Bukit Timah

Old-money landed enclaves next to one of the world's densest tropical rainforests.

Central · Singapore's highest natural point

total resident population: 77,860 (2020 census)
HDB-resident population: 7,020 (Bukit Timah, as at 31 Mar 2025 — HDB-resident population only, per HDB Annual Report)
housing mix: HDB 2,493 · Condo/apt 12,827 · Landed 9,163 (of 24,612 total households, 2020 census)

Singapore only publishes a full per-area population breakdown every 10 years at the census. The HDB figure above is the most recent official update available, but it only covers HDB residents — it can't be directly compared to the total population figure.

What it's like to live here

Bukit Timah is Singapore's most prestigious landed-housing district, anchored by some of the country's top schools and a literal rainforest at its centre. Property here rarely comes cheap, and rarely loses value either.

Who it suits

High-net-worth families anchoring around the school cluster (Hwa Chong, NJC, RGPS). Buyers who specifically want landed property and won't compromise on it. Not a starter-home market by any measure.

Popular schools

Primary

Nanyang Primary School
Raffles Girls' Primary School
Methodist Girls' School (Primary)

Secondary

Hwa Chong Institution
National Junior College
Nanyang Girls' High School

Must-try food

Beauty World Food Centre
Cheng Yew Mun Coffee Shop

Nature spots

Bukit Timah Nature Reserve (Singapore's highest natural point)
Hindhede Nature Park

Interesting fact

Bukit Timah Nature Reserve contains more tree species than the entire continent of North America, packed into just over 1.6 square kilometres.

MG's honest take

"Bukit Timah buyers already know what they want before they call me — my job is mostly making sure the numbers and the school timeline line up."

Thinking about Bukit Timah? Let's talk through whether it actually fits what you need.

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