This time for our BTO Reviews series, I headed to Dakota One, located right next to the hugely popular Old Airport Road hawker centre. Launched back it August 2020 (see our original analysis <a href="https://www.renonation.sg/articles/august-2020-bto-analysis-which-unit-to-choose-for-dakota-one-at-geylang">here</a>), it was easily one of the more popular BTOs at the time with the 4-room flats oversubscribed by 14 times.<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1200/677;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/3459a238-e081-410e-b61a-ef4b7023114a-blob" width="1200" height="677"></figure>Dakota One&nbsp;One of the most interesting things about this recently completed BTO is this massive conserved rain tree in front of one of its blocks. I’m no horticulturist, but even I couldn’t help getting a little excited when I saw it. It did look a bit botak though, compared to when I first saw it back in 2020.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:677/1200;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/d49ced44-f9ac-446f-b5cf-a31de6dc5925-blob" width="677" height="1200"></figure>The conserved rain tree&nbsp;Besides the tree, there’s also an attached community centre located right next to it and plenty of other amenities as well as an MRT within walking distance. Now, this sounds like a BTO I’ll be willing to live in.<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1200/675;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/329b45c6-0991-4fad-8258-c88d5ccecfe7-blob" width="1200" height="675"></figure>The integrated community centre in the BTO&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3>Touring the grounds</h3>The site isn’t very big, so it’s easy to get around. There are three blocks, all built more or less alike, with similar layouts in how the units are arranged. Two of them (88B and 88C) are linked to the multi-storey carpark via a bridge. This project only offers 3-room and 4-room units.If you’re coming in from Jalan Dua, the first thing you’ll notice is the conserved rain tree. Imagine being known as the estate with the huge rain tree! Plans are underway to turn the area into a community plaza, with plenty of seating around it.&nbsp;The tree does sit right in front of some stacks, so I’m not sure if that might cause issues down the line. We’ve seen cases before, like in Choa Chu Kang, where large flocks of parakeets roosted in trees and disrupted the peace. Hopefully, the steady presence of people here will discourage parakeets or similar birds from settling in.Mountbatten Community Club sits right next to Block 88A with little separating them, so the block feels less private but more accessible. Inside, there’s an indoor basketball court, a multipurpose court, and plenty of public seating. Quite a number of enrichment centres are set to open here too, along with a gym and a new restaurant.<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:912/1824;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/d4acea11-f2ed-418d-8909-cf21f9587fd2-blob" width="912" height="1824"></figure>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:912/1824;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/3b48638f-20db-4487-95a3-cfd4a034e5f6-blob" width="912" height="1824"></figure>&nbsp;Like many BTOs, Dakota One makes an effort to “reintroduce” nature into the space. Beyond the greenery, it carries a subtle tree-and-leaf theme, perhaps a nod to the rain tree? Leaf motifs are carved into the sides of the blocks and repeated through the communal areas, adding a bit of character to the space.&nbsp;The estate has plenty of seating, including net swing chairs that give it a laidback feel. Two playgrounds sit at the heart of the surrounding blocks. Nothing overly fancy, but they look fun. There are also more artificial tree designs here, adding to the estate’s slightly “jungle-ly” vibe.<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:912/1824;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/9a48e320-acc1-4932-b1ef-636ff8a0ab6c-blob" width="912" height="1824"></figure>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:912/1824;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/8dad8158-3004-4169-9810-492057d0be49-blob" width="912" height="1824"></figure>&nbsp;For a small site, the carpark’s driveways are surprisingly spacious. There aren’t many lots on the first floor, so you’ll likely have to go up. But since the first floor isn’t directly accessible, you’ll have to drive up first, then come down. The only oddity I noticed was the short handle on the carpark door, which nearly tripped me up.Like other BTOs, there are plenty of drop-off points in the estate. The one between 88A and 88B even allows a few cars to park temporarily, handy if you’re making a quick run home to grab something, or dropping off an elderly parent and need to bring them up.<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:912/1824;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/ccd4a725-d1c0-476f-9fe0-e91e625ed9d4-blob" width="912" height="1824"></figure>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:912/1824;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/9142c494-4803-4a26-8c57-45032160c70e-blob" width="912" height="1824"></figure>&nbsp;<h3>Inside the blocks&nbsp;</h3>At the void decks, seating comes in all shapes and sizes, whether you’re lounging about or having a casual chat with neighbours. There are even bar-height tables, which feel more cafe than void deck, and could double as a work-from-home spot if your flat’s feeling cramped. They’re pebbled washed, so they’ll stand up to the weather, and topped with a polished surface for comfort.<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1200/675;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/a04c4d35-0af5-4496-aae0-383526d83deb-blob" width="1200" height="675"></figure>A variety of seating available at the void decks&nbsp;Lift lobbies are finished with woodgrain tiles and a mix of travertine-like tiles, which, if I’m honest, feel a bit at odds with the overall look. But what’s great is that units near the lift lobbies still have a good amount of privacy, so you can’t see straight into them, only at a certain angle. The rubbish chute sits right across from the lifts too, so it’s convenient to toss your trash on your way out.