High above Henderson Road, surrounded by the greenery of Telok Blangah Hill and Mount Faber, Henderson Waves is much more than a convenient way to cross from one hill to another. With its sweeping curves, wooden deck and panoramic views, it has become one of Singapore’s most recognizable pedestrian bridges — and one of the highlights of the Southern Ridges.
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Why was Henderson Waves built?
Officially opened on 10 May 2008, Henderson Waves was created as part of a larger plan to connect the previously separated green spaces along the Southern Ridges. The bridge links Mount Faber Park with Telok Blangah Hill Park, allowing walkers to cross Henderson Road without leaving the park environment.
Standing 36 metres above Henderson Road, it is Singapore’s highest pedestrian bridge. The structure stretches about 274 metres and is famous for its seven wave-like steel “ribs”. These curves are not just decorative — some form sheltered alcoves where visitors can sit, rest and enjoy the views.
Designed by RSP Architects Planners & Engineers together with IJP Corporation, the bridge uses Yellow Balau timber across its deck and seating areas. Its unusual combination of engineering and sculpture earned Henderson Waves the President’s Design Award – Design of the Year in 2009.
Today, joggers, photographers and families come for the greenery and views towards Singapore’s southern coastline. Visit after dark and the bridge takes on another personality, with its curves illuminated by LED lighting.
The grand mansion hiding nearby
Walk further into Telok Blangah Hill Park and another piece of Singapore history appears — Alkaff Mansion.
Built in 1918, the elegant hilltop mansion belonged to the wealthy Alkaff family, an Arab family with roots in Hadhramaut, present-day Yemen. The family made its fortune through businesses involving commodities such as coffee, sugar and spices, as well as property. The mansion served primarily as a weekend retreat and entertainment venue, with large tea parties and gatherings held for prominent guests.
Its story did not end with the Alkaffs. The mansion later became the headquarters of the World Buddhist Society, before the Singapore Government acquired the property in 1984 as part of the Mount Faber Park extension. It subsequently returned to life as a dining destination, including a Dutch-Indonesian restaurant in 1990. The mansion was gazetted for conservation in 2005.
Today, this former private retreat has become a lifestyle destination housing Wildseed Café, UNA Spanish restaurant and the 1918 Heritage Bar, while its romantic gardens and historic architecture make it a popular venue for weddings and private events.
Together, Henderson Waves and Alkaff Mansion make Telok Blangah Hill a fascinating mix of old and new — one tells the story of modern Singapore design, while the other offers a glimpse into the glamorous social life of Singapore more than a century ago.
📍 Henderson Waves
Henderson Road, Singapore 159557
Located between Mount Faber Park and Telok Blangah Hill Park.
🚇 Nearby MRT: Telok Blangah MRT (CC28) or HarbourFront MRT (NE1/CC29). If doing the Southern Ridges walk from the Mount Faber side, HarbourFront MRT is a common starting point via Marang Trail.
📍 The Alkaff Mansion
10 Telok Blangah Green, Singapore 109178
🚇 Nearest MRT: Telok Blangah MRT (CC28) on the Circle Line. The mansion itself recommends Telok Blangah MRT as its MRT access point.
