Hiking Guide to Bukit Timah Nature Summit

#favouriteitinerary The Bukit Timah Nature Reserve is perfect if you’re up for a nature escape in Singapore! It’s home to the highest natural point in the city — Bukit Timah Hill at 163.63 m — and is packed with lush rainforests, diverse wildlife, and scenic trails. Let’s break it down: 🌿 Hike Overview • Location: Hindhede Drive, off Upper Bukit Timah Road • Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM daily • Difficulty: Moderate — short but steep climbs, with some steps and slopes • Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on your pace and chosen trail 🥾 Trail Options 1. Main Summit Trail (1.3 km, ~45 min to summit) • The most direct route — a paved path starting from the Visitor Centre. • Quite steep in parts, with stairs and a little cardio workout. • Great for beginners wanting a challenge without going off-road. 2. Kampong Trail (~2 km) • A more scenic, less crowded path that passes through old kampong (village) remnants. • Good for history buffs or those wanting a quieter hike. 3. Dairy Farm Loop (~2.2 km) • A longer, slightly rugged trail connecting to Dairy Farm Nature Park. • Ideal if you want to extend your hike and spot more wildlife. 4. Hindhede Nature Park (Easy, 1 km) • A flat and family-friendly route with a view of the Hindhede Quarry — perfect for a relaxed walk or picnic. 🦜 What to See • Bukit Timah Summit Rock: The marker at the highest point — a must for a quick photo! • Hindhede Quarry: A stunning, peaceful lookout with a cliff-side view — great for a mid-hike break. • Wildlife: Look out for long-tailed macaques, monitor lizards, and rare birds like the crimson sunbird. • Historic relics: Old milestones and stone markers hint at the area’s kampong past. 📅 Suggested Itinerary Morning Hike (best for cooler weather and wildlife spotting) • 7:30 AM: Arrive at the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve Visitor Centre. • 8:00 AM: Start the Main Summit Trail — push to the summit first! • 8:45 AM: Continue down the Dairy Farm Loop for a longer trek, or head to Hindhede Quarry for a scenic break. • 10:00 AM: Wrap up and grab breakfast at Riders Café (nearby at Bukit Timah Saddle Club — great for brunch in a serene setting). Evening Visit (if you prefer fewer crowds) • 4:00 PM: Begin your hike on the Kampong Trail. • 5:00 PM: Catch the sunset glow at Hindhede Quarry — the golden hour views are amazing. • 6:00 PM: Finish with dinner at Spruce @ Fire Station — a cozy spot housed in an old fire station. 🔥 Pro Tips • Best time to visit: Early mornings or late afternoons to avoid the heat. • Essentials: Water, mosquito repellent, comfy shoes, and a light snack. • Wildlife caution: Don’t feed the monkeys — they’re curious but can get aggressive! • Transport: • By MRT: Take the Downtown Line to Beauty World MRT (DT5), Exit A — a 10-minute walk. • By car: Parking available at the Visitor Centre.