Welcome to the Macritchie Reservoir
I have always heard people crib about the fact that Singapore doesn’t have anything natural to offer when it comes to tourism. Ironically, as of 2005, Singapore has about 2000 hectares of park area which is equal to about 70 km. But then, Singapore isn’t generally promoted as a destination for eco-tourism simply because the authorities believe that they can offer much more to the tourist in other areas like shopping, man-made attractions and more.
Doesn’t it feel like the backwaters in Kerala?
The tranquil surroundings..
At an area of about 12 hectares, the Macritchie reservoir is one of the oldest reservoirs in Singapore. With all it’s greenery and tranquillity, this is the perfect place to take in the sights and sounds of nature. People come along for exercises, picnics, hiking, walking or running along the 3.8 and 4.2 km nature trails. There’s also the opportunity to kayak or canoe in the reservoir. These trails are also part of cross country routes in various school running competitions.
Walking through the nature trail..
While I did the 3.8 km trail, I must say, I was extremely tired by the end of it due to the excruciating humidity.
But the trail was worthed considering at the end of it we reached the HSBC Tree Top Walk. This is a 250 suspension bridge from Bukit Peirce to Bukit Kalang which are the two highest points in the reservoir.
Facts & Figures of the HSBC TreeTop Walk
HSBC Treetop Walk
On the other side of the suspension bridge, there’s another 3km trail through the forests. The view from the top of the bridge takes the cake. There’s green all around as far as eyes can see. Who says there’s no green cover in Singapore?
View from the top of the HSBC Treetop Walk
If a day spent in the middle of nature is your thing, then you should have Macritchie in your itinerary.
Tips:
1) Ensure you carry enough water and even snacks in case you are travelling with young children as the humidity can get you tired quite quickly
2) The right footwear (sport shoes) are important as it’s a nature trail after all.
3) There are various bus services which stop directly in front of the Macritchie Reservoir. The nearest MRT station is Marymount on the Circle Line located about 2km away.
Linking to Day One Blogchatter: Half Marathon
peppylady (Dora)
Every place have something to offer. I live in a small community of 12,000 people. Today I took a walk in one of our neighborhoods.
Coffee is on
aseemrastogi2
Totally agree :). One can find beauty in the simplest of things :D.
Cafenined Words
Interesting post even I thought Singapure has only shopping malls and so on not the nature but good to see, it is close to nature too 🙂
whimsicalcompass
Nice to see a different side of Singapore through your eyes. Very interesting.
aseemrastogi2
Thanks Ramya for stopping by :). I guess these are the spots which you may not cover in a quick 5-10 day trip of Singapore as there are so many other things to see and have been pushed onto public consciousness. But then, if nature is your thing, then nothing like it :D.
Saumy Nagayach (@saumynagayach)
I guess its a wonderful place for morning walkers.. 🙂 Nice description (y)
aseemrastogi2
It truly is a peaceful and tranquil setting. Perfect for morning walks :). Thanks for stopping by :D.
Masoom Jethwa
I always carry two water bottles to keep me hydrated !
Keep writing !
aseemrastogi2
That’s great Masoom. It’s always important :). Thanks for stopping by :D.
Masoom Jethwa
Its my pleasure !
Subha Rajagopal
Never knew Singapore had such beautiful places!
aseemrastogi2
Yes Subha this was eye opener for me too as I had visited Singapore in the late 1990s as well but hadn’t then seen any ‘green’ areas. Good to see that nature is being given it’s due importance in Singapore :).
Thanks for stopping by :).
Modern Gypsy
This looks like a beautiful area! I didn’t know there was a reservoir and such a wonderful forest trail in Singapore. Lovely pictures too!
aseemrastogi2
Oh yeah this is the hidden beauty of Singapore ;). But yeah there are quite a few trails and reserves and I must say these areas are so peaceful and tranquil. Nice to know you liked the pictures :).
doctorsblogging
Interesting point that the authorities divert the tourists to the man made things, so that they can offer more value to tourists…
aseemrastogi2
Yeah if you see Singapore has created a name for itself with hotspots like Sentosa, Universal Studios, shopping destinations etc. While a lot many people love this, I have heard some say that Singapore doesn’t have anything ‘natural’ to offer. And that’s why this post :).
Shalzzz
This is new! I never knew such tranquility existed in Singapore. Thanks for sharing 🙂
aseemrastogi2
Thanks Shalini :). Yeah, this is the side of Singapore which is generally not promoted as much. Hopefully it does encourage more people to go ahead and take a walk in these nature trails and experience the tranquillity :).