Nature parks on Upper Bukit Timah Road

The weird thing about Singapore is that it’s essentially a city that was planted in the jungle, and while it’s easy to forget that you’re in a tropical paradise while shopping in the air-conditioned havens of Orchard Road, it’s worth it once in a while to brave the humidity of nature.  That’s why the three nature parks on Upper Bukit Timah Road are so awesome.  Three small parks, Hinhede, Bukit Timah and Bukit Barktak are all located within a few blocks and offer breathtaking native plant and animal life, safe, easy to follow hiking trails and even ropes-courses, in the case of Hinhede.  Bukit Bartok features an attractive man-made lake, while Bukit Timah boasts the highest point in the whole country (even if it is only 400 feet above sea level).  Inside you’ll encounter tropical birds, giant lizards and hoards of monkeys, but beware: the nature parks are one of the only places in Singapore that isn’t sprayed for mosquitoes, so bring repellent or wear long sleeves.  If you’re not staying near Upper Bukit Timah, several, clean, cheap busses travel there from the city center for about a dollar each way.  And, of course, you can always take a cab.