First mentioned in the 1828 map of Singapore by Frankin and Jackson, Bukit Timah is the highest point in the island nation at an impressive elevation of 163.63 metres above sea level. Made up of mainly granite rock Bukit Timah Hill was once a thriving quarry region during the second half of the 1900s. Distinct from the prevailing topographies of mainland Singapore the area is rich in natural beauty with lush, verdant spaces as far as the eye can see. These unique environmental attributes saw one of the first forest reserves in the country established at the site in 1883. Protected under the National Parks Act since 1951 the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve is the main highlight of this forest landscape which abounds with innumerable varieties of flora and fauna.
Spread out over 163 hectares the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve is also one of the largest primary rainforest areas left in the island nation. Considered a treasure trove for botanical genera collection for well over a hundred years a majority of the Malayan plant species discovered in the reserve are attributed to conservationist Dr. David Bellamy who once stated that the plant species occupying the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve exceeds those found in the entirety of North America.
Together with the Central Catchment Nature Reserve, Bukit Timah is home to over 500 species of fauna and 840 plants that sprout flowers. A true epicentre of bio diversity this popular nature reserve is a frequent stopover of nature lovers local and foreign who never fail to be captivated by the parks stunning beauty.
Equipped with an impressive Visitor Centre with an engaging exhibit on the native plant and animal varieties of the parkland the venue also offers guests a plethora of hiking and walking trails to choose from. Four scenic walking trails named Red, Blue Green and Yellow are available at the locale with degrees of difficulty varying from leisurely routes to very challenging tracks. A one and a half hour Kampong trail is also part of the reserves itinerary while biking enthusiasts can also grab a mountain bike and navigate the venues diverse landscapes at their own pace.
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