A Guide to Singapore’s Hidden Green Sanctuary, Clementi Forest
On my first visit to the Old Railway Trail in Clementi Forest, I was in awe of the towering trees and the scent of rain-soaked earth. As I watched a family of hornbills fly overhead, I knew I had found a special place worth revisiting.
It’s a lush, verdant sanctuary that offers a perfect escape for tourists and hikers looking to immerse themselves in nature. Get to experience the diverse landscapes and rich biodiversity of this hidden gem in Singapore via this guide.
History & Background
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Clementi Forest is part of the Rail Corridor, which follows the old railway line that used to connect Singapore and Malaysia. The railway was operational from the early 1900s until it ceased operations in 2011.
The tracks have since been removed, but the corridor remains a popular trail for hikers. It’s home to a variety of plant and animal species, making it a significant ecological site.
Before urban development, Clementi was also home to several villages and farms. The forest area has grown over what used to be plantations and kampongs (villages), adding a layer of historical depth to the natural landscape.
Things to Know
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Location: Bordered by Clementi Road to the west, Upper Bukit Timah Road to the east, and Holland Road to the south
Fee: Free entry
Hours: Open 24 hours
Rules and Restrictions
✔ Stay on designated trails
✔ Take pictures discreetly and quietly
✖ No hunting, fishing, or tree climbing
✖ No picking of plants or disturbing wildlife
✖ No littering
✖ No campfires or BBQs
✖ No unleashed pets
✖ No motorised vehicles
How to Get to Clementi Forest
Closest MRT: Board the Downtown Line and alight at King Albert Park MRT Station (DT6). Exit the station using Exit A, which leads directly to Bukit Timah Road.
From there, turn right and walk along Bukit Timah Road for about 5 minutes until you reach the entrance of the Rail Corridor near the old Bukit Timah Railway Station.
Follow the Rail Corridor trail northward into Clementi Forest, where you can access various trails, including the Biodiversity Loop and the Old Railway Trail.
Closest bus stop: Take bus services 52, 61, 74, 75, 151, 154, or 184 and alight at the “Opposite King Albert Park” bus stop along Bukit Timah Road. From the bus stop, walk towards the nearby Rail Corridor entrance by heading north along Bukit Timah Road until you reach the old Bukit Timah Railway Station.
Enter the Rail Corridor from there and follow the trail northward into Clementi Forest, where you can access trails like the Biodiversity Loop and the Old Railway Trail.
Closest parking: There are no dedicated parking lots within Clementi Forest itself, and parking options in the vicinity are limited. It’s advisable to use public transport or ride-hailing services to access the forest.
If you plan to drive, consider parking at nearby locations such as the Bukit Timah Shopping Centre or Beauty World Centre, which have parking facilities. From there, you can walk to the forest entrance.
For more tips on getting around Singapore like a pro, click here.
What to Expect
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The Old Railway Trail
To reach the Old Railway Trail in Clementi Forest, head to King Albert Park MRT Station on the Downtown Line, exit towards Bukit Timah Road, and follow the signs for the Rail Corridor northward.
As I set foot on the Old Railway Trail, the echoes of history immediately enveloped me. This trail follows the remnants of the former railway line that once connected Singapore to Malaysia. It’s easy to imagine the trains that once rumbled through here, now replaced by the soft tread of hikers exploring this peaceful path.
The ground beneath is a mix of gravel and old railway ballast, with occasional traces of the original tracks peeking through the earth. Along the way, I spotted several old railway bridges, their rusted frames standing as silent witnesses to the past.
The Biodiversity Loop
To reach the Biodiversity Loop in Clementi Forest, take the Downtown Line to King Albert Park MRT Station, exit towards Upper Bukit Timah Road, and walk along the Rail Corridor until you reach the entrance to the loop.
Venturing onto the Biodiversity Loop, I was immediately greeted by the sound of cicadas filling the air, their calls echoing through the dense undergrowth. This trail is a haven for nature lovers and offers a closer look at the diverse ecosystems within Clementi Forest.
This part of the trail is a reminder of the rich biodiversity that Clementi Forest supports, from the smallest insects to larger mammals and birds. I paused to watch a family of monitor lizards basking on a sun-dappled rock, undisturbed by my presence.
The path meanders through sections of primary and secondary forest, each with its unique characteristics.
The Hilltop Viewpoint
To reach the Hilltop Viewpoint in Clementi Forest, start from King Albert Park MRT Station, follow the Rail Corridor towards Clementi Road, and take the marked trail that ascends to the higher elevation for panoramic views.
This trail is a bit more challenging, but the promise of stunning vistas motivated me to push on. The trail starts with a gentle ascent, winding its way up through the forest.
My effort was rewarded as I reached the top and was greeted by a breathtaking view of the forest stretching out below, a sea of green punctuated by the red-tiled roofs of nearby buildings.
From this vantage point, I could see the expanse of Clementi Forest, a vital green lung nestled amidst urban development.
The Kampong Heritage Trail
To reach the Kampong Heritage Trail in Clementi Forest, head to Clementi Road, enter through the Rail Corridor access point, and follow the signs pointing towards the trail, which highlights remnants of Singapore’s rural past.
The Kampong Heritage Trail offers a glimpse into the past, taking one through areas where villages and farms once thrived. This trail is a living museum of Singapore’s rural heritage, with interpretive signs providing insights into the history of the area.
The path eventually led me to a serene pond, its surface reflecting the sky above. This tranquil spot was once a source of water for the local community, and it remains a peaceful oasis amidst the forest.