Get to Bukit Timah Nature Reserve in Singapore – fast and affordably!
Welcome to the complete guide on how to get to Bukit Timah Nature Reserve in Singapore. In this article, we will explain how to get to this popular recreational area using multiple forms of transportation such as
MRT
Bus Services
Taxi
Private Vehicle
In terms of getting to Bukit Timah Nature Reserve by MRT, we will summarize where to book a room, and which transfers, lines and stations you should consider on the way.
Singapore also has a very reliable public bus system that you can use to access the best parks, and attractions throughout the city. You can either take a bus from your starting point to a bus stop near the entrance of the Reserve.
Parking is available at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve so driving your vehicle there is a convenient option. A lot of families visit the Reserve on a weekly basis and in many cases carpooling is cheaper and faster than taking public transport (less waiting).
We will share parking information in case you want to drive there.
Visiting Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
Bukit Timah Nature Reserve is an awesome recreational area about 12 km from downtown Singapore. On 18 October 18th, 2011 was officially recognized as an ASEAN Heritage Park. It spans an impressive 163-hectares and has an impressive selection of plant and animal species living in an equatorial climate characterized by rain, humidity and heat.
Bukit Timah Nature Reserve was established way back in 1883 and most recently closed from 2014 to 2016 for a restoration project.
When you visit Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, be prepared for an excellent experience.
One of the coolest experiences is hiking up Singapore’s highest hill – Bukit Timah Hill. The peak of Bukit Timah Hill is 163 m and it is surrounded by primary rainforest that offers guests fresh air and the opportunity to see many species.
To learn more about Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and the species here head to the Visitor Centre. It features modern displays and exhibits about forest ecology and plant specimens on the second floor.
Bukit Timah Nature Reserve is serviced by bus and parking is available on site. It is also close to an MRT station, making it a convenient place to visit for nature lovers, exercise enthusiasts and families with children of all ages.
Getting to Bukit Timah Nature Reserve by MRT
Step 1: Access the nearest MRT station in the city.
The first step in getting to Bukit Timah Nature Reserve by MRT is accessing the closest MRT station. Fortunately, there are tons of places to stay that are within walking distance of stations throughout the city.
Here are two examples below at different price ranges:
Mid-Range
Heritage Collection on Chinatown (4-star, 9.0/10 review score, very close to Chinatown Station)
Luxury
The Fullerton Hotel (5-star, 9.0/10 review score, close to Raffles Place Station)
Not only will you avoid traffic, but you also won’t waste time and money on taxi charges.
Try to stay within 500 m of a station so that you don’t waste time getting to Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and other points of interest.
Step 2: Map out your MRT route.
The best station for accessing the main entrance of Bukit Timah Nature Reserve is Beauty World Station (DT5).
Beauty World Station is on the Downtown Line, shown in dark blue on Singapore’s metro map.
Interchange Stations with the Downtown Line
Plan out your transfer(s) to the Downtown Line in advance. Here is a summary of the popular interchange stations on your way to Bukit Timah Nature Reserve:
Botanic Gardens – transfer between the Circle and Downtown Line
Newton – transfer between the North-South and Downtown Line
Little India – transfer between the North-East and Downtown Line
Bugis – transfer between the East-West and Downtown Line
Also, some of the most popular stations right downtown for accessing the Downtown Line include:
Promenade
Bayfront
Chinatown Station
Marina Bay Sands and the Ritz-Carlton Millenia are perfect places to stay for direct MRT access.
Step 3: Buy a metro card or ticket to reach Beauty World Station (DT6).
You can buy a stored-value card or a Singapore Tourist Pass before using the MRT to Beauty World Station.
Stored value cards and Singapore Tourist Passes can be used on buses and trains throughout Singapore. We used a stored value card when determining how to get to Bukit Timah Nature Reserve.
We strongly suggest buying a Multi-Attraction Pass while you are in Singapore. With over 200,000 passes bought already, it’s a great way to save up to 52% off the entrance price to the city’s main attractions.
Step 4: Take the MRT to Beauty World Station (DT5).
Transfer lines (if necessary) and travel on the Downtown Line to Beauty World Station (DT5).
Step 5: Alight from the train.
Alight upon arrival at Beauty World Station (DT5).
Step 6: Exit Beauty World Station (DT5).
Beauty World MRT Station is built underneath Upper Bukit Timah Road, near the junction of Jalan Jurong Kechil.
You will arrive at Basement Level 2 of the station.
Follow the signs and travel up to Street Level.
Beauty World MRT Station has three exits at Street Level – Exit A, B, and C.
Take Exit A.
Step 7: Walk from Beauty World Station to Bukit Timah Nature Reserve.
Walking Directions to Visitor Centre and Main Entrance
Exit A at Beauty World Station will bring you out onto Upper Bukit Timah Road.
Head northwest on Upper Bukit Timah Road and eventually cross the road to the other side.
Take the pedestrian bridge that runs over Upper Bukit Timah Road to Hindhede Road.
Turn right onto Hindhede Road.
Walk northeast along Hindhede Road.
You will walk past the main parking area and the Visitor’s Centre on the way to the Reserve.
