With approachable hiking trails, a stunning quarry abutted by picturesque cliffs and easy access to the Rail Corridor and the rest of Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, Hindhede Nature Park is well-suited to a senior hiking group of varying skill and fitness levels.
There are low-grade trails offering a slice of adventure and more than a few good photo opportunities with wildlife and rock formations at the former, now-flooded granite quarry, all of which can be tackled easily enough even with a wheelchair or walking stick.
The 9.5ha Hindhede Nature Park also offers a gateway into more excitement for those with a larger appetite for adventure, whether you’re talking about mountain bike trails or a serious lung-busting trek up to Singapore’s highest peak, the 163m-tall Bukit Timah Hill.
To top it off, the Hindhede Nature Park is relatively accessible via bus, MRT or car with ample parking space at the trailhead.
Read on for an all-in-one guide to Hindhede Nature Park including points of interest, rest areas and more.
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Getting to Hindhede Nature Park
First, the good news. There’s a reasonably sized public car park at Hindhede Drive right outside Hindhede Nature Park, which means there usually won’t be an issue getting a parking lot even if you’re visiting on the weekend.
The bad news, however, is that it is an 800m walk from the nearest MRT station, Beauty World (on the Downtown line). The walk is not completely sheltered, though you can dip out of the heat at any of the eateries in the bustling stretch along Cheong Chin Nam Road.
It is roughly the same distance for those travelling by bus, though there are admittedly a good range of services available, including 67, 75, 170, 173, 184, 852, 961 and 961M.
However, here’s an alternative option you can explore as we did at one of our recent Jalan-Jalan Kaki events – starting your hike at Hillview MRT (on the Downtown line too) with a near-direct connection to the scenic Rail Corridor, and trek down the Rail Corridor to Hindhede Nature Park. This adds around 2.4km to the hike, and makes for a more satisfying workout.
What to expect
There are two entrances to Hindhede Nature Park from both ends of the public car park. Either way, the trail is a short, closed loop, meaning that it’ll be a similar experience regardless of which end you start hiking from.
Do note, however, that only the trail leading up from the visitor centre is entirely wheelchair-accessible via a boardwalk – the other path comes with stairs and a section that isn’t paved.
Assuming you’re hiking at a decent clip, you’ll find yourself at the lookout point overlooking the disused Hindhede Quarry within ten minutes or less. This is probably where you’ll spend most of your time, snapping pictures of the craggy cliffs and water filling the historic granite quarry.
Wheelchair-friendly, but not pet-friendly
As the trail sees you winding your way through a section of the larger Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, visitors are not permitted to bring their dogs (or any other pet) along for their hike as they might disrupt the local wildlife.
Like most nature reserves, monkeys are a common fixture at Hindhede Nature Park and might attack if they spot you hefting a bag of chips. So keep your head on a swivel if you’ve got the munchies, and of course, try to keep plastic bags out of sight.
Sufficient rest areas
There are four rest huts spread across Hindhede Nature Park’s walking trails – including one right beside a children’s playground equipped with zip lines. Score for any senior hiker doubling up as grandchild-sitter for the day.
The huts are comfy enough for a quick dip out of the sun or rain, with ample benches for most small hiking groups.
If you need the toilet though, you’ll have to make your way back to the visitor centre at the trailhead. The toilet there is also equipped with a water cooler.
How long will it take?
Hindhede Nature Park is small and relatively flat for the most part. It shouldn’t take much longer than 20 minutes to conquer the entire park, assuming you’re walking without stopping for breaks.
We’d save this for a breezy introductory hike for newcomers to your walking group, or as a picturesque stop along a longer trek through Bukit Timah Nature Reserve or along the Rail Corridor.
Our Jalan-Jalan kakis started our exploration from Hillview MRT station to Hindhede Nature Park before going to parts of the Rifle Range Nature Park, making it a satisfying 2-hour adventure. See photos of our gallivants below.
Hindhede Nature Park
Location: Along Hindhede Drive
Opening Hours: Daily, 7am – 7pm
Admission: Free
Tel: +65 1800 471 7300
Website: https://www.nparks.gov.sg/visit/parks/park-detail/hindhede-nature-park
