Apart from being a high-tech city home to many of the world’s top multinational companies, Singapore is also a dream destination for nature lovers as it has many hills and mountain ranges to be explored. Nature is known for its vast landscapes, complex ecosystems and diverse flora. And with creatures full of beauty and wonder. From the mesmerizing colors of the sunset to the grandeur of the towering mountains, there is no dearth of natural beauty. If you are planning your trip to Singapore, then this article is definitely going to help you know the places that you must visit during your stay there. The serene beauty of the hills in Singapore is something that can only be felt once you have been there.
Underrated hill stations in Singapore
1. Bukit Timah Hill
Experience nature in its pristine form at the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, just 12 km from the bustling city centre. By virtue of Singapore’s location on the equatorial belt, the reserve has one of the richest and most diverse ecosystems. Visitors will see an astonishing diversity of plant, animal and insect life, typical of the moist equatorial climate.This 163-ha reserve includes the highest hill in Singapore, Bukit Timah Hill, which stands at 163 metres, and is one of the few areas of primary rainforest in the country. The forest on the hill has been a botanical collection ground for more than a century, and the first known specimens of many species of Malayan plants have been obtained here.Home to a high percentage of our country’s (native) flora and fauna, the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve has been a favorite destination for those who want to get closer to nature. Some of these flora and fauna species include seraya (Shorea curtisii), red incense (Parishia insignis), greater racket-tailed drongo (Dicrurus paradisus) and Malayan kolugo (Galeopterus variegatus).
Hiking in Singapore hill stations
Established in 1883, the Bukit Timah Forest Reserve was one of the first forest reserves to be created in Singapore, as suggested by Nathaniel Cantley, the then Superintendent of the Singapore Botanic Gardens. In 1882, Cantlay was commissioned by the government of the Straits Settlements to prepare a report on the forests of the settlements. In his report, he recommended the creation of several forest reserves on the island, which were established over the next few years.However, all reserves were worked for timber except for the Bukit Timah Forest Reserve. By 1937, most of these reserves had been exhausted due to economic development. Thankfully, the Bukit Timah Forest Reserve was placed under the management of the Singapore Botanic Gardens to conserve its flora and fauna.
In 1951, the reserve was further protected through the enactment of a Nature Reserves Ordinance and the establishment of a Nature Reserve Board to manage the reserve.
Later in 1990 the Bukit Timah and Central Catchment areas were declared as Nature Reserves. Today, nature reserves are gazetted under the Parks and Trees Act (Chapter 216) to propagate, protect and preserve the indigenous flora and fauna of Singapore.
Serenity in Singapore hill stations
More information about Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
The reserve was reopened in October 2016 following the completion of restoration works carried out from September 2014 to October 2016. Forest. Push yourself to the limit as you climb Singapore’s highest hill, passing through pockets of hill dipterocarp forest found nowhere else on the island.Learn about the treasures of native biodiversity within the reserve through interactive exhibits of forest ecology and plant specimens in the exhibit hall located on the second floor of the visitor center.The Bukit Timah Nature Reserve was officially declared an ASEAN Heritage Park on 18 October 2011. Together with the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, it is now part of a prestigious regional network of 35 protected areas, which form the full spectrum of representative ecosystems in ASEAN member states.
Location : Bukit Timah Hill, located in its namesake district of Bukit Timah, is a hill located near the geographical centre of Singapore.
Offbeat hill stations in Singapore
2. Bukit Batok Hill Singapore
Bukit Batok Hill, also known as Bukit Batok Nature Park, is a small hill and nature reserve located in the Bukit Batok Planning Area in the western part of Singapore. It is also known as “Bukit Batok Nature Park” or “Little Guilin” because of its resemblance to the famous Guilin landscape in China. The park covers an area of approximately 36 hectares and contains a variety of flora and fauna as well as hiking trails, a pond, and a memorial dedicated to the victims of the Japanese occupation during World War II.Bukit Batok Hill was once the site of a granite quarry, which operated from the 1900s to the 1980s. The mine was eventually abandoned and the site was converted into a park in the 1990s.
