Hidden in a maze of bungalows but easily reachable by Hillcrest Road, Greenwood is home to a large block of F&B establishments that draw avid foodies from all over the island.

Around Bukit Timah Road’s junction with Clementi Road, Bukit Timah’s railway heritage is most evident. An iconic bridge goes over the main road and Bukit Timah Railway Station is just a short walk down from it. The Pan Island Expressway flyover gives it an otherworldly feel, and the area is lively until late in the evening.

Horses have had a long association with Bukit Timah. What is believed to be the first ever horseback ride in Singapore took place here in 1840. Punters once gathered at the Bukit Timah Race Course to try their luck but after nearly 70 years of thrills, the Turf Club relocated to Kranji in 1999. Today, the race course area is replete with some of the city’s classiest haunts.

For all that places like Beauty World Centre appear to be stuck in the 80s, the Upper Bukit Timah area is enjoying a new lease of life, with all manner of interesting outlets.

At the junction of Bukit Timah Road and Adam Road/Farrer Road, Bukit Timah starts to take shape. In and around Serene Centre, Cluny Court, Crown Centre, Kings Arcade and Coronation Shopping Plaza, restaurants, bars and interesting shops abound.

The Member of Parliament for Tanjong Pagar GRC, deputy managing director of litigation and dispute resolution at Drew & Napier, and President of SINDA talks to I-S

I-S uncovers the best of the historically steeped part of the city

The hotelier behind boutique establishments Hotel 1929, New Majestic Hotel and, most recently, Wanderlust, talks to I-S about the industry in Singapore and the importance of life’s little pleasures.