Bedok has always been considered an anchor town of the East for many in Singapore.
In recent years, this heavily populated Singaporean heartland has risen in prominence together with the rest of the east side towns like Tampines and Tanjong Katong. Let’s take a look at how it is like to live and play in Bedok.
Bedok has been around for much of modern Singapore’s existence. Its name was most likely taken from the Malay word ‘Bedoh’, due to the fact that a mosque in the area used to beat its drums 5 times a day to let Muslims know that it was time for prayer.
Heartbeat @ Bedok. Picture: iProperty
Since then, Bedok has evolved significantly, starting with the HDB plan to build the new town in 1963.
More recently, there has been a quality of life upgrades from the government’s Remaking Our Heartland programme that added new malls, an upgraded interchange, an integrated community centre and a revamped hawker centre.
HDB Prices
Bedok is huge, and there is no wonder that Bedok is home to plenty of HDB residents and a large number of flats. As of March 31st 2018, Bedok is home to around 195,000 HDB residents and 61,828 flats.
Bedok is bordered by towns like Tanah Merah, Geylang and Paya Lebar, and some parts of the east coast/marine parade area come under the jurisdiction of Bedok town. So there’s a wide range of locations to choose from.
See more: Neighborhood Guide: Paya Lebar
20 Chai Chee Road. HDB in Bedok. Picture: iProperty.
Smaller units, which tend to be older ones in Bedok, bring pretty good value for money.
Take, for instance, this 3 room unit along Chai Chee Road. This 721 sq ft 3 room apartment is 15 minutes by foot away from Bedok Central and has an asking of $280,000. This comes down to a $338psf price point, which is reasonable for a developed town like Bedok.
Larger units in Bedok can be costly. Prices start at around $485,000 and can go up to $800,000 if the unit is situated close to Bedok Central.
A good middle ground would be a 1291 sq ft unit like this one at Bedok South Avenue 2. It is a 14-minute walk from Bedok Central and has an asking of $600,000. This comes down to an approximate $464.68psf.
220B Bedok Central. HDB in Bedok. Picture: iProperty.
Private Housing
There’s no shortage of private housing in Singapore, and Bedok’s reputation as a population centre has definitely attracted attention from private condominium developers.
Grandeur Park Residences, Condo
One of the more recent developments in the area is Grandeur Park Residences. This development 720 unit, 99-year leasehold development sits on the border between Bedok and Tanah Merah and is slated for completion in 2021. The CEL development condominium has 1-5 bedroom as well as penthouse configurations, and units start at $695,000.
Another interesting development is the Archipelago, a low rise 99-year leasehold project that was completed in 2015. This development has the advantage of being near the popular Bedok Reservoir, and while it is not close to Bedok MRT, it is close to both Bedok North and Kaki Bukit MRT stations.
Bedok MRT Station. Picture: iProperty
See more: 8 facts you didn’t know about HDB flats
Amenities & Accessibility
Bedok’s size means there’s plenty to do and see.
Bedok Point, Shopping Centre. Picture: iProperty
First, Bedok Central’s exceptional selection of shopping malls means that there is entertainment, shopping and food situated within a 5-minute walking radius of the MRT and Bus Interchange. Bedok Mall, Bedok Point and Djitsun Mall have hundreds of shops to cover every need a resident might have.
Bedeok Mall, a shopping centre in the East. Picture: iProperty
Bedok Central’s popular hawker centre is home to all sort of cuisine choices and is a favourite for residents looking for affordable, tasty meals.
Beyond that, there’s the popular Bedok Reservoir. The 88-hectare reservoir is also a park, with a 4.3km running track that attracts hundreds of runners during the weekend.
Running is not the only thing you can do at the reservoir. The government has converted the reservoir into a leisure zone, with dragon boat, kayak and wakeboarding activities as well. Avid bird spotters can also visit during the early mornings and the sun sets, as birds like herons and swallows also come by to rest near the water.
Taxi pick up and drop off point in Bedok Town Centre. Picture: iProperty
Bedok has 2 MRT lines, with multiple stations, serving the town’s residents. On the East-West Line, there is Bedok MRT. Further north lies Bedok Reservoir, Bedok North and Kaki Bukit MRT stations on the Downtown Line.
Both lines bring residents into the CBD in 15-25 minutes. Drivers can connect via either the PIE or ECP, both accessible within 10 minutes drive Bedok Central.
Convenience and Comfort
Even though it’s not centrally located, the amenities that Bedok possesses mean that residents don’t need to travel out of their area for most daily needs.
Bedok is a convenient, and comfortable heartland neighbourhood, and is worth a gander if you’re looking to stay in the east.
See more: 9 places to visit in Singapore’s Far East
