Last month, property developer GuocoLand invited Indonesian media representatives for a review of its brand new Wallich Residence in the historic Tanjong Pagar central business district, Singapore. Pandaya from The Jakarta Post’s Supplement Team shares his impressions.

Wallich Residence, a new upscale property in the heart of the historic Tanjong Pagar precinct, has grabbed world attention since it was launched in December 2017. On top of all the global media hype about the 181-unit luxury condominium is of course the Super Penthouse that carries an auspicious-sounding price tag of S$108 million (US$79.65 million).

Standing 290 meters tall, it is the new tallest building in the city-state and it stands out among the dense jungle of skyscrapers in the area. It was designed by Skidmore, Owings and Merrill — the architect behind some of the world’s iconic buildings, such as the 830-meter-tall Burj Khalifa in Dubai, KL Metropolis Master Plan in Malaysia and One World Trade Center in New York. In Jakarta, it designed the Pertamina Energy Tower.

Wallich Residence is part of the 5-in-1 mixed Tanjong Pagar Center development with 99-year leasehold tenure starting February 2011 along with Guoco Tower office space, 222-room five-star Sofitel Singapore City Center hotel, a shopping mall and double-story 14,000 square-meter urban park.

The developer, GuocoLand, which may hardly ring a bell in Indonesia, is a leader in mixed-use development, having operations in its home base Singapore, Malaysia, China and Vietnam.

Despite the plethora of facilities, the Tanjong Pagar Center occupies an area of only 161,708 square feet (15,000 square meters). It has been transformed into a “vertical city”. It dedicates 150,000 square feet of its area to a park. There is no tennis court typical of upscale residences, but basic sports facilities such as a gym and swimming pool are provided at the condo.

Located on Wallich Street in the heart of the CBD also means that connectivity is a leverage. It stands right above the Tanjong Pagar MRT station, accessible at a push of the lift button, making moving around very convenient. Other nearby stations are only a short walk for greater range of destinations across the city, which is famous for its efficient MRT system. Going to Changi International Airport by car takes about 20 minutes through the Ayer Rajah Expressway and Marina Coastal Expressway.

Tanjong Pagar Center is lively most of the day. Part of the green park right above the MRT station is a 15-meter-high airy solar panel canopy that houses eclectic dining options and a wide multi-purpose public space that can accommodate 2,000 people. In a typical week, this “city room” hosts various public events from performances, physical exercises to business expo.

An evening stroll in the park is quite a respite from the business hustle bustle.

Being in the center of the CBD, the residence is also close to upscale shopping centers such as China Square, Marina Bay Link Mall, Tanjong Pagar Plaza, International Plaza, 100 AM Shopping Mall, Icon Village and Amara Shopping Centre. Orchard Road, a shopping paradise for Indonesian big spenders, is about a 10 minute drive.

A closer look

On the first level is the residential lobby and lounge, where residents can entertain their guests in cozy cubicles. A mini bar is available at the lounge area. The residence has a concierge service managed in partnership with Sofitel Singapore City Centre.

The condominium starts above the offices of Guoco Tower, on the 39th floor, which is already 180 meter above sea level, and goes up to the 64th. As a premium abode, every unit has electronic access for optimum security and convenience.

In a busy area like a CBD, where traffic and the rat race may drag you down, the higher a residence the quieter it is and the pricier it is generally. At such heights, the view under your feet is stunning, especially the night vibes.

Good taste: Living and dining room of a four-bedroom unit combine ambience and a city view.

At Wallich Residence, the higher the story, the more breathtaking the views. Even on the “lowest” level, you can see Batam — Indonesia’s island that can be reached in about 30 minutes by fast boat from Singapore — beyond the immediate blue ocean and skyscrapers. Recreational facilities are available on four levels, including a glass observation AirDecks on level 62 (not for the faint-hearted!) for a sweeping view of Singapore.

Every level is provided with information about their height from sea level. Certain floors also bear names that suggest their functions. For instance Level 39: Social, where residents can enjoy a plethora of amenities like the Infinity pool, Jacuzzi, dipping pool, gym, viewing deck, casual dining rooms, BBQ, sky garden and cabanas. In the middle, Level 52: Cloud, is where residents can get the pleasure from a theaterette, library, networking suite, gourmet dining room and sky gardens. Level 62: Apex is an exclusive area for the owner of the three-floor Super Penthouse with the main facility is glass cantilevered balconies.

The top-of-the-line materials and the strategic locations come with staggering prices ranging from S$2.28 million for the smallest, S$18 million for Penthouse and S$108 million for the Super Penthouse (estimate prices as of end of March).

And the Super Penthouse that occupies three levels with a dedicated elevator is especially jaw-dropping in terms of size and price. The view is so spectacular and the materials so classy you probably would not want to buy another condo once you own it — until a more premium and futuristic wins your heart. The finishing job is still in progress and buyers may require change in layouts as they wish.

The top level has a private pool deck, cabana, Jacuzzi room and an entertainment area from where residents can enjoy the view of Marina Bay, Sentosa Island and of course much of the business district.

Even in the single bedroom type, the space is not bad at all and the view from the lower levels (still on the 39th floor and above) is still eye-catching. The dining room, the kitchen and the living room share the same space.

Wallich Residence is especially appealing to super wealthy foreign property collectors, while privileged Singaporeans would prefer buying landed houses that foreign citizens are not allowed under the local laws. Majority of Singaporeans live in public housing buildings called HDB flats.

If you treasure a posh abode, stunning views, excellent connectivity in the heart of Singapore, or simply to invest in premium property, this residence looks right for your splurge.

Swimming in the sky: The Infinity pool on level 39 is one of shared facilities in the residence.

- Photos courtesy of Wallich Residence