Nature Reserves 
The Nature Reserves, comprising of the Water Catchment Area (2,717 ha), 
Bukit Timah Reserve (66 ha) and Kranji Reserve (14 ha), provide visitors an 
excellent opportunity to observe the extremely rich flora and fauna indigenous 
to this region. 
The only remnant of Singapore’s original vegetation outside of the Botanic 
Gardens, may be found at the Bukit Timah Reserve. This is situated on the 
highest hill on the island and is well supplied with paths and sheltered seats at 
vantage points. The road to the summit is open to vehicular traffic except during 
the following hours: 
Weekdays 4 p.m.-8 p.m. 
Saturdays 2 p.m -8 p.m. 
Sundays 8 a.m.-8 p.m. 
A total of 27 permits were issued in 1971 to individuals and organisations 
to allow specimens to be collected in the Nature Reserves for research and 
teaching purposes. 
Administration 
1971 was a year of achievement for the Botanic Gardens Staff. In recognition 
of their service and contribution to the development of the Gardens, 5 start 
members were awarded National Day Honours: 
Award 
1. Mr. A. G. Alphonso, 
Acting Director of 
Botanic Gardens 
2. Mr. Lam Hin Cheng, 
Curator 
3. Mr. Herbert Wee Sip Hean, 
Horticultural Assistant 
4. Mr. Quek Wai Yan, 
Horticultural Assistant 
Public Administration. 
Medal (Silver). 
Public Administration. 
Medal (Bronze). 
Efficiency Medal. 
Efficiency Medal. 
5. Mr. Arumugan Mookya, Efficiency Medal. 
Foreman Gardener 
During the year, the Ag. Director of the Gardens served on various committees 
including the Sentosa Golf Course Committee, Garden City Action Committee 
and on the Board of the Jurong Bird Park (Pte.) Ltd. and Nature Reserves Board. 
He also continued to be the representative of the Commonwealth War Graves 
Commission in Singapore. 
14 
