Bukit Timah Railway Station reopens as a Heritage Gallery along the Rail Corridor

A new heritage gallery has opened in Singapore and you would not believe where it’s located.

Written by our Honest Agent

Situated at the halfway mark of the Rail Corridor, the Bukit Timah Railway Station and its nearby Railway Staff Quarters have finally reopened as a community node after 11 years!

It’s as though time froze here as both buildings' original architecture and interior have been restored, allowing you to take a walk into the past.

But let’s be honest, Gen Z’s don’t go to places like the National Museum of Singapore just to learn about history. 75% of the time we are there for the aesthetic.

So today, we at The Honest People will be exploring the Insta-worthiness of the place while also sharing tidbits of its rich history.

What we saw:

At 9 am, the morning glow of the sun illuminated the grounds as we walked towards the building from King Albert Park MRT Station.

Albeit a weekday morning, there were at least 50 people there. Most of them were senior citizens presumably here with their hiking kakis.

In all, we took less than 30 minutes to discover the place while also taking pictures along the way.

As the place is surrounded by greenery, do remember to bring insect repellent as well.

Bukit Timah Railway Station

The Bukit Timah Railway Station was built in 1932 and its restored brick walls and metal gates really give off retro vibes.

Inside, the seats that were once used by passengers have been restored, allowing the public to take a break. There are also old maps of Singapore and Malaysia displayed on the wall.

Without the trains, this platform has just become a seat for visitors. Though it’s a must-see when you visit, you will most probably only spend 5 minutes in it.

As we went in the morning, we found that the sunlight that shone on the seats made for a great photo spot!

Outside, the levers that the station masters used to control the track were also restored. However, the gates were shuttered when we visited.

Former Staff Quarters

Across the building is the Former Staff Quarters where the families of the railway staff (such as the station master) stayed.

Now, there’s a cafe and heritage gallery located in the building. You can read our full review of the cafe’s food here.

But if you’re keen to feed your brain instead, there’s a heritage gallery located at the back of the cafe displaying pictures and artefacts of the Bukit Timah Railway Station and railway track.

However, do note that the cafe has placed a table for guests in the middle of the gallery.

The cafe review does mention it but I would just like to reiterate how cramped the space is. It's such a shame because it feels like the artefacts aren’t getting the “spotlight” they deserve as seen from how the levers are placed directly in front of the badges.

Now, time for that hipster cafe shot. We found that all seating spots in the cafe were good photo spots due to its “retro” vibes. It’s like those Melaka hipster cafes.

Outside, the brick walls served as a nice backdrop for photos. The artefacts such as a retro TV inside also made for good props.

Around the cafe, there’s a herb garden and flower bed. What’s interesting is that the plants are specially curated to match what residents back in the day would have planted.

Honestly, if you don’t go to the Singapore Botanical Gardens or Gardens by The Bay to admire the flowers, I think this is worth skipping.

The Tracks

In the middle of both buildings, you can find the restored railway tracks along with two replica service wagons.

The railway tracks were once part of a 24km stretch of land owned by the Keretapi Tanah Melayu railway line (Malaysia) that connected Singapore to Kuala Lumpur. The track closed in 2011.

The two replica service wagons stationed on the tracks were like the ones used by staff back then for maintenance works.

Inside, the buttons and switches allow kids (or kids-at-heart) to fidget with it.

The two wagons are also a must-see when you visit but because they don’t move, like the platform, you will most probably only spend less than 5 minutes in it.

As the weather was quite warm that day, do be careful when you take a seat as it may be hot.

With no trains incoming, you’re now free to walk on the tracks. However, do be careful as the uneven rocks on the tracks may risk you getting an injury.

I think it’s also worth pointing out that the distance between the platform and the railway track is quite high. So do watch where you’re going.

Photo credits: @stellajune97 https://www.instagram.com/p/CgJlfPKP2Of/

We found a good pose is to pretend to alight from the wagon.

Our Honest Opinion:

“I’m not like the other galleries” - 3.5/5

Though it may look boring, we found that Bukit Timah Railway Station is the most interactive “museum” in Singapore.

Unlike other galleries/museums such as the National Museum of Singapore which tells you stories through pictures and boxed-up artefacts, the Bukit Timah Railway Station is way more interactive.

The carefully curated horticulture, highly interactive elements and restored surroundings will you on a highly experiential journey to learn about how our transportation system has evolved.

At the same time, the place is a great pit stop if you’re exploring the Rail Corridor.

How to get there:

Bukit Timah Railway Station is open 24/7, however, it’s best to go before sundown as the route leading towards is not illuminated.

Address:

Bukit Timah Railway Station, #1, Railway Station, Singapore 599938

Getting there by car:

There are no public carparks located near the area and it’s advised for visitors to take public transport.

Getting there by bus:

67, 74, 77, 151, 154, 157, 170, 174, 852, 961, 961M, 970

Alight at King Albert Pk Stn (42051)

Getting there by MRT:

Alight at King Albert Park MRT station and turn left when you exit the station.

You can also head there via the Rail Corridor and take the scenic route.

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Interested in hearing more about the Railway Corridor's new cafe? Check out our review here.

Have an interesting place you want us to check out? Send us an email at Getahonestreview@gmail.com or DM us on socials!

About the Writer: This article was written by one of our Anonymous Honest Agents. If you can write and shoot videos, love good food or visiting interesting places, why not join us as a fellow Honest Agent? Send us an email at getahonestreview@gmail.com with the subject header "Honest Agent Application" for more details!