River Valley Hidden Gems—The Only Guide You Need
Relish in the Quiet Allure of River Valley
For those new to Singapore, River Valley can be a neighbourhood that’s hard to pinpoint. After all, it’s hardly a valley at all. There are hardly any big-name attractions—it’s no Marina Bay or Orchard Road. There are no gleaming shopping malls, save for maybe Great World City. Yet, it’s certainly an affluent spot in Singapore. There are barely any heartland malls there. All you can see are towering Singapore condo rentals smattering across the gentle terrain, where boutique hotels sit tall by the bends of Singapore River. So, why do locals and expats alike love living there? Explore what to do in River Valley in Singapore.
River Valley at a Glance
River Valley is a gem of a neighbourhood. It boasts what most think is an enviable location. You have Orchard Road to the north, the Civic District to the east, Tanglin to the west, and the scenic Singapore River to the south. Then, at the very edge, you have Fort Canning Park, where Bukit Larangan presides over the region.
River Valley exudes an air of affluence, and its array of cafes, restaurants, and bars showcases equal sophistication. The riverside is where most of these establishments coalesce, lining Robertson Quay, Martin Road, and Mohamed Sultan Road. For a cultural experience, visit the Singapore Repertoire Theatre at Robertson Walk, renowned for its cheerful plays and musicals.
Education options in the vicinity include River Valley Primary School, Superland Pre-school, and Primus Schoolhouse. Adjacent to River Valley Road, a premium selection of restaurants and shops awaits. Luckily, it’s much easier to get to the area now. The Great World MRT station is already open on the new as the latest extension of the Thomson-East Coast Line.
Marshes to Mansions
Upon the British arrival in 1819, River Valley was predominantly marshland and woodland. By the 1830s, gambier plantations were cultivated throughout the area. As for its namesake, the exact date of the construction and naming of River Valley Road remains uncertain, but historical records suggest its existence as early as 1841, where it appeared in a newspaper report from 1842. As of 1843, the area continued to be dominated by dense jungle and thriving gambier plantations.
By then, prosperous merchants and prominent figures were drawn to its elevated position and respite from the bustling city centre. One of the biggest estates there began to Thomas Oxley, then the senior surgeon of Straits Settlements. His estate included a nutmeg plantation and two villas—Killiney House (built around 1842), and the Pavilion (built around 1846 to 1847). Afterwards, the Pavilion would go onto serve as the Government House until the transfer of the Straits Settlements to the Colonial Office in London in 1867. Then, it served as the residence of Armenian businessman Catchick Moses, who started the Singapore Journal of Commerce newspaper (later renamed The Straits Times) during the 19th century.
As the 1850s rolled around, the Oxley estate was divided up, and Chinese businesspeople bought the plots. It was then that River Valley began transforming into a middle-class residential haven, adorned with bungalows and terraced houses.
In 1860, businessman Tan Kim Seng built his bungalow, Panglima Prang, near River Valley Road. For generations, the Tan family resided in this house until its sale to a private developer in 1982, leading to its eventual demolition to make way for a condominium.
Several other distinguished Chinese residents, such as Teochew businessmen Tan Yeok Nee and Seah Song Seah, along with Peranakan merchant Lee Cheng Yan, also left their mark. Tan built a Chinese-style house (now known as the House of Tan Yeok Nee) off Tank Road between 1882 and 1885, while Seah constructed his residence along River Valley Road. Meanwhile, the Lee family acquired Magenta Cottage as their holiday home in the 1860s, and by 1890, it became their permanent residence.
You can see the beginnings of its modern high-rise ambitions during the early 1920s. Then, low-rise apartment blocks began emerging, and by the 1930s, an array of houses and flats became available for boarding and rent.
Things really kicked off in the 1960s, when the redevelopment of River Valley with a major clean-up of the polluted Singapore River. By 1983, all the lighter commercial operations were moved from the banks of the Singapore River, as were squatters and hawkers. Then, throughout the 1990s, numerous private condominiums were constructed along River Valley Road.
Top 10 River Valley Hidden Gems
Since a sizable portion of the neighbourhood is filled with towering condominiums and apartment rentals in Singapore, we’re venturing beyond its borders and into its neighbours. So we’re going to look at a couple of dining options and attractions along the Singapore River as well. After all, what is a district boundary but a line you can’t really see?
1. Jew Kit at Killiney Road
Located just off of the bustling malls at Somerset, Jew Kit is a portal into a different time, where you can indulge in their vintage décor and old-school knick-knacks. It’s a snapshot of what a kampung was like in Singapore and Malaysia.
Of course, you can’t miss their refreshing Hainanese cuisine. The star of the show is their quintessential steamed chicken rice. You can even order a set meal, complete with bok choy or Thai-styled fried beancurd. Want an extra zing? Check out their Claypot curry fish head and their Haninanes herbal lamb soup. To top it all off, indulge in a tall, invigorating glass of plum juice with Coke, a favourite among their customers.
