We talk to LEE HUNTINGTON, a Senior Construction Manager originally from the UK. His street in Bukit Timah is convenient for the Green Corridor, Cashew MRT and the Rail Mall. He shares his favourite places with us.
About your Upper Bukit Timah neighbourhood
What’s the name of your street? Hazel Park Terrace.
What’s a common myth or misconception about your neighbourhood? Our street tends to get confused with Cashew Road or Chestnut Road. After all, this is a “nutty” area!
Exact words you tell a taxi driver to get home? “Hazel Park Terrace, near Cashew Road, but not Cashew Road.”
Closest MRT station? Cashew MRT (blue Downtown line).
How long have you lived here? Why here? Five beautiful years with my wife and four fantastic dogs. I’ve been in Singapore for 20 years, managing mega construction projects like Singapore Stadium, Resorts World Sentosa, and Jewel Changi Airport. I met my then-girlfriend-now-wife and moved in with her in 2019. She has lived in this area for close to ten years.
We’re currently on the move from Hazel Park to Kovan to be closer to both of our workplaces – we’re still adjusting, but it seems that bustling Kovan will be our next adventure!
Neighbourhood highlights
When you walk out of your place, what’s the first thing you see? The Green Corridor across the junction.
What’s the closest store to your front door? We have a nice spread of local convenience stores including a DIY store, a bakery shop and a coffee shop with a popular Chinese restaurant.
If your street was chosen for a remake of a film, which would it be? We have enough dog lovers here to make John Wick 5.
We’re sure your neighbours are great, but is there anything you wouldn’t mind a little less of? The loud Peking Opera from one neighbour every Sunday morning.
What’s the unofficial uniform of your street? T-shirt, shorts and slippers.
What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever seen on your street? People using rubbish bins to secure parking spaces.
Things to do around Bukit Timah
What are your favourite places to eat or drink in the neighbourhood? BLooiE’s Roadhouse at The Rail Mall. This place is like if a sports bar and a cosy diner had a love child, and that child grew up to be a dog-loving, pool-playing legend.
Also, I would say that iO Italian Osteria at HillV2 mall is the most authentic Italian restaurant in Singapore: daily recommendations from the friendly waiters, a great atmosphere and, not to mention, the food is out of this world.
What are the best places to shop at in the neighbourhood? The Rail Mall and Hillion Mall are our go-to spots.
What are some fun or interesting things to do in the neighbourhood? My wife and I love to hike in the Bukit Timah Reserve with our trusty sidekick, Dobby the dog. As soon as we hit the trails, Dobby transforms into a four-legged explorer. The 30kg guy believes he’s on a safari, darting around and chasing squirrels and monkeys like they owe him money!
Once, Dobby spotted a two-metre-long monitor lizard sunbathing, and there we were: a couple in the middle of a reserve, trying to keep our dog from starting a turf war with a living dinosaur.
What’s one thing you’d never change? The greenery surrounding the area. I appreciate the government’s efforts to preserve nature in this bustling city.
How about one thing you would change? There are never enough bars!
If the city gave you a million dollars to soup up your street, how would you use it? I’d build a swimming pool and a football field!
Things to do in Singapore
What are your favourite Singapore spots for taking out-of-town guests? Haji Lane! On most nights, you can find musicians belting out tunes ranging from smooth jazz to full-on rock ’n’ roll, while the street transforms into a vibrant party scene. You’ll find yourself hopping from bar to bar, soaking in the live music or just people-watching while trying not to spill your cocktail.
And, if you’re feeling fancy, you’re just a short walk away from the Gatsby-style Atlas bar and the legendary Raffles Hotel.
When you’re in need of a dose of culture, where do you go? Chinatown! There are endless options for Chinese food and decent beers. If you’re missing home, what do you do? I head to Boat Quay on a football night.
Fact File
Lee describes his neighbourhood as “nutty”, and he’s definitely right about that! Apart from his own Hazel Park Terrace, there is a Cashew Drive, Crescent and Link; an Almond Crescent, Street and Avenue; and a Chestnut Drive, Avenue, Close, Lane, Terrace, Gardens and Crescent! It’s common in Singapore to find clusters of themed names within one area – for example, roads all named after Burmese towns (in Balestier) or after varieties of banana (in Bukit Timah).
Contribute to our Street Talk feature
Like your neighbourhood? Share it with others – just email us at contribute@expatliving.sg with “Street Talk” in the subject line. Include your name and street, and we’ll be in touch.
This article on living near the green corridor and the Rail Mall first appeared in the January 2025 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe so you never miss a copy!
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