Dairy Farm Nature Park

Dairy Farm Nature Park is a forested park in the Upper Bukit Timah area of Singapore. It sits next to Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and helps protect it. Entry is free. You will find shady trails, a quiet quarry lake and a small nature centre. It is a good choice if you want real forest without a long trip out of town.

This guide covers what to see, how to get there and tips for a safe, comfortable walk.

What is Dairy Farm Nature Park and why visit?

As the name suggests, this land was once a dairy farm. Today it has grown back into secondary forest. The park is run by the National Parks Board (NParks). It acts as a green buffer for Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, which holds some of Singapore's oldest forest.

The park mixes easy paths with some steeper trails. You can keep your visit short, or link up with longer routes into the nature reserve. Birds, butterflies and other wildlife are common along the way.

Visit if you enjoy nature walks, birdwatching or simply some quiet time among the trees. It is often quieter than the main trails at Bukit Timah, especially on weekdays.

What to see and do

Most visitors follow a loop that takes in the education centre, a forest trail and the quarry lake.

Wallace Education Centre

The Wallace Education Centre is a small centre near the park entrance. It has displays about the plants and animals of the area. It is named after Alfred Russel Wallace, a British naturalist who studied wildlife in this region in the 1800s. It is a good first stop, especially with children.

Wallace Trail

The Wallace Trail is a forest walk also named after the naturalist. It takes you under tall trees and past ferns and climbing plants. Some parts slope up and down, so take it slowly.

Singapore Quarry

Singapore Quarry is a former granite quarry that has filled with water. It is now a calm lake with steep rock walls around it. A viewing deck gives you a clear look across the water. Look out for birds and dragonflies around the edges.

Links to Bukit Timah

Trails from the park connect towards Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. If you have the energy, you can turn your visit into a longer forest hike. Check the NParks website first, as some trails may close for works.

How to get to Dairy Farm Nature Park

The nearest MRT station is Hillview, on the Downtown Line. From the station, allow about 10 to 20 minutes on foot to the park entrance, depending on your pace. Taxis and ride-hailing cars can also drop you off near the Wallace Education Centre.

If you are new to the trains, read our guide on how to use the MRT in Singapore. Wear good walking shoes, as you will be on forest trails for most of your visit.

Tips for visiting Dairy Farm Nature Park

• Start early in the morning, when it is cooler and the forest is quiet.
• Wear shoes with good grip, as trails can be muddy after rain.
• Bring plenty of water and insect repellent.
• Keep food in your bag and never feed the monkeys or other wildlife.
• Stay on the marked trails and keep away from the quarry edge.

The park is free to visit. Check the NParks website for trail updates and any closures before you go.

Food and things to do nearby

There is no food for sale inside the park, so bring snacks and water. After your walk, head to the shops and eateries along Upper Bukit Timah Road. Our guide to restaurants in Upper Bukit Timah lists places to try.

Several other places are close by. The Rail Corridor is a long green trail that follows an old railway line. The Former Ford Factory is a heritage site with exhibits about the Second World War in Singapore. For more forest walks, read our guide to hiking and nature trails. You can also browse more nature and parks in Singapore and other free things to do in Singapore.

FAQs about Dairy Farm Nature Park

Is Dairy Farm Nature Park free?

Yes, entry to Dairy Farm Nature Park is free.

What is the nearest MRT station to Dairy Farm Nature Park?

Hillview MRT station on the Downtown Line is the nearest. Allow about 10 to 20 minutes on foot to the park entrance.

Is the walk difficult?

Most paths are easy to moderate. Some trails have slopes and can be muddy after rain, so wear good shoes.

Can I walk from Dairy Farm Nature Park to Bukit Timah Nature Reserve?

Yes, trails connect the two. Check the NParks website for trail closures before you set off.