Central Region | Singapore

The Central Region of Singapore is the core of the country, covering approximately 132.7 square kilometers and housing a significant portion of the population. It is the most developed and urbanized area, featuring a mix of financial hubs, cultural landmarks, residential districts, and green spaces.

Geography and Boundaries

The Central Region is bordered by:

• North: North Region
• West: West Region
• East: East Region
• South: The Singapore Strait

This region consists of 13 planning areas, each with its own character and significance.

Key Planning Areas and Districts

1. Downtown Core

• The financial and commercial heart of Singapore.
• Contains Marina Bay, Raffles Place, and Boat Quay.
• Hosts the Central Business District (CBD) with major skyscrapers like Marina Bay Sands, UOB Plaza, and One Raffles Place.
• Major government buildings like The Parliament House, Supreme Court, and The Istana are located here.

2. Orchard

• The premier shopping district, home to Orchard Road.
• Features luxury malls such as ION Orchard, Ngee Ann City, and Paragon.
• Includes high-end hotels, restaurants, and entertainment hubs.

3. Newton

• Known for Newton Food Centre, a famous hawker destination.
• Primarily a high-end residential district.
• Close proximity to Orchard Road and the CBD.

4. River Valley

• An upscale residential area near Singapore River.
• Popular with expatriates due to its proximity to nightlife and dining options.

5. Marina South

• Houses Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, and the Marina Barrage.
• One of the most iconic and scenic areas in Singapore.

6. Rochor

• A mix of historical and modern development.
• Includes Bugis Street, Kampong Glam, and Little India.
• A vibrant area with shopping, cultural sites, and heritage landmarks.

7. Outram

• Home to Chinatown and Singapore General Hospital (SGH).
• A blend of traditional shophouses and modern skyscrapers.

8. Kallang

• Famous for Singapore Sports Hub, National Stadium, and Kallang River.
• A residential and recreational area.

9. Bukit Merah

• A mix of residential estates and commercial zones.
• Includes Mount Faber, Sentosa Gateway, and Tiong Bahru.

10. Toa Payoh

• One of the oldest housing estates in Singapore.
• Features Toa Payoh Town Park and HDB Hub.

11. Queenstown

• Singapore’s first satellite town.
• Hosts IKEA Alexandra, Queensway Shopping Centre, and One-North Business Park.

12. Tanglin

• A high-end residential district.
• Includes Embassy Row, Botanic Gardens, and Dempsey Hill.

13. Museum Planning Area

• Contains National Museum of Singapore, Singapore Art Museum, and Fort Canning Park.
• A cultural and historical hub.

Major Attractions and Landmarks

1. Marina Bay Sands

• A world-famous integrated resort with a sky park, casino, luxury shopping, and restaurants.

2. Gardens by the Bay

• A futuristic park with Supertree Grove, Cloud Forest, and Flower Dome.

3. Singapore Botanic Gardens

• A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its Orchid Garden.

4. Chinatown

• A historic district with Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, Maxwell Food Centre, and heritage shophouses.

5. Orchard Road

• Singapore’s main shopping street with malls, entertainment, and luxury brands.

6. Clarke Quay & Boat Quay

• Riverside nightlife and dining areas with bars, restaurants, and river cruises.

7. Fort Canning Park

• A historic park with battle sites, colonial-era landmarks, and concert venues.

8. Little India & Kampong Glam

• Cultural enclaves with temples, mosques, vibrant markets, and authentic cuisine.

Economic and Business Significance

• The CBD (Raffles Place, Marina Bay, Shenton Way) is the financial powerhouse of Singapore.
• Hosts global banks, MNCs, and major commercial offices.
• One-North in Queenstown is a key tech and biomedical hub.

Transport and Connectivity

• MRT Lines:
  • North-South Line (NSL)
  • East-West Line (EWL)
  • Downtown Line (DTL)
  • Circle Line (CCL)
  • Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL)
• Extensive bus network and expressways (CTE, PIE, AYE, ECP).

Residential Areas

• A mix of HDB flats, private condominiums, and landed properties.
• Luxury residential areas: Tanglin, Orchard, River Valley, Marina Bay.
• HDB townships: Toa Payoh, Bukit Merah, Queenstown, Kallang.

Green Spaces & Recreation

• MacRitchie Reservoir & Southern Ridges provide hiking and nature experiences.
• Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay hosts cultural performances.

The Central Region is the heart of Singapore, combining business, culture, entertainment, and residential living in a highly urbanized yet green environment.