If you have ever wondered if there were ever cows at Dairy Farm Nature Park, the answer is yes.
Dairy Farm Nature Park: Origins of the Name
It was 1930 when the world’s first tropical dairy farm was established at the base of Bukit Timah Hill. Originally, the area was earmarked for pig farming but after an outbreak of swine fever, Fred Heron, Managing Director of Cold Storage, decided that there was a need for high quality, fresh milk in Singapore and converted the area to a milk farm instead.
He brought in 24 Friesian cows to Singapore from Holland and Australia and started a dairy farm in the area. Hence, setting down the basis for Dairy Farm Nature Park’s name.
Friesian cattle are a breed known for their dairy production. They are completely alien to the tropics and the Singapore dairy farm was an oddity that attracted a fair amount of worldwide attention.
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Today, the cows are gone. Nonetheless, they still resound with the name Dairy Farm Nature Park.
What we know today as Dairy Farm Nature Park was setup in 2009. Here are some of the things you can look forward to seeing at the nature park on a visit.
What to See and Do at Dairy Farm Nature Park
1. Wallace Education Centre
Occupying a former cowshed, the Wallace Education Centre now has a new permanent exhibition with different interactive zones.
You can learn all about naturalist Alfred Wallace, his visit to Singapore and the significance of the Wallace Line.
2. Wallace Trail
Close to the Wallace Education Centre is the Wallace Trail. It is named for Alfred Wallace, a contemporary of Darwin. Wallace made several visits to the Malay Archipelago, including Singapore, in his lifetime.
Along the Wallace Trail, you wll also find signboards which describe more about the flora and fauna in Dairy Farm Nature Park.
3. Singapore Quarry Wetland
The Singapore Quarry Wetland is one of two quarries found at Dairy Farm Nature Park. The Singapore Quarry is located closer to Dairy Farm Nature Park Carpark A, away from the Wallace Trail.
The Singapore Quarry Wetland is a popular spot with birdwatchers, drawing them to Dairy Farm Nature Park. A viewing platform at the Quarry allows visitors to take in the splendid views of the water-filled former quarry.
Among the birds you may be able to spot at Singapore Quarry Wetland include kingfishers and dollarbirds. The Singapore Quarry is not too far away from the Rail Corridor too.
4. Dairy Farm Quarry
The second quarry at Dairy Farm Nature Park is the Dairy Farm Quarry. It is less dramatic than the Singapore Quarry as it has been filled in with earth. Only the steep cliffs give a hint of it past.
5. Dairy Farm Loop – Alternative Way to Bukit Timah Hill Summit
If you find the usual route to the top of Bukit Timah Hill from Hindhede Road too crowded, or have a love for pushing yourself to the limit, try making your way up to the top of Bukit Timah Hill from Dairy Farm Nature Park.
The Dairy Farm Loop connects Dairy Farm Nature Park to Singapore’s tallest natural point, Bukit Timah Hill. Its entrance is close to Carpark B. First make your way to the Dairy Farm Hut and from there, choose one of two routes along the Dairy Farm Loop to cut through the foothills of Bukit Timah Nature Reserve to reach the summit.
Be warned; this trekking route is classed as “Difficult”!
Visiting Dairy Farm Nature Park
Location: 100 Dairy Farm Rd, Singapore 679057
There are two carparks at Dairy Farm Nature Park, A & B.
Carpark A is closer to MOE Adventure Centre and Rail Mall. Carpark B is closer to the Wallace Education Centre and Wallace Trail.
The closest MRT Station is Hillview MRT Station. Take Exit A.
