Thinking of paying a visit to Bukit Timah Hill with the family? Wondering if you can conquer climbing up Bukit Timah Hill with the kids, or what else there is to do at the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve?
We break down practical and useful things to know about visiting Bukit Timah Hill to a guide to the various nature trails that criss cross the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve.
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Located off Upper Bukit Timah Road, Bukit Timah Hill stands at 163.63 metres tall at the summit.
This natural high point of Singapore draws throngs of walkers each day, making the climb up to the top of the hill. While many keep to the Main Road to the summit, there is more to explore around the slopes of Bukit Timah Hill.
Whether you are planning on visiting with young kids, or older and more adventurous ones, you can definitely get your dose of nature and the outdoors at Bukit Timah Hill.
Here’s a look at what you can do and the trails at Bukit Timah Hill, especially with families in mind.
Bukit Timah Hill Visitor Centre and Gallery
Just beside the start of the Main Road at Bukit Timah Hill is the Visitor Centre.
On the second floor, you will find an informative gallery that is worth a stop, especially if this is your first visit to Bukit Timah Hill.
A taxidemised Sumatran tiger stands inside a glass display case, along side other preserved native flora and fauna such as the Sunda Pangolin.
There are multiple displays where visitors can learn about the forest including the trees and its different layers. There are interactive touchscreens where both adults and children can learn about the biodiversity found within the nature reserve.
There is also a model that allows you to get a bird’s eye view of Bukit Timah Hill.
Main Road to the Summit
Most people have one goal when they visit Bukit Timah Hill – make it to the summit!
And the fastest way to get there is by the Main Road that leads up from the Visitor Centre.
Starting off at a slope of around 8 degrees, the Main Road quickly reaches its steepest section at around 13 degree slope. This may not sound like much, but it can a challenge both going up and coming down.
The good news is that once you have cleared the first, steep section and the Kruing Hut, the gradient of the Main Road is much less steep.
After the Simpang Hut, you can choose to either take the 133 or so Summit Steps that act as a short cut to the top, or carry on along Main Road as it meanders to the summit of Bukit Timah Hill.
With a bit of perseverance, even kids as young as 5 can make it to the summit of Bukit Timah Hill.
South View Path & Hut
Some of the most interesting hikes that you can have at Bukit Timah Hill are off the Main Road.
The South View Path, Taban Loop and South View Hut is an easily doable trek, even with kids.
The turn off to the South View Path is just beyond the start of the Main Path. Before long, you will find yourself in the midst of tall trees, walking along a dirt path as it goes up and down.
The final stretch to the South View Hut consists of a flight of stairs. Sadly, there isn’t much of a view at South View Hut but you can stop here to have a rest.
Cave Path
If you have made it as far as the South View Hut, you may as well keep pushing on to the Cave Path.
Be prepared to go up and down along the Cave Path, a moderate difficulty trail.
The highlight of the Cave Path at Bukit Timah Hill are the two caves that have been dug into the side of the hill. The entrances to the caves have been fenced off, so don’t expect to go exploring underground.
Some say that these caves were supposedly made by Japanese soldiers during World War II to store supplies (and possibly even treasure)!
Another highlight along the Cave Path is the stream that runs down the hill side. A boardwalk serves as a look out point where you can enjoy the flowing water as it disappears into the secondary forest of the hill.
The Cave Path eventually intersects with the Catchment Path (an alternative way to reach the caves).
Catchment Path
Did you know there are three ways to enter into the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve?
While most people are familiar with the Main Road, fewer people tread through the Catchment Path.
This path links up the Pipeline Trail to the Main Road. It another way for those arriving from Rifle Range Road or Zhenghua Nature Park to join up with the Main Road and head to the Bukit Timah Hill summit.
Dairy Farm Loop
In addition to the Main Path starting from Hindhede Road and the Catchment Path, the Dairy Farm Loop is the third way to enter into the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and make your way to the summit.
The Dairy Farm Loop can be found along the northern side of Bukit Timah Hill. Starting from Dairy Farm Road, you can enter into the forest and, from Dairy Farm Hut, have the choice of either the Dairy Farm Loop (Upper) or Dairy Farm Loop (Lower).
Heading to the Dairy Farm Loop (Upper) from the Dairy Farm Hut at the trail head will take you to the infamous Devil Stairs. This is a steep flight of stairs that will have your thighs burning.
It is good if you really want a challenge and more suitable if you have fit, older kids who are up for a challenge.
The Upper and Lower sections converge on the Rengas Path, which connects the Dairy Farm Loop up to the Main Road and the summit.
Read more about the Dairy Farm Loop.
Jungle Fall Path
One interesting path to explore is the Jungle Fall Path.
One end of the Jungle Fall Path is connected to the Dairy Farm Loop (Upper) and the other end is connected to the Main Road. Take note that if you enter in via the Dairy Farm Loop (Upper), you will find yourself having to make an uphill stair climb that will take you past the Jungle Fall Hut and to the Main Road.
The key feature here is the jungle stream that you pass over as you make your way along the path. It does have a small drop and we think that is why the path is known as the Jungle Fall Path.
Hindhede Nature Park
If you are visiting Bukit Timah Hill with young children, one spot that you can visit Hindhede Nature Park.
Found next to the Visitor Centre, this is an easily accessible park, even with strollers.
Kids will enjoy the Hindhede Nature Park playground, which includes an interesting swing structure.
Another highlight is the deck where you cane in the view of the now-flooded Hindhede Quarry.
If you want to have a mini-adventure with young kids, you can also venture on to the small, off-road paths at Hindhede Nature Park.
Hindhede Nature Park’s natural paths can also be accessed directly from the Bukit Timah Hill car park.
Useful Things to Know About Bukit Timah Hill
How to Get to Bukit Timah Hill by MRT, Bus and Car
To get to Bukit Timah Hill by MRT, the closest station to the Hindhede Entrance is Beauty World. Take a walk along Cheong Chin Nam Road and you will come to an overhead bridge that goes across Upper Bukit Timah Road and leads to Hindhede Road.
Buses 170, 67 and 961 are some of the services that stop outside Hindhede Road.
For those who are driving, there is a car park at the base of Bukit Timah Hill.
Opening Hours
Bukit Timah Hill is open from 7 am to 7 pm.
Remember to give yourself sufficient time to return to the exit before it closes.
Toilets
The only public toilets at Bukit Timah Hill are found at the Hindhede Road entrance. This is to your right as you approach the Main Road.
Those who are on the Dairy Farm Loop side can find toilets at the Wallace Education Centre.
Water Coolers
There are two water coolers at the toilets at Hindhede Road. Replenish your water bottle here before heading up the hill.
Wash Point
There is low washing point at the Hindhede Road toilets too.
Vending Machines
In need of refreshment? The lower floor of the Visitor Centre has a room with vending machines.
Informational Signboards
Along the trails at Bukit Timah Hill, you will find various signboards offering interesting tidbits of information about the flora, fauna and history of the hill.
Enjoy a Visit to Bukit Timah Hill
Bukit Timah Hill is a natural landmark in Singapore and it can be a fun day out with kids. You can pick and choose your level of challenge by the paths that you pick, and it a great way to escape to the outdoors and nature.
Don’t just stick to the Main Road. Be sure to venture off and explore and see the various spots that can be found on Bukit Timah Hill.
If you enjoyed this story, we think that you will also enjoy reading about Rifle Range Nature Park, located beside Bukit Timah Nature Reserve.
