When one thinks of Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, the first thing that comes to mind is the long steep paved road heading up Singapore’s tallest hill. However, there is a much more family-friendly, often overlooked destination at the foot of Bukit Timah Hill – Hindhede Nature Park.
Hindhede Nature Park
The Hindhede is a Danish family name (roughly pronounced “hin-d-her”) and the Hindhede Quarry at Bukit Timah Hill was named after Danish civil engineer Jens Hindhede.
The Hindhede Nature Park opened in 2001 and, in contrast to the more popular, steep route to the summit of Bukit Timah Hill, was designed for families with young children. Its short trail starts from the Visitor Centre and runs in a loop to the Hindhede Quarry only 90 metres away.
OPEN HOUSE: Discover first-hand the British Council’s teaching methods and meet their approachable Academic team on 14 & 21 June
GIVEAWAY: Stand a Chance to Win S$100 iShopChangi Vouchers
The starting point for Hindhede Nature Park is tucked away behind the Visitor’s Centre. As most people usually charge toward the summit, missing the park, it is usually quiet.
What makes it family-friendly are its gentle inclines and wide paths. This makes Hindhede Nature Park a nice spot for families, even those with kids still in prams, to take a pleasant and easy walk.
Oh, and it has a playground too.
Hindhede Nature Park Playground
The Hindhede Nature Park playground is built on two sand pits, around the Waringin Hut.
The play equipment here includes a hexagon of swings.
There is an Amazon-themed play structure with low platforms and nets for kids to enjoy. A huge snake decorates the tube slide! Perhaps it is an anaconda?!
Younger kids can take a lower open slide on the other side of the play structure.
There are also low balancing steps around the sand pit.
In a clearing nearby, there is an unusual set of climbing poles designed to look like trees.
A fun zip line can be found in an open lawn with picnic tables nearby. Do take note that the zip line ends off rather abruptly at the end. Therefore, it is only recommended for children who are able to hang on tightly and brace for the sudden jerk at the end.
A less well-known secret about Hindhede Nature Park is that there used to be an adventure playground at the park – something like what you can now find at Jubilee Park and Admiralty Park. This was still accessible up to 2013, years before the slides at Jubilee Park and Admiralty Park opened. Two slides used to lead off from the main children’s playground downhill along the terrain.
Vegetation has overgrown these sections and this section of the playground has been boarded up for safety. Make sure the kids don’t head down that way.
At one time, there was even a rope bridge at Hindhede Nature Park.
Look Out to the Hindhede Quarry
The Hindhede Quarry is a highlight of any visit to the Hindhede Nature Park. Granite mining in the quarry took place in the 1900s and ended only in the 1980s. From the lookout point at the far end of the trail, visitors can admire the now flooded quarry with its open escarpment.
Kids will have fun looking out into the water for terrapins and fish, with the occasional brightly-coloured bird flying by over the water.
The disused quarry is also a favourite haunt of birders, armed with their cameras and hoping to take a shot of the woodpeckers that live in the area.
Head into the Nature Park
There are also nature trails that head off the paved track and into the forest at Hindhede Nature Park. Unfortunately, these paths are currently closed even though the completion date supposed to be in February 2025.
When the paths open again, the more adventurous can explore these little paths taht lead downhill from the main path into the jungle.
Quick Tips for a Visit to Hindhede Nature Park
Here are some tips for those thinking of visiting the Nature Park:
1. Visit in the morning or late afternoon when the weather is cooler.
2. It takes around 30 to 45 minutes to make a loop through the Hindhede Nature Park.
3. Amenities such as toilets can be found at the Visitor Centre.
4. Bring along some coins if you wish to get a drink from the vending machine after your walk. The vending machine can be found at the lower level of the Visitor Centre.
5. Put on some insect repellent.
![Looking for an experience that’s beyond the ordinary this June Holiday? Make your way down to the Omni-Theatre, where two new groundbreaking shows are set to capture your imagination – Cities of the Future and Animal Kingdom! Two New Shows at Omni-Theatre from 1 June It is always a thrill to catch a movie at the Omni-Theatre. Watching a show on its impressive 23-metre-wide dome screen, 8K digital screen – the only one of its kind in Singapore – is a treat for the senses. Now, you can treat the kids and family to two new, immersive experiences at Omni-Theatre during the holidays. Cities of the Future What will the world be like in 50 years’ time? How will our cities evolve and what will the sustainable future look like? Cities of the Future goes on a journey through the world’s greatest cities – from Amsterdam to Los Angeles and Singapore – to uncover what is being done to meet the challenges of a changing world and make the smart cities of the future possible. Plus, you will even get a glimpse of Singapore’s exciting vision for a more sustainable and connected future, featured in the film! Whether it is tapping into new renewable energy sources or revolutionising transport systems (think electric flying cars!), Cities of the Future provides a fascinating glimpse at how engineers are turning today’s science fiction into tomorrow’s reality. Animal Kingdom: A Tale of Six Families Animal Kingdom is a stunning exploration of what makes our natural world so spectacular, introducing young audiences to animals from all over the world. Journey across snowy forests, under the scorching African Sun, and into the darkest depths of the ocean to discover why animals are the way they are. The show also explores the ways in which we can help to protect the animal world. It is a show that will have animal-loving kids spellbound! SG60 Promotions: $6 Omni-Theatre Tickets & Special Bundles [insert 04] Need even more reasons to pay a visit to Omni-Theatre? From now to 31 December 2025, Science Centre Singapore is offering a special promo with tickets at just $6!* (usual price $14)! That’s more than 50% off the regular ticket price. There are also special SG60 bundle deals* available that provide admission to Science Centre Singapore and an Omni-Theatre show at: $10 for adults (usual price $19.90); and $8 per child (usual price $17.90). Families of four can save even more with the $24 Family Pack for two adults and two children that provides access to both Science Centre Singapore and Omni-Theatre. Make a Date to Watch an Omni-Theatre Show Soon! [insert 05] Don’t miss the chance to watch the two exciting new shows at Omni-Theatre! And make use of the SG60 promotions to enjoy even greater value and a wonderful day out! Find out more about the Cities of the World, Animal Kingdom and Omni-Theatre’s SG60 promotions. Omni-Theatre Offers $6 SG60 Promo Tickets & 2 Exciting New Movies Your Family Will Love!](https://www.littledayout.com/wp-content/uploads/Omni-Theatre-01-218x150.jpg "Omni-Theatre Offers $6 SG60 Promo Tickets & 2 Exciting New Movies Your Family Will Love!")
