[Updated: 18 June 2021]

For those who have been hiking in Singapore during this period, you'd want to explore Dairy Farm Nature Park next! Located within the Bukit Timah catchment reserve, Dairy Farm Nature Park might not be the first place that comes to mind when going hiking. But with the newly improved Wallace Trail and the Wallace Education Centre, this nature park should be next on your list for a hike! We've rounded up this list of things to do at Dairy Farm Nature Park, halal food nearby and more.

Dairy Farm Nature Park Map

Credit: NParks

Before your visit, check out the map of Dairy Farm Nature Park first! You can check out the full map on NParks' website. In case you're wondering, yes you can head up to the summit of Bukit Timah via the trails at Dairy Farm Nature Park.

Things to do at Dairy Farm Nature Park

1. Go on a scenic nature walk on the Wallace Trail

The Wallace Trail starting point is conveniently located at Carpark A just outside Hillview MRT Station. The trail is perfect if you want a bit of nature and explore the flora and fauna of Dairy Farm Nature Park. You can also spot some birds here or learn more about nature with the signboards. The 2.2km trail was recently extended in 2020 and there's even a new viewing deck where you can get a stunning view of the secondary forest around. The trail is also an easy to moderate walk and it takes about 1 hour one-way, so it's perfect for beginners and families ?

2. Learn more about the history of Dairy Farm at Wallace Education Centre

Credit: NParks on Facebook

If you're wondering if the park was indeed a dairy farm, you're right! Now, you can explore all about the history of Dairy Farm Nature Park at the Wallace Education Centre. What used to be a cowshed is now a permanent exhibition of biogeography and biodiversity in the region. It's also named after famous English naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace who contributed to the development of natural science and used to study the natural history of the Malay Archipelago in the 1800s. You can check out the interactive exhibits with information about insects and wildlife in the area. There are also 3D models, a video game, a trick-eye wall and more. See if you can spot several cow replicas too!

3. Admire the 2 breathtaking quarries at Dairy Farm Nature Park

Dairy Farm Quarry

The first is the Dairy Farm Quarry which is probably the only quarry in Singapore you can actually walk in! ? Most of the quarries in Singapore have filled up with water but Dairy Farm Quarry was filled with earth after being disused. The vast field is a much-needed green space in Singapore and has become a popular spot for picnics, photoshoots, and even kite-flying. To get here, you'll have to go off course from the Wallace Trail.

Singapore Quarry

Just a 10-minute walk from the Rail Mall, this disused quarry is full of local flora and fauna, and in the late afternoons (when the sun isn't TOO hot) it becomes a popular spot for birdwatchers and nature photographers alike. It's accessible via f0ot or by bike, and you'll have to walk up a slight slope to get there but it's nothing too challenging ? You can also head here from the Wallace Trail and Dairy Farm Quarry.

P.S. Planning to go on a long-distance hike? Check our guide to the Green Corridor!

4. Hike up Bukit Timah

If you're up for a longer workout session, then head up to the summit of Bukit Timah! The Dairy Farm entrance to Bukit Timah usually isn't as crowded as the Hindhede entrance but it's steeper as well. To get up the summit, you'll have to hike the Wallace Trail all the way to Dairy Farm Hut, then pick one of the two routes to get to your destination. This trail up the summit is also known to be the most difficult out of the rest, so do be prepared!

Halal food near Dairy Farm Nature Park

Springleaf Prata Place

Halal status: Halal-certified

Cuisine: Indian

Opening hours: Daily; 8AM-12AM

Address: 396 Upper Bukit Timah Rd, Singapore 678048 (The Rail Mall)

Website | Facebook | Instagram

Al-Azhar Restaurant

Halal status: Muslim-owned

Cuisine: Indian/Malay/Western/Thai

Opening hours: Open daily; 8AM-1AM

Address: 11 Cheong Chin Nam Rd, Singapore 599736

Website | Facebook | Instagram

Time For Thai

Halal status: Halal-certified

Cuisine: Thai

Opening hours: Open daily; 11AM-1AM

Address: 15 Cheong Chin Nam Rd, Singapore 599739

Website | Facebook | Instagram

Tenderfresh Classic

Halal status: Halal-certified

Cuisine: Western/Local

Opening hours: Sun-Thu; 11.30AM-11.30PM, Fri-Sat; 11.30AM-12.45AM

Address: 9 Cheong Chin Nam Rd, Singapore 599734

Website | Facebook | Instagram

So, if you're looking for a place to hike this weekend, then head over to Dairy Farm Nature Park for a day out in the greenery. SHARE this with your fellow hiking buddies!