Singapore is famous for a lot of things. We have world-class hawker centres, the iconic Supertree Grove, and the gravity-defying Marina Bay Sands. But when it comes to local trivia, here’s a question that stumps even the most seasoned locals: What is the longest road in Singapore?
If you guessed Yio Chu Kang Road, you’re not alone—but you are absolutely incorrect.
The longest street in Singapore is actually Bukit Timah Road. Stretching a massive 25 kilometres, this major road cuts straight across the island, starting from the bustling city centre, merging into Woodlands Road, and leading all the way up to the Johor Bahru causeway.
Here’s a closer look at the fascinating history and modern day charm of Singapore’s longest road.
The history behind Singapore’s longest road
Before it became the bustling transport artery that it is today, Bukit Timah Road was quite literally carved through a tiger-infested jungle.
Construction of the road was completed around 1845, well before Singapore became a modern metropolis. In fact, the name itself is a little ironic because in Malay it translates to Tin-Bearing Hill. However, there was absolutely no tin found in the area. The name is believed to be a mispronunciation of the Temasek Malay word for a specific tree that grew abundantly on the hill.
Additionally, Bukit Timah Road had a front-row seat to Singapore’s iconic history. In its early days, the road was notorious for flooding, and to fix this the huge Bukit Timah Canal was built.
Meanwhile, Bukit Timah Road saw heavy combat during the Japanese occupation of World War II. Interestingly, the Former Ford Factory along Upper Bukit Timah Road is the exact site where British forces surrendered to the Japanese in 1942.
Plus, you can see the remnants of the abandoned Bukit Timah Railway, built in 1932, and now serves as a beloved rustic hike spot along the Rail Corridor.
Bukit Timah Road today
Today, Bukit Timah Road is a lively, ever-evolving route that stretches from the vibrant enclave of Little India all the way through Newton, Bukit Timah, Bukit Panjang, and Woodlands Road.
Meanwhile, the road is famously known as Singapore’s school belt, lined with some of the most prestigious educational institutions in the country. Thankfully, the Downtown Line MRT was built to run almost entirely underneath the length of the road—giving commuters a much-needed alternative to the heavy traffic.
Additionally, it’s a getaway to the nation’s greenest spaces with a drive down the 25km road giving direct access to the Singapore Botanic Gardens, aesthetic cafes, trendy shopping malls, and the island’s best hiking trails leading to the highest natural point in Singapore.