Hidden gem hill stations in Singapore
Today, Bukit Batok Hill is a popular destination for hiking and nature enthusiasts, as well as history buffs interested in learning more about Singapore’s wartime past. Visitors can explore the park’s various trails, which offer beautiful views of the surrounding area, or visit the memorial to pay respects to those who lost their lives during the Japanese occupation.
Location : 1 Bukit Batok West Ave 2, Singapore
Less crowded hill stations in Singapore
3. Mount Faber
Mount Faber is a hill located in the central region of Singapore. It is situated at a height of 105 meters and offers panoramic views of the city skyline, Sentosa Island and the southern islands of Singapore.Mount Faber is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. The hill is accessible by cable car, road and hiking trails. The cable car ride from the Harbourfront to Mount Faber is particularly popular with visitors, as it offers stunning views of the city skyline and Sentosa Island.At the top of Mount Faber, visitors can enjoy a variety of attractions including restaurants, cafes, and bars. The mountain is also home to several parks and gardens, including Mount Faber Park and Henderson Waves. These parks have beautiful walking trails and are a popular place for picnics and family outings.In addition to its recreational attractions, Mount Faber is also an important historical site. During World War II, the hill was used as a reconnaissance point by the British Army. Today, visitors can explore remnants of the hill’s military history, including the remains of a gun battery and the Faber Point Observation Deck, which offers 360-degree views of the island.Mount Faber is named after Captain Charles Edward Faber, who served as an assistant engineer to the Madras Engineers in the 1840s. He was instrumental in the construction of Singapore’s first reservoir, which was built on the hill in 1867.
Scenic hill stations in Singapore
The hill is part of the Southern Ridges, a 10 km long trail that connects several parks and nature reserves in the southern part of Singapore. The trail is popular among hikers and nature enthusiasts, as it offers breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding greenery.
Mount Faber is also home to the Marang Trail, a 1.5 kilometer hiking trail that takes visitors through a wooded area and offers views of the Southern Islands. The trail is relatively easy and suitable for families with children.
The hill is a popular place to view fireworks displays, especially during major events such as the National Day Parade and New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Location : Mount Faber located in the town of Bukit Merah in the Central Region of Singapore
Secret hill stations in Singapore
4. Imbiah Hill
Imbiah Hill is a hill located on Sentosa Island in Singapore. It is a popular tourist destination because it offers a wide variety of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages. Some of the popular attractions in Imbiah Hill include:
Sentosa 4D Adventureland – An interactive theme park featuring 4D simulations, rides and attractions.
Skyline Luge Sentosa – A fun and exciting downhill ride on a gravity-powered luge.
Tiger Sky Tower – An observation tower that offers panoramic views of Sentosa Island and the surrounding areas.
Butterfly Park & Insect Kingdom – A tropical garden that houses various species of butterflies and insects.
Merlion – The famous statue of a mythical creature with the head of a lion and the body of a fish, which is considered a symbol of Singapore.
Tranquil hill stations in Singapore
Visitors can reach Imbiah Hill by the Sentosa Express train or by car. The hill is located near many other popular attractions on Sentosa Island, such as Universal Studios Singapore and S.E.A. Aquarium.
Mega Adventure Park – An outdoor adventure park that includes zip lines, aerial obstacle courses, and bungee jumps.
Madame Tussauds Singapore – A wax museum that houses life-size sculptures of celebrities and historical figures.
Sentosa Nature Discovery – An interactive nature exhibit that showcases the flora and fauna of Singapore and Southeast Asia.
Images from Singapore Live – A multimedia experience that tells the story of Singapore’s history and culture.
Fort Siloso – A historic site that was once a coastal artillery battery during World War II.
Sentosa Golf Club – A championship golf course that offers stunning views of the South China Sea.
GoGreen Segway Eco Adventure – A fun and eco-friendly way to explore Sentosa Island on a Segway.
Overall, Imbiya Hill is a great destination for tourists and locals alike, with all kinds of attractions and activities to suit all interests and ages.
Location : Imbiah Lookout is Singapore’s biggest cluster of attractions, it is located in Sentosa Island.
