Mac Ritchie Reservoir, Singapore
Temples - Gardens & Parks - Nature Reserves - Walking tours - Lakes - Birds Observation
One of the last primary forests in Singapore … Ideal for a nature day trip in Singapore, walking along the lake, enjoying the “Tree Top” suspension bridge, hunting for a lost Japanese shrine or having a romantic picnic at night!
HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION
Mac Ritchie Reservoir is Singapore’s main water reservoir. More than 1 km2 of primary forest still flourishes there. You can also observe remnants of 20th century rubber trees plantations.
HIGHLIGHTS 1: 5 trails from a distance range from 3 to 11 km with interpretative signboards will guide you in the forest. Do no hesitate to walk on the trail along the east side of the lake.
HIGHLIGHTS 2: The Tree Top Walk is a suspension bridge, located at the 2 highest points in Mac Ritchie. It is 25 meters high at its highest point. It offers you a panoramic overview of the park. Go there during the morning, so you can have a chance to observe birds.
HIGHLIGHTS 3: Go also for hunting a lost Japanese Shinto shrine located in the park dense jungle. No trail is getting there (look at the plan)… Indeed, during the WW2 Japanese occupation of Singapore, the Japanese used British prisoners to built a shrine called Syonan Jinja. When the British forces re-occupied Singapore , the Shrine was destroyed. However, ruins of the shrine remain. The National Heritage Board declared the site a Historic Site in 2002, although no plans have been made public to develop or to protect the site.
HIGHLIGHTS 4: At least, have a look at the Jelutong Tower, an observation post reaching 20m in height.
A TIP FOR A UNIQUE VISIT, PEOPLE TO MEET
If you look for an original place to go at night, have a night picnic in the park. Stay on the trail on the east side of the lake, and enjoy the peaceful night ambiance of the lake and the forest. As usually no one is getting there at night, this is great experience to feel alone in a forest, only a few meter away from civilization!
GETTING THERE
- Singapore,Mac Ritchie map
By Bus Take services 52, 74, 93, 130, 132, 156, 157, 162, 165, 166, 167, 852, 855 and 980. Alight along Lornie Road at the bus-stop in front of MacRitchie Reservoir Park.
By Car Entrance to the MacRitchie Reservoir Park car park is along Lornie Road.
IMPORTANT STUFF
VISIT DURATION 1 day
OPENING HOURS All day long
ENTRY COST Admission: free
Map of Mac Ritchie Reservoir, Singapore and around !
Mac Ritchie Reservoir, Singapore
One of the last primary forests in Singapore … Ideal for a nature day trip in Singapore, walking along the lake, enjoying the “Tree Top” suspension bridge, hunting for a lost Japanese shrine or having a romantic picnic at night!
Labrador Park WW2 battery, Singapore
Labrador park is located at the western entrance of Keppel Harbour . This is a hill, covered with tropical rainforest and important WW2 vestiges. Many families come here at week ends for picnics and barbecues.
Singapore Botanic Garden, Bukit Timah
Want to see orchids and amazing flowers? Have a look at the Sinagpore botanic garden.
Haw Par Villa park, Singapore
A terrific park haunted by 1,000 statues, dragoons, monsters and bizarre stuff… More seriously, it is a really interesting place if you want to discover the Chinese folklore, legends and aspects of Confucianism.
Changi Kelong Jetty
Come and watch a Singapore sunset that rivals the Mediterranean.