Thomson Nature Park, located along Upper Thomson Road, features five interconnected trails spanning 3.8 kilometers through diverse ecological zones. The park combines biodiversity conservation with cultural preservation, housing nine heritage sites from a 1930s Hainan Village alongside habitats for endangered species like the Raffles’ Banded Langur.
This hiking spot is pretty close to our Thomson View condo, soon to be launched in Sin Ming area of Thomson Road !
With terrain suitable for most fitness levels and extensive amenities, visitors typically complete all trails within approximately 1.5 hours. The park’s balanced approach to ecology and history offers deeper insights beyond its accessible pathways.
Nestled along Upper Thomson Road, Thomson Nature Park stands as a demonstration of Singapore’s commitment to biodiversity conservation while preserving cultural heritage. The park encompasses five interconnected trails spanning a total distance of 3.8 kilometers, offering visitors the opportunity to engage with both natural environments and historical remnants within a compact, accessible setting.
These carefully designed pathways include the Ruins & Figs Trail (1.5 km), Stream & Ferns Trail (1.4 km), Rambutan Trail, Macaque Trail (0.35 km), and Langur Trail (0.15 km), each presenting unique ecological and historical features.
The park’s primary conservation focus centers on protecting the critically endangered Raffles’ Banded Langur, for which a specialized access bridge has been constructed to facilitate movement through the forest canopy. Additional native fauna includes Malayan porcupines, Lesser Mousedeer, long-tailed macaques, and diverse avian species, contributing to the area’s ecological significance.
This biodiversity is complemented by the park’s historical value, as it preserves nine heritage sites from a 1930s Hainan Village, including building foundations, wells, and stone walls that provide tangible connections to Singapore’s past.
Visitors can typically complete all main trails within approximately 1.5 hours, traversing generally easy terrain with occasional gentle slopes and minor rocky sections. For those planning weekend visits, hiking in an anti-clockwise direction is recommended to avoid crowds while exploring the park’s attractions. The Ruins & Figs Trail leads directly to the Hainan Village ruins, making them easily accessible for history enthusiasts. The trails are meticulously maintained with rope barriers and detailed information boards that interpret both historical significance and ecological importance throughout the park.
Operating hours extend from 7 am to 7 pm daily, with facilities including restrooms and a small on-site car park.
The Rambutan Trail loops around a former plantation, allowing visitors to connect with agricultural heritage, while the Stream & Ferns Trail traverses lush greenery and freshwater habitats.
Conservation measures require visitors to remain on designated trails to minimize ecological impact and prevent disruption to wildlife habitats. This careful integration of heritage preservation within a living secondary forest exemplifies effective urban planning that balances public access with environmental protection and historical conservation.
