Bukit Timah Nature Reserve

+6518004717300
177 Hindhede Dr
www.nparks.gov.sg/

Price: admission free
Working hours: from 7.00 to 19.00

How to get there by Singapore MRT. Singapore interactive metro guide.

The Bukit Timah Nature Reserve is a large area of primeval tropical forest, a remainder of the huge green mass that once covered almost the whole surface area of Singapore island just two centuries ago. It is located within the city limits, just 12 kilometers away from its business center. Founded in 1883, the Bukit Timah was one of the first forest reserves to be created in modern Singapore, while today it stands as one of the most famous and frequently visited places in the city-state.

The reserve was named after the almost 164-meter-high hill, Bukit Timah, which is situated on its territory and is in fact Singapore’s highest natural point. Its name actually means ‘hill covered with tin’ in Malay and was originally pronounced as Bukit "Temah", which meant ‘hill covered with Temah trees’. However, when western civilization finally came to the island, local pronunciation was twisted, meaning that ‘Temah’ turned into ‘Timah.’ Furthermore, during World War II, the Japanese occupied Singapore and made the hill their strategic point.

Despite the fact that the asphalted walkways, paved stairs and recreation spots make the Bukit Timah Reserve look more like a park nowadays; it is still one of the largest areas of the primeval tropical forest in Singapore and strikes with the eye with an amazingly diverse array of plants, animals and insects.

Over 800 species of tropical trees and plants grow on reserve’s territory, which covers some 163 hectares, more flora than on the whole North American continent! Bukit Timah is also home to many animal species, who can live here in their natural environments. In particular, a large population of long-tailed macaques, lemurs and reticulated pythons lives here. Giant butterflies and a whole host of exotic birds (flamingos, toucans, hummingbirds and the like) live near the artificial lake in reserve’s center.

Four pedestrian paths (of different length and difficulty level) and as a bicycle route are laid across the reserve’s territory in order to make the trip through the tropical forest as comfortable as possible. It is better not to leave the paths at all, as this is a real forest, the inhabitants of which are not always cuddly and harmless. It is impossible to get lost in the Bukit Timah however: there are maps that help to guests to locate and orientate themselves at every point. In addition, there are also several special recreation spots. Given the high humidity, high temperature and the trip’s duration, it is recommended to take a bottle of drinking water with you.

Important! It is strictly forbidden to feed the wild monkeys on reserve’s territory. Signposts, installed all around Bukit Timah, remind guests of this.

Average rating
9.13
Ratings: 36
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Reviews
Reviews: 35
ꌅꁲꉣꂑꌚꁴꁲ꒒

Hiking boots

04.04.2022  
0
ady

More people than animals here. ???? If you want to see some wildlife, you’re better of at neighbouring Dairy Farm Nature Park.

29.05.2021  
0
Fairuz

The best hiking spot in Singapore with few difficulties level. The whole place is well kept, and safe. You can enjoy a quick picnic at the summit, but make sure you bring back the trash with you.

10.04.2021  
0

Good to bring your trekking pole as going downward can be a bit more stressed on the knees.

22.11.2020  
0
Cheen

Allow yourself to pause and admire the greenery and wildlife, instead of hurrying to finish the trails

12.10.2020  
0
Cheen

Notice a spring strapped around a tree? It's a Dendrometer, which measures the growth of the tree

10.10.2020  
0
Cheen

According to ForestGEO, a global earth observatory network, this tropical rainforest has 567 species of trees as of 2012. Search online for "Bukit Timah Forest Dynamics Plot"

23.06.2019  
0
Cheen

This forest reserve was declared an ASEAN Heritage Park in 2011. It plays host to over 840 species of flowering plants and over 500 species of fauna. Source: NParks

23.06.2019  
0
Ervin

Stable, safer trails now after reopen. Those who want challenge shld try the dairy farm trail. Not for beginners! :X ^^Can top up water or wash your MTB @ Wallace and Visitor Centre.

24.11.2016  
0
Albert

Good training luv it

28.08.2016  
0
Ben

Steep walk up to the summit, but Very popular and doesn't take too Long. Bit busy if you are looking for a quiet walk

19.06.2016  
0
Tim

Being renovated so most trails are closed

06.09.2015  
0
Torzin S

The trail is very steep and not goid for your ankles, but the environment is very nice with tropical jungle. ANYWAY the highest spot of Singapore is very easy to conquer!

15.04.2015  
0
Goh

A good run x2 plus a good deed done for blood donation charity.

02.06.2014  
0
Zyna

Climbing Bukit Timah Nature Reserve in this morning =] 11/05/2014

11.05.2014  
0
Zyna

Climbing Bukit Timah Nature Reserve in this morning =]

11.05.2014  
0
ChinLee

Nice place to exercise... sunday is more crowded.

23.03.2014  
0
Wotabout City Discovery App

Hold on to those bananas – the monkeys around here can get pretty aggressive!

20.02.2014  
0
Manuela

Great for a hike...though a lot of steps. So be prepared to burn some calories ;-)

03.02.2014  
1
Amit

For a challenging climb start from the dairy farm side and keep taking turning right at every T junction you come across. Wear good hiking boots as it gets quite slippery especially after it rains.

07.10.2013  
0