Most of us are familiar with popular hiking spots like MacRitchie Reservoir or Mount Faber. But if you prefer to explore something non-mainstream, Hindhede Nature Park is a lesser known family-friendly hiking trail that is tucked away next to Bukit Timah Nature Reserve.
It is home to some of the most exotic birds in Singapore and a quarry, plus easy walking trails so you can bring your whole family hiking here.
Much like visiting any park or nature reserve in Singapore, there are a couple of things you might want to keep in mind before gearing up for the trails of Hindhede Nature Park.
For starters, although you’re free to organise a cute little picnic in the park, make sure to dispose of your rubbish properly after you’re done eating. It goes without saying that littering is a huge no-no, so bin those plastic bottles once you’re done rehydrating.
You’re bound to bump into Hindhede Nature Park’s many furry and feathered inhabitants on your visits, but remember to only view the wildlife from a safe distance. Plucking of the plants and flowers in the park is prohibited too, as the flora and fauna here are protected. Bringing along mosquito repellent is also recommended to keep the mozzies at bay.
Finally, you’ll want to wear a pair of shoes that’s appropriate for walking to prevent any injuries while you’re roaming the park. Sunscreen is a must when the sun’s out, and pack an umbrella just in case it pours. Of course, staying hydrated is of utmost importance, especially in Singapore’s humid climate, so bring along your biggest of bottles and fill it to the brim.
Despite being a lesser-known hiking destination, getting to Hindhede Nature Park is pretty easy. Alight at Beauty World MRT station and head towards Bukit Timah Nature Reserve.
The entrance to Hindhede Nature Park is located right behind the Visitor Center at the base of Bukit Timah Hill. It can be easy to miss, so keep a lookout for the big rock that says Hindhede Nature Park.
Paved trails make this an easy hike for elderly folk and children alike.
Image credit: @elsewhere_na via Instagram
Hiking doesn’t just need to be for fitspo folks. Hindhede Nature Park is beginner-friendly for those who prefer a leisurely stroll amid lots of greenery. That’s because the park has fairly easy and short hiking trails.
Expect a mixture of paved trails, wooden platforms, and dirt trails for those who want to be in touch with nature. For the keen explorer, it takes roughly 30-45 minutes to explore all of the park’s hiking trails. If you’d like to plan out your routes beforehand, do refer to the National Parks Board’s map of Hindhede Nature Park for more details.
There is also a reflexology path located at the northern part of the park.
Image credit: @meganmiks via Instagram
The park also has a kid-friendly obstacle-course, with climbing nets and swings made from tires.
Kids will definitely love the zipline at the playground.
Image credit: @erhanerdogar via Instagram
Finally, if you are tired and looking for a place to rest and refuel, there’s a picnic area, as well as a couple of sheltered huts that provide shade from the sweltering heat.
Singapore used to have its own “Minecraft” in the 1900s centered around granite mining.
Image credit: @jacob_wyx via Instagram
It takes only a 10-15-minute walk to get from the park entrance to the highlight of the park: the majestic Hindhede Quarry. Like a scene out of ancient Chinese Wuxia shows, the towering rock cliffs and lush greenery will get you back in touch with nature.
Back in the day, the quarry apparently used to attract daredevils who’d climb the quarry walls before plunging into the deep cool waters. Now, it remains a picturesque spot for visitors to take pictures and upload onto social media.
Oriental Darters can be spotted at the quarry.
Image credit: @beier_jia via Instagram
For animal lovers, the park is home to a rich plethora of wildlife. Popular among bird enthusiasts, Hindhede Nature Park is home to exotic birds like the Banded Woodpecker and the Straw-headed Bulbul.
The 95,000 sqm park is relatively small, which means that different species of birds can often be spotted in close proximity to each other. You wouldn’t need to search for long before being greeted by one of the park’s magnificent avians.
The adorable Flying Lemur hops from tree to tree.
Image credit: @thegreat.lamp via Instagram
Other animals that can be found here include the Plantain Squirrel, Clouded Monitor Lizard, and the Flying Lemur.
Image credit: @amb3rl1m via Instagram
A day of hiking doesn’t have to comprise uphill battles when you pay a visit to Hindhede Nature Park. For those who want a leisurely stroll, this park is an excellent place to enjoy nature and unwind. Just remember to bring along some sunblock and mosquito repellent.
For more outdoor activities, check out:
Cover image adapted from: @nparksbuzz, @amb3rl1m & @fellow_fauna via Instagram
Originally published on 27th June 2021. Last updated by Khoo Yong Hao on 25th July 2024.
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