OK, OK, I know you must be getting bored of this Singapore area guides series now, so it’s time for my last one in this round of Singapore posts (though I do still have 3 more areas to write up at some point)! Having posted my area guides to the more central areas of Singapore, it’s time to leave the city centre to see a completely different side of this amazing country!
Bukit Timah is a gorgeous area, more residential in nature, and full of beautiful nature. It is the place to go for great hikes so if you’re looking for a break from the high rises and high pace of the city centre, this is your place to go!
How to get to Bukit Timah, Singapore
Getting to Bukit Timah is easy thanks to Singapore’s efficient and well-connected transport system. I personally love the MRT train; it’s so clean, easy and efficient.
By MRT (Train)
The most convenient way to get to Bukit Timah is via the Downtown Line (DTL – Blue). Key stations serving the area include Beauty World MRT (DT5) – ideal for food spots and access to Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, and King Albert Park MRT (DT6) – closer to cafés, eateries, The Grandstand and Rail Corridor. From the city centre (like Downtown or Bugis), the ride typically takes around 20–30 minutes.
By Bus
Bukit Timah Road is a major transport corridor, with numerous bus services running through it. Buses connect the area to Orchard, the CBD, and residential neighborhoods across Singapore. This is a good option if you want more flexibility or are coming from areas not directly on the Downtown Line.
By Car or Taxi (Grab)
Driving is quick and convenient, and takes around 15–20 minutes from Orchard Road, or around 20–30 minutes from the CBD, depending on traffic.
By Bike
For the more adventurous, Bukit Timah is connected to Singapore’s park connector network and the Rail Corridor. You can cycle in from other parts of the island, especially if you enjoy longer scenic rides.
Transport Tip: If you want to travel by taxi, download the Grab App (the local Uber). If you want to ride the MRT, you can tap in and out with your bank card.
Things to Do in Bukit Timah, Singapore
Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
You can read my full guide to Bukit Timah Nature Reserve HERE.
Bukit Timah is a beautiful nature reserve which is home to the largest remaining area of Singapore’s primary rainforest. It hosts 40% of the island’s bio-diversity, and it’s home to Singapore’s highest natural point. That makes it perfect for a hike, but be warned – go early because in the heat of the day it is so hot. The park is also free to enter.
Top Tip: Bukit Timah also connects to Hindhede Nature Park, Rifle Range Nature Park and the Rail Corridor if you want to make a longer walk of it or combine things on this list.
Hindhede Nature Park and Quarry
One of my absolute favourite Singapore hidden gems is Hindhede Quarry, which is an old quarry now filled with water and making a beautiful lake. I love sitting at the viewing platform here and relaxing with a book. Even better, it’s only a 5 minute walk from Bukit Timah Nature Reserve entrance – so you can easily do both in a day! Plus it’s also free to enter.
Rail Corridor
You can read my full guide to walking the Rail Corridor HERE.
Another of Singapore’s recent “green” developments is the beautiful Rail Corridor. This was an active railway line between Singapore and Malaysia up until 2011, and instead of building over it or losing the heritage, Singapore has converted it to a beautiful green corridor for walking – it’s 24km in total and the central section runs through Bukit Timah – you can access it from across the road from the Rail Mall, Beauty World, or opposite Rifle Range Park. And even better, it’s also completely free!
Former Ford Factory
One of my favourite museums in the country is the Former Ford Factory, which is where the British surrendered to the Japanese during WW2 – you can even go in to the room where the signing happened. There is also a great museum on site talking about the fall of Singapore, the Japanese occupation, the subsequent British return and Singapore becoming independent. The galleries are really well done and it’s worth 2 hours of your time.
Visitor Information: The Museum has an entrance fee of $7.13 (how oddly specific).
Rifle Range Nature Park (& link to MacRitchie trails)
Continuing on the green spaces in Bukit Timah, Rifle Range Nature Park is a beautiful area of Wetlands and lots of easy boarded trails. If you then want to make a longer walk of it, it also connects across to the MacRitchie trails, and specifically the Treetop walk, which is one of Singapore’s most famous walks.
You can read my full guide to the MacRitchie Treetop walk HERE.
Other Attractions
- Rail Mall – Tucked along Upper Bukit Timah Road, The Rail Mall is one of the area’s most distinctive spots. Unlike Singapore’s typical multi-storey malls, it’s a single-storey, open-air strip with a relaxed, almost suburban feel. I recommend dropping down to it for a drink if you’re walking the Rail Corridor.
- Colonial Estates – It’s here in Bukit Timah where many Colonial estates were built. One of the most notable is Adam Park, a residential enclave of conserved black-and-white bungalows. Originally built for British military officers in the early 20th century, these homes are defined by their distinctive architecture; and whilst not typically on the tourist trail, I think they give a good sense of Bukit Timah’s layered history.
Where to Eat & Drink in Bukit Timah, Singapore
Bukit Timah is not known for its cheap food, but you can find good variety! There are lots of lovely little cafes and bakeries too, which makes it my favourite place in Singapore for a sweet treat.
- Beauty World – This is the heart of Bukit Timah’s food scene. Beauty World Centre and nearby eateries serve up local favorites like laksa, satay, and Hainanese chicken rice. It’s a great place to sample authentic Singaporean flavors without the tourist crowds that you find in the central area of the city.
- Cheong Chin Nam Road – Known for its latenight dining, this stretch comes alive in the evenings. You’ll find a mix of zi char stalls, Korean BBQ spots, and dessert cafes; perfect after a long day of walking.
- Hidden Cafés & Bakeries – The area is one of Singapore’s loveliest residential postcodes, meaning it’s also home to a really nice selection of cozy cafés and artisanal bakeries, ideal for weekend brunch or a quiet coffee break. I love Better Days Cafe.
As Bukit Timah is largely residential, I’m not including my “Where to Stay” section, because there aren’t many traditional hotels here, and I don’t recommend staying in the area. It’s the perfect day trip to see another side to the city, and especially to get out in to nature.
So there you have it, my ultimate guide to Bukit Timah, Singapore’s beautiful green oasis within the city. Whilst it may not be a must visit for a first timer to the city, it rewards slow travellers or return visitors who have already seen the main tourist sites. It’s actually my favourite area in all of Singapore. So what do you think? Let me know in the comments below!
And if you’re interested in reading more of my Singapore posts, you can do so below. Stay safe and happy travelling!
- Singapore 2 Day Itinerary HERE
- Singapore Layover Guide HERE
- Free things to do in Singapore HERE
- Gardens by the Bay HERE
- Singapore Botanic Gardens HERE
- Mount Faber & The Southern Ridges Walk HERE
- Singapore’s Best Gardens HERE
- Singapore’s WW2 history HERE
- Jurong Lake Gardens HERE
- MacRitchie Treetop Walk HERE
- Rail Corridor Walking Guide HERE
- Bukit Timah Nature Reserve HERE
- Singapore Museums HERE
- Civic District Area Guide HERE
- Sentosa Area Guide HERE
- Chinatown Area Guide HERE
- Marina Bay Area Guide HERE
- Bukit Timah Area Guide HERE
- Hotel Reviews: Raffles Singapore HERE, Conrad Marina Bay HERE, The Clan Hotel HERE.
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