Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
4
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This protected rainforest, just 12km away from the city's high-rises, offers hiking and bike trails for observing some of the rarest insect, bird and mammal species in the world.
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Neighbourhood: Bukit Panjang
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.0
430 reviews
Excellent
170
Very good
203
Average
47
Poor
5
Terrible
5
Karen
Singapore, Singapore198 contributions
Mar 2020 • Solo
Went for a 7:30am walk up Bukit Timah Hill ( Singapore's highest peak at 163.63m above sea level) on a cool sunny weekday morning. Fortunately mornings are still cool and breezy this time of the year here. Not that crowded being a weekday but quite a few people were already making their way up to the summit. Not having been here for a while and not being in the fittest of states, I decided to take a slow gentle walk up to the summit, admiring the scenery and enjoying the pristine sounds and sights of a tropical jungle forest as morning sunlight in its yellow-golden beams filtered through the leafy greens and gently lit up the forest part by part. An very enjoyable and easy stroll to the top and managed to work up a light sweat. Quite a few signs along the way up to explain what you’re seeing eg. an old heritage tree or a rare type of plant ( one was only recently discovered and described in 2015!). There is no crowning glorious viewpoint when you reach the summit as there are tall trees all around blocking the surrounding view somewhat. This is a protected nature reserve so I guess they would not cut down any trees here intentionally just to give summit trekkers the reward of a great panoramic view at the top. (So it’s not like the more commercial Mount Faber which is blessed with more fabulous views of urban Singapore).Rested for a while on a bench in the summit hut and enjoyed the wonderful refreshing morning breeze there for 20 minutes before descending. Some people were doing their morning exercises there too. Did not see any monkeys this trip but have seen them quite often in the past. All in a very nice enjoyable morning walk which I would happily do again especially since it is quite close to my residence.
Written March 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andy C
237 contributions
May 2021 • Family
One of the best parks in Singapore. The MTB trails are top 3 in Singapore. They are fairly technical so it would be advisable to start on less difficult terrain if you’re new to MTB (maybe Chestnut South). The hike to the summit on walking trail is great. It’s steep and it’s very smart that Singapore doesn’t allow bicycles. That could be disastrous. The stairs are also pretty steep at the top for the final climb to the radio towers on top. It’s worth the trip up there. You can access from the parking area right at Bukit Tima, or from the Dairy Farm parking area off BKE. Check before you drive there. The parking area at Bukit Tima is often closed due to COVID restrictions. I guess the cars in the parking area could spread COVID if allowed to park there. 🙄
Written July 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MeMbro
Bristol, UK862 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
The walk is nice, not too difficult, and we’ll signposted. It’s nice to get out of Singapore city centre and break some fresh air surrounded by nature, but the walk itself is a bit boring. I’ve seen no monkey or other wild animals. I couldn’t complete the loop leading to Singapore Quarry, which may have affected my rating of this attraction.
Written July 15, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mellieann
Thornhill, Canada288 contributions
Jan 2020
I’ve done Bukit Timah two days in a row. Yesterday was a public holiday so it was packed, finding a parking spot was a lesson in patience. My friend does this walk several times a week and she said she normally avoids weekends and pholidays.
The park is well marked and in very good shape. Lots of signage and points to stop, some with shelter and seats. The steep hill is definitely more than 45 degrees in slope, maybe even 60? That’s why a lot of locals walk downhill backwards as it’s supposed to be easier on your joints but I did experience a bit of dizziness when I tried it. Otherwise, descend in a zigzag path to decrease the steepness of your path.
Like I said earlier, bring a face cloth so you can mop your brow, and wipe yourself down when you’re done. Change into a fresh top and hydrate yourself. There are taps for cleaning muddy shoes by the toilets, as well as water dispensers to fill up your bottle. Expect to spend at least 2 hours here unless you’re a seasoned marathon runner.
The park is well marked and in very good shape. Lots of signage and points to stop, some with shelter and seats. The steep hill is definitely more than 45 degrees in slope, maybe even 60? That’s why a lot of locals walk downhill backwards as it’s supposed to be easier on your joints but I did experience a bit of dizziness when I tried it. Otherwise, descend in a zigzag path to decrease the steepness of your path.
Like I said earlier, bring a face cloth so you can mop your brow, and wipe yourself down when you’re done. Change into a fresh top and hydrate yourself. There are taps for cleaning muddy shoes by the toilets, as well as water dispensers to fill up your bottle. Expect to spend at least 2 hours here unless you’re a seasoned marathon runner.
Written January 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wesleywaisiu
Singapore, Singapore2,200 contributions
Aug 2020 • Solo
The famous Bukit Timah trail is always crowded. The trail is quite steep in the beginning. Not easy if you have kids. The summit is just less than 200 m, quite easy to reach. There are a few paths there, the rock path was closed due to the fallen tree. But overall the place is quite small and can easily finish explore the whole place if you don’t walk to dairy farm area.
Written August 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mikel Syia
Singapore, Singapore25 contributions
Aug 2019
I really love this place to go for a walk and to see the beautiful nature in Singapore.
