Fodor's Expert Review Bukit Timah Nature Reserve

Step away from Singapore's manicured urban parks and into 405 acres of wild rain forest at this sprawling nature reserve. The walking paths are well marked, but exploring here still gives you a sense of what the island was like when tigers still roamed the jungle. Towering trees, tangled vines, and prickly rattan palms line the footpaths, while long-tailed macaques, squirrels, and tree shrews scamper overhead. The trails circle Singapore's highest hill (535 feet), with some of the routes leading to the peak for spectacular views of the dense greenery. Wear good walking shoes—the trails are rocky and muddy after the rain—and make sure you bring water. You can buy maps from the visitor center.