It could be the only place in Singapore that one can find within easy walking distance of three shopping centres. Bukit Timah hill or Tin Hill, the forest covered granite outcrop which stands at 525 feet high is the country’s tallest hill. It has been a nature reserved since 1951.

The reserve is the last refuge of the rainforest and is a favourite weekend spot for nature lovers, walkers, and joggers. When visit the reserve, one must observe the rule of not destroying anything within the reserve and not feeding the animals. Unless one wants to feed the mosquitoes, he or she must be equipped with insect repellent, a cap and sufficient water.

Though it is a protected reserve, Bukit Timah’s survival is threatened because of the characteristics of the giant trees there. These giants form the protective canopy, keeping the place cools, shady and humid. Among these tree, there are giant forest ants that bite, their bite induce swellings of the size of a pea, so do be careful when you walk, taking care not to brush against the tree.

Animals in the reserve are shy other then the macaques. Do not feed the macaques as they can be aggressive and will bite if no more food is offered. Small mammals such as rat-like tree shrews, scaly anteaters, civet cats as well as the flying squirrels and flying fox can be sighted if one is in luck. One must be careful as the vicinity has many snakes, the python that is the most common.