The newly reopened Bukit Timah Nature Reserve was buzzing yesterday morning as guests and members of the public checked out the newly designed exhibition hall at the visitor centre and explored the refurbished hiking trails.
Established as a nature reserve in 1883, the area is an Asean Heritage Park, a title given to areas of exceptional biodiversity.
A two-year biodiversity survey of the reserve is now under way and the data will help the authorities manage the reserve more sensitively.
It is a favourite destination for retiree Charles Cheong, 67, who has been visiting the reserve regularly for 30 years. He makes the long bus journey from his home in Hougang.
"The other places are too artificial," said Mr Cheong, referring to other parks in Singapore. "If I wake up and the weather is good, I'll come here... As long as I'm healthy, I'll come."
Ms Karen Leong, 53, a finance professional living in Choa Chu Kang, visits every Saturday with two former colleagues to keep fit.
Her fitness watch says it takes "about 7,300 steps" to get to the 163m-high summit and back via the main path, and she now plans to try out the newly reopened trails.
