Thomson Nature Park

If you are looking for soul-soothing nature walks to explore with your little kids and elderly, Thomson Nature Park will be a good spot to start with. We went in the morning. The shady canopy cooled the forest. Even near 10 am, we could see the spell-binding fog rising from the moist green ground.

Thomson Nature Park’s relatively flat terrain and clearly marked routes make it easy for everyone to enjoy this 50-hectare park that is located to the east of the Central Catchment Nature Reserve (CCNR) and acts as an extension of the green buffer for the CCNR.

Though parking was an issue for us on a public holiday. Seeing the long trailing queue into the Thomson Nature Park Car Park forming along Upper Thomson Road, we drove up further to the Casuarina Car Park that was equally filled up and we contributed to the congestion by parking along the narrow side road.

There wasn’t a need to walk all the way back to the Main Entrance. We entered Old Upper Thomson Road and walked for about 10 minutes before reaching a side entryway into the Macaque Trail. Click here for a PNG version of the Thomson Nature Park Map below.

By the way, Macaque refers to the forest monkeys that we often see in the forests. We saw many of them scampering about, leaping from tree to tree. So, do not bring your food in and eat along the way because you will find yourself surrounded by monkeys. Over the years, I did a couple of mindless, silly things such as hanging bananas outside my backpack and causing myself some unnecessary scares.

There are 5 easy-to-walk trails in the Thomson Nature Park, spanning 3.8km. We entered via the Macaque Trail which led to the Langur Trail before entering the major Ruins And Figs Trails and the Stream and Ferns Trails run in loops. Both major trails lead to the main entrance. All the trails are clearly marked, you will never get lost unless you deviate from the designated trails.

Straying away from the trails may affect animal behaviour, or result in trampling on endangered plant saplings. Npark takes this seriously. Anyone caught doing so may risk a penalty fine of up to $2,000.

Previously A Hainan Village

The park was previously occupied by a Hainan Village between the 1930s to the1980s, where residents planted rambutan trees for harvesting, and rear poultry for a living. The village was only accessible via 2 minor roads, that is Lorong Pelita and Jalan Belang.

Below photo shows 2 abandoned toilets from the Hainan village.

Go early in the morning if you can to enjoy a misty and mystical forest surrounding by an orchestra of birdsong.

The kids have really sharp eyes. They spotted a blue dragonfly. Another reason why I should always bring my DSLR along. These photos are taken using my Samsung phone. Rare good shots, thankful for the unbashful dragonfly which modelled a few rounds of catwalks for us.

Practical Notes

You will find water points near the Main Carpark for washing up and refill your water bottle.

Wanna bring your toddler along? Use a baby carrier for the greatest accessibility. Check out my review on Tula, Kol Kol and Ergo.

According to Npark, these are the don’ts.

– Do not bring pets,

– No fishing,

– No bicycles, skates, skateboards, or motorized mobility devices.

Remember to apply your sunblock and insect repellant and bring your water bottle. Check out this post for our mosquito repellent recipe.

These are our favourite brands and have worked well for us for years –Water-bottle, Sunblock

Food Near Thomson Nature Park

After a long walk, you may wonder what food is near Thomson Nature Park. The pratas in the Casuarina Curry restaurant are yummy. There is a ton of varieties to choose from. The twins love the pineapple prata the most! So plan ahead and try to find a parking spot near or in Casuarina Carpark.

Thomson Nature Park – A Walk Thru the Mystical Forest With Kids