Hindhede Nature Park
Hindhede Nature Park: A Hidden Gem for Chill Seekers and Quarry Enthusiasts
If Bukit Timah Nature Reserve is the buff, adventurous older sibling, Hindhede Nature Park is its laid-back, nature-loving counterpart. Tucked right next to Bukit Timah Hill, this peaceful park is perfect for those who want to enjoy nature without the sweaty uphill battle.
The star attraction is Hindhede Quarry, a stunning, water-filled former quarry with tranquil blue waters and dramatic rock cliffs.
The trailhead sits conveniently at the base of Bukit Timah Hill, tucked discreetly behind the Visitor’s Centre. From there, a leisurely stroll along a boardwalk gently guides us into the heart of the forest.
Unlike Bukit Timah’s calf-destroying slopes, Hindhede’s trails are gentle, well-paved, and stroller-friendly, making it a great spot for families, casual walkers, and anyone who just wants a peaceful stroll.
Along the way, we’ll find playgrounds for the kids, picnic benches for a snack break, fitness stations for the active folks, and even a mini zip-line for the little thrill-seekers.
As we stroll along, we keep our eyes peeled for the Brown Hawk-Owls (Ninox scutulata), who often roost high up in the treetops. If luck is on our side, we might just find a tiny gap in the dense foliage—a secret little peephole—to sneak a glimpse of these snoozing owls.
We might even stumble upon a master of disguise—the Malayan Colugo (Galeopterus variegatus)—who clings motionless to a tree trunk, convinced he’s invisible. Spoiler alert: We totally see him. Equipped with a special wing-like apparatus called a patagium, this furry daredevil can glide effortlessly between trees, making him the undisputed champion of rainforest parkour.
At the end of the short hike, we’ll be rewarded with a lovely view of Hindhede Quarry. There are three main quarries in the immediate vicinity of Bukit Timah Nature Reserve: Hindhede Quarry, Singapore Quarry and Dairy Farm Quarry. After quarrying activities stopped at Hindhede in 1990, the place got a makeover and was transformed into a nature park, complete with a scenic lookout over the old quarry pool.
Fun fact: The rock face around the Hindhede quarry pond is actually granite crystallised from magma deep beneath the Earth’s surface about 200 million years ago—basically, this stuff has been around since the early to mid-Triassic period! So, it’s not just a rock—it’s a piece of ancient history!
The crystal-clear waters of the quarry lake are home to a variety of aquatic critters, all living together in perfect, watery harmony.
The quarry pool must be a fish paradise, because kingfishers of all kinds can be seen swooping in and out with their tasty catches. We’ve got the Common Kingfisher, the White-throated Kingfisher, the rather regal Stork-billed Kingfisher (Pelargopsis capensis)…
…and even the gem-of-the-forest Blue-eared Kingfisher (Alcedo meninting)—basically, it’s a gourmet fish buffet for these feathered foodies.
The quarry pool is also a prime spot for the Oriental Darter (Anhinga melanogaster) to chill. The Oriental Darter is basically the aquatic equivalent of a stealthy ninja, diving in and out of the water in search of its next meal. The darter is able to submerge under water—like a submarine—to hunt for fish, using its dagger-like beak to spear fish underwater with stealthy precision.
When he isn’t busy hunting prey, the darter is usually seen perching on a branch, striking a dramatic pose while airing out his wings—because nothing says “I’m fabulous” like drying off in style.
Another fish-loving feathered friend that might make an appearance at the quarry is the Grey-headed Fish Eagle (Haliaeetus ichthyaetus).
One morning, a juvenile Grey-headed Fish Eagle was seen at the quarry pool, apparently working on his hunting skills—though he started off a bit rusty. He tried grabbing a turtle, but lifting off with it turned out to be a bit too ambitious.
So, he settled for a piece of wood, holding onto it like a proud (and slightly confused) eagle.
Not knowing what to do with it, he grabbed it, prodded it, played with it…
…attempted to fly around with it…
…and then, in a true display of gentlemanly manners, gently returned it to its original spot. Looks like he still has some work to do before he’s ready for the real catch!
The Hindhede Quarry is definitely the perfect spot to kick back, unwind, and let nature do its thing.
A visit to Hindhede Quarry can be perfectly followed by a sweaty challenge—climbing up the steep slope of Bukit Timah Hill. After soaking in the serene quarry views, why not burn off those peaceful vibes with a workout? Check out our Bukit Timah Hill blog for all the gritty details of that fun (and calf-burning) adventure!
