The Bukit Timah Nature Reserve was established in 1883 when the government decided to construct reserves. It covers a land area of 163-hectares and it is one of the remaining pristine rainforest that is left in Singapore. With 840 species of flowering plants and 500 species of animals residing in the reserve, it has been said that there are even more plant species growing in the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve than the entire North American continent! Singapore’s highest hill (163.63m) is also located there.
Your experience
When you first step into the nature reserve, you’ll be greeted by wild monkeys. Though cute to look at, you are advised to look down and walk at least 1.5 metres away from them and also not to look into their eyes or bare your teeth as these are signs of aggression and challenge. Please do not to feed the monkeys and should also keep your food in a covered bag.
The scenery in the Bukit Timah nature reserve is a whole new experience even for eco tourists. It has beautiful greenery and small animals such as squirrels and butterflies.
After walking and hiking for the whole day, you might want to find a nice spot to sit and relax. There are 2 reservoirs at opposite ends of the area. They make really suitable spots for recreational activities like picnics.
There are several routes of different level of difficulties that you can try out and explore.
Route 1 (Red)
Approximate walking time: 45 mins
Trail grade: Easy
Route 2 (Blue)
Approximate walking time: 35 mins
Trail grade: Easy
Route 3 (Green)
Approximate walking time: 1 hr 40 mins
Trail grade: Moderate to difficult
Route 4 (Yellow)
Approximate walking time: 2 hrs
Trail grade: Difficult
Kampong Trail
Approximate walking time: 1.5 hrs
Trail grade: Easy
Mountain Biking Trail
Approximate travel time: 30 mins to 1 hr
Trail grade: Moderate to difficult
Approximate walking time: 45 mins
Trail grade: Easy
Route 2 (Blue)
Approximate walking time: 35 mins
Trail grade: Easy
Route 3 (Green)
Approximate walking time: 1 hr 40 mins
Trail grade: Moderate to difficult
Route 4 (Yellow)
Approximate walking time: 2 hrs
Trail grade: Difficult
Kampong Trail
Approximate walking time: 1.5 hrs
Trail grade: Easy
Mountain Biking Trail
Approximate travel time: 30 mins to 1 hr
Trail grade: Moderate to difficult
Visitor’s Information
The opening hours are from 6.00am to 7.00pm and, night walking within the reserve is not encouraged.
Things to bring:
- Drinking water
- Mosquito repellent
- Rain gear
- Sun protection
- Plastic bags to keep waterproof valuables and electronic gadgets
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Small towel
- Binoculars
How to get there
- By bus:
Bus numbers 67, 75, 170, 171, 173, 184, 852, 961.
Take bus to Upper Bukit Timah Road, alight opposite the Bukit Timah Shopping Center and Beauty World Center. From there it's approx. ten minutes walk along Hindhede Drive to the Visitor Center.
- On foot:
The reserve can be reached from MacRitchie Reservoir or the Tree-Top Walk via Rifle Range Road - By taxi/car:
Via Hindhede Drive; parking facilities at the Visitor Center are limited but it’s just a 15min drive from downtown Singapore.
Address:
Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
177 Hindhede Drive
Singapore 589333
Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
177 Hindhede Drive
Singapore 589333
For more information, you can visit http://www.nparks.gov.sg/cms/index.php?option=com_visitorsguide&task=naturereserves&id=46&Itemid=75