Bukit Timah Nature Reserve

came here recently only to find out that part of the park is closed for trail repairs.
«public access to the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve (BTNR) will be limited for about two years, with effect from 15 September 2014 as NParks carries out repair and restoration works to the slopes, trails and forests in the reserve.»
Summit is accessible only on weekends from 7am to 6pm (last entry 5pm).
«The Reserve will remain closed on weekdays and public holidays that do not fall on weekends.»
More details can be found here

This place is fantastic! We wanted to go on a nice little hike — and this reserve helps you see what all of Singapore was like before the concrete miracle was created: all jungle. The boldness of the monkeys makes US squirrels seem downright timid. If you hike up to the reservoir, you can get a nice peek-​a-​boo view. Also, Bukit Timah Nature Reserve is connected to the MacRitchie Reservoir Trail which includes the wonderful Tree Top Walk — all wonderful for both kids and adults. Bring water and snacks, plan to spend a day here, and have fun getting lost in nature in the middle of Singapore.

So it is possible to hike in Singapore! And while this «mountain» or «hill» of 163.63 meters in height isn’t as high or deep as those we’ve climbed in other regions of the world, it is fun and challenging enough for us family to stroll up to the summit and get a decent workout.
There are at least three different paths that we know of (red, blue, and yellow) throughout the forest — one leading up to the peak — and the main road, which is a little over a kilometer, is paved so we managed to walk in flipflops (a bad idea, I tell you) in the rain while holding umbrellas. The initial incline is the toughest section, but thankfully it’s not that long.
With the help of maps and colored signs, it’s tough to get lost. So long as you equip yourself with bug repellent and avoid feeding the monkeys, you’re safe. (Plus, there are security cameras everywhere, so you’re probably under surveillance all the time?!)
The entrance is easy to find once you turn into Hindhede Dr. There is a free parking lot, a visitor centre, and several rest areas throughout the park.
The only disappointment for us is the absence of a grand view from the peak. Actually, the better scenic points are located on lower levels.
SUM: One of the most peaceful and detoxing spots on the island.

Ein Stück Regenwald
mitten in Singapur.
(Siehe Foto unten) Am Parkplatz lungern
einige Affen rum, die auf Futter hoffen.
(Siehe Foto unten) (Siehe Foto unten) Wir haben den einfachen
direkten Aufstieg des Bukit Timah mit 163,8 m genommen.
(Siehe Foto unten) (Siehe Foto unten)
(Siehe Foto unten) Hier ist eine herrliche
Natur. Ich hätte hier gerne etwas mehr Zeit gehabt und einen der
längeren Trails genommen.

Most people know about Bukit Timah Nature Reserve because it’s bigger but this is a challenging little training ground for those who enjoy running or biking up slopes and stairs. It’s pretty secluded and while I was there I didn’t see anyone else (it could be the blistering heat).
Turning in from Upper Bukit Timah Road towards Woodlands into Lor Sesuai, you’ll be faced with a gradual but gruelling (for me, anyway) slope to train on. I enjoy running and cycling and sometimes i like to do some training and it’s good to know you have a slope for that purpose. Be careful of cars because this is a road that cars are allowed to travel on! If you make the run up the slope, you’ll see be at Bukit Timah Nature Park.
This location is nice and quiet. There’s a small carpark here and you’ll get a view of two tall red and white broadcasting antenna if you look up. If you enjoy photography, there are a couple of potential photo spots, (winding walk paths, shrubs, some foilage and benches) not much to shout about though but nice for quiet time.
There’s a long flight of stairs where the Bukit Batok Memorial tablet is and this spot is good for photographs, film locations and again, physical training. On second thought, the stairs are a much safer choice for training compared to the slope. No cars! I saw a couple of monkeys during my trip there, remember not to feed them. Them monkeys can get nasty!

Mountain Bike Trail, 7 km Up– and Downhill. Start und Ende am Visitor Center!

Lohnt sich auf jeden Fall für eine wunderschöné Wanderung und um tolle Fotos zu machen!

Within easy reach of the city, you can get to this beautiful spot with the 171 bus, but careful: not all busdrivers speak English, so a map where landmarks are also in Chinese may come in handy (my busdriver first took me to Yashin, the end station). Walk up to the visitor centre, about 200 m from Bukit Timah Road, and have a look around: there is a very informative display that makes you familiar with the plants and animals in the reserve. You can also buy a small guide in the shop across from the centre. Do not take the main road: it is a very steep climb, and not that rewarding as many tourists take it. Turn e.g. off on the first trail on your right and follow all the way to the South View hut. When you are quiet (and no loud tourists are around), you may get lucky and spot a few animals (I saw two squirrels, a changeable lizard and of course the inevitable monkeys). Be also on the lookout for seeds, flowers and birds. The Bukit Timah Nature Reserve is also the entryway to the reserves surrounding the water reservoirs of Singapore, and you can easily make a dayhike out of it. Remember to bring water!