Bishan is one of Singapore's less populated towns, with about 63,000 residents. However, it doesn't make it any less exciting as a place to live and visit and is a must-check-out location in the country. Its prime location makes it an up-and-coming town in Singapore that is sure to garner even more attention from other estate residents, employers and more. 

Bishan was built around the Peck San Theng Cemetery (also called the Pavilions on the Jade Hills), inspiring its name and layout.  It was the cemetery for Singapore's Hakka and Cantonese communities. During the Second World War, it was the location of a violent battle between the British and Japanese forces.  With Singapore fell to the Japanese, most Singapore residents took refuge in Peck San Theng.

When the war was over, the Singapore government took control of the land to start development. Officials ordered graves to be exhumed so Bishan could be developed (founded). Today, the cemetery is a bustling town. 

 

Bishan Residences and Schools Promote Family Bonds 

What stands out in Bishan is its vibrant roof colors and linkway structures. Bishan is also home of the first 2, 30-storey HDB blocks. 

Bishan has gone through a lot of changes throughout the years. For instance, Bishan's oldest housing is located along Sin Ming Road and was built as housing for the industrial estate. The primary housing of Bishan is located around Bishan MRT station, but other neighborhoods are being developed in Shunfu and Bishan North estates. 

What makes Bishan so different from other towns in Singapore is that it's primarily a residential area. As such, many schools are offered to the area's children and young adults. In fact, it's the home of Singapore's most prominent educational institutions – Raffles Institution, Catholic High School and Raffles Girls' School.  Raffles Institution is the oldest educational institution in the country and is regarded as the leading school to get into Ivy League Universities. 

Bishan has three primary schools to choose from – Ai Tong School, Guangyang Primary School and Kuo Chuan Presbyterian Primary School. 

For those ambitious enough, the Ministry of Education Language Center lets students choose a third language to learn. 

 

Fun Time Activities Includes Shopping, Entertainment and Food 

Bishan has three shopping malls – Thomson Plaza, Bishan North Shopping Mall and Junction 8. Of all three, Junction 8 is considered the best and trendiest with a plethora of food and shopping choices, which is why many residents – young and old – opt to visit it over the other two. The mall houses a cinema and supermarket as well.  

Thomson Plaza is located near other stores and cafes, including bookstores and the FairPrice Finest. Many residents see this mall as the one-stop-shop for all the basics. 

More people are moving and visiting Bishan because it is home to the country's largest urban park. The Bishan Park opened around 2010 and includes a winding river that runs through the park and is a buffer to slow rainwater down. It helps to prevent flooding in the waterways when the rains get heavy. This is the park many residents tend to visit with amenities such as a floating amphitheater, football field, natural pond and restaurants. It's also a dedicated park for canine owners to enjoy a beautiful day in the park with their furry loved ones.  In 2014, a family of otters has made a home for themselves in the park, capturing the hearts of Bishan residents and a highlight for Bishan Park visitors. 

Bishan Harmony Park offers avid skateboarders a place to go and do their skateboarding tricks. It's designed for both newbie and expert skaters with a flat ground for the newbies and a large bowl and ramps for skateboards to practice the advanced moves. 

The food of Bishan is certainly eclectic. The most commonly enjoyed restaurant in Bishan is the popular Ming Kee Chicken Rice, which is a chicken that's been bathed in ice. Another must-go-to restaurant is the Bhagawan Thosai Corner, which is run by an Italian couple who makes the most delicious Masala Thosai. 

The One Man Coffee is the most popular café that lets visitors kick back and relax in the rustic setting. And, if tea isn't what you are after, the watering hole Sara serves all kinds of liquor from scotch to beer. If you want to watch a football game as you drink, the sports bar Molotov Bistro & Bar is where to go.

Many people who come to Bishan do so for the food, drinks, entertainment and activities. It has much to offer for all who live in the area and people who visit. With more and more residences being built, the town is liable to grow with more activities being offered. Bishan gives off a small-town atmosphere, where everybody seems to know everybody. 

HDB Resale Flats Prices in Bishan

Bishan HDB Resale Flat Prices
Flat type	Average Price
1-room	N/A
2-room	N/A
3-room	$362,000
4-room	$548,000
5-room	$742,000
Executive	$872,000
Multi-Generation	$916,000

Source: HDB resale price index portal, average transaction prices, June 2019 to June 2020

 

Bishan is located in the heartland of Singapore, right in the centre of the country. While this town is known for completing some HDB resale transactions in the $1 million range, do not let that intimidate you.  

This is a mature town with prices averaging more than a half million for a 4-room HDB resale flat. While this may be higher than average prices in other mature towns, these are not the priciest. The bottom line is that if you can afford one of the best locations in terms of schools, transportation, connectivity, and other amenities, it’s certainly worth the investment. 

Parents can relax knowing their children will be attending some of the best schools, like Catholic High School and Raffles Institution.

The URA Masterplan 2019 shows that wonderful things are planned for the Bishan Town Centre, which will include an office complex and a huge shopping centre.