Step into the nature reserves and journey back in time to the days before Sir Stamford Raffles arrived, when much of the island was covered with lowland, tropical forest. Though much of Singapore's original vegetation had been cleared for logging and cultivation, the forest at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve has remained relatively undisturbed. Likewise, patches of primary rainforest can be seen around the MacRitchie area and Nee Soon Swamp at the Central Catchment Nature Reserve.

These nature reserves bounded 4 reservoirs - namely MacRitchie Reservoir, Lower Peirce Reservoir, Upper Peirce Reservoir and Upper Seletar Reservoir. The nature reserves act as water catchment for the reservoirs, in addition, the nature reserves also ensure the quality of water in the reservoirs.

Other than being storehouses of water, today, Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and Central Catchment Nature Reserve are homes to more than 840 flowering plants and over 500 species of animals (including butterflies). With such an astonishing variety of plants, animals and insect life, the nature reserves are indeed treasure houses of Singapore's biodiversity.

Covering an area of approximately 3,043 hectares, both the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and Central Catchment Nature Reserve are managed by the Central Nature Reserve Branch of the National Parks Board.

Picture courtesy of NParks

Maps, Hiking & Biking Routes

Click here for map of Bukit Timah Nature Reserve.
Click here for map of Kampong Trail.
Click here for map of Mountain Biking Routes
Click here for Trail Etiquette.
Click here for the Parks & Trees Act 2005.
Form for Application to Hike at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve for groups of more than 30

Bukit Timah Nature Reserve Visitor Centre

Begin your forest exploration with an orientation visit at the Visitor Centre. A self-guiding exhibit features essential information about the native flora and fauna of the nature reserves. The Visitor Centre is open from 8.30am to 6.00pm daily.

Here, there are amenities like an information counter, restrooms, telephones, first aid and specialty shop. Car parking is available from 5.30am to 7.30pm daily. However, as lots are limited and the reserve is especially popular on weekends, public transport may be the better alternative.

Bukit Timah Nature Reserve Walking Trails

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

 

Info provided courtesy of NParks