SINGAPORE: Parts of the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve (BTNR) will be open to the public from this Saturday (Apr 4). This follows the completion of phase one of restoration works, after the Reserve was closed in September last year.
Nature lovers can on weekends enter the Reserve via Hindhede Nature Park. They can only use the Main Road to reach the Summit, which will be open from 7am to 6pm, on weekends only. The last admission to the Reserve is at 5pm.
The trail repair works on the Summit Path will allow visitors to choose steps of two different heights, according to their needs. Members of the public are also advised to keep to the designated route.
However, the reserve remains inaccessible through Dairy Farm Nature Park as trail repair works are ongoing at Dairy Farm Loop.
The public are also advised to take public transport when visiting BTNR as there are limited parking lots on site due to the restoration works in progress. Restrooms will be in operation during opening hours on the weekends.
PROGRESS OF RESTORATION PHASES
NParks says slope stabilisation works between Keruing Hut and Simpang Hut, as well as trail repair works at Summit Path, are complete. Visitors will be able to hike up to the Summit via the Main Road and Summit Path on weekends.
These works complete the first phase of two-year long efforts at BTNR to stabilise three slope sections, restore the trails and forest, and upgrade visitor amenities including the Visitor Centre.
Phase two of the BTNR project includes slope stabilisation at two other locations, trail repairs and enhancement of visitor amenities including the Visitor Centre. According to National Parks, these are progressing as scheduled and will take another 18 months to complete.
With limited access to the Reserve, members of the public can experience nature at other locations in the vicinity such as Dairy Farm Nature Park, Pang Sua Park Connectors and Rail Corridor. Free guided walks at alternative locations, including Bukit Batok Nature Park and Singapore quarry are also available. These guided walks take place once a month on a first-come, first-served basis.
More information is available on the National Parks website: https://www.nparks.gov.sg/gardens-parks-and-nature/parks-and-nature-reserves/bukit-timah-nature-reserve
- CNA/eg
Part of Bukit Timah Nature Reserve to reopen to public on weekends
Today Online 1 Apr 15;
SINGAPORE — Nature lovers will be able to access the Summit of Bukit Timah Nature Reserve (BTNR), which has been closed for restoration works, through the Main Road on weekends from Saturday (April 4).
The National Parks Board (NParks) said today (April 1) that slope stabilisation works between Keruing Hut and Simpang Hut, as well as trail repair works at the Summit Path, had been completed.
The repaired Summit Path trail now has steps of two different heights, allowing visitors to choose their level of challenge when embarking on the trail.
These works complete the first phase of two-year long efforts at BTNR to stabilise three slope sections, restore the trails and forest, and upgrade visitor amenities.
The Main Road leading to the Summit will be opened to visitors from 7am to 6pm on Saturdays and Sundays, NParks said. The last entry to the reserve will be at 5pm.
The reserve, which has been closed since September last year, will remain inaccessible to the public on weekdays and public holidays that do not fall on weekends.
Access to Bukit Timah Nature Reserve on weekends is only via Hindhede Nature Park. According to NParks, visitors to the reserve should keep to the designated route, and take public transport since there are limited parking lots on site due to ongoing restoration works.
They will be able to make use of the restrooms during the opening hours on weekends.