The criminally underrated Dempsey Hill may very well be Singapore’s prettiest lifestyle enclave.
Dempsey Hill has plenty of old world charm in spades. From its humble beginning as Mount Harriet nutmeg plantation in the 1850s, it transformed into Tanglin Barracks military camp during the colonial times before further redevelopment in 2007 into a lifestyle destination.
A gentle stroll in the Dempsey Hill unpacks plenty of dining, entertainment and shopping options set against a tranquil, rustic backdrop.
How to Get to Dempsey Hill
There are shuttle buses running from Holland Village MRT, Wheelock Place near Orchard MRT, as well as various gates of Singapore Botanic Gardens. Click here for further details of shuttle bus schedules.
The government has also constructed an upcoming Napier MRT station along the Thomson-East Coast line, planned to open in 2022. Once it opens, Dempsey Hill will be just a gentle 15-minute stroll from the station along the beautiful Minden Road and Harding Road.
The current site of Napier MRT is along the stretch of Orchard Road, so getting there is a breeze if you are staying in that area. It is just a short 10-minute walk from St. Regis and Regent, or 15 minutes if you stay in Four Seasons.
This guide is written with Napier MRT as a starting point. If you are taking a shuttle bus, you may skip the Minden Road & Harding Road section.
Minden Road & Harding Road
[Image Credit: Sengkang]
TIONG BAHRU BAKERY SAFARI
Start your morning coffee fix at Singapore’s most iconic French bakery. Borrowing from the African under canvass concept, you may want to don your leopard prints to snap Instagram-worthy shots.
130E Minden Rd, Singapore 248819
Open Farm Community
Figure you would like something even fancier? What about an urban farmland, a horticultural hub and an open-concept restaurant rolled into one? After your brunch at this Michelin Plate 2021 restaurant, remember to stroll down the gorgeous vegetable and fruit orchards.
130E Minden Rd, Singapore 248819
Saint George’s Church
Formerly a garrison church for the British troops stationed in the Tanglin Barracks in 1910-1971, this quaint church is designed by British architect William Henry Stanbury in the shape of a long barn. Taking inspiration from Romanesque-era Christian Basilica style, admire the wooden truss nave and stained glass windows before you move to your next spot.
44 Minden Rd, Singapore 248816
Ebenezer Chapel
Possibly used back in the day for the soldiers’ children, it is definitely worth a quick photo stop just to admire the bygone-era architecture.
39C Harding Rd, Singapore 249541
Loewen by Dempsey Hill
[Image Credit: Thomas Hawk]
Former Tanglin Military Hospital
The Loewen Road area sits on the former Tanglin military hospital site. Today, it is transformed into a family-oriented section of Dempsey Hill while retaining much of its original atmosphere thanks to careful restoration.
72 Loewen Rd, Singapore 248848
Anjalichocolat
Learn how to make artisanal chocolates using the finest ingredients of Belgian Couverture, fresh cream, butter, spices and fruit puree.
73 Loewen Road, Singapore 248843
Impressions Art Studio
Craft lovers may find joys learning how to paint your own pottery, batik, acrylic painting and glass fusing in this art studio.
73 Loewen Road, Singapore 248843
Museum of Ice Cream Singapore
Painted in striking pink color, it is hard to miss this new addition. As the museum’s first flagship location outside the USA, there are over 14 multi-sensory experiences such as Scream’s Dinner, Disco and MOIC Sprinkle Pool.
100 Loewen Rd, Singapore 248837
Dempsey Hill
[Image Credit: Venuerific]
Blu Kouzina
Savor sumptuous Greek culinary at this thematic restaurant. Dishes are prepared with Hellenic wines and extra virgin olive oil specially sourced from family-owned Olive Grove Estate in Messinia, Greece.
10 Dempsey Rd, #01-20, Singapore 247700
CANCHITA Peruvian Cuisine
If you fancy something even more experiential, sample some fine Latin American fares accompanied by upbeat salsa music while you soak in the atmospheric ambience surrounded by lush foliage of the Dempsey Hill.
9A-9B Dempsey Rd, Singapore 247698
REDSEA Gallery
This leading contemporary art exhibition features the finest international and Asian works from both emerging and established artists alike.
9 Dempsey Rd, #01-10 Dempsey Hill, Singapore 247697
Woody Antique House
Dempsey is famed for its teak furniture warehouses circa the 1990s. The tradition is carried alive in Woody Antique House, where you can browse revitalised antiques and furnishings to make your home pop.
13 Dempsey Rd #01-05, Singapore 249674
Hedger’s Carpet Gallery
Add a splash of oriental charm with one of the handwoven fabrics, sourced directly from Iran, Russia, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India since 1978. This gallery is also one of the founding members of the Handknotted Carpet Association, so you can be assured that all carpets carry a Certificate of Authenticity specifying its origin, materials, age and history.
They also host Carpet Appreciation Talks or Carpet Auctions every now and then, which would make your visit even more exciting!
13 Dempsey Rd #01-02, Singapore 249674
Dempsey Hill Pond
Take a quick afternoon break watching the resident arapaimas, turtles and fishes swimming across this quaint pond.
Dempsey Road
Linda Gallery
First established 1990 in Jakarta, Indonesia, Linda Gallery curates influential works by Chinese and Southeast Asian artists for international dialogue.
15 Dempsey Rd, Singapore 249675
Tanglin Gin Distillery
Awarded the prestigious Double Gold Award in the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, Singapore’s first gin distillery is infused with Asian tastes, ranging from vanilla, citrus, chili to ginger to lift your palate.
26A Dempsey Rd, Singapore 247692
Siri House
A sought after social space, the Siri House is a perfect way to conclude the day. Take a cocktail masterclass or a sunset sip of botanically-inspired Aperitivo spiced in edible garnishes and flavored salts.
8D Dempsey Rd, #01-02 Dempsey Hill, Singapore 249672
What are your favorite underrated lifestyle destinations in Singapore?
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