Neighbourhood Guide: Newton
More than just hawker fare at Newton Food Centre, here are some activities to add to your to-do list if you find yourself in the Newton Neighbourhood.
Initially known as Syed Ali Road, it was renamed to Newton Circus after Howard Newton, the assistant municipal engineer in the late 19th century.
A prime location near the Central Business District (Raffles Place and Shenton Way) and the infamous Orchard Road shopping belt, it is also known for Singapore’s busiest carriageway that runs 40-feet-wide and was built in the 1930s.
Today, despite being near bustling roads and highways, Newton still remains as one of the most serene and sought after estates to live in.
Top 5 things to do at Newton
- Visit the iconic Newton Food Centre that was featured in Crazy Rich Asian and try some local delicacies.
- Explore the Orchard Road shopping belt.
- Take a stroll at Singapore Botanic Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Enjoy a tipple or coffee at the quaint Balmoral Plaza.
- Grab your passport and hop on the bus to Johor Bahru, Malaysia, for a day trip.
Must see
National Museum of Singapore
93 Stamford Road, Singapore 178897
As one of the oldest museums, this historic site provides an insight into the history of Singapore from a trading post to its emergence as a thriving global city through fresh and innovative galleries.
Other than their permanent exhibitions that include Singapore History Gallery or Surviving Syonan, remember to keep an eye out for special exhibitions and performances to catch at the museum.
Fort Canning Park
River Valley Road, Singapore 179037
Fort Canning Park is unlike any other park. From housing palaces of the 14th century and also the headquarters of the British army during World War II, it holds significant importance in the history of Singapore. Take a stroll down nine of the historical gardens at the park before grabbing brunch at Le Jardin, a French and European restaurant located at Fort Cannings Art Centre.
Clarke Quay
3 River Valley Road, Singapore 179024
The possibilities are endless at Clarke Quay! What started out as a major port for trade in the 19th century became a commercial haven with plenty of bars, restaurants and even Singapore’s first GV-MAX reverse bungy attraction. To properly experience the charm of Clarke Quay, stroll along the strip and bar hop with your friends.
The Istana
Orchard Road, Singapore 238823
You may be surprised to find this rather huge gated colonial building sitting beside the modern shopping mall, Plaza Singapura. Once a site of national significance, this building currently serves as the office of the President of the Republic of Singapore.
If you would like to catch a first-hand glimpse of the Istana, you’ll be glad to know that it is open to the public during certain public holidays. These include Chinese New Year, Labour Day, Hari Raya Puasa, National Day and Deepavali.
Singapore River
Stretching over 3.2km long, the Singapore River flows from Alexandra Road to the Marina Reservoir. For a complete experience, head to the Clarke Quay Jetty and hop on a 40-minute river cruise tour that takes you to scenic spots that include the Merlion, Marina Bay Sands and Esplanade to name a few.
Must eat and drink
PRAIRIE by Craftsmen
501 Bukit Timah Rd, #01-05C Cluny Court, Singapore 259760
We all deserve a special treat after our morning walks, and PRAIRIE by Craftsmen happens to tick all the boxes; from the #Instagrammable glasshouse, to classic cafe fares that won’t disappoint. Located opposite Botanic Gardens, make sure you pop by here for a coffee and some hearty duck confit.
31 Heng Heng BBQ at Newton Food Centre
500 Clemenceau Ave N, #01-31 Food Centre, Singapore 229495
Having been around for three generations serving up fresh seafood and tze-char (cooked-to-order) classics, you know it will be good despite being touted as a tourist spot. Make sure you try out their signature barbequed sambal chilli stingray that is cooked and served on a banana leaf.
Smiths Authentic Fish and Chips
271 Bukit Timah Rd, #01-02 Balmoral Plaza, Singapore 259708
Who says you can’t find authentic British fish and chips here in Singapore? At Smiths, they source and import ingredients from UK suppliers and serve it up with British classics like mushy peas, gravy, English farmhouse sausages and Heinz baked beans.
Now, grab a pint of Guinness, and pick your fish and chips to go along with it!
No. 5 Emerald Hill
5 Emerald Hill Rd, Singapore 229289
Located in a 1910 Peranakan-style shophouse, this cocktail bar is a great place to hang out with friends. Other than retaining the old unpolished floorboard, to antique carvings along the wall, this bar takes it a step further by introducing Chinese-inspired martini options on its menu.
INDOCAFÉ - The White House
35 Scotts Rd, Singapore 228227
Listed in the Michelin Bib Gourmand Selection in 2019, the 68-seater INDOCAFÉ offers authentic Peranakan cuisine with a modern touch. Other than classic Peranakan dishes like Kueh Pie Tee (crisp pastry cups filled with stewed vegetables, topped with a protein of your choice and housemade chilli sauce) and Ngoh Hiang (homemade five-spiced pork meat roll), you can expect to find lesser known dishes like Ayam Buah Keluak and Babi Pongteh.
Staying at Newton is more than just having delicious food and attractions within walking distance. For working professionals, it being near the Central Business District, and for those with families, it's about being near to good schools and enrichment centres — all of which Newton has to offer.
So if you’re considering calling Newton home, why not consider Gilstead Two? A luxurious condominium, it is four minutes away from the Newton train station and features great facilities like swimming pools, BBQ pit and gym. Contact us today for more information or to schedule a property tour.
