- Established 1883
- First nature reserve in Singapore
- Protection of Nature Reserve Ordinance, 1951 (National Parks Acts)
- Meaning of Bukit: Hill
- Meaning of Timah: variation of Timak tree found
- Converted to nature reserve to preserve wildlife in Singapore
- Contains more tree species than the whole of North America
- Oldest tree: 400 year-old Seraya (Shorea curtisii) Tree found there
- Singapore's highest natural point, 164 hectare
- Largest patch of primary rainforest left
- Over 840 flowering plants and 500 species of animals available
Ann Gie : Wow! That is a lot of species.
Isaac: Singapore's Nature Reserve can even beat the whole North America in tree species.
Reasons why it is a MUST to visit:
- One of the most well-preserved nature parks
- Walking along the trail enables one to view the flora and fauna and enjoy the nature aspect of Singapore - Spectacular view of Singapore at the highest point
- Gain knowledge
- Be knowledgeable about some of the rarest tree species. Besides that, one can have close contact with the animals like the monkeys and squirrels. - Have fun
- It is not only about walking the trail and looking at the tree and animal species, it is also about taking a day off to relax and escaping from the hectic lifestyles. Besides, there are nice shady areas where you can one can have picnics with friends.
Operating hours:
6am-7pm Mon to Sun & Public Holidays
How to get there:
- Take MRT to Newton Station
- Take SMRT Bus 171 from the left exit of the MRT station
- Takes around 19 stops
- 10 minutes walk from there
- Pass through a tunnel-like pathway and you're getting close!
Things that can be done:
- Family Day (children play corner is available)
- View species flora and Fauna
- Wildlife like moneys and squirrels
- Quarry sightseeing
Getting around:
- Hike
- Bike
-------------------------------------------------------------
Members present: Ann Gie, Siyi, Silvia, Vicky
(Wan Shi was unable to be present due to health conditions, Isaac due to prior commitment)
Time check: 8.45 AM
We met up to take the train to Newton Station from Tampines. The trip was pretty fast but troublesome as we had to transfer train at City Hall Station. We had a great Girl's talk on the way to kill time. It only took around 25 minutes to get to City Hall! It was considered crowded for a Saturday morning. After all, as the saying goes: Early bird catches the worm. Let's hope we will catch some great ones!
Siyi: Poor Wan Shi, take care!
Ann Gie: Yay. Let go catch some worms!
Silvia: I would like to, but Ann Gie... we are not birds :P
Isaac: Newton has great food too!
Vicky: Only if isaac is here.... HAHA
Time check: 9.20AM
We had a hasty breakfast at 7-Eleven first to fill our empty stomachs.
N.B: Don't go with an empty stomach, it's a long hike!
Silvia: The noodles we had at the 7-Eleven was great!
Isaac: The proccessed ones are not good my dear friend.
Vicky: BUT MY BUN ARE BETTER
Time check: 10.10AM
We have reached our destination's bus stop! It is opposite Beauty World Centre and Bukit Timah Shopping Centre. Look out for these two places, as it can be a hassle if you missed the stop.
Siyi: It was all thanks to the kind bus driver who reminded us of our stop! Should we send him a compliment card?
Vicky: I was snoring all the way.
Wanshi: Wow! It was kind of the driver as nowadays, hardly any bus drivers would care whether the passengers get to their destination. Good service!
Time check: 10.20AM
Finally, we arrived at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve! We saw a group of students having an educational tour. This reminded us of the good old days when we were bought here for educational tours. The Visitor Centre is right ahead of the entrance, providing convenience to its visitors. There is also an Information Counter for visitors' enquiries. You can get a map from the counter to help guide you along the way. There is a free guided walk on every 3rd Saturday of the month - A walk in an ancient forest. There are many notice boards providing general information of the reserve and lockers are also available for usage.
Do you know that the last tiger was shot on 26 October 1930?!
