Bukit Timah Nature Reserve

At Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, you will experience the feeling of breathing in fresh, untarnished nature. Since Singapore is an equatorial region, you will be impressed by how the park reserves the most diverse and richest ecological systems. While in the place, be impressed with the astounding variety of insects, animals, and plants you only see in a country with a humid climate.

This nature reserve has 163 land hectares full of astonishing gifts from nature. The reserve also houses Bukit Timah Hill, one of the highest hills in Singapore, standing at 163 meters. For several years, the forest has been preserved and used as a botanical collection area. In fact, this is where the first species of Malayan plant has been found.

If you find yourself craving the touch of nature, the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve is the perfect destination for you. It is an area that houses a high percentage of flora and fauna that releases a more refreshing vibe. You can find different species of flora and fauna here, including Galeopterus variegatus (Malayan Colugo), Dicrurus paradiseus (Greater Racket-tailed Drongo), Parishia insignis (Red Dhup), and Shorea curtisii (Seraya).

Bukit Timah Nature Reserve was founded in 1883. It has the number one spot for being the first forest reserve established in Singapore. This nature reserve was recommended by the former Superintendent of the Singapore Botanic Gardens, Nathaniel Cantley. The Straits Settlements parliament ordered Cantley to make a report about the forest settlements in 1882. He recommended in his report establishing multiple forest reserves on the said island.

However, except for Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, most of the forest reserves Cantley recommended were used for producing logs. Back in 1937, more than half of these reserves failed to survive because of economic development. Fortunately, Bukit Timah Nature Reserve remained protected because of the flora and fauna it houses.

Starting in 1951, the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve received more protection from the Nature Reserves Board and the Nature Reserves Ordinance. With these protections, the forest reserve maintained its beauty.

In 1990, the Central Catchment and Bukit Timah were considered the official Nature Reserves in Singapore. Currently, the forest reserve has been gazette for the preservation, protection, and propagation of the native flora and fauna in Singapore, subject to the Parks and Trees Act of 2005.