From its days as a place where pepper and gambier plantations were commonly found, Bukit Merah has been
transformed into a residential area with a variety of commercial and recreational facilities. Within Bukit Merah,
Tiong Bahru estate has emerged as a popular hangout in light of the cafes and eateries that have sprouted in the vicinity.

There are a few versions to the origin of the town’s name. It was thought that Bukit Timah means ‘tin-bearing
hill’, as a direct translation from Malay. Others believed Bukit Timah was a misinterpretation of the words
‘Bukit Temak’, which aptly means ‘hill of the temak trees’.

Lying in the southern region of Singapore, the Central Area is one of the busiest and densely-packed districts in
Singapore. Certain districts are planned to integrate commercial and residential activities. Skyscrapers and
buildings dominate the landscape of this area, where the bulk of Singapore’s financial activities are conducted.

The mixed public housing and commercial developments are mainly located in the Rochor and Outram areas.
One of the most recognisable housing projects in Singapore – The Pinnacle @ Duxton – which comprises 7 50-storey
blocks, is also located within the area.

Today, Geylang is known as a bustling multi-cultural HDB population lives in the area, which continues to
be known for its rich Malay heritage. The word Geylang is of Malay origin and is likely to be a variation of
the word ‘kilang’, meaning press, mill, or factory, many of which were common in the area.

The Kallang housing estate is one of Singapore's oldest housing estates, and the site of Singapore’s first airport,
Kallang Airport, which was opened in 1937. The name Kallang, was derived from the Malay term referring to the
‘orang laut’, or sea gypsies who lived by the Kallang and Singapore River. Another explanation of its origins is
from the Malay word ‘kilang’ or mill/ factory, many of which operated in that area.

Marine Parade is the first housing estate built on reclaimed land. Today, Marine Parade is a self-sufficient estate
with commercial, recreational and leisure facilities woven amongst the housing developments. The estate’s
proximity to the sea also gives it a laid-back and relaxed feel.

Though it is the oldest HDB town, Queenstown retains its vibrancy today through rejuvenation efforts by the HDB to transform
the town. A new generation of housing projects, the SkyVille @ Dawson and SkyTerrace @ Dawson, were completed in
Queenstown. These projects are part of HDB’s plans to transform Dawson estate under the Remaking Our Heartland programme.