There is an exhibition hall on the second floor of the Visitor Centre. More detailed information is provided here. There are stuffed tigers that look so real that you think you are seeing things! Here's an interesting fact: The bats are saviours of durians!
Ann Gie: The hall have many interesting facts, I recommend everyone to go there.
Silvia: The bats are my saviours too! Because I love to eat durians. :D
Isaac: Hohoho, Siyi so cool in shades.
A kiosk is also available. Almost anything can be found, from drinks to Singapore postcards and all the way to hiking and biking equipments.
Siyi: Okay, let's quit enjoying the aircon here, we need to start our hike before it gets dark.
Silvia: I am most willing to, but I don't know who is the one who can't bear to do so.
Siyi: I bet everyone can't bear to!
Vicky: How I hope that I can stay there throughout the whole journey
Time check: 10.45AM
Bukit Timah Nature Reserve has a total of 4 trails, each differentiated by its individual colour - Red, Blue, Green, and Yellow. These trails all differ in the type of routes and time required to reach the highest point also the common destination - Summit hut.
- Route 1 (Red) 45mins - Easy
- Route 2 (Blue) 35mins - Easy, forest path, past caves used by Japanese soldiers in World War II
- Route 3 (Green) 1-2hrs - Moderate to difficult
- Route 4 (Yellow) 2hrs - Difficult
Colour codes are provided along the routes to provide convenience and a sense of direction for the hikers. We decided to head for the Green route as it is one of the more challenging route. It was a rocky route, unstable and filled with stems. However, the bright side is the natural view and shade provided by the masses of trees which block us from the humid and scorching weather.
Wanshi: This is something really interesting as it empathise with the visitors and allow them to choose which route they want to take.
Isaac: I vote route Yellow!
Time check: 10.55AM
Here's one of the highlights for the day. There was a stairway ahead of us and Silvia was tricked by Vicky about the wishing stairs. It was said that if one could reach the 30th stair, a wish will be granted. Gullible Silvia went for it and realised that there were 43 stairs. The morale behind this highlight: Never believe the story about the 30th stair!
Siyi: Silvia, never believe in Vicky again! : D
Ann Gie: Siyi is right. All of us should do our part to keep Mother Earth healthy as when she dies so will we.
Silvia: This reminds me of the movie 2012. Are we all really going to die on that day?
Vicky: Only you.
Siyi: Totally agree!
Be really careful in the Green route! It is quite dangerous if you don't watch your steps as you never know what's on the ground that has the 'potential' to hurt you. Another thing worth mentioning is the ropes along the stairways to assist hikers to move up. The Green route is not recommended for children without parents' supervision.
Silvia: So do not play around as it is easy to trip and fall if you are not careful.
Isaac: That's scary.
Vicky: Who is the one who was playing around?!
Along the route, you can see signs showing 'Do your bit for Nature'. The reserve hopes to guide and educate its hikers the importance of this piece of natural heritage and the need to conserve the environment.
Time check: 11.05AM
We finally saw a glimpse of light! After the tired hike for the past 20 minutes, we have reached the first rest stop - North view hut. It provides a place for hikers to take a short rest before continuing on. As the saying goes: Resting is for the longer journey ahead. It may seem that we are really weak as it was only a 20 minutes hike, but believe me, it was tiring! Due to the dangerous and unstable route, we had to be careful of every step.
Siyi: I need a long rest and some glucose, I'm dehydrating!
Silvia: That's the reason why I brought sweets! :D
Isaac: Isotonic drinks work best! =)
Vicky: I was dead mentally.
The stairs were even scarier now, they were shaky! But one thing that we were blessed was that there were little mosquitoes. Remember how many bites we got from the ones at Pulau Ubin! It seemed like we still had a really long journey ahead. On the way, we saw a mysterious cave with light coming out and water dripping sounds. We believed that they must be the caves used by the Japanese soldiers during the World War II. If we had taken the Blue route, we could have seen more of these caves.
