The most beautiful quarries in Singapore

Nearest MRT: Beauty World 

Launched in November 2022, Rifle Range Nature Park is at the site of the former Sin Seng granite quarry. It sits close to other famous quarries in the Bukit Timah area, such as the Hindhede Quarry and Singapore Quarry, but holds the distinction of being one of Singapore's deepest at 55 metres. It was closed and abandoned in 1998, filling with rainwater over the years even as the forest regenerated around it. 

Today, it has been transformed into a tranquil freshwater habitat for wetland animals such as the rare Singapore freshwater crab. Near the quarry is also the Waterhen Hide, where you can buckle down to watch wetland bird species such as the Yellow Bittern and up to five species of kingfishers. 

Nearest MRT: Bukit Gombak

In the past, the island's strongest rock formation is found at Gombak Norite, where the rock is tested to be more than ten times stronger than concrete. In its heyday, nine quarries operated at Gombak Norite, including Seng Chew, Lian Hup, Poh Hin and Gammon. The latter ceased operations by 1984 and was converted into a park a year later. 

Today, it is known as Little Guilin (or Xiao Guilin) as it looks similar to China's granite rock of the same name. There are lookout points that afford stunning views of the quarry, along with footpaths to cycle and jog on and a moderately easy hiking trail through the foliage. 

Nearest MRT: Beauty World

Located close to Little Guilin is Bukit Batok Nature Park which is also home to another beautiful rock formation. The serene Bukit Batok Nature Park was developed on an abandoned quarry in 1988. There are lookout points that afford stunning views of the quarry, along with footpaths to cycle and jog on and a moderately easy hiking trail through the foliage. For a bit of history, head to the WWII memorial, which commemorates the location of one of the fiercest battles that took place in Singapore.

Nearest MRT: Tampines West 

In the 1960s, Tampines experienced a huge quarry boom when the construction of public housing estates and other urban redevelopment resulted in high demand for sand. At its peak, there were more than 20 sand quarries in Tampines. However, that came to a stop when the Singapore government close all quarries by 1991 due to the substantial environmental damage caused by them. 

Now, only two of these quarries remain: Bedok Reservoir and another hidden gem along Tampines Avenue 10. The latter, located just a stone throw's away from Bedok Reservoir, has served as a hidden park for Tampines residents for years. Its calm waters and untouched land drawing in anglers, bikers and drone enthusiasts alike. So head on to the east for an adventure. As it's left to nature's own devices, and the quarry is now surrounded by the thick foliage of vegetation. So if you're planning a trip down here, be sure to carry some mosquito repellant.

Nearest MRT: Beauty World

Located at the end of the scenic Hindhede Nature Park, this is one of Singapore's famous quarries. The quarry was named after a Danish businessman and tea farmer Jens Hindhede, who was the elder son of famous physician Mikkel Hindhede. The younger Hindehede operated the granite quarry until it ceased operations around the late 1980s. 

Now, the picturesque quarry draws in nature-lovers and photography buffs. Venture beyond the quarry and you'll find exciting trails with views of streams and lush greenery. 

Nearest MRT: None, it's on Pulau Ubin 

Pulau Ubin's name means 'Granite Island' in Malay, because it is known for its granite quarries that operated until the 1960s and 1970s. One of the island's oldest quarries, Pekan Quarry, was previously known as Ho Man Choo Quarry. It ceased operations in 1970 and two quarry pits were merged to form a scenic lake. 

Now, Pulau Ubin visitors get to appreciate the quarry's natural beauty, with lush greenery and thick vegetation surrounding the site. So plan a trip, whip out your binoculars and spot Pulau Ubin's resident herons at this scenic quarry. 

Nearest MRT: Bukit Gombak 

Venture off the beaten path and discover this hidden quarry, located behind a block of residential flats in Bukit Gombak. Said to have water with magical properties, Seng Chew Quarry in Bukit Gombak is a product of the mining heydays in Singapore. It was part of nine quarries that operated at Gombak Norite. 

Seng Chew Quarry is not as prominent and a lot less accessible than the other quarries in Singapore, so come prepared with non-slip shoes as you have to climb steep and muddy hills to get there. The views, however, are worth the climb.

Nearest MRT: Hillview

Located in Dairy Farm Nature Park are two quarries: Dairy Farm Quarry and Singapore Quarry but both are very different. Unlike most of the quarries on this list, Dairy Farm Quarry was filled up with earth instead when mining activities ceased in the 70s to 80s. 

What you will see these days is a vast and enormous rock – popular with adventure seekers in Singapore. On some days, you can find may climbers flexing their skills here. Climbing routes have intriguing names like “Lost World”, “Razor’s Edge” and “Boring and Meaningless” – they are not the most challenging, but present enough variation to interest climbers of any experience level. It’s free to enter, but just be sure to read up on safety protocols beforehand and to bring an experienced friend along with you.

Nearest MRT: Hillview

After you're done gawking at the mega rock that is Dairy Farm Quarry, follow the signs to head to the scenic Singapore Quarry at the park's southwestern end. The quarry is now a huge lake where you can spot fish, turtles and even monitor lizards if you're sharp. 

Walk on the boardwalk by the water for the best views and keep a lookout for all sorts of species of dragonflies flitting over the water – there's more than one type and some of them are pretty rare.