If there is an estate I would like to live in someday, Bishan would definitely be one of my choices. Although it may be quite an ambitious goal, since Bishan is known to be one of the more expensive estates, there are good reasons for that. Firstly, it is already considered part of the city center, as it’s located in the outer central area of the city. It is very accessible and close to many great attractions and top-notch parks. It also happens to be the location of my favorite city park, Bishan–Ang Mo Kio Park, which I find to be one of the most interesting park designs around. There are also plenty of commercial establishments nearby, making it, in my opinion, a complete and well-balanced neighborhood.
A few days ago, I stopped by the Bishan area to wander around. I began my walk from the Braddell Road side and strolled through the residential areas toward the commercial zone, passing several HDB blocks until I eventually reached the MRT station.
It was a gentle walk, there was no need to rush, so I took my time, enjoying the scenery and taking photos along the way. It was a relaxing experience, especially since the area wasn’t too crowded at that time. I suppose I arrived early enough before the rush hour began.
This is the kind of timing I prefer when wandering around because it feels so calming. I felt free to walk at a slow pace and take my time finding interesting subjects to feature in my photowalk blog.
One of the good things about the Bishan area is that most of the apartment buildings are still mid-rise. However, I foresee this place developing in such a way that much taller buildings will appear in the future. For now, though, it remains pleasantly walkable, thanks to the small parks scattered throughout different parts of the estate.
As I reached the center of Bishan, I began to see more commercial establishments and the community center as well. I think this is one of the best aspects of the estate, as it has been developed in a way that encourages people to gather and enjoy various activities together. There are restaurants, tutorial centers, play areas, a library, and even a Starbucks. While walking around the community center, I saw some students setting up a ping pong table in one corner of the open space. It was so fun to watch that kind of energy and liveliness in a community setting.
Exploring Bishan reminded me that a neighborhood’s true charm lies in its balance of nature, community, and modern living. It’s a place that feels alive yet peaceful, bustling yet grounded. I look forward to returning someday to see how it continues to grow and evolve.