The second highlight of the trip - Komodo dragon. Trust me, it was huge! We had a great time shooting pictures and taking videos. Many other hikers were also fascinated by the scene as you do not get to see a Komodo dragon every day.
Time check: 11.20AM
The Summit hut is still far ahead. Vicky's theory relieved us of our tiredness for a few moments. Let's take a short break by sharing it. We saw tree branches that hung in a peculiar and dangerous way. Vicky came with the idea that it was the 'Human trapping gear' of the reserve. It is used to trap hikers between the heights of 1.5-1.8m. We saw another similar one in front, gaining it a new nickname- The leg and head trap. You could have missed the leg trap but ahead waiting to ambush you is the head trap, beware!
Time check: 11.30AM
The second glimpse of light was seen! We have reached the Catchment hut, signifying that 2 third of the route was covered. We have reached the main route which linked us together with the hikers who took the Red and Yellow routes. It is a two-way traffic so be careful as there might be bicycles ahead. We were very tired but the flora and fauna around were not to be neglected.
Siyi: There's really a diversity of plants here, I can never see enough of them.
Time check: 11.45AM
We have reached the Summit hut! It is the highest point of Singapore, 164 hectare. The view up there was really magnificent. It is a indescribable feeling. Only those who made it would understand. It was a tiresome but a fruitful trip. There were many hikers up there, from different nationalities. There were people from China, French and other European countries. The main icon of the Summit hut should be this big stone, which shows the height of the reserve. It also serves another purpose - a photo taking spot. We believed all those that came to the reserve so far would definitely snap a picture as part of a precious memory. We had a great number of shots as well, not wanting to waste our trip.
Silvia: The wonderful view at the summit makes it worth the trip.
Isaac: Wish I was there.
Vicky: That is the another moment that I want to stay there throughout the trip (again)
N.B: It is a MUST to wear covered shoes. Slippers can cause cuts and injuries!
The monkeys in the reserve are known to be really 'mischievous'. There were records mentioning that the monkeys would snatch the items from hikers. Therefore, never hold on to something flashy or something that will catch their attention! There were visitors that were holding on a bunch of bananas. The main thing - there was a monkey around! It was looking at the bananas that the visitors were eating. We warned them about it but they did not bother at all. We found it weird and surprising, and this could be the reason that led to monkeys daring to snatch things from the visitors. The visitors don't seem to care at all. Maybe it is time that the reserve teaches the visitors on the danger that they are bringing to themselves.
Siyi: It's really scary, we never know when they will strike!
Ann Gie: By the way, the public is not allow to feed the monkeys. So, no feeding!
Silvia: Feeding a monkey will attract more monkeys and you definitely do not want such things to happen.
Isaac: Monkey see, Monkey do.
Vicky: Silvia, stop feeding your friends. Calm them please.
Time check: 12.15PM
We left the Summit hut for other attractions. What is so special about the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve rainforest? There is a diversity of species! Here was an amazing sight that we saw; a bush with white leaves!
The back trip was really relaxing. This is also the opportunity for visitors to really observe the flora and fauna. Remember, it is important not to leave a trace behind! Beware of the hissing snakes that may be hiding in the grasses. There are rules the reserve have for the visitors to follow if they do encounter the hissing snakes. Should I say that it was a pity that we did not see any hissing snakes, or was that a blessing?
Ann Gie : Blessing!
Silvia: No, it's a pity. I really wish to see more wildlife.Wanshi: Silvia, look into the mirror and you will find one!:P
We found a huge tree trunk when walking down the steep slope. It was really gigantic! Do you know that Gutta Percha; the sap for the tree is used to make golf balls!
Silvia: Hmm, I wonder how much sap is needed to make a golf ball.
Wanshi: Golf ball made from sap?!
