Everything you need to know about Tanah Merah residency

Tanah Merah’s infamous reputation as being the most crime-ridden neighborhood in Singapore has been well-documented over the years. And with good reason too – it’s not just home to hawkers and drug addicts, but also a haven for petty thieves who prey on residents of other estates in the area. But that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t venture into Tanah Merah if you want to live here. 

In fact, if you do, you’ll need to be very cautious and prepared for anything. You see, it is one of the safest neighborhoods in Singapore and home to some of its most law-abiding residents. But even with this being said, it can still be an uncomfortable place to live for some people. So here are some things you should know about living in Tanah Merah Residence.

What’s the story behind the name?

The name “Tanah Merah” is believed to have originated from the Malay name “Tanah Merah” which means “land of the wild elephants”. Whether this is actually the case or not, the name is nevertheless synonymous with the area and the mentality of its residents. Due to the presence of wild elephants in the area, the name “Tanah Merah” has long been associated with the place.

And while it is true that wild elephants still live in the surrounding forests, the bulk of them have been pushed out by humans. However, with Singapore’s increasing demand for timber, the government has begun to clear the forests and is now looking to build a roadsign bearing the name “Tanam” to mark the logging.

Where is Tanah Merah?

Tanah Merah is located in the central region of Singapore and can be roughly delineated as comprising of Yishun, Potong Pasir, Choa Roe, Banting, and Seletar areas. Located at the northern edge of the central business district, it is bordered by the Singapore River to the west, Bukit Timah Road to the east, Yishun Road to the south, and the Singapore River Marine Park to the north.

It is often described as extending from the river bank to the high-rises that line the Singapore River. In reality, its boundaries are more like the high-rises. The main thoroughfares that delineate Tanah Merah are Yishun Road to the north, Bukit Timah Road to the south, Bukit Merah to the west and the Singapore River to the east.

How to navigate in Tanah Merah

There are many areas in Tanah Merah that one needs to be careful when navigating. These include the Downtown Core, Lim Chu Kang, Abbey Road, and Orchard Road. Downtown Core: Staying within the Downtown Core is probably the best choice if you want to avoid the hustle and bustle of Lim Chu Kang and Orchard Road. However, there are limitations. You can only stay within the Downtown Core if you’re willing to give up a portion of your backyard. Otherwise, you’ll need to look elsewhere.

Lim Chu Kang: Lim Chu Kang is arguably Singapore’s most notorious neighbourhood. It is a no-go area for most, and a great place to avoid if you want to live in Tanah Merah. Orchard Road: Orchard Road is not just any old road, it is one of the most popular destinations in Singapore. Home to the highest concentration of shops, offices, and restaurants, it is also the site of some of the city’s most notorious crimes.

What to do and see in Tanah Merah

The Singapore Zoo: While the Singapore Zoo is known for its elephants, it is actually home to a variety of animals from all over the world.

The Singapore Sling: Singapore’s most famous street food, the Singapore Sling is eaten verally as a snack. You can find it almost anywhere in the city and is generally made with rice, vegetables, and a variety of meats.

The Night Bazaar: One of Singapore’s oldest night markets, the Night Bazaar is a must-visit for foodies and happens every month. This is when local vendors set up shop and sell their delicious wares.

How to live in Tanah Merah

Like other affluent neighbourhoods in Singapore, Tanah Merah is a very safe place to live. There are no real problems that you need to be concerned about living in this area. However, you should be mindful of your surroundings and take extra caution if you see any suspicious activity. These are some of the areas where you can live in Tanah Merah:

Hougang: With a history dating back hundreds of years, Hougang is a great place to start if you’re looking for a safe neighbourhood to live in.

Spar: If you’re looking for something different from the ordinary, the Spar is a mall-like concept store where you can indulge in various activities such as shooting arrows and using stilts.

Chua Chuin Road: Home to several high-end malls, Chua Chuin Road is also known for high-end homes. If you’re looking for a safe place to live, this is the place for you.

Conclusion

In truth, one of the best things about living in Tanah Merah is that you get to experience life in a different way. With so much going on in the city, it’s nice to have a quiet neighbourhood where you can focus on your hobbies or family. But that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t venture into Tanah Merah if you want to live here.

In fact, if you do, you’ll need to be very careful and prepared for anything. You see, it is one of the safest neighbourhoods in Singapore and home to some of the most law-abiding residents. But even with this being said, it can still be an uncomfortable place to live for some people. So, if you’re planning on moving to this place, here are some things you should know about living in Tanah Merah.