Nature trails in Singapore hill stations
5. Gardens by the bay:~
Gardens by the Bay is an incredible man-made nature park complex in the Bay Area of Singapore. Which is located in the central area of Singapore near Marina Reservoir. It is a popular tourist destination and an important landmark of Singapore. The park is spread over 101 hectares of land and features a range of unique horticultural attractions, futuristic structures and sustainable practices. This vast area is spread over 101 hectares in central Singapore. This mechanical park is a symbol of Singapore tourism. The vision of the Singapore government was to bring a city in the garden, they wanted to create an environment for their citizens to live in peace and give them a better environment to work in.
The Gardens by the Bay project was launched by the Singapore government as part of its efforts to transform Singapore into a ‘city in a garden’. It was designed by a team of international architects, landscape architects and engineers, and was officially opened to the public in 2012. The park is divided into three waterfront gardens, namely Bay South Garden, Bay East Garden and Bay Central Garden. Bay South Garden is the largest of the three gardens and is home to the iconic Supertrees, which are vertical gardens that reach heights of 25 to 50 meters. are up to These supertrees are made of steel frames covered in a variety of plant species, and they serve as windbreaks, rainwater harvesters and solar power generators. The Supertrees are also lit up at night, creating a spectacular light and sound show called Garden Rhapsody.
Another popular attraction at Bay South Gardens is the Flower Dome, the largest glass greenhouse in the world. It has collections of plants from different regions including Mediterranean, South African and Australian flora. The Cloud Forest is another dome-shaped greenhouse in the garden that showcases a misty mountain environment with a 35-meter-tall indoor waterfall. Bay East Garden is a more calm and serene garden that offers a panoramic view of the Singapore skyline. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk along the oceanfront promenade, which is surrounded by tropical trees and flowering shrubs.
Place
18 Marina Garden Drive, Singapore 018953
Address: 18 Marina Garden Drive, Singapore 018953
highlight
The Garden has the largest glass greenhouse in the world.
Four themed locations related to the main ethnic groups India, Malay, Chinese.
Supertree Grove in Gardens by the Bay, with steel-framed plantations that generate electricity.
Climate control biomass based on orchid flower size. That’s the size of 4 football fields
Here different types of plants, vegetables and plants are seen under one roof.
worth
Adult (Age 13+): Standard ticket INR 1400
Child (age 3 – 12): Standard ticket INR 750
Senior (age 60 and above): Standard INR 1400.
recommended for
It is an iconic destination for waterfront gardens and conservatories brimming with flora and fauna, providing enjoyment for adults, children, families.
6. Macritchie reservoir park:~
MacRitchie Reservoir Park, formerly known as Thomson Reservoir, is the oldest reservoir in Singapore. There is an interesting history behind its establishment. It was a donation from philanthropist Tan Kim Seng that helped establish it. The park occupies 12 hectares of land. It is a great place for outdoor enthusiasts to explore the natural beauty of Singapore and enjoy various outdoor activities. Which is a popular destination for nature lovers and sports enthusiasts. It is an ideal place for recreational activities as it offers bird watching, hiking and water sports activities by renting a canoe or kayak. You can also go for a walk in the park in the morning or evening to refresh your mind and rejuvenate your body.
The park has a large water body surrounded by lush greenery and a variety of flora and fauna. Visitors can stroll the boardwalk, go on a hike in the woods, or rent a kayak or canoe to explore the reservoir. There are several trails that visitors can take, including the Treetop Walk, a suspension bridge that offers panoramic views of the park.
Earlier most of Singapore was covered by forest land. This changed after the British establishment as the need for fresh water increased and they started clearing a substantial amount of forest. However the British failed to supply fresh water.
It was Tan Kim Seng’s donation that prompted the people to go ahead with the plan but unfortunately the money was insufficient due to poor planning skills. Finally after much struggle the reservoir was built and finally the deforestation around the reservoir was stopped.
In addition to outdoor activities, the park also has facilities such as a nature education center, a cafe, and restrooms. It is a great place for families, friends and couples to spend a day in nature and away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
During WWII, the Japanese military built a Shinto shrine in the middle of the park. But when the British recovered Singapore, it was demolished. The ruins of the shrine now remain, but visitors are told not to approach them and instead follow a trail laid out for them during their hike.
Nature Reserve Opening Hours: 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Treetop Walk Opening Hours: Tuesday-Friday: 9am to 5pm; Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays: 8.30 AM to 5 PM
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