Time check: 12.50PM
Back at the Visitor Centre! The trip back was much easier, that's always how things are isn't it? On the way, we met the educational tour students again, what affinity we have! One thing that we feel that can be improved about the reserve is there were no vending machines. It may be that they were afraid that visitors might litter, but there may be times when visitors run out of water supply.
We found a cool place - Children's play corner. There are picnic areas there; we saw a family of monkeys. The little monkeys were really cute!
Silvia: But still we do not dare to go near it. You never know if they will attack.
Siyi: That's true though, it's hard to believe that they will attack humans.
Vicky: Silvia, I thought you straight away went in the children's play corner ?!
That area was considered heaven for children, there were playground, fitness station and play site. We saw the magnificent slides! It was the fastest way to get down, it really seemed fun. Ann Gie, Silvia and I stayed there for awhile, recalling our childhood times! Vicky was taking a nap at the other end .
Siyi: Silvia, stop playing man! You are a big kid already!
Silvia: Really? Oh man, I'm already 17! :(Vicky: Yes. BIG KID.
Time check: 1.15PM
The Hindhede quarry! It was a gorgeous sight! It was really worth the whole trip there. All nature lovers should really see this sight! It is a great spot for photo taking and to leave memorable footsteps.
Silvia: As the saying goes "Take nothing but photographs, leave nothing but footsteps". We should really treasure what we have now, before it is gone.
Isaac: I agree fully with you. Nature is being damaged every single day.
Vicky: Before 2012?
There were cultivated species there. There was a special species called waxy leaves. It was as though it was glazed with a layer of wax!
Time check: 1.30PM
Time to head off for lunch!
Siyi: I'm so hungry!
Silvia: Me too! Can't remember when I'm full :PVicky: What did we eat?
Time check: 2.10PM
Looking at the time, you can really see how long it took us to hike through the reserves . This timing was inclusive of our indecisive character- being fickle-minded and can not make up our minds which restaurant we want. We finally chose a restaurant right at the end of the row. It was great food, service and pricing! It only took us $4.80 for a meal, with a drink and a dessert. It was corn pudding for dessert. It was so nice that we simply needed another one for full satisfaction. The crew was so nice that he offered us another one for free! That was 4 free puddings as everyone got an additional one!
Silvia: Wow! A look at the pudding reminded me of the wonderful taste of it. How I wish they were for sale.
Vicky: Yes )):
Overall satisfaction level: * * * * *
That's about it, check out our next location - Butterfly Park!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What we have not done:
- Biking through the bikers trail
- Going through the red,blue and yellow routes
- Going to the tree-top view near McRitchie reservoir as initially planned to
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Itinerary:
0900: Setting off time
0940: Reached Newton Station
1010: Reached Bus stop nearest to Bukit Timah on Bus 171
1020: Reached Bukit Timah with the 10 minutes walk
1100: Set off for the routes after visiting the visitor centre with the exhibition hall as the highlight on level 2. Drinks and other required items can be bought from the kiosk beside the hall
* Go for the Green-route (1-2hrs - moderate difficult) Take note that timing for each coloured route differs.
0100: Approximate arrival time at the Summit Hut with all the rest-stops and viewing of flora and fauna.
0130: Make your way back after taking a rest at the summit, taking pictures and enjoying the scenery.
0210: Arrive back at the Visitor Centre.
0230: Arriving at the Children's play corner. Great spot for children as well as adults. Playground, fitness corner, benches, picnic tables all available here.
0300: Reach the Hindhede Quarry, the highlight of the day. Take the opportunity to view the magnificent sight of nature and remember to take down some wonderful pictures with loved-ones and friends.
0315: Head off for lunch. Just walk back to the place where you alighted from the bus stop. There are many eateries there for one to choose from and of affordable prices as well.
0400: Approximate time to finish lunch. Take bus 67 to go back to areas in the east side. There are other buses available and sign boards to see which buses bring you to your destination.
* Take note that all timings are estimated, inclusion of resting, viewing of flora and fauna time.
