The shortest trekking route to the summit follows what what the park has labeled as the "Red Walking Trail" which is just over 1 km and follows a paved road heading northwest from the the reserve's visitor center before turning north, then northwest. Here you will see a stairway called the "Summit Path" which will take you on a direct route to the summit. Continuing along the road, you will pass the summit on the west before turning northeast and then southeast to reach the summit. This is the shortest way up and takes about 15-30 minutes. Bukit Timah Hill comprises largely of granite.
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| Summit Path |
History of Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
In 1882, then Superintendent of the Singapore Botanic Gardens, was commissioned by the Government of the Straits Settlements to prepare a report on the forests of the settlements. On Cantley's recommendation, several forest reserves were created on Singapore island over the next few years. Bukit Timah was one of the first forest reserves established in 1883.
All the reserves were worked for timber except Bukit Timah Reserve. By 1937, the forest reserves were depleted under economic pressures for development. However, Bukit Timah Reserve were retained for the protection of flora and fauna under the management of the Singapore Botanic Gardens.
Bukit Timah was further protected by legislation as a National Park in 1951. The origin of the word 'timah' is debatable. 'Timah' in Malay refers to 'tin', which however is not found in this area of Singapore. 'Timah' most likely would have referred to 'temak', a tall pale-crowned timber yielding tree found in abundance in these forests.
Now, the nature reserves are for the propagation, protection and preservation of the indigenous flora and fauna of Singapore .
Examples of fauna:
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