Bukit Timah Nature Reserve - Singapore
The Bukit Timah Nature Reserve is a small 1.64 square kilometre nature reserve near the geographic centre of the city-state of Singapore, located on the slopes of Bukit Timah Hill, Singapore's highest hill standing at a height of 163.63 metres, and parts of the surrounding area.
This protected rainforest, just 12km away from the city's high-rises, offers hiking and bike trails for observing some of the rarest insect, bird and mammal species in the world.
Experience nature in its pristine form at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, which is a mere 12 km from the bustling city centre. By virtue of Singapore’s location on the equatorial belt, the reserve has one of the richest and most diverse ecological systems. Visitors will see an astonishing variety of plant, animal and insect life, typical of a humid equatorial climate.
This 163-ha reserve includes Singapore’s highest hill, Bukit Timah Hill, which stands at 163 m and retains one of the few areas of primary rainforest in the country. The forest on the hill has been a botanical collection ground for more than a century, and the first known specimens of many species of Malayan plants have been obtained here.
Home to a high percentage of our nation’s (native) flora and fauna, Bukit Timah Nature Reserve has been a favourite spot for those looking to get close to nature. Some of these flora and fauna species include the Shorea curtisii, Red Dhup (Parishia insignis), Greater Racket-tailed Drongo (Dicrurus paradiseus) and Malayan Colugo (Galeopterus variegatus).
Live and co-exist with natural surroundings and experience the serenity of the Bukit Timah Natural Reserve located only 12 km away from the hullabaloo of Singapore. Considered as the richest ecological wonder in the beautiful city of Singapore due to its affinity with the equator, the reserve boasts of lush green vegetation, and a diverse variety of flora and fauna. The reserve also has Singapore's highest peak, Bukit Timah hill and has also preserved its rainforests.
The forests located on the hill have the rarest quality of Malayan plants which surely should be seen. The rarest of flora and fauna are found here and that is primarily the reason why the reserve is considered a favourite spot for people to visit every year. Once a hidden gem but when people started coming here and spreading the good word the place has become an extremely popular destination to explore.
The premise also has an interactive gallery which allows the visitors to gather and seek information on forest ecology, varieties and pictures of flora, insects and fauna along with tree-spotting displays. The charm of the centre is in the centrepiece where two grandiose and imposing Sumatran Tiger replicas are kept on display. A reserve is also a great option for passionate hikers who can grab the opportunity to take a hike up the hill battling high slopes and taking tougher terrains on your way. You can research the umpteen walking routes available and select one according to the difficulty level you can take.
If you do not like voyaging on foot then you can surely bike your way on the segregated routes. The reserve has a lot of activities to do in Singapore for all age groups, especially children who can take a lot of learning back home. The reserve also conducts a nature workshop where kids can enjoy the arts and craft making in the luxury of lushness. The reserve is the pride of Singapore and also a sigh of relief when you are in contact with nature and yourself.
More about Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
The Reserve was reopened in October 2016 following the completion of restoration works carried out from September 2014 to October 2016. You can visit the Reserve and journey back in time to the days before Sir Stamford Raffles arrived as you trek among the original vegetation and undisturbed tropical forest. Push yourself to the limits as you climb Singapore’s tallest hill on trails that wind through pockets of hill dipterocarp forest, not found anywhere else on the island.
Learn about the treasure trove of native biodiversity within the Reserve through interactive displays of forest ecology and plant specimens at the Exhibition Hall, located on the second floor of the Visitor Centre.
Bukit Timah Nature Reserve was officially declared an ASEAN Heritage Park on 18 October 2011. Together with Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, it is now part of a prestigious regional network of 35 protected areas, forming the complete spectrum of representative ecosystems in ASEAN Member States.
Take a hike
The reserve is where you can find Singapore’s highest hill, Bukit Timah Hill. Challenge yourself to a trek up its 163-metre-high slopes, on trails that wind through pockets of forested areas. The trails are easy to follow, having been revamped in 2016 with new steps, boardwalks and rope railings. There are several walking routes of varying difficulty you can explore, depending on whether you want a leisurely stroll or a full workout.
What Not to Miss at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
Bukit Timah is a natural wonder in beautiful Singapore and provides respite in the truest form. The lush natural habitat with the highest peaks, some challenging trails and activities to go with, Bukit Timah is by far the best places to see in Singapore. This locale is full of interesting things to do and seek as a travel enthusiast.