<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1200/675;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/2c8276a0-89a5-42cf-bb5e-482f4926fffb-blob" width="1200" height="675"></figure>Odd design by the lift lobby…&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1200/675;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/7f09276d-46f1-4491-835a-3ebed81d6242-blob" width="1200" height="675"></figure>The rubbish chutes (not seen in picture) are located right across the lifts&nbsp;&nbsp;Corridors are breezy and comfortably wide, even on that hot, sunny day. Most units feel pretty private, though some stacks have service yards facing directly into the walkways or the neighbouring block. Units next to the link bridges might also get some disturbance from foot traffic, as there’s no real attempt to maintain privacy here.<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1200/675;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/53a1d3bc-5d59-4195-8a5e-682dd514db32-blob" width="1200" height="675"></figure>Bright and breezy corridors&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1200/677;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/890b9cf5-d3ba-40ce-b64f-64e3be9e8ba2-blob" width="1200" height="677"></figure>Plenty of space between the units&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1200/675;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/61a5a4b5-d6ec-4bd0-bd06-215a696c300c-blob" width="1200" height="675"></figure>A few units did have their service yard overlooking the corridors directly&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1200/675;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/22fd1040-36be-49b5-805c-3b75fa88e010-blob" width="1200" height="675"></figure>Some units at Dakota One also face the neighbouring flats, although not directly&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1200/677;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/542a7099-fc7c-4562-a4b8-043ed91fc5ec-blob" width="1200" height="677"></figure>One of the units located right across the link bridge to the carpark's roof garden&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1200/675;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/b95bc5c3-b150-4eaa-ac3b-93af953027a7-blob" width="1200" height="675"></figure>The roof garden on the top of the carpark&nbsp;Some units, especially those on higher floors, get views of the dome-shaped National Stadium and a hint of Marina Bay Sands, which is a nice bonus.<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1200/675;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/18092bef-2cb0-48b2-96df-23b00fbc8a73-blob" width="1200" height="675"></figure>Check out MBS!&nbsp;&nbsp;A friendly homeowner invited me into his daughter’s 4-room flat. He couldn’t stop gushing about the views, and honestly, I had to agree with with him that she was lucky to snag it. (See the insides of the unit in the short video I put together for our socials.) Hit us up on our socials if you're keen to showcase your home!&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3>Surrounding Dakota One</h3>Dakota One sits in a relatively quiet nook, where it feels like a juxtaposition between the much older flats in the area and the new BTOs. You might see more traffic in the area once the CC is fully up and running though. Jalan Dua and Jalan Satu (which the estate is named after) don’t see much traffic for now. Cassia Link, the busier road bordering the estate, is buffered by the community centre and carpark, so blocks further in barely hear any traffic noise.<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1824/1026;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/d93c35af-4bd5-4748-9232-e36aa5670d80-blob" width="1824" height="1026"></figure>A juxtaposition of the old and new&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1200/675;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/965f35fa-1fd7-4827-95cb-dc0fe50826e5-blob" width="1200" height="675"></figure>Traffic along Cassia Link&nbsp;The Old Airport Road hawker centre is easily the main draw here. It’s a large, well-known food hub with plenty of popular stalls, just a quick five-minute walk from the BTO.<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1200/675;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/01a96b59-d091-49d1-817c-1a5f41b21695-blob" width="1200" height="675"></figure>Old Airport Road hawker centre&nbsp;Across the road from Jalan Satu, you’ll find a smaller food court under Dakota Breeze BTO, plus a Sheng Siong for daily groceries. There’s also a wet market and a FairPrice next to the hawker centre, though they are a bit more of a walk.<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1200/675;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/c9e5499a-7bda-4f97-ac4e-69489cea7615-blob" width="1200" height="675"></figure>There's a Sheng Siong supermarket located the BTO next to Dakota One&nbsp;&nbsp;If you enjoy cycling or jogging, the Geylang River park connector is just minutes away, offering a pleasant pathway and lovely waterfront views.<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1200/677;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/217f16ad-a4b3-42e7-98a6-6adae791e273-blob" width="1200" height="677"></figure>Cycle or jog along the Geylang River&nbsp;For public transport, Dakota One is served by Dakota MRT on the Circle Line, which is only one stop from Paya Lebar interchange for the East–West Line. The nearest bus stop, right by the station, has services towards Clementi, Buona Vista, and Orchard in one direction, and Bedok and Tampines in the other.<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1200/675;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/32186f67-0145-49d7-bd40-35bd96041ed0-blob" width="1200" height="675"></figure>Dakota MRT is a short walk from the BTO&nbsp;

Dakota One BTO Review and Site Tour: Good Food, Great Connectivity and a Giant Rain Tree

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