Bukit Timah Nature ReserveA mere 12km from the city centre is this pristine 164ha rainforest. The Reserve also includes Singapore's highest hill (163m).
Singapore's oldest primary rainforest
The forest was never extensively cleared for cultivation and shelters a vast variety of plants. Bukit Timah was declared by Alfred Russel Wallace to be 'exceedingly productive'. Indeed, species new to science continue to be discovered here, even today!
The forest was never extensively cleared for cultivation and shelters a vast variety of plants. Bukit Timah was declared by Alfred Russel Wallace to be 'exceedingly productive'. Indeed, species new to science continue to be discovered here, even today!
The Bukit Timah and Central Catchment nature reserves are home to more than 840 flowering plants and over 500 species of animals. These include towering trees, climbing palms (better known as rattans), ferns, orchids, gingers and strange blooms such as the Black or Bat lily. The forest is home to all kinds of animals. The most commonly encountered are the Long-tailed Macaques or monkeys. Please don't feed them as this does them more harm than good. Other special treats are the Flying lemur (Colugo) and squirrels. Forest birds include the Striped tit-babbler, the Fairy bluebird, drongos and bulbuls.
Begin your visit at the outstanding Visitor Centre which has fascinating specimens, displays and photos about this wondrous forest.
The main trails in the Reserve
Route 1 (Red) 45 mins, trail grade: Easy
Route 2 (Blue) 35 mins, trail grade: Easy
Route 3 (Green) 1-2 hours, trail grade: Moderate to difficult
Route 4 (Yellow) 2 hrs, trail grade: Difficult
Kampong Trail (which leads to MacRitchie Reservoir) 1.5 hrs, trail grade: Easy
Check the NParks website for latest status of trails. Trails are sometimes affected by landslides, tree falls or other developments.
Parking at the Reserve: The Reserve is very popular, so parking can be a nightmare at peak hours especially on weekends. For a hassle free visit, simply park at Beauty World which has an overhead pedestrian crossing leading directly out of the carpark. Don't park illegally along the roadsides, you will surely be fined! The carpark is open from 5.30 am to 7.30 pm daily
Let a guide really show you the forest!
Going on a tour with a volunteer guide is the best way to see and learn more about this special forest. There is a free monthly guided walk of the South View trail.
Other attractions near the Reserve
An abandoned quarry has been developed into the Hindhede Nature Park which is now a picnic and play area for families. Here's a quick look at the Park
Mountain biking trail
Although biking is not permitted within the Reserve, there is a 6km mountain biking trail around the Reserve's boundary which takes about 30min-1hr to complete, trail grade moderate to difficult. Hikers please do not use the biking trail. Bikers are not allowed to ride inside reserves. Some details on Mountain Biking in Singapore; bikers play a role in maintaining this trail, see the Singapore Amateur Cycling Association website.
Although biking is not permitted within the Reserve, there is a 6km mountain biking trail around the Reserve's boundary which takes about 30min-1hr to complete, trail grade moderate to difficult. Hikers please do not use the biking trail. Bikers are not allowed to ride inside reserves. Some details on Mountain Biking in Singapore; bikers play a role in maintaining this trail, see the Singapore Amateur Cycling Association website.
Rock climbing
At the Reserve boundary, there are also some popular rock climbing sites. More details at Natural Climbing Sites website
History of Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
Bukit Timah was one of the first reserves established in 1883. All the reserves were worked for timber except for Bukit Timah. In 1951, the reserve was further protected by legislation and is now adminstered by NParks.
The origin of its name is puzzling; 'Timah' means 'tin' in Malay but the area was never a tin-producing one. It was better known to early colonials as a tiger-infested area which few dared to visit. The hill is actually mainly and it was once an active quarrying site in the mid-1900s.
Central Catchment Nature Reserve- MacRitchie
History
Before the early 19th century, most of the island was covered in lowland, dipterocarp, primary forest. Between 1820 and 1870, a substantial portion of virgin forest was cleared to develop the island as an important trading post. Prior to this, many Chinese planters had also worked the land for timber and the cultivation of crops like gambier, pepper and rubber. By 1886, only 10% of the original forest cover remained.
Before the early 19th century, most of the island was covered in lowland, dipterocarp, primary forest. Between 1820 and 1870, a substantial portion of virgin forest was cleared to develop the island as an important trading post. Prior to this, many Chinese planters had also worked the land for timber and the cultivation of crops like gambier, pepper and rubber. By 1886, only 10% of the original forest cover remained.
The development of MacRitchie Reservoir (then known as the Impounding Reservoir) in 1868 brought the forest devastation around the area to a halt. The forest around the reservoir was protected as a water catchment reserve. The forests surrounding the other two reservoirs, Peirce and Seletar, were also protected when these reservoirs were developed later.
Attractions
Over 100 ha of primary forest still flourish in the Central Catchment Nature Reserve today, particularly around MacRitchie. Rubber trees, remnants of the plantations there in the 19th century, can still be seen along the fringes around MacRitchie.
