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.

Malayan colugo, National Parks Board, 2022, From the collection of: ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity
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Black Tipped Archduke, National Parks Board, 2022, From the collection of: ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity
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Pangolin, National Parks Board, 2022, From the collection of: ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity
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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.

Trail through the trees (2018) by Pamela Q. RebloraASEAN Centre for Biodiversity

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.

Aerial View of Bukit Timah Nature Reserve (2022) by National Parks BoardASEAN Centre for Biodiversity

Learn more about Bukit Timah Nature Reserve

AHP logo by ACBASEAN Centre for Biodiversity

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.

Credits: Story

Photos and Story by the National Parks Board

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
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