I didn’t expect a 202.6km walking challenge to lead me to a hidden gem in Singapore.
As part of my school’s fundraising campaign, I actually got up and moving more than ever before. It’s not an easy feat, especially for someone as sedantary as me. Thankfully, I had a team, so the distance was split between the four of us. Special thanks to Peter, our MVP, for helping us get there!
Most of my usual walking routes are fairly predictable: the neighbourhood, the route between work and home, and the occasional walks nearby. So when my sister suggested taking me somewhere near Bukit Timah one fine weekend, I was intrigued.
She said it’s beautiful but rather hard to get there.
I wasn’t convinced, not at first, and I agreed that it was indeed difficult to reach there. Tired, sweating, and with no end in sight? This view better be worth it. (Yes, it’s worth it.)
Finding Singapore Quarry
To be honest, I had very little faith in my sister’s sense of direction as she led me along what looked like an increasingly obscure path beside a carpark.
At one point, I wondered if I was being taken on a very long walk to nowhere. The winding asphalt path didn’t seem to have an end in sight. It didn’t help that we passed by an ambulance and a fire engine truck.
But we kept going. The walk to the quarry was longer than I expected, with the route gradually taking us away from the familiar sights of Singapore and deeper into the forests around Bukit Timah. And then, suddenly, the insipid path opened up.
There it was. The Singapore Quarry. And, literally, my jaw dropped.
A Quarry Hidden in Singapore’s Garden City
Don’t get confused with the Xiao Guilin in Bukit Batok!
The first thing that caught my attention was the towering rock face surrounding the quarry. Then the expansive stretch of water. Then the buzzing of insects and the surreal calmness of the place. It was also surprising that there were not many people here, despite it being a weekday afternoon.
from the signboard: This quarry was once a lush forest, part of the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. Back in the 1940s, E.J.H. Corner raised the concern of the danger of the falling rocks. Even though The Commission of Enquiry into Granite Resources and Nature Reserves recommended the closure of Bukit Timah Quarries in 1960, quarrying activities continued until the late 1980s. This wetland habitat you see has come a long way and is a reflection of the changing landscapes of Singapore.
The exposed cliffs towered against the water, creating a landscape that feels almost surreal against the dense greenery surrounding it. The lake sits at the centre, framed by vegetation and tall reeds; the rock walls give the entire place a sense of scale not often seen in nature, here in Singapore.
I couldn’t believe that a place like this existed.
Then again, my usual travel routes are mostly between work and home, so perhaps I shouldn’t have been surprised that Singapore had a few places catching me completely off guard.
A Quick History
In the 1930s, construction businessman Chia Eng Say obtained mining rights on the mid‑western slopes of Bukit Timah Ridge and established what were initially known as the Chia Eng Say Quarries. The site later became commonly referred to as Singapore Quarry, a name that eventually replaced the original designation. Quarrying at the site ended when the Singapore government ordered all mainland granite quarrying to cease in 1970. In the 1980s, the National Parks Board (NParks) took over the land as part of the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and rehabilitated it, officially renaming it Singapore Quarry Nature Park. After years of ecological recovery, the area was reopened in 2009 as a freshwater wetland park with a viewing platform, forming part of today’s Dairy Farm / Bukit Timah nature park network.
Today, the quarry has become a nature spot where visitors can look out over the large body of water and surrounding vegetation. The wetland environment also attracts a variety of wildlife, including birds, dragonflies, and other small creatures.
It’s also surprisingly peaceful considering how close it is to the city. And that, perhaps, is what makes Singapore Quarry so special.
You can spend your morning surrounded by concrete, traffic, and MRT stations, then find yourself standing in front of a granite cliff and a quiet lake just a short distance away.
What to Expect at Singapore Quarry
Don’t expect a difficult trail. Singapore Quarry is more of a scenic nature walk than a strenuous hiking destination. Although lathering on plenty of sunscreen and having enough water is a must-have, considering Singapore’s weather.
While the surrounding area is lush and shaded, Singapore’s heat and humidity are still very much part of the experience.
Once you reach the quarry, the scenery changes completely. The large lake opens up in front of you, with the earthen cliffs rising behind it. Depending on when you visit, you may also spot birds flying across the water, dragonflies around the vegetation, or other wildlife hiding among the reeds.
Slow down, enjoy the view, and bask in the beauty of nature.
How to Get to Singapore Quarry from Hillview MRT
If you’re coming by MRT, Hillview MRT Station is one of the most convenient starting points for visiting Singapore Quarry.
We didn’t begin our walk from Hillview MRT Station as we had already been trekking before that. However, if you’re coming specifically to visit the quarry, you can start from Hillview and make your way towards Rail Mall. Continue to the furthest end. There should be an overhead bridge in sight, but rather than heading up the bridge, continue towards the carpark at the corner.
From there, look out for signs pointing towards Singapore Quarry and follow the asphalt track. The route itself is relatively straightforward once the sign posts come into sight. The bigger challenge is probably figuring out where to start, so have your Google Maps ready on hand just in case.
Singapore Quarry Opening Hours
Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM.
Location: Dairy Farm Nature Park, around Dairy Farm Road, near Upper Bukit Timah Road
Nearest MRT: Hillview MRT Station
Is Singapore Quarry Worth Visiting?
Absolutely. If you’re looking for a nature spot in Singapore, especially around Bukit Timah, Singapore Quarry is worth adding to your list. Then simply head to the many cafes and restaurants nearby for a good cup of cold coffee.
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