Katong
Within 19 mins by public transport from city centre
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Rent starting from
$3,200
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Distance to city centre
6.33 kms
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Lifestyle in Katong
Living in Katong means that you’re in a reasonably priced area with spacious housing. If you’ve always wanted to be close to sandy beaches, sea breezes, and stay in a condominium with an ocean view, Katong is perfect for you. With a relaxed and friendly neighbourhood feel, Katong is great for everyone – especially families and couples that are looking to begin their Singapore expat life.
While it might be further out of the city, Katong has everything from shophouse lined streets to fascinating shops, a rich heritage, and a great array of local food. There are plenty of kid-friendly spots and schools around the area so this residential district is particularly popular with families. While there are residential terraces in the area, there are also modern high-rise buildings along with apartments and landed properties. Since it’s a more laidback area, Katong is great for those that are looking to get away from the busyness of the CBD.
Distance from the CBD
Katong is situated in the East Coast area of Singapore. Transportation options are aplenty as there are a few bus services and MRT stations in the area. Some MRT stations include Dakota, Paya Lebar, and Eunos. There’s also a new Marine Terrace MRT Station that’s currently being constructed. With public transportation, it’ll take about 30-40 minutes to get to the CBD. If you’ve got a car, it’ll take you a speedy 12-15 minutes to get to the CBD.
Living in Katong: Morning, day and night
Start your morning wandering through the interesting shops in Katong. There are rows and rows of picturesque Peranakan homes with traditional cuisine and products that you can purchase. The Katong Antique House is worth a visit to sneak a peek at colorful Peranakan costumes and furniture.
In the afternoon, take a walk or cycle along East Coast Park for some quiet time. There’s also plenty of barbecue and picnic tables as well as children's playgrounds to entertain the entire family. If you love swimming, there are plenty of pools around the area from Katong Swimming Complex to the Singapore Swimming Club. You can also spend the afternoon at Big Splash – a family-friendly establishment with an assortment of dining experiences and recreational activities.
In the evening, go for a stroll at East Coast Park and dine at one of the eateries or enjoy some late night karaoke at Teo Heng KTV Studio that’s nestled in Katong Shopping Centre. You can sing to your heart’s content until about 1 or even 2 am. If you fancy a drink, there are some bars around the area such as Rabbit Carrot Gun for its beers and pub grub, and Burp Kitchen and Bar for their happy hour.
Shop
There are numerous malls in the Katong area that you can shop at from Tanjong Katong Complex to Joo Chiat Complex. There’s also 112 Katong with a myriad of lifestyle and fashion outlets along with Parkway Parade. Other places include Siglap Shopping Centre, Katong Plaza, Roxy Square, and Katvong V. There are plenty of supermarkets in these shopping centres along with a vibrant blend of shops, lifestyle stores, and dining options.
Eat
If you’re a fan of local hawker food, head to Dunman Food Centre for wonton noodles, duck porridge, and more. There are also some other hawker centres nearby from Marine Terrace Market and Food Centre to Haig Road Market and Food Centre. While there are plenty of local food options here, there are also lots of dining options within the shopping malls. Get some quality fresh sashimi at Tomi Sushi in Katong V, or grab a plate of delicious chicken rice at Wee Nam Kee. For a relaxing chillout spot, head to Bar Bar Black Sheep or grab a refreshing German beer at Brotzeit. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, Toothsome Cafe has artisan desserts and bespoke cakes that’ll satisfy your cravings.
See
You can spend the entire day at Katong learning more about its vibrant and rich Peranakan culture. If you fancy participating in community activities, there’s also the Katong Community Centre that’s a great way to interact and meet new friends. Since there’s also a sizable expat community in Katong, the Eurasian Association is also nestled in this area. Other places that you can visit include Goodman Arts Centre to experience arts intimately along with the National Arts Council of Singapore that has a black box theatre along with galleries and rehearsal studios.
The downside
The lack of MRT stations can mean you rely a little more on Grabs. That said, there are direct busses into the city, however Singapore wide connectivity is not as good as other areas.
Making the most of your move to Singapore
If you are in the process of planning your move, make sure you read our comprehensive and refreshed 2021 Moving to Singapore Guide to learn more about the real cost of living in Singapore, what you need to prepare for and insights on family and work-life as an expat.
You can also use our free relocation dashboard to discover other areas to live, chat with a community of likeminded people and begin setting up for your new life in Singapore... all before you land.
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