It's really fun especially together with your friends or family . Please bring water to hydrate. What a great spot!
It's really fun especially together with your friends or family . Please bring water to hydrate. What a great spot!
Written May 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julia1306
Sydney, Australia38 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
The highest natural point in Singapore, at approximately 163 meters high, will give you an opportunity to enjoy beautiful tropical forest. The entrance is free of charge for everyone. Beautiful, well established picturesque trails, monkeys (yes, we did see them), birds... and yet, very quiet. The walk towards the highest point is a bit steep. I suggest you go when the weather is a bit rainy and cooler, as it might be hard to climb the road if it's too hot.
Written May 17, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
eVe 🇸🇬🇸🇬🇸🇬
Singapore, Singapore1,268 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
After a hiatus of more than a year and also due to the closure of Dairy Farm Loop, we hiked the Dairy Farm Loop today. The Devils' Stairs is reopened since April 2023. I was struggling up the steps due a recent leg injury but made it nonetheless. The next challenge was the 184 steps. Did it but had to stop for rest along the way.
The Dairy Farm Loop is shown as "Difficult" but for the very fit, it will be easy. Those who exercise regularly will find it a moderate workout.
MRT - Beauty World Station. Walk about 700m to reach the reserve.
The Dairy Farm Loop is shown as "Difficult" but for the very fit, it will be easy. Those who exercise regularly will find it a moderate workout.
MRT - Beauty World Station. Walk about 700m to reach the reserve.
Written August 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kini68
Christchurch, New Zealand315 contributions
May 2024 • Solo
I had planned to go to the visitor centre and walk to the Hindhede Quarry. But arriving at Beaty World Station there is no signage or help to find where you are going. I crossed over the motorway and started walking on the rail corridor, as suggested by locals who I asked for directions, but completely missed any turnoff to get onto those Bukit trails. Again, there is no directional help to assist. So I just ended up walking the rail corridor to the next MRT station of Hillview. That was a nice walk (although long), but it just wasn’t what I had planned at all. I would suggest taking a taxi to drop you off right at the visitor centre.
Written May 13, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KGB777
Singapore, Singapore41,326 contributions
Mar 2020
I came here twice in March 2020 for some hiking. Both times it was very busy, with the car park nearly full and people everywhere. A steep climb up to the highest point in SIngapore, but good exercise and a few interesting trails to explore.
Written June 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Definitely! But better go with a friend in case you have trouble with the steep slope and need help
Written July 9, 2019
Hello Paula How may I arrive at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve by public transport please? Thank you
Written January 13, 2019
There are plenty of buses to upper Bukit timah road outside hindhede drive, which is the main road leading to the park. The nearest subway station is beauty world, also walkable from there to park entrance
Written January 13, 2019
Hi, would this be a suitable place for walking my dogs in ( leads obviously). ? Thanks.
Written August 31, 2018
This is what stated at the NParks website:
Keep our nature reserves a safe haven for our native biodiversity. Dogs are known to scent mark places they visit thus affecting the movement of native animals and they may also bark at or otherwise harass native animals found within the reserves. Do not bring dogs to these nature reserves and parks: Central Catchment Nature Reserve, Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, Kranji Marshes, Labrador Nature Reserve, Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Upper Peirce Reservoir Park, Upper Seletar Reservoir Park, Sungei Buloh Wetlands Extension Park, Windsor Nature Park and all trails leading into the nature reserves, including trails in MacRitchie and Lower Peirce trail, the Upper Peirce Reservoir Park access road, the pipeline at Bukit Timah, the Bukit Timah Mountain Biking Trail and the Chestnut-Gangsa Biking Trail.
Written September 1, 2018
Hi all, so glad to read that Bukit Timah Nature Reserve has reopened. We first visited in 1990 and had planned to return on our last holiday but it was closed, we are coming back to Singapore next year so have put it back on our list of *things to do". I was hoping to get some pointer please to help our visit run smoothly i.e what is the best point to enter the park , which route to take etc. We are in our late 40's / 50's and can manage a good 2/3 hr walk, Many thanks
Written October 30, 2016
Take the original route from Hindhede Drive (Off Upper Bukit Timah Road). Most of the walking will be on slope. The first will be the steepest. Overcome it the rest should be fine. After the first slope will be a little rest pavilion.
After the second rest pavilion, will be about 80-100 steps awaiting just do it slowly keeping yo one sife. it should be fine. After the stairs it will be the summit.
A pair of comfortable walking shoes and bottle of water needed. Park opens on Saturday, Sunday and local public holidays only. Park closed at 5pm. Best to start the climb at about 9am.
Written October 30, 2016
Charles you apparently posted to wrong park , your pictures tell us you were at bukit batok..and not Bukit Timah reserve where it s closed till 2016.
Please alert TA yourself, Bukit Batok is not bad but not tough enough for season hikers or nature watchers wanting primary jungles and see giant native trees
Written March 15, 2015
lyly21251407
Saint-Ouen-l'Aumone, France
quelle est la meilleur section de l'hotel car j'ai cru comprendre qui il y a le sirena ou le corail ca veux dire quoi merci
Written February 25, 2015
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