Thomson Nature Park at Upper Thomson Road is like the Angor Wat of Singapore.

For those who have not been to the UNESCO Heritage site in Cambodia, here are some amazing pictures of the ruins in Siem Reap:

For those who have been to this nature reserve in Thomson may know what I am talking about the preserved kampong (Malay for old village).

Of course, the ruins of the old Hainanese village in Thomson Nature Park may not be as grand and majestic as Angor Wat’s. However, Covid-19 has stopped everyone from travelling, this is the best alternative for Singaporeans.

5 reasons to bring your kids To Thomson Nature Park:

🌱 A lot of children didn’t know how our ancestors live. I am grateful that Nparks have preserved the Old Hainanese Village with signboards so they can learn how life was in the past.

🌱Amazingly, my kids haven’t seen a rambutan since we didn’t buy this fruit. There are a lot of them there since the Hainanese had plantations there. A visitor picked a lot and gave us some!

🌱There are 4 trails and all are very manageable for kids. We took the Ruins and Figs, the longest route. (You can also trek to Seletar Reservoir but we don’t have time for that since we cycled there.)

🌱Lots of wildlife like monkeys to see. If you are lucky, you can spot the Malayan porcupine, Lesser Mousedeer and the critically endangered Raffles’ Banded Langur.

🌱Cycling is NOT allowed in the nature park so it is very safe for kids to roam about safely. All trails are clearly marked. Just bring lots of mosquito repellent!

How to get to Thomson Nature Park:

The entrance to Thomson Nature Park is only via Upper Thomson Road, and NOT old Thomson Road.

Jogging / Cycling – We cycled from Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, and upon seeing the PCN at old Thomson Road (near Casuarina Road, we thought it will have access to Thomson Nature Park. Luckily I check with my cousin before heading that way. In other words, the only way to cycle there is via Upper Thomson Road.

Driving – it seemed the best way to get there since there are ample parking spaces. But when we were there on a Saturday evening, there was a queue to get in. Alternative carparks are available opposite, at Tagore Industrial Estate.

Bus – Bus No 138 and 169 from Ang Mo Kio MRT station.