Over 100 ha of primary forest still flourish in the Central Catchment Nature Reserve today, particularly around MacRitchie. Rubber trees, remnants of the plantations there in the 19th century, can still be seen along the fringes around MacRitchie.
You'll find boardwalks skirting the edge of the scenic MacRitchie Reservoir and walking trails through the forest. They range in distances from 3 km to 11 km, allowing nature lovers to experience as much or even as little of the nature reserves as they like. Interpretative signboards along the boardwalks reveal the mysteries of nature and allow for a self-guided tour along the fringes of the MacRitchie forest.
Nature Trivia
Do you know that chestnut trees can be found right here in our forest? Look out for the majestic Castanopsis schefferiana along the boardwalk at MacRitchie
Nature Trivia
Do you know that chestnut trees can be found right here in our forest? Look out for the majestic Castanopsis schefferiana along the boardwalk at MacRitchie
Central Catchment Nature Reserve- Upper and Lower Peirce
HistoryPeirce Reservoir, originally named the Kalang River Reservoir, is Singapore's second reservoir. It was impounded across the lower reaches of the Kalang River in 1910. Following the development of Peirce Reservoir, the forest surrounding the reservoir was protected as a water catchment reserve. Much of this forest along the northern shore of what is now known as Upper Peirce used to be thriving gambier and pepper plantations in the late 19th century.
In 1922, Kalang River Reservoir was renamed Peirce Reservoir in commendation of the services of Mr Robert Peirce, who was the municipal engineer of Singapore from 1901-1916. In 1975, a major water supply project to develop new water resources was undertaken to support Singapore's rapid housing and industrialisation programmes. A dam was constructed at the upper reaches of the Peirce Reservoir, forming the Upper Peirce and Lower Peirce reservoirs.
Attractions
Lower Peirce and Upper Peirce reservoir parks are idyllic spots for a quiet picnic, or simply to relax and enjoy the parks' tranquil beauty, away form the hustle and bustle of the city.
Lower Peirce and Upper Peirce reservoir parks are idyllic spots for a quiet picnic, or simply to relax and enjoy the parks' tranquil beauty, away form the hustle and bustle of the city.
The Lower Peirce Trail is a 900m boardwalk that takes you through mature secondary forest. This forest forms part of the Central Catchment Nature Reserve and covers an area of about 2,000 hectares. Many of the trees you see around you are over a hundred years old. These trees were once cleared for the cultivation of rubber in the 1930s. Natural regeneration over the years has seen some of the original forest species recolonising, but it would take hundreds of years for the richness of a primary forest to form again.
Interpretative signboards along the boardwalk reveal the mysteries of nature and allow for a self-guided tour along the fringes of the Lower Peirce forest.
The 6ha Upper Peirce Reservoir Park overlooks the scenic Upper Peirce Reservoir and is an ideal spot for a family picnic or quiet reflection. It has recently been redeveloped to provide additional car park lots, a new toilet block and shelters.
Nature Trivia
Do you know that nearly 25% of the world's pharmaceutical products come from tropical rainforests? In Southeast Asia, traditional healers are able to recognise and use around 6,500 plants that have medicinal properties
Singapore Botanic Gardens
Singapore Botanic Gardens
Sir Stamford Raffles established the first Botanic Gardens in Singapore in 1822 along the slopes of Fort Canning Hill. With Nathaniel Wallich as the first superintendent of the gardens, plants indigenous to Singapore were cultivated and their suitability as cash crops evaluated. This government effort saw the closure of the experimental gardens in 1829. A public effort followed between 1836 to 1846 which saw a seven acre plot at the foot of Fort Canning Hill being cultivated. Only in 1859 were the grounds at Tanglin, where currently the Botanic Gardens stand, given for the development of a public garden.
Early History
The first Botanic Gardens, initiated by Raffles, was located on the slopes of Government Hill (now known as Fort Canning Hill). Its purpose then was the experimental cultivation of plants, such as nutmeg and clove, to evaluate their economic value and suitability as cash crops. It occupied 58 acres and was supervised by Nathanial Wallich (Dr), a Danish surgeon and naturalist who had previously been the Superintendent of the Royal Gardens in Calcutta. However, it proved to be too expensive to upkeep and was abandoned in June 1829.
Public Effort
On 24 May 1836, the Agricultural and Horticultural Society was formed and one of its initial action was to call for the government of that day to encourage agriculture and its development. This appeal led to a grant of seven acres of land around the foot of Fort Canning Hill. However, by 1846, the society became defunct.
