Beyond the skyscraper-filled concrete jungle, Singapore is home to a diverse range of nature and wildlife. There is never a dull moment when it comes to exploring the great outdoors in the Garden City, which is home to numerous parks and nature reserves. The centre portion of the 24-kilometer-long Rail Corridor which also known as the Green Corridor reopened in 2021 after two years of construction. The four-kilometre route includes repaired historic bridges as well as new entry points, including two wheelchair-accessible entry points and a pedestrian underpass.

The Rail Corridor was also repaired with care, using materials that complement the trail’s character at various points. Grass and gravel finishes have been used on sections of the track that run alongside natural areas. Sections of the route closer to urban areas, on the other hand, have been coated with an earth-coloured porous material that can easily drain rainwater. Hikers had to endure difficult slopes, overgrown plants, and muddy puddles to get across the Rail Corridor before the restoration works. The trail has now been improved to make it more accessible.

Bukit Timah Nature Reserve

This natural reserve is known for having one of the world’s most diverse and rich ecosystems. It contains more tree species than all North America, in addition to hundreds of animal and insect species. There are four walking trails to choose from – the paved approach to the summit is steep, but the unpaved trails are more interesting; Route 3 follows a winding woodland path past tunnels used by Japanese soldiers during WWII. Following the hike, visit the nearby Hindhede Nature Park to see the quarry lake.

Bukit Timah Railway Station

While we appreciate the modernity of MRT trains and stations, nothing beats the attractiveness of an old-fashioned railway station. While you can walk or sit on the rails, the railway station is now undergoing renovations and is therefore off-limits. The Station Master’s Quarters will be converted into a food and beverage establishment. Artefacts from the railway will be preserved and repurposed for reuse.

Bukit Timah Truss Bridge

The 45-meter-long steel bridge was built in 1932 and was officially designated for conservation in 2015, along with the Upper Bukit Timah Truss Bridge. The Bukit Timah Truss Bridge is Singapore’s only Baltimore truss bridge, and it contains additional bracing in the lower section of the truss, comparable to the Pratt truss. Both truss bridges have been rebuilt, refurbished, and reopened with the addition of modern safety features. It is also one of the most popular photo places for capturing the stunning sunset or sunrise.

Dairy Farm Nature Park

Make your way to the south of the Upper Bukit Timah Truss Bridge before heading to the Singapore Quarry Bridge, a footbridge that runs over the main pathway. After that, the bridge leads to a forest walk that goes to Dairy Farm Nature Park. The 63-hectare park is placed in a rustic setting with numerous hiking and biking trails. Visit the Wallace Education Centre to participate in hands-on activities and see displays that explain the history of Dairy Farm’s diverse landscapes. Along the trip, keep an eye out for the spectacular red and yellow heliconias, as well as monkeys, pangolins, and butterflies.

Hindhede Bridge and Underpass

Return to the Rail Corridor by using the new Hindhede Drive underpass. The 3.6-metre-wide underpass is located beneath an old rail bridge and runs parallel to Hindhede Drive, allowing walkers to enter Bukit Timah Nature Reserve without having to travel along the unpaved road.

Hindhede Nature Park

Hindhede Nature Park, which is located near to Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, offers easy routes and well-defined footpaths that are ideal for families, children, and hiking beginners. It is scenic and peaceful, but it is also a great place to go animal viewing with species like the banded woodpecker, clouded monitor lizard, and plantain squirrel so keep your eyes peeled when walking. The picturesque Hindhede Quarry, which is located near the park’s end is the primary attraction.

Singapore Quarry

The paved road from Singapore Quarry Bridge is another option for getting to Singapore Quarry. The quarry, which is now a large lake with unique birds, fish, turtles, and even monitor lizards, is a popular place for birdwatchers and nature photographers. There is also a large viewing deck on the lake’s side from which you can watch dragonflies fly over the water and see the rock cliffs from afar.

Upper Bukit Timah Truss Bridge

The Upper Bukit Timah Truss Bridge, which is located near to the Rail Mall, was built in 1932 and is Singapore’s first Pratt truss bridge. Each panel has a single tension diagonal and a compression vertical with parallel chords and an inclined end post in the Pratt truss design. Rotten timber sleepers were replaced as part of the rehabilitation, gaps were filled, and additional protective layers and railings were installed to make it even safer.