Address: 105 Killiney Road, Singapore 239546
How to get there: Start from Somerset MRT station Exit A and get to Exeter Road. Turn left at the road, and walk until the junction. Turn right into Killiney Road at the junction. You should see a row of low-rise shophouses. Walk until you see Jew Kit on your left.
2. Les Bouchons
What is a romantic riverside date without French food? This writer first tried it at their branch at Ann Siang Hill, but their Robertson Quay branch takes the cake when it comes to that elusive je ne sais quoi. Nothing speaks more about Parisian charms than an outdoor terrace overlooking the Singapore River. For the true Parisian experience, order the beef tartare, where you can season the beef with shallot and parsley.
Of course, they have a fantastic selection of steaks with their selection of special homemade condiments. And they come in sharing platters too. Don’t forget to top it all off with their extensive range of wines. They have anything from New & Old World Wines, from small producers to well-known vineyards.
*Do note that Les Bouchons Robertson Quay is not pet-friendly.
Address: 60 Robertson Quay, #01-02, Singapore 238252
How to get there: Start from Havelock MRT station Exit 4, cross Kim Seng Road, and walk past Grand Copthorne Waterfront to get to the Singapore River. Cross the Robertson Bridge and then turn right. Walk along the Alexandra Park Connector until you see the Alkaff Bridge. The restaurant is on your left.
3. Bella Pasta
What is a romantic riverside date without French food? This writer first tried it at their branch at Ann Siang Hill, but their Robertson Quay branch takes the cake when it comes to that elusive je ne sais quoi. Nothing speaks more about Parisian charms than an outdoor terrace overlooking the Singapore River. For the true Parisian experience, order the beef tartare, where you can season the beef with shallot and parsley.
Of course, this River Valley restaurant have a fantastic selection of steaks with their selection of special homemade condiments. And they come in sharing platters too. Don’t forget to top it all off with their extensive range of wines. They have anything from New & Old World Wines, from small producers to well-known vineyards.
*Do note that Les Bouchons Robertson Quay is not pet-friendly.
Address: 60 Robertson Quay, #01-02, Singapore 238252
How to get there: Start from Havelock MRT station Exit 4, cross Kim Seng Road, and walk past Grand Copthorne Waterfront to get to the Singapore River. Cross the Robertson Bridge and then turn right. Walk along the Alexandra Park Connector until you see the Alkaff Bridge. The restaurant is on your left.
4. Toby’s Estate
Aussie coffee lovers will find their home away from home at Toby’s Estate. They have taken over the eastern seaboard of Australia, with outlets in Perth and Melbourne too.
It all started when its eponymous founder, Toby Smith, quit his legal career to pursue his love for the perfect brew. In 1997, he travelled to remote corners of the world, immersing himself in coffee-producing communities, witnessing the unwavering dedication and labour-intensive efforts that went into cultivating their exquisite beans firsthand.
And now, you can immerse yourself in the earthen aromas of their sustainable and ethically-sourced coffee beans at their Asian flagship Roastery and Café. Opened in 2011, their team serves the finest speciality coffee in the café. To go with their coffee, they have an extensive menu of all-day breakfast, lunch, as well as an assortment of sweets and pastries. You want to start brewing on your own, they sell equipment and beans too!
*Do note that Toby’s Estate is not pet-friendly.
Address: 8 Rodyk Street, Singapore 238216
How to get there: Start from Fort Canning MRT station Exit A, cross Clemenceau Avenue to get to UE Square. Turn left and stay along Clemenceau Avenue to get to the Singapore River.
Turn right once you reach the river, and keep walking. Walk past the Alkaff Bridge, and the bridge carrying Saiboo Street. You’ll soon see a row of refurbished warehouses. Toby’s Estate is on your right. You can’t miss its distinctive black facade.
5. The Book Café
Book-lovers rejoice! You can now enjoy a great book with a great cup of coffee at this cafe.
Established in 2000, The Book Cafe is located at the intersection of Mohd Sultan and Martin Roads. Bookshelves line their walls, and there’s this cosy second-living room atmosphere where you can relax, browse, and enjoy books and magazines.
To get you through your exciting read, this River Valley café serve comforting favourites such as eggs benedict, omelette, and french toast. If you want a proper meal, they have pasta, steaks, and even Asia food too.
Address: 20 Martin Road, Seng Kee Building, #01-02, Singapore 239070
How to get there: Start from Fort Canning MRT station Exit A, cross Clemenceau Avenue and continue along River Valley Road. Turn left once you reach Mohamed Sultan Road. Continue until you reach the junction of Martin Road. The cafe is on your right.
6. Kith Café
You may have seen a couple of their other outlets. They have branches in shopping malls across Singapore, including Millenia Walk, Great World, and Thomson Plaza. But if you want to get away from the crowd, you can head to their outlet at Robertson Quay, which is tucked away from all the hustle and bustle.