At Tanglin
The present Botanic Gardens, located in Tanglin district, was set-up by a revived Agri-Horticultural Society in 1859. The 23-ha plot was acquired from Hoo Ah Kay (Whampoa), an influential businessman. Lawrence Niven, a supervisor of an adjoining nutmeg plantation was enlisted to develop the area into a pleasure garden. Roads, terraces and a bandstand were constructed in the Gardens. Almost the entire original layout designed 142 years ago remains today. The Gardens expanded with the acquisition of additional surrounding land. A zoo was added to attract more visitors. The role of the Gardens then was mostly recreational. Growing financial difficulties finally forced the management of the Botanic Gardens to be handed over to the Colonial Government In 1874.
The present Botanic Gardens, located in Tanglin district, was set-up by a revived Agri-Horticultural Society in 1859. The 23-ha plot was acquired from Hoo Ah Kay (Whampoa), an influential businessman. Lawrence Niven, a supervisor of an adjoining nutmeg plantation was enlisted to develop the area into a pleasure garden. Roads, terraces and a bandstand were constructed in the Gardens. Almost the entire original layout designed 142 years ago remains today. The Gardens expanded with the acquisition of additional surrounding land. A zoo was added to attract more visitors. The role of the Gardens then was mostly recreational. Growing financial difficulties finally forced the management of the Botanic Gardens to be handed over to the Colonial Government In 1874.
The Gardens assumed a more scientific and economic role with the appointment of Kew-trained botanists and horticulturists as administrators of the grounds. Under their directorships, the Botanic Gardens was again tasked with the study of new plant species for commercial exploitation; and also with hybridising experimentation, especially with orchids. Thus, the Gardens became well known for introducing and promoting many plants of economic value to Southeast Asia, especially the Para rubber tree by Henry Ridley, the father of the region's rubber industry; and the hybrid orchid.
During the 1970s and 1980s, the role of the Gardens was geared more towards satisfying the recreational needs of Singaporeans. Many of the Gardens' amenities and visitor attractions were improved while under care of the Parks and Recreation Department.
On June 1990, the Singapore Botanic Gardens came under the management of the National Parks Board. A Redevelopment Master Plan was drawn up to provide new and improved public amenities, research infrastructure and training facilities. It was to be carried out in three phases spanning 1990 to 2005. Today, the Gardens house over 2,700 species and hybrids, a collection of 650,000 specimens of dried and pressed plants and a comprehensive 22,000-volume library. This makes it one of the most important centres for plant taxonomic and biodiversity research in the region, apart from a recreational and educational attraction for local and international visitors alike.
Bukit Timah Saddle Club
BTSC was established in 1951 by the public, supported by Singapore Turf Club. Run by members, our primary aim is to ensure horse riding is affordable & accessible to everyone in Singapore.
Our riding section with 23 club owned horses & ponies, was established by Captain Tabbits in the 1970s to making riding available for those without horses of their own. Captain Tabbits, with his wife, founded the Equestrian Federation of Singapore with whom BTSC retains a strong relationship - came up with the name for our original riding arena - Heaven.
We have added Paradise and Terra to Heaven to our facilities which also include access to the beautiful countryside surrounding our premises, offering our members a unique non-school riding environment - often shared with Singapore's wildlife.
Memories at Old Ford Factory
The old Ford Motor Factory building has its place in time because it was here on 15 February 1942 that Lt.-Gen. A. E. Percival, Commander of the British Forces in Singapore, surrendered to the Japanese Army. On 16 February 1942, Singapore was renamed Syonan-To (Light of the South), which ushered in three years and eight months of Japanese rule in Singapore.
The National Archives of Singapore, an institution of the National Heritage Board, has restored this gazetted national monument and now unveils Memories at Old Ford Factory, a permanent gallery featuring the exhibition ‘Syonan Years: Singapore Under Japanese Rule, 1942-1945’. Memories at Old Ford Factory was officially opened by the Minister for Defence Mr Teo Chee Hean on 16 February 2006.
Re-open the doors and awaken the many memories which have been tied to this art deco-styled building. Journey with the many faces who lend a voice to these bittersweet but important memories which are lessons for the future.
The Exhibition Gallery
The exhibition, ‘Syonan Years: Singapore Under Japanese Rule, 1942-1945’ is the main highlight of the visit. Learn about the background of World War II in Malaya and how people lived during the Occupation. At the end, come away with the lessons learnt from one of the greatest conflicts of the twentieth century.
After walking up the historic surrender pathway - hailed as the “ceremonial route that the British Forces took on the day of the surrender” - to the main building, visitors will enter the exhibition gallery through a tunnel, which gives them a sense of the anxiety the people experienced during the days leading up to the British surrender.
Begin the journey to the many memories at the historic Board Room where the signing of the surrender took place on 15 February 1942. Go back in time and imagine what it would have been like to be with Lt.-Gen. Percival and Lt.-Gen. Yamashita Tomoyuki, Commander of the Japanese 25th Army. This is also the first stop to the rest of the exhibition.
Spend time to ponder the many stories of the people who lived in Syonan-To. Share their many experiences and memories. Many of these archival photographs, oral history interviews, maps and artefacts from the National Archives of Singapore are being showcased for the first time.
