Singapore has much to offer its visitors even though its land content is just over 700 square kilometres, this is due to careful city planning that has managed to accommodate all in a scenic and picturesque manner. A popular attraction with visitors is the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, which is just 12 kilometres from the city centre and also includes Singapore’s highest hill which stands at the height of 163 metres.

This reserve was established in 1883 and today it is administered by Nparks. The reserve has over 800 flowering plants and over 500 species of animals. The plants include a variety of ferns, orchids, palms and other beautiful flowers. The most seen animal in the reserve is the monkey and flying lemurs. There are also selections of birds such as the fairy bluebird and the popular bulbuls. It must be noted that historically the reserve was to be known by the colonials as a tiger infested area and was hardly visited! Sadly these magnificent animals no longer exist in the reserve.

Visitors to the reserve will find many trails to explore, the main trails are Route 1 to 4 and the Kampong trail, the Route 4 is the longest and the most difficult trail but it certainly promises the brave hearted loads of fun and adventure! When visiting the reserve, a good point to start off from is the Visitor Centre that offers loads of information on the reserve and some fascinating specimens of flora and fauna to be found in this remarkable rain forest. Apart from hiking on the numerous trails and having a picnic in a sunny glade, the reserve also offers a mountain biking trail and rock climbing expedition on the rocks at the reserve boundary.

The reserve can easily be accessed by visitors staying in the city centre and the city has many accommodation options for travellers. Looking for that ideal hotel Singapore has a wide range of hotels including a number of Singapore 4 star hotels, one of which is the Orchard Hotel Singapore. The hotel offers the traveller luxurious accommodation and an award winning cafe and restaurant. The hotel is situated on Orchard road and all the sights and sounds that this city has to offer is just a taxi or MRT ride away!