Journey back in time to the North West of Singapore. Imagine it is not the urban landscape we see today. The North West has transformed significantly from its early days. It was once defined by farms swamps and villages.
Today we will explore the North West region. This area includes Bukit Batok Bukit Panjang and Choa Chu Kang. Woodlands West Bukit Timah Tengah Ama Keng Wrexham Poyan Reservoir Sarimbun Lim Chu Kang and Neo Tiew are also here.
In 1843 the first road to Bukit Timah Hill was completed. By 1903 an inland railway line served the North West. Back then boats used by the Orang Laut coexisted. Mosquito and trolley buses also shared the roads.
The North South Line and Downtown Line serve the North West now. You can reach the North West from the city. Take the Downtown Line through the city to Bukit Timah or Bukit Panjang. Alternatively take the East West Line towards Joo Koon or Tuas Link. Then interchange at Jurong East Station for the North South Line.
Let’s explore some specific places. Kranji Marshes offers a natural retreat. You can take the Kranji Express bus from Kranji MRT. It operates hourly. Kranji Marshes is open daily from 7 AM to 7 PM. Admission is free.
Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve is another option. Take the Kranji Express bus from Kranji MRT. It runs hourly. The reserve is open daily from 7:30 AM to 7 PM. If you want to see a mangrove forest this is a great chance. Bring mosquito repellent. Watch out for crocodiles. This reserve is important for migratory birds. It is Singapore’s first ASEAN heritage park. Admission is free on weekdays. It costs $1 on weekends.
Bukit Timah Nature Reserve is home to Singapore’s highest point. It stands at 166 meters. It is one of the last places with primary tropical rainforest. Scale the hill in 15 minutes on the paved road. You can take the longer route around in 45 to 50 minutes. Watch out for monkeys. The view from the top is limited. Take bus 170 or SMRT 67 75 171 173 184 852 or 961 to Courts. The department store is on Upper Bukit Timah Rd. Then walk to the reserve. Admission is free.
The Singapore Turf Club hosts horse races. It is located near Kranji MRT. Races usually occur on Fridays starting at 6:30 PM. They sometimes occur on Wednesdays Saturdays and Sundays too. Betting is allowed here. Admission costs $3 for the Lower Grandstand. It is $7 for the Upper Grandstand.
Chestnut Nature Park offers bike rides on dirt roads. It also provides jungle trails. Take the Bukit Panjang LRT from Choa Chu Kang MRT Station. Get off at Bangkit Station. The park has a Bike Park and Pump Track for mountain bikers. There is also a 5.6km hiking trail. Hiking north leads to the Singapore Zoo entrance. Admission is free.
Lot One is a neighborhood shopping mall. It is located at 21 Choa Chu Kang Avenue 4. It is near Choa Chu Kang MRT or LRT. A supermarket library and cinema are here. Stock up here before visiting Singapore Zoo.
Junction 10 is another neighborhood mall. It is at 1 Woodlands Road in Bukit Panjang. Several eateries and a supermarket are here.
The North West has transformed over time. It has evolved from farms and villages to a modern urban area. While much has changed you can still glimpse its history. You just need to know where to look.