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Bukit Merah

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City
—°9
Bukit Merah (Singapore)
ℹ️

Practical info — Bukit Merah

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Explore the Southern Ridges via the Henderson Waves for a fantastic aerial walk.
  • The area is well-connected by buses, which are often more direct than the MRT here.
  • Visit the local hawker centres around lunchtime for the freshest meals, but be prepared for queues.
  • Check out the neighborhood of Tiong Bahru for a mix of heritage architecture and modern cafes.

🍽 Food

🍽
Char Kway Teow

Found at the popular hawker stalls in the Bukit Merah View area.

🍽
Chwee Kueh

Try these steamed rice cakes with preserved radish at Tiong Bahru Market.

🍽
Yong Tau Foo

Stuffed tofu pieces in clear broth, a favorite at local wet markets.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Tiong Bahru Market

Gives fresh groceries on the ground floor and great local food upstairs.

🛍
IKEA Alexandra

Popular for affordable furniture and the famous Swedish meatballs.

🧘
Mount Faber Park

Enjoy scenic views of the city; accessible via cable car or a brisk walk.

🧘
Telok Blangah Hill Park

Features elevated walkways that take you through the forest canopy.

Bukit Merah, which means 'Red Hill' in Malay, is a historically and culturally significant area in the Central Region of Singapore. The name originates from a local legend about a boy who saved the village from swordfish but was later killed on the hill due to the king's jealousy, with his blood staining the soil red. Geographically, the area encompasses prominent landmarks such as Mount Faber, which provides some of the best panoramic views of the island and the harbor. Bukit Merah is also home to the historic Tiong Bahru estate, Singapore's first public housing project, renowned for its unique Art Deco architecture. Today, it is a blend of modern urban living and preserved heritage. Key facilities include the Singapore General Hospital and the Keppel Viaduct. The town serves as a vital hub for both industry and residential life, linking the city center with the southern port facilities.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Mar, Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C262627282828272727272726
Rain mm235102168193199164174173167210283300

Geography

Population
151,250 (2024)
Coordinates
1.28200, 103.82100

Facts

  • Name is derived from the legend of the 'Red Hill'
  • Home to Mount Faber, the second-highest peak in Singapore
  • Tiong Bahru was the site of the first HDB housing project
  • Location of the Singapore General Hospital, established in 1821
  • Critical hub for the maritime and shipping industry (Keppel)
  • Features Henderson Waves, the highest pedestrian bridge in Singapore

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Bukit Merah (9)

Thian Hock Keng⛪ religious

Thian Hock Keng is a prominent and historic Chinese temple and place of worship located in Bukit Merah.

🕒 Mo-Su 07:30-17:30

Masjid Tememggong Daeng Ibrahim⛪ religious

Masjid Tememggong Daeng Ibrahim is a recognized historic Islamic place of worship in Bukit Merah.

Hong Lim Park🌳 park

Hong Lim Park is a historically significant public park located in Bukit Merah.

Singapore Botanic Gardens🌳 park

Singapore Botanic Gardens is an internationally recognized historic park situated near Bukit Merah.

Kent Ridge Park🌳 park

Kent Ridge Park is a notable historical and recreational park situated in Bukit Merah.

Universal Studios Singapore👨‍👩‍👧 family

Universal Studios Singapore is a world-renowned theme park located in the Bukit Merah region.

🕒 Mo-Th 10:00-19:00; Fr-Sa 10:00-22:00; Su 10:00-19:00

Blessed Sacrament Church⛪ religious

Blessed Sacrament Church is a local place of worship located in Bukit Merah.

Henderson Waves Bridge📍 landmark

Pedestrian bridge in Merah with a wave-like wooden structure.

Singapore Botanic Gardens Heritage Museum🏛 museum

Museum in Merah documenting the history of the Singapore Botanic Gardens.

Frequently asked questions

What is Bukit Merah known for?
Known for the legendary Tiong Bahru and excellent food.
How much time to plan?
A full day to discover Tiong Bahru.
What is the highlight?
The appealing art-deco architecture in Tiong Bahru.
How accessible?
Close to city center, easily accessible via MRT.
Best time?
In the morning when cafes wake up.
Bukit Merah: where is it located?
Bukit Merah is located in Singapore.
Bukit Merah: what is there to see?
Highlights include Thian Hock Keng, Masjid Tememggong Daeng Ibrahim, Hong Lim Park.
Bukit Merah: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Mar, Sep.
Bukit Merah: why is it worth visiting?
Bukit Merah, which means 'Red Hill' in Malay, is a historically and culturally significant area in the Central Region of Singapore.
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