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Singapore Diaries: A visit to the Macritchie Reservoir

Welcome to the Macritchie Reservoir

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?

Doesn’t it feel like the backwaters in Kerala?

The tranquil surroundings..

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..

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

Facts & Figures of the HSBC TreeTop Walk

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

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

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18 Comments

  1. 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.

  2. 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 🙂

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. I always carry two water bottles to keep me hydrated !
    Keep writing !

  6. 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 :).

  7. 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 :).

  8. 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 :).

  9. 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 :).

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