Looking for a place for your next family outing? Why not take them to Bukit Timah Nature Reserve for the best outdoor experience! Be one with nature and enjoy some leisure hiking or biking with the entire family.
Home to many other smaller parks and kid-friendly trails, Bukit Timah Nature Reserve is the place to be for a day full of fun nature activities with the kiddos.
Not only is it one of the oldest parks in the little red dot, it also holds the title for the highest point in Singapore!
Image source: Visiting Singapore website
Bukit Timah Nature Reserve: Important Details You Should Know
Opening hours
Open daily from 7am to 7pm
Location
77 Hindhede Drive, Singapore 589333
Before you visit the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, you can first check safedistparks.nparks.gov.sg to ensure your family’s safety by avoiding crowds. If you’re planning to go on a weekend, be ready for it to get crowded in the middle of the day.
Better keep the puppies at home, because no pets are allowed at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. Keep in mind that the place is also a smoke-free area.
For parents bringing along their little tots, you should also take note that there are no changing tables in the bathrooms within the visitor centre. But other than that, their restroom facilities are fairly nice and clean.
While there are no restaurants within the reserve, you will still find plenty of vending machines to get some snacks and drinks.
There are also face masks and cans of bug spray available here. You can also choose to bring your own food and set out a picnic around the area.
Bukit Timah Nature Reserve: How To Get There
Getting there by bus
There are multiple bus lines that you can take that stop right near Upper Bukit Timah Road and Jalan Anak Bukit. Bus stops 42109 and 42119 are the closest to the visitor centre at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve.
To get there, many buses are available including 67, 75, 170, 171, 184, 852 and 961.
Getting there by MRT
You can also choose to ride the MRT to arrive at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. The closest MRT Stop in the area is Beauty World on the Downtown Line.
You can take Exit A and in about a 10-minute, you would have already reached the visitor centre!
Getting there by car
There is a large carpark at the Nature Reserve, and you can also check safedistparks.nparks.gov.sg whether it is open with available spaces.
Visitors should be informed that the carpark may be closed to allow safe distancing. But you can always check the site for any updates before you kickstart your trip.
Image source: Visiting Singapore website
Playground at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
If you have young children or prefer a less crowded alternative to the summit, head to the playground located within Hindhede Nature Park. Situated at the foot of the hill, next to the visitor centre, this playground offers a variety of climbing structures and an exciting zipline/flying fox.
There are also picnic tables and a spacious grassy area, perfect for letting your little ones burn off some energy. Accessible from the visitor centre, the short paved boardwalk trail takes you on a loop through the rainforest, providing breathtaking views of Hindhede Quarry from the “Look Out Point”. The trail is stroller-friendly, allowing you to enjoy all these attractions with ease.
Kid-Friendly Hiking Trails Around Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
There are many trails to trek through Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and a lot of them are easy to follow since they have been revamped with new steps, boardwalks and rope railings.
According to the map provided by NParks, all these trails range between easy, moderate, and difficult.
But of course, since you will be bringing the kids along, it’s best to stick to the easy ones so that everyone can enjoy the hike. Save the Yellow Dairy Farm loop trail for later and stroll along these paths instead!
This neighbouring park holds beautiful views and an easy hiking trail to follow that your kiddo’s little legs will be able to handle.
The Wallace Trail, in particular, provides an easy yet exciting trekking trail for you and the kids to explore the little jungle within the park.
Avoid the steep slopes Bukit Timah Hill and bring the kids along instead to Hindhese Nature Park that has easy trails and well-defined footpaths to stroll through.
The kids will also be excited to see the playground structures located right at the bottom of the hill next to the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve Visitor Centre.
The Red Trail leads to the summit and is said to be the easiest trail to follow at the reserve. Families with children can enjoy the wildlife and rich ecosystem in the area, as the trail is only 1.3km long.
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The main road up to Bukit Timah Hill
If you planned to visit the reserve for the exact reason of climbing up Bukit Timah Hill, then you can also take the most direct route of the main paved road.
This is 1.3km and will take around 30 to 45 minutes on foot which is perfect for a morning or afternoon stroll with the entire family.
Image source: iStock
Mountain Biking at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
Families who want to explore Bukit Timah Nature Reserve on wheels rather than on foot can follow the Mountain Bike Trail. Not only is it the oldest mountain biking trail in Singapore, but it is also one of the best ways to see most of the forested areas as it snakes through the reserve.
Experience the thrill of mountain biking on the fantastic 7km trail at Bukit Timah, which winds through the secondary forest, past Singapore Quarry, and Dairy Farm Nature Park. Take note, this trail is suitable for advanced riders due to its rough terrain. Beginners should stick to the well-marked offshoots. Keep in mind that only mountain bikes are allowed on this trail – hikers caught on it will face a $200 fine!
Where to Eat at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
While there are no restaurants within Bukit Timah Nature Reserve itself, you’ll find plenty of dining choices nearby at Beauty World, the Rail Mall, and Hillview. For a delightful family brunch experience, Spruce, one of our top recommendations, is just a 15-minute walk or a 5-minute car ride away on Upper Bukit Timah Road.
Image source: Spruce (Hillv2) Facebook page
At the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve visitor centre, you’ll find a selection of vending machines offering drinks, snacks, face masks, and bug spray. Additionally, there are numerous picturesque spots where you can enjoy a picnic, but be cautious of the monkeys!
5 Must-Have Items for a Stylish and Safe Hike in Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
Source: iStock
Are you planning a hike in Bukit Timah Nature Reserve? This beautiful and diverse hiking destination in Singapore offers some of the most stunning and challenging trails in the region.
However, to keep yourself safe, comfortable, and stylish, it’s essential to prepare with the right gear before embarking on your adventure.
From protecting yourself from the sun’s harsh rays to staying hydrated and nourished, there are several must-have items that you should bring for a safe and enjoyable hiking experience in Bukit Timah.
Here, we will share the top five essential items that will help you make the most out of your hike while staying safe and stylish.
So, pack your bags and let’s dive in!
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Sun-Savvy Gear: Pack sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen to stay protected while looking stylish under the harsh Singaporean sun.
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Hydration Station: Bring plenty of water and a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated while reducing waste during your hike in Bukit Timah.
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Snacks on Snacks: Keep your energy levels up with lightweight snacks like trail mix or energy bars while you explore the diverse trails.
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Pack Light, Pack Right: Opt for lightweight essentials such as a rain jacket that doubles as a windbreaker or a scarf that can function as a hat or a towel to keep your pack light and functional.
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Stay Connected: Bring a fully charged phone and a portable charger and let someone know your hiking plans and expected return time in case of an emergency during your hike.
You’ll be fully equipped to take on the trails of Bukit Timah Nature Reserve with style and safety with these must-have items. Happy hiking!
Updates by Matt Doctor
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