaya lived during the Japanese Occupation.
Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
If you’re in the mood, why not scale Singapore’s highest peak while learning about our native flora and fauna? The easiest way to the summit is to take the main path from the Visitor Centre up by the South View Path. For a more intensive climb, detour through Taban Loop towards Dairy Farm Nature Park. The view of the quarry from the lookout point is pretty worth the hard work!
Bukit Timah Market & Food Centre
Bukit Timah Market & Food Centre overflows with good food that’s sure to hit the spot. You’ll find over 80 hawker stalls here serving up the usual local suspects like chicken rice, carrot cake and hokkien mee. For a meal that’s sure to be good, do the Singaporean thing and join the perpetually snaking queues at Leng Kee Fish Soup, Jie Ji Boneless Braised Duck and Sin Chew Satay Bee Hoon!
EagleWings Cinematics
The iconic MacDonald’s at King Albert Park may be gone, but in its place we have Bukit Timah’s first independent cinema. EagleWings Cinematics offers the usual releases and blockbusters, but what’s special is that they bring a premium experience at an affordable price! Expect a luxurious lounge complete with massage chairs, spacious theatres and plush seats. Prices start from just $9.50 on weekdays!
Atlas Coffeehouse
Nestled in the heart of the Bukit Timah neighbourhood, the coffees at Atlas Coffeehouse are specialty grade, gathered from reputable farms around the world. And they're so popular, it's almost impossible to get a seat during peak hours on weekends. It's a great spot for an afternoon cuppa or catching up with friends – just make sure to get here a little earlier to get a seat!
Fat Belly
Fat Belly believes in taking an unorthodox approach to beef through the procurement of lesser-known cuts, rather than prime cuts. What they have achieved is to turn the heads of the casual fine-dining scene with a showcase of alternative cuts of beef. Be prepared, as Fat Belly dishes up a dance on your palate for an unconventional steakhouse experience. Never heard of, much less tasted, the likes of tri-tip, onglet or deckle? Then get adventurous here!
Ikeda Spa
Known as the first authentic Japanese spa in Singapore, Ikeda Spa stands out from its competition with their use of real hinoki in their onsen, a highly-prized type of cypress wood in Japan that was once reserved only for royalty. Typically used for incense, the hinoki wood releases a combination of essential oils that has a calming effect on your body as you soak in the hot bath. Choose from a variety of their signature treatments that are sure to reinvigorate your mind and body, each one carefully tailored for each customer to make it an unforgettable experience!
ARThaus
Creative outlets like painting are a great way to destress after a hectic day or week (or a bad year). Founder and artist Carolyn Law believes that painting helps the healing of the soul. With this in mind, ARThaus aims to create a non-judgemental, stress-free and cosy place where adults and children can discover, explore and express freely the creativity in them. Here, you can either join a session alone, paint with a group of friends, or work with a private art tutor for guidance.
Violet Oon Singapore
This is where it all started for Singapore food ambassador Violet Oon. Her cooking focuses on the Nyonya cooking she's honed throughout the years, with Hokkien, Malay, Hainanese, Indian and Eurasian influences also showing up in her menu. You can't go wrong with her signature items such as the Coronation Chicken, Dry Laksa and Meatless Meatballs Rendang.
Sixteen Ounces
Sixteen Ounces at The Rail Mall is the first craft beer and bistro of its kind in the west of Singapore. You'll be spoilt for choice with eight regularly rotated craft beers on tap, along with a variety of bottled and canned craft beers and ciders from all over the world. Good beer has to be paired with good food, and the local fusion dishes here certainly hit the spot!