BUKIT TIMAH NATURE RESERVE - Up hill and down dale
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Only a 15 minute drive from downtown Singapore, the 164 hectare Bukit Timah Nature Reserve retains
the largest remnants of primary rainforest that once used to cover the entire island. At the center of the reserve is Bukit
Timah Hill, Singapore's highest elevation at approximately 163 meters.
Once feared for the many tigers that were roaming the forest, the wilderness surrounding the hill has now become a green
haven for nature lovers and the adventurous.
Bukit Timah is also ideal as a starting/end point for extensive nature hikes through the Central Catchment Area
adjacent to it.
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Typical of an ecosystem near the equator, an astonishing diversity of plants and animals can be found in the reserve.
Bukit Timah is home to almost 900 plant species and countless insect species.
Majestic forest giants, some of which hundreds of years old, dominate the scene; their dense canopy provides the mystic
twilight that shades the trails criss-crossing the forest floor. A maze of lianas and rattan palms and the incessant sound
of the cicadas add to the mystery.
Bukit Timah is also a good place to spot colugos or observe macaque monkeys and their antics
(Please read the advice on monkeys).
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About the tour:
Starting at the Visitor Center, the tour follows the trails through the reserve to the summit of Bukit
Timah Hill and back. Besides background information on rainforests, the walk highlights key plant and animal species
along the way. Find out what role they play in the ecosystem and how they have adapted to it.
The tour takes about 2 hours, the rugged trails require a reasonable amount of fitness and stamina. Trails are not suitable
for strollers.
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General information / How to get there:
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Things to bring:
- Drinking water
- Mosquito repellent
- Protection against rain and sun
- Plastic bags to waterproof valuables and electronic gadgets
- Comfortable walking shoes (no sandals or flip flops)
- Small towel
- Binoculars (if you have)
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