Bukit Timah Nature Reserve

Why it is on the list

Bukit Timah is Singapore's first forest reserve and one of the few patches of primary rainforest left on the island: 163 hectares on the country's highest natural point, and one of its two ASEAN Heritage Parks.¹² It holds over 1,240 species of plants, over 140 of birds and over 30 of mammals, among them the Malayan colugo, and a Sereya 60 m tall, the tallest rainforest tree in Singapore.²¹ It has been protected since 1883 and was declared an ASEAN Heritage Park on 18 October 2011.³ The Eco-Link@BKE, Southeast Asia's first ecological bridge, carries wildlife across the expressway to the Central Catchment forest.¹

It is the wrong choice for a day by the sea or for anyone who cannot manage slopes and stairs: the trails climb, and only the areas around the exhibition halls and toilets take a wheelchair.¹⁴ For the coast, take Sisters' Islands Marine Park instead.

How to get it

The reserve is open from 7am to 7pm and entry is free; the entrance is at the end of Hindhede Drive, the nearest station is Beauty World MRT, and the car park by the visitor centre has 83 spaces, with parking fees.¹ Four trails start at the visitor centre: Route 1 is the most direct way to the summit, 1.2 km on the main road; Route 3 takes the South View and Cave paths, 1.8 km; Route 4 adds the Dairy Farm loop, 3 km.²

For a guide, register for NParks' free Nature Appreciation Walk: about an hour on the South View Path, meeting at the mapboard at the visitor centre at 9.30am on its scheduled Saturdays.⁴ Registration closes six days before the walk or when it is full, and a confirmation email arrives at least five days before; children aged 5 to 16 come with a parent.⁴ Questions go to NParks_BTNR@nparks.gov.sg.⁴ NParks has posted notice of demolition works at the summit.¹

Discretion

A group of more than 30 people needs an NParks permit, applied for at least a month ahead.¹ Pets are not allowed, and walkers stay on the trails and keep their distance from wildlife.¹²