Bukit Timah Hill
Last Updated on 30 March 2025
If you’re craving an adventure that involves hiking through untouched primary tropical rainforest (yes, Singapore still has some), Bukit Timah Nature Reserve is your go-to. Not only do you get to immerse yourself in lush greenery, but you can also flex about conquering Singapore’s highest peak—an earth-shattering 163 metres above sea level. Not exactly Everest, but hey, it counts!
The Ascent: A Humble but Humbling Climb
Sure, Bukit Timah Hill isn’t what you’d call a “mountain,” but don’t let its height fool you. The steep slopes will have your calves questioning your life choices and your lungs filing a complaint by the halfway mark.
Parking Woes & Pro Tips
There’s a handy-dandy car park right at the entrance—charged by the minute (because why not make the climb cost you in both energy and cash?). Weekends? Forget about parking unless you’re an early bird. Honestly, just ditch the car and add some extra cardio.
Choose Your Own Adventure
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The Main Road: The express lane to the summit. A paved path that goes straight up, but beware—it gets steep, and your legs will feel it.
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South View Path: For those who like their hikes with a side of mystery. Expect wildlife, winding paths, and an added dose of stairs!
The South View Path veers off into the deep, dark jungle, where nature gets up close and personal.
The Journey: A Philosophical Workout
If we choose to go down this path together, be prepared to weather the ups and downs…
…for better or for worse…
…and withstand whatever trials and tribulations that come our way.
Wildlife might pop up to cheer us on…
…point us in the right direction…
…and show us the treasures that are hidden in the forest—or at least distract us from our burning thighs.
We might sometimes be tempted to take shortcuts, but we’ll constantly be reminded to stick to the path.
The journey feels long, yet before we know it, we’re back on the main road, facing the final choice: the never-ending slope or the mercilessly steep staircase. Pick your poison.
The Grand Finale: A View to… Nowhere?
After all that effort, you’d expect a jaw-dropping panorama, right? Well, nope. Instead, you’ll be greeted by trees. Lots and lots of trees.
But hey, you climbed Singapore’s highest peak—so take a deep breath, high-five yourself, and bask in the glory of the experience. 🌿💪😆
Bukit Timah’s summit is a prime birdwatching hotspot—if you can catch your breath long enough to look up!
When winter rolls around, the migratory birds trade their chilly homes for a tropical getaway in this lush rainforest—because who wouldn’t want a warm vacation?
These are some of the rare and fabulous feathered tourists we’ve spotted here! 🦜🌿✨
White-throated Rock Thrush (Monticola gularis)
Yellow-vented Flowerpecker (Pachyglossa chrysorrhea)
White-throated Needletail (Hirundapus caudacutus)
Pacific Swift (Apus pacificus)
Indian Cuckoo (Cuculus micropterus)
One fine morning, a visiting Indian Cuckoo stumbled upon an all-you-can-eat caterpillar buffet and wasted no time digging in.
One by one, it devoured the unsuspecting critters, feasting with relentless enthusiasm until its belly was full and the platter of caterpillars was completely demolished.
At the crossroads near Simpang Hut, an intriguing side trail called the Quarry Trail awaits. If you squint hard enough through the dense foliage, you might just catch a fleeting glimpse of Hindhede Quarry.
But for the ultimate scenic experience, head straight to the quarry itself! The trailhead is conveniently located at the base of Bukit Timah Hill, just tucked behind the Visitor’s Centre. Want to know more about this epic adventure? Read our Hindhede Nature Park blog to find out more!