Here is the list of Things to See and Do in Bukit Timah:
1. The horse ride you'll never forget:
Gallop stables at Horse city lets you take a good look of the reserve riding a horse with an instructor. If you are not up for a foot journey, the ride can get interesting especially when your kids also can sit on a pony while taking the ride.
2. Visit the Pasar Bella Farmers market:
The farmer's market is spread in a sprawling space of 30,000 sqft. A zone where traders meet foodies, this market is a wealth of discoveries in the form of pastries, sauces and much more.
3. Treetop walks:
Hikers will love to venture on this treetop especially when it takes them above the lush rainforests. The treetops as suggested in the title takes you atop the hills which will enable you to envision sights of monkeys and macaques. You can take different trails to reach the treetop providing the much-needed thrills for you.
4. Visit the Botanic garden:
A UNESCO world heritage site spread in 74 acres is a visual treat with about 10,000 different species of plants. Nature lovers are sure to love this place and the garden is free to visit.
5. Don't forget the National Orchid Garden:
An important part of the Botanical garden, you can find 60,000 species of plants here. You will find carpets of beautiful and colourful flowers and walks which you will remember.
Things to do
Bukit Timah Nature Reserve makes for a great family-friendly destination. Spend a weekend morning leaving the bustle of the city behind, and bring the kids for short nature appreciation walks through the reserve. Take note, though, that some of the routes up Bukit Timah Hill can be tough work, so be sure to prepare for your trek accordingly.
Kids and their parents can bond over some arts and crafts at the I heART Nature workshop series, or even embark on a short nature appreciation walk in the reserve. For something even more immersive, try the Nature Keeper Programme, where young ones get to learn about the protection and conservation of wildlife in the reserve.
Things to Do near Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
1. Hindhede Quarry
Located next to Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, Hindhede Nature Park features a variety of activities catered for everyone. Scenic and serene, it is an excellent spot for bird watching, trekking or simply taking in the best nature has to offer. With easy trails and well-defined footpaths, the park is ideal for families with young children and the elderly.
2. Former Ford Factory
The Former Ford Factory is located along Upper Bukit Timah Road at Bukit Timah in Singapore. It is the place where British forces under Lieutenant-General Arthur Percival surrendered to Japanese forces under Lieutenant-General Yamashita Tomoyuki on 15 February 1942 after the Battle of Singapore.
The National Orchid Garden is located on the highest hill in the Singapore Botanic Gardens. Three hectares of carefully landscaped slopes provide a setting for over 1,000 species and 2,000 hybrids, with about 600 species and hybrids on display.
This national park is open daily and features beautiful lakes, animals, flowers and plants, including one of the region's first rubber tree orchards.
5. Natureland Holland Village
Natureland Holland Village is an award winning Massage and Spa centre in Singapore. Experience true massage and therapy when you visit our outlet.
Other Essential Information About Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
Every place has its charm and we want to explore it to the hilt, although there are many precautions one needs to take to enjoy the destination in its truest form.
Here are the do's and don'ts of Bukit Timah Nature:
1. Maintain your distance with the monkeys:
Monkeys can be a big problem here so when you encounter them on your way, ensure that you look down and walk at a good distance away from them. The monkeys can get aggressive if they sense any threat which then will not be a favourable situation.
2. Maintain the spirit of the Reserve:
The Park is a rejuvenating experience and it will help if the visitors maintain it by ensuring that they keep it clean.
3. Check the weather:
Ensure that before you decide to embark on this beautiful journey, you get first-hand information about the weather because we do not recommend you to visit here during the rainy season and stormy situations.
4. Do not become noisy:
The venue is meant to be enjoyed because of its pristine and immaculate experience. The peace one experiences is unmatchable and visitors should maintain the sanctity of the location and ensure not to spoil the peace by becoming very noisy.
5. Respect the wildlife and fauna:
The preservation of wildlife and the plantations is done so with relentless zeal to ensure the guests enjoy and learn. It is requested that all visitors do not try to disrupt the process and pose any harm or danger to these animals.
6. Be careful in your hikes:
Ensure that you follow all safety standards and do not go off track the trail that is meant for your hike. A little deviation can be fatal and can go against the safety standards that are ensured by the authorities.
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