Hike in Bukit Timah Nature Reserve

This Saturday I decided to experience a rainforest. Yes, there is a good deal of undisturbed nature to be found in this small, crowded island. Actually, the hike was quite challenging. Seeking to not take the easy way, I opted for the green path, which is a narrow earthen path, reinforced by logs, blocks and tree roots, that follows the terrain with a climb, a descent, and another long climb. Cicadias provided the backgroud sounds for an otherwise quiet journey.

Not being fully acclimated to Singapore yet, I needed to pause several times to cool down and take in some water. At the high point, I was 168m above sea level, and I would assume that the origin was not very far above sea level. Quite a climb! Here are the steps leading to the summit:

By the way, what is shown here is just the first few steps. The actual climb is about 2-3 times as long as what is clearly visible here. Once I reached the top, there was a resting place and this stone:

Along the way, I saw many streams flowing in and around the path. Water pooled in the low-lying areas, providing a habitat for small fish. The presence of water should have been obvious to me, it being a rainforest after all.

After my 2 hour trek, I was greeted by several monkeys. Curiously, many signs within the preserve warn of the dangers of feeding monkeys, but I only saw monkeys in the residential neighborhood immediately outside of the preserve.

Altogether, it was an amazing and tiring experience. Within the heart of busy Singapore, there is a retreat where one can escape and appreciate the natural beauty of the rainforest. Of course, one is never very far away from civilization here, but only occasional glimpses betray the illusion of an infinite expanse of forest.