As our travel plans are still on hold, there is no better time to explore hidden gems in Singapore than now. If you're looking to uncover new places in Singapore, there's one unique neighbourhood you should visit next - Wessex Estate!
Located near the iconic Tanglin Halt area, a walk into Wessex Estate will take you back in time. The estate's main draw is none other than its black-and-white colonial houses that you'll find sprawled out around the area. In case you're wondering why it sounds super English, that's because the houses here were built in the 1940s for non-commissioned British officers and soldiers when Singapore was still under colonial rule. The roads here like Woking, Whitchurch, Weyhill and Westbourne are also named after several towns and villages in England.
Consisting of walk-up apartments and semi-detached houses, most of these buildings are still residential properties while a few of them have been converted to art studios and event spaces. With lush greenery and wide, open fields, the estate has a charming and tranquil vibe. You'll find that it's a far cry from the modern housing estates and high-rises that you're so used to in other parts of Singapore.
P.S. Planning to explore more hidden gems in SG? Check out this scenic reservoir!
What's really interesting is that the blocks in Wessex Estate are named after the places that the British Army had conquered during their rule. It's so fascinating that these buildings are still largely untouched by modernisation. Not to mention that they also make pretty good backdrops for your IG-worthy pictures ?
Besides the picturesque architecture of the houses, you'd also find an abandoned water tank perched atop a small hill. It's so rare to find structures like this in Singapore, so make sure you pose for a picture with it ?
P.S. Check out these 8 hidden gems in Singapore that look like they are overseas!
Visit Masjid Hang Jebat nearby
If you wish to continue exploring the area, don't miss out on a visit to Masjid Hang Jebat nearby! Built in the 1950s, the mosque is one of the few kampong mosques left in Singapore today. The mosque is located right beside where the old Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) railway track used to stand.
Getting to Wessex Estate
Located in between the one-north commercial district and Commonwealth, there are a few ways that you can get to Wessex Estate.
From Commonwealth MRT Station: Walk past the Tanglin Halt residential area till you see The Green Corridor. Follow the trail and enter Wessex Estate through Woking Rd or Portsdown Rd.
From one-north MRT Station: Walk along Portsdown Rd or take bus 191 to get to Wessex Estate.
From The Green Corridor: If you're up for a challenge, take a hike along The Green Corridor, which was once the KTM railway track connecting Tanjong Pagar Railway Station and Bukit Timah Railway Station. You can find The Green Corridor path clearly marked out on Google Maps!
Halal food nearby
Burgs by Project Warung
Halal status: Muslim-owned
Cuisine: Western (Burgers)
Average price: $8
Address: Timbre+, 73A Ayer Rajah Crescent, JTC Launchpad, Singapore 139957
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Edmond Chicken Rice
Halal Status: Halal-certified
Cuisine: Chinese (Chicken Rice)
Average Price: $4
Address: 48A Tanglin Halt Rd, #01-028, Singapore 148813
Big Bern's American Grill
Halal status: Muslim-owned
Cuisine: Western
Average price: $10
Address: 73A Ayer Rajah Crescent, Timbre+, #01-35, Singapore 139957
P.S. Check out other amazing halal food options around Wessex Estate with our West Coast halal food guide!
So, if you're looking to explore off the beaten track, why not gather your friends and head over to Wessex Estate to uncover its charms? SHARE this with them and start exploring!