DAIRY FARM NATURE PARK HIKING GUIDE
Welcome as we take a hike on the trails of Dairy Farm Nature Park Singapore. The park’s hiking trails are meant for basic and intermediate visitors which is ideal for every family or friend who can enjoy walking around. Most of the trails are easy to walk with mixed slopes and it is recommended for visitors to wear rubber shoes or trainers when hiking. The nature trail offers visitors to know about the flora and fauna of the park at the same time experience the fresh breath of air from the surrounding forest. Hikers will be greeted with the sound of chirping birds and some insect cricketing around the park. So come and trek with us through the trails of Dairy Farm Nature Park.
Where is Dairy Farm Nature Park
Dairy Farm Nature Park is located in the central region of Singapore. The park is adjacent to the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and nearby Singapore Quarry. The park’s entrance is situated along the Dairy Farm Road.
- The park opens daily from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
How to Go Dairy Farm Nature Park
To get to Dairy Farm Nature Park, visitors can avail on several transportation options
- By MRT (Mass Rapid Transit)
Take the Downtown Line and alight at Hillview MRT Station (DT3). From Hillview MRT Station, head to the station Exit A and walk to the nearby Wallace Trail. Head straight for about 10 minutes to reach the park entrance of Dairy Farm Nature Park. - By Public Bus
Visitors can also take a bus, and alight at the bus stop of Hillview MRT Station. Public bus no. 67, 75, 176, 178, 184, 963, 970 and 973 passes by this bus stop. From here, visitors can take a short walk to the park.
- Private Vehicle or Ride Sharing Services
Visitors who are driving, Dairy Farm Nature Park is accessible via Dairy Farm Road. Car parking is available on both Carpark A (near Hillview MRT) and Carpark B (near Wallace Education Centre). The car park space may be limited during weekends or public holidays, so advisable to come early.
Best Time to Visit Dairy Farm Nature Park
The best time to visit Dairy Farm Nature Park in Singapore;
- Early Morning
During early morning the park is usually cooler which makes it perfect for walk, hike along the trails. It also the best time to check for birds and animal species as more are active during this time.
Dairy Farm Nature Park Hiking Guide
Dairy Farm Nature Park offers several hiking trails for visitors to enjoy catering different levels of difficulty. Visitors will have the chance to explore the Dairy Farm Loop Trail, Wallace Trail and Bukit Timah Hill Trail within the nature park. Here are the key trails at Dairy Farm Nature Park:
#1 Wallace Trail
Wallace Trail is one of the trails is around 2.2 km nature trail is an easy walk that hikers can complete within 60 mins. The nature trail starts at the foot of Hillview MRT Station to the Wallace Education Center. This trail was named after Alfred Russel Wallace who use to study and collect different species of insects in the Dairy Farm site.
Walking through this trail, visitors can check on the heritage areas and information as well heading around the dairy. Also, there are shelter areas where hikers can take a break after hiking around the park. The trail has mixed of flora and fauna with the remnants of old vegetation with some rambutan and durian trees plantation around.
#2 Dairy Farm Loop
The Dairy Farm Loop is a relatively easy trail that is suitable for families and casual hikers. It covers a distance of 1.3km (around 30-40 minutes) walk through scenic paths around the park. The loop passes through various parts of the park, including scenic views of the surrounding forest and wildlife. The loop also passes by remnants of the former dairy farms, which adds an element of historical interest to your walk.
Dairy Farm Quarry
Dairy Farm Quarry has a big open field which is ideal for a picnic and games with family or friends. The quarry has beautiful scenery which provides a hidden oasis for visitors. Heading to the quarry, you will be surrounded by forest and vegetation.
#3 Bukit Timah Hill Trail
The Bukit Timah Mountain Trail is one of the more challenging trails in the park and is ideal for hikers looking for a bit of a workout. It takes you up to Bukit Timah Hill, the highest point in Singapore. The trail offers a steep ascent, making it a more physically demanding hike compared to the other trails. The trail passes through dense tropical forest, where you can spot various plant species and possibly wildlife like monkeys and butterflies. It’s a great choice for those who want to experience a more strenuous hike while exploring the rich biodiversity of the area.
#4 Singapore Quarry Trail
While this trail is technically outside Dairy Farm Nature Park itself, it’s often accessed from the park and provides a beautiful route to the Singapore Quarry. Singapore Quarry is one of the attractions when hiking on the Dairy Farm Park. The quarry offers a scenic mountain view of the remains of the quarry and the pool of water which serve as the habitat of various plants and animals.
Hiking to the quarry requires a bit of uphill walk, but visitors will be amazed by the tall trees and fresh air that blows along the way
Facilities at Dairy Farm Nature Park
Located within the park, Wallace Education Center is named after Alfred Russell Wallace, a famous naturalist. The center was used to be a cowshed, but later transformed into a museum that contains a gallery of information. The center offers educational displays about the natural history of Singapore and the importance of conserving its biodiversity. Visitors will be able to learn about various wildlife that exists in Dairy Farm and interactive hands-on activities.
Dairy Farm Park has two (2) public toilets, one near to Wallace Education Center and the other one is located at Car park B. There is a water fountain in case you will need to drink or top up your water bottle.
Friendly Reminders
- Wear Comfortable Shoes
Wearing comfortable shoes is important as the trails can be challenging to hike. - Stay Hydrated
Make sure to bring enough water, especially if you’re planning to hike. - Bring Insect Repellent
Advisable to bring insect repellent to avoid insect bites. - Check the Weather
Do always check the weather forecast before visiting the park.
Final Thoughts
Overall hiking Dairy Farm Nature Park is quite easy as mostly the path are flat which will roughly visitors can complete in about 2 hours. The trails are rich in flora and fauna with well-defined marked trails to help guide the hikers on the route. It is full of greenery which makes it cooling and refreshing to hike around. The nature park connects to two quarries; Dairy Farm Quarry and Singapore Quarry which are ideal places to sit down and relax. For adventure seeker who wants to continue to trek uphill, Bukit Timah Nature Reserve is right night to Dairy Farm. A visitor will be for a challenge to climb on the trails and up to the summit of Bukit Timah Hill. Overall hiking through Dairy Farm Park is a great place for a low-intensity workout at the same time enjoying nature’s beauty.
