The main campus of the National University of Singapore is located adjacent to it, straddling along the southern boundary of Kent Ridge.

The natural vegetation of the area mainly consists of groves of Tembusu, Acacias and Dillenias.

[1] When the first settlers arrived in Singapore in the early 19th century, they grew crops such as rubber, pepper, gambier and pineapple on the ridge.

[4] During 12–14 February 1942, it was the site of the Battle of Bukit Chandu, fought by the 159 survivors of the Malay Regiment led by Lieutenant Adnan Bin Saidi against the 13,000 men of Lieutenant-General Mutaguchi Renya's 18th Division.

The Malay Regiment's position on the hill was overrun by the Japanese and the battle ended in hand-to-hand combat after the last few defenders ran out of ammunition.