But don’t underestimate their humble surroundings, their kitchen can still cook up a storm. For your classic brunch cravings, they serve up delicious favourites like their Kith Breakfast and poached eggs & avocado.
Address: 7 Rodyk Street, Singapore 238215
How to get there: Start from Fort Canning MRT station Exit A, and cross Clemenceau Avenue to get to UE Square. Turn left and stay along Clemenceau Avenue to get to the Singapore River.
Turn right once you reach the river, and keep walking. Walk past the Alkaff Bridge, and the bridge carrying Saiboo Street. The cafe is tucked right beside Saiboo Street Bridge.
7. Common Man Coffee Roasters
If you can’t tell already, this writer really loves coffee and brunch. The Common Man Coffee Roasters (CMCR) at Martin Street is where it all began. This is where they first began their roasting their beans and brewing coffee, where the second-floor houses a breezy alfresco coffee bar. Today, it welcomes plenty of loyal customers every weekend.
Like most cafes in Singapore, you can find a variety of mains for breakfast and lunch items. Highlights include the Koign Amann Toast and the Turkish Common Man Breakfast. check out the Smash Burger and Cubanos Sandwich too. For a proper kick to start your weekend, get a cup of their Fast Brew, which features their barista’s favourite single origin then.
Address: 22 Martin Road, #01-00, Singapore 239058
How to get there: Start from Fort Canning MRT station Exit A, cross Clemenceau Avenue and continue along River Valley Road. Turn left once you reach Mohamed Sultan Road. Continue until you reach the junction of Martin Road. Turn right at the junction and keep walking until you reach the cafe, which is on your right, directly across from the Robertson 100 building.
8. TWorks
Now, time for some culture. TWorks, first established in 1985, stands as an independent and internationally acclaimed arts company, firmly rooted in Singapore’s vibrant creative landscape within its renowned space, 72-13. Under the visionary leadership of Artistic Director Dr. Ong Keng Sen, the company is dedicated to pioneering thought leadership in the arts, emphasizing transdisciplinary, transcultural, and inclusive approaches.
T:>Works actively engages in educational pursuits, conducting extensive research and thought-provoking discourse that contextualizes histories, contemporary experiences, and the evolving art practices of the global south. Furthermore, the company takes on the crucial role of exploring the pressing realities and emergent themes specific to Singapore and the broader Asian region, all through various captivating artistic expressions presented in the public domain.
They stage plays and workshops throughout the year. Their flagship event is the annual 24-hour Playwriting Competition, where participants do exactly that: try to write a play in 24 hours. There are exhibitions, and they’re a stalwart of the bi-annual Singapore International Festival of Arts too.
Address: 72-13 Mohamed Sultan Road, Singapore 239007
How to get there: Start from Havelock MRT station Exit 4, cross Kim Seng Road, and continue along Havelock Road. Turn left at Saiboo Street, cross the bridge, and continue until you reach a junction. Turn right onto Mohamed Sultan Road. Theatreworks will be on your right.
9. STPI
Formerly known as the Singapore Tyler Print Institute, STPI is now a hub for cutting-edge experimentation in print and paper. It’s a creative workshop and a contemporary art gallery all rolled into one. Along with National Gallery Singapore and Singapore Art Museum, STPI is part of the national Visual Arts Cluster of leading institutions.
It was first conceived to help establish Singapore as a City of the Arts, seeing that the nation-state is an ideal place to catalyse the amalgamation of Eastern and Western techniques and practices in printmaking, papermaking and artistic practices. It continues that vision, collaborating with artists across the world to push the boundaries of what print and paper can do. Its notable collaborators even included the likes of Takashi Murakami.
Address: 41 Robertson Quay, Singapore 238236
How to get there: Start from Havelock MRT station Exit 4, cross Kim Seng Road, and continue along Havelock Road. Turn left at Saiboo Street, cross the bridge, and continue until you reach a junction. Turn right onto Mohamed Sultan Road.
Then turn right on Caseen Street. STPI will be at the end of the street, by the riverside.
10. Kim Seng Park
If you just want to find peace of mind, this is truly a slice of heaven for you. It’s just a stone’s throw away from the Great World MRT station on the Thomson-East Coast Line. While the entire Alexandra Park Connector is a sight to behold, it is Kim Seng Park that truly captivates this writer. The lush canopy of towering trees gracefully embraces the path, and as you walk along the footpath that gently curves with the river, the surrounding high-rises seem to disappear from view. In the evening, the scene transforms into a breathtaking blend of gold and emerald hues, enveloping you in a moment of pure serenity where time stands still.
Address: River Valley Green, Singapore 237993
How to get there: Start from Great World MRT station Exit 1, and walk towards the river. Kim Seng Park will be on your left.
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