Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
Covering 1.63 sq km, this ASEAN Heritage Park supports a large diversity of Singapore’s native flora and fauna.
By ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity
With photo contributions from the National Parks Board, Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, Pamela Q. Reblora, Wong Tuan Wah, and Cheryl Chia.
Aerial shot of trees (2017) by Wong Tuan WahASEAN Centre for Biodiversity
Bukit Timah Nature Reserve has significant biodiversity since it has retained a substantial portion of its original primary forest. The park contains relatively pristine patches of primary dipterocarp forests interspersed with tall secondary forests.
These forests support a comparatively large diversity of native flora and fauna, relative to the small geographical size of the country of Singapore; a large percentage of which are nationally threatened, and some are globally endangered.
Squirrel on a tree (2018) by Pamela Q. RebloraASEAN Centre for Biodiversity
Can you see it?
Plantain squirrels and Long-tailed Macaques are common and easy to see in Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. . Observant visitors can also spot the Malayan Colugo or Wagler’s Pit Viper.
Birds are more easily heard than seen at the park.
The usual species are Striped Tit Babbler and the endangered Straw-Headed Bulbul. Other recorded species include the red-crowned barbet and the oriental pied hornbill, and migrants such as the hooded pitta and various species of flycatchers and warblers.
Bukit Timah Visitor Centre (2018) by Pamela Q. RebloraASEAN Centre for Biodiversity
Bukit Timah Nature Reserve features a comprehensive visitor centre, boardwalks, and resting huts. Visitors can learn about the treasure trove of native biodiversity within the reserve through interactive displays of forest ecology and plant specimens at the Exhibition Hall.
Walking trail in Bukit Timah Nature Reserve (2018) by Pamela Q. RebloraASEAN Centre for Biodiversity
Visitors can go through various ecotourism activities such as such as birdwatching, enjoying nature walks, and biking through Singapore’s oldest mountain bike trail.
Learn more about Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
For more information, visit
https://www.nparks.gov.sg/gardens-parks-and-nature/parks-and-nature-reserves/bukit-timah-nature-reserve
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ASEAN Heritage Parks
ASEAN Heritage Parks (AHPs) are protected areas of high conservation importance that provide valuable contributions to safeguarding ecosystems and biodiversity.
AHPs provide a window to the world, showcasing a wealth of biodiversity that is uniquely ASEAN.
Photos and Story by the National Parks Board
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