A Guide to the Topography of Singapore
Singapore, a small island city-state in Southeast Asia, has a diverse topography despite its limited land area of about 734 square kilometers. The country features a mix of low-lying coastal plains, gently undulating hills, reclaimed land, and a network of reservoirs and waterways. While Singapore is known for its urban landscape, its natural terrain still plays an important role in shaping the country's development and environment.
1. Major Landforms in Singapore
A. Hills and High Points
Although Singapore is relatively flat, several hills and ridges punctuate the landscape:
Bukit Timah Hill (163.63 m) – The highest natural point in Singapore, located within Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. It is covered with tropical rainforest and is home to diverse flora and fauna.
Fort Canning Hill (48 m) – A historically significant hill in the city center, previously used as a military fortification and a royal palace site for ancient rulers.
Mount Faber (105 m) – A popular hill with scenic views of the city, accessible via cable car to Sentosa.
Bukit Batok Hill (106 m) – Part of Bukit Batok Nature Park, featuring quarry lakes and greenery.
Telok Blangah Hill (106 m) – Connected to Mount Faber and Kent Ridge Park via the Southern Ridges.
B. Coastal Plains and Lowlands
Singapore's original landscape consisted mainly of low-lying plains, many of which have been modified through land reclamation:
Kallang Basin – A former swamp area transformed into the Marina Reservoir, crucial for Singapore’s water supply.
Jurong Industrial Area – Once swampy lowlands, now a major industrial hub due to extensive land reclamation.
Changi Coastal Region – Featuring reclaimed land that now houses Changi Airport.
C. Reclaimed Land
Since the 1960s, Singapore has expanded its land area by reclaiming land from the sea:
Marina Bay – A fully reclaimed area that now hosts the Marina Bay Sands and the Central Business District (CBD).
Jurong Island – Artificially created by merging several small islands to form an industrial hub.
Tuas Mega Port – A major land reclamation project to expand Singapore’s port capacity.
2. Rivers, Reservoirs, and Wetlands
A. Major Rivers and Waterways
Singapore has several rivers, though most have been modified into drainage systems and reservoirs:
Singapore River – Historically vital for trade, now part of an urban waterfront.
Kallang River – The longest river in Singapore, stretching about 10 km.
Rochor River – A small river that flows into Marina Bay.
Geylang River – Part of Singapore’s water catchment system.
B. Reservoirs and Water Supply
To manage water resources, Singapore has built an extensive reservoir system:
MacRitchie Reservoir – The oldest reservoir, popular for outdoor activities.
Marina Reservoir – Created by damming the Marina Barrage, supplying water and preventing floods.
Upper and Lower Peirce Reservoirs – Important sources of freshwater in central Singapore.
Pandan Reservoir – A key reservoir in the western region.
C. Wetlands and Mangroves
Despite urbanization, some wetlands remain preserved:
Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve – A protected mangrove forest and bird-watching site.
Chek Jawa (Pulau Ubin) – A rich intertidal area with seagrass meadows and mangroves.
3. Islands and Offshore Features
Singapore consists of the main island and over 60 smaller offshore islands:
Sentosa Island – A major tourist attraction with beaches and resorts.
Pulau Ubin – A rural island with preserved kampong (village) life.
Pulau Tekong – Primarily used for military training.
St. John’s Island – Known for marine research and recreational activities.
Lazarus Island & Kusu Island – Popular for quiet beaches and religious sites.
4. Impact of Topography on Development
Urban Planning – High-rise buildings and underground developments (e.g., MRT tunnels) are designed around Singapore’s terrain.
Flood Prevention – Low-lying areas have drainage and reservoir systems to manage heavy rainfall.
Nature Conservation – Green spaces like Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve help preserve biodiversity.
Although Singapore is a highly urbanized city-state, its topography still influences its infrastructure, water management, and green conservation efforts. From the central hills to the reclaimed coastal plains, understanding Singapore’s landforms is essential for sustainable development and environmental protection.
