icon
article-hero

Guide To Thomson Nature Park: Things To Do & Halal Food Nearby (Explore An Old Village!)

avatar-name

Nia Sarah •  Jun 14, 2021

Singapore may be small but believe it or not, there are many hidden gems that are waiting to be discovered. Now that we can go out in groups of five, it's time to gather your loved ones for a trip outdoors! You can give your kids a little break from the computer and teach them to appreciate our wonderful nature ? Or if you and your friends are looking for a respite from your busy schedules, there's no better plan than a hike in Singapore to explore this hidden gem. Whether you're bringing your kids out or hanging out with the squad of five, there's one place that you can momentarily escape to in Singapore - Thomson Nature Park! With its lush greenery as you walk through a dense forest housing a former village that leaves behind heritage ruins, you won't believe that you're still in Singapore while you're at the park ?

Credit: A Happy Mum on Facebook

Where is Thomson Nature Park?

The Macritchie Reservoir may be your go-to hiking spot for the treetop walks, but the nearby Thomson Nature Park is perfect for the quieter hike experience if you want to get away from the crowd. The park is located to the east of the Central Catchment Nature Reserve (CCNR), between Old Upper Thomson Road and Upper Thomson Road. The 50-hectare park is also the site of a former Hainanese village all the way from the 1930s! So if you're a fan of discovering rich history and biodiversity, take your hike to the next level by exploring Thomson Nature Park.

How to get to Thomson Nature Park:

  • By public transport: Take 138, 138A, 167, 169, 860, 980 and alight at Aft Tagore Dr bus stop

Things to see and do Thomson Nature Park

Not only can you go on a hike at the park to unwind, but you'll also return with newfound knowledge of the park's biodiversity and the history of the old village that once even housed a rambutan plantation. Here are some activities you can set your sights on before your trip to the park:

Explore the kampung ruins

The Ruins and Figs Trail (1.5km) is the longest trail at Thomson Nature Park that brings you through the old remains of the Hainanese village. The trail lets you witness the foundation of the village, like abandoned buildings, wells and even old road networks. These ruins are definitely carefully conserved, so you can enjoy your scenery and experience. So if you're a big history fan, you know which path to take ?

Credit: Keng Ho Pwee on Facebook

Discover the 5 trails

Apart from going back in time on the Ruins and Figs Trail, there are four other trails at Thomson Nature Park which you can explore. The Streams & Ferns Trail (1.4km) lets you appreciate nature on a deeper level with the freshwater habitat and biodiversity of ferns and aquatic animals, while the Rambutan Trail (0.4km) is a trek that goes around the old rambutan plantation from the village.

Credit: Nparks

Opt for the Macaque Trail (0.35km) if you'd like to get deeper into the park and enjoy the lush greenery and the Langur Trail (0.15km) is the shortest trail that lets you cross across a bridge through even more greenery ?

Animal spotting

Try to spot the Raffles’ Banded Langur, one of Singapore's rarest animals in this park that also acts as the conservation site for the monkey. They're usually found high up in the trees, so look out (and up) to catch a glimpse of this critically endangered animal (estimated to be only 60 left!). There are also aerial bridges throughout the park which help to facilitate these tree-dwelling monkeys.

There are plenty of bird species to look out for at the park for bird enthusiasts. Catch the sightings of these rare species, including the straw-headed bulbul hidden in the park. Don't forget to bring a pair of binoculars if you plan to set your eyes on these animals!

Halal food nearby

While there are no amenities or shops at Thomson Nature Park, it's just a short drive or bus ride away from the nearest eateries.

Kampong @ Tag A

Credit: Kampong Group on Facebook

Halal status: Halal-certified

Cuisine: Malay/Indian/Chinese/Western

Opening hours: Daily, 8AM-12AM

Address: 81 Tagore Ln, $1-10 Tag A. Singapore 787502

Website | Facebook | Instagram

Top 73+1 Fishball Legacy

Halal status: Halal-certified

Cuisine: Chinese

Opening hours: Daily, 8AM-10:45PM (Closed on Wednesday)

Address: 914 Upper Thomson Road Singapore, Singapore 787114

Facebook

Golden Ladle

Halal status: Muslim-owned

Cuisine: Western/Asian

Opening hours: Daily, 12PM-10PM (Closed on Monday)

Address: 33 Sembawang Rd, Singapore 779084

Thomson Nature Park 

Opening hours: Daily 7AM to 7PM

Address: Off Old Upper Thomson Road

Admission: Free

You might not be able to travel right now but you can definitely take this time to explore new places in Singapore. If you haven't been to Thomson Nature Park, add it to your list and start uncovering Singapore's hidden gems ?