The Bukit Timah Nature Reserve in Singapore is one of the country’s premiere destinations. Well preserved, the forest is home to different kinds of species.
Location and How to Get to This Specific Site
The forest reserve is just 12 km from the center of the city. Wherever you are in the city, you should be able to find the site easily. You can rent a car or use public transportation to bring you to the forest reserve.
What to See There
Singapore’s highest hill is in the reserve, reaching a height of 163 m. There are also a variety of plants in the area. There are more than 830 flowering plants in the site. More than 500 animal species can be found as well.
Rattans (or climbing palms) can be seen. Gingers, orchids and ferns are plentiful. Blooms like the Bat and Black Lily are all around. Some of the animals you will see are the bulbuls, drongos and Fairy bluebird. Carpenter bees and millipedes also abound. You can also find different insects and birds.
Other attractions in the park include an abandoned quarry which has been transformed to a play area. Visitors can also have picnics there. The reserve also has plenty of rock climbing sites.
History
The reserve was established in 1883. It wasn’t until 1951 that the protected area was expanded. “Timah” is the Malay word for tin. However, the area was better known for its tigers rather than tin. During the early 1900s, the place was utilized for quarrying.
Cost
There is no entrance fee to the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. Park your car in the car park. It is open from 5:30 in the morning until 7:30 pm everyday. Never park by the roadside; you will be fined.
Other Info
There are several trails. Route 1 (45 min) is easy, as is Route 2 (35 min). Route 3 takes a couple of hours to finish and is moderately hard. Route 4 is the hardest. The Kampong Trail takes you to MacRitchie Reservoir. It is also easy.
You should begin the trip by going to the Visitor Center. It will provide information, photos and displays about the reserve. For first time visitors, a guide will come in handy.
The Bukit Timah Nature Reserve has areas for strolling and running. There are also some trails designed especially for mountain bike riders. The reserve is also suitable for mountain climbers.