Enter the Reserve using the trails.
Is it more practical to walk or take the bus from Beauty World Station to the Reserve?
For most visitors, it will make more sense to walk or cycle from the station opposed to taking the bus. The closest bus stops to the Reserve are also very close to the station, so you don’t really benefit much from taking a bus from Beauty World Station.
The walk is under 10 minutes from the MRT. Waiting for a bus that doesn’t directly bring you to the entrance of the Nature Reserve isn’t too practical.
Getting to Bukit Timah Nature Reserve by Public Bus
You can take public bus services directly from your starting point or from a nearby MRT station to reach Bukit Timah Nature Reserve.
First, consider how long a combination of MRT and bus services will take versus taking a bus there.
There are several bus services that can drop you off at a stop a few minutes from the main entrance. Therefore, expect to walk for a few minutes. Buses usually don’t drop off right at the entrance.
In the table below we have summarized the closest bus stops relative to the main entrance of Bukit Timah Nature Reserve (where the Visitor Centre is located).
| Bus Stop | Bus Numbers | Approximate Walking Time from the Bus Stop to Entrance of Bukit Timah Nature Reserve |
| Opp Beauty World Ctr
#42109 |
184, 852, 961, 961M | 5-6 minutes (500 m) |
| Beauty World Stn Exit B
#42091 |
67, 75, 170, 170A, 173, 184, 852, 961, 961M | 5-6 minutes (500 m) |
| Beauty World Stn Exit A
#42099 |
67, 75, 170, 173 | 7-9 minutes (650 m) |
| Woh Hup Bldg
#42111 |
67, 75, 170, 170A, 173, 184, 852, 961, 961M | 6 minutes (500 m) |
As you can see according to the table above, there are numerous bus stops to choose from. Getting off the bus at any of these should be fine because they only differ by 1-2 minutes in terms of walking time to the Reserve. All times and distances are in relation to the main entrance by the Visitor Centre.
Driving or Taking a Taxi to Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
Driving a vehicle is a popular way for visitors to access Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. If you drive it’s likely going to be the fastest way to get there unless traffic is heavy.
Furthermore, driving there with a full vehicle might save you money because each individual doesn’t have to pay for MRT or bus services.
Only 1 minute south of the Visitor Centre there is a large parking area. But it can get busy, especially on weekends and public holidays. Parking is typically available from 7 am – 7 pm on a daily basis.
Taking a taxi to Bukit Timah Nature Reserve is also a solid option and removes the stress associated with changing MRT lines and figuring out which buses to take.
There are several points of interest to check out in the Reserve, but you might want to drive to/or get dropped off near the Visitor Centre. Here is the address:
177 Hindhede Dr, Singapore 589333
Some of the main roads servicing this area of Singapore are
Upper Bukit Timah Road
PIE
Bukit Timah Road
Clementi Road
BKE
We strongly suggest typing the address above into Google Maps before heading to the Reserve. You’ll then know which route to take and how traffic will impact your travel time.
Other Points of Interest in the Area
Bukit Timah Nature Reserve isn’t the only place to explore in Bukit Timah.
You can also visit Bukit Batok Nature Park (Directions). There is a scenic viewport that is well worth the hike to get there. You can also visit Dairy Farm Nature Park and Chestnut Nature Park to the north.
Shopping?
There are several shopping centres west and south of the Reserve. It’s a practical decision to get some exercise at the reserve and then head to a mall for some rest and refreshments.
The closest malls to Bukit Timah Plaza include:
The Rail Mall
HillV2
Bukit Timah Plaza
Beauty World Centre
Bukit Timah Shopping Centre
Beauty World Plaza
KAP Mall
These malls are clustered around three MRT stations along the Downtown Line. Head to Hillview Station to access The Rail Mall and HillV2. Go to Beauty World Station to walk to Beauty World Centre, Bukit Timah Shopping Centre, and Beauty World Plaza.
Bukit Timah Plaza and KAP Mall are within walking distance of King Albert Park Station.
Bukit Timah Market & Food Centre is a popular eatery that has tons of affordable dishes. Expect traditional flavours and a bustling environment.
Staying near the Reserve
You won’t find too many hotels or hostels near Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. It’s around 11 km north of the city centre, so getting there from other main tourist areas is possible without too much hassle.
The Reserve is popular as a day trip destination from other areas of the country.
Marina Bay, Chinatown and Orchard welcome many visitors to the city. Also consider staying in Little India, Bugis or Sentosa.
All of these areas are serviced by MRT and buses, making it convenient to get around.
Conclusion
Hopefully, you now know how to get to Bukit Timah Nature Reserve in Singapore!
Getting there via MRT services is a practical mode of transportation.
Beauty World MRT Station is less than 10 minutes south of the main entrance. It’s possible to walk or cycle to the Reserve from the station. You might find bus services around the station, but walking is likely more practical for most people.
The big activity within the Reserve is walking to the summit of Bukit Timah Hill.
You can park your vehicle right near the Visitor Centre and then follow Reserve signs to reach the highest elevated area in Singapore! Remember to bring along lots of water, snacks, bug repellent and sunscreen for your trip!