Exploring MacRitchie - Forest trails, Singapore

I wanted to do this for a long time…. No excuses! Just didn’t take the first step.  My friends at meetup arranged a group walk, perfect opportunity for me to pitch in.  What’s more my 6 year old bundle of energy decided to join me (I warned him that it’ll be 10-12 KM).  He asked me how much will be that and I converted that to meters but that didn’t help much J

We took the MRT from Pasir Ris, changed to yellow line at Paya Lebar and got down at Marymount (CC16).  I came to know later that Caldecott station is nearer to the entrance on Lornie Road (10 minute walk).   Anyway, we took a cab from Marymount and alighted at the entrance near Mushroom café.

Our group  (which was a mixed bunch of people from different countries and age groups) was waiting there.  Everyone was quite surprised to see my little boy and wasn’t sure if it was such a good idea to bring him.  I thought this myself when Eddie (our group leader) was showing us the trail we’ve to follow.  Well.. too late!  I thought.  Let’s do it, I said to Aarush...he looked happy :)

We started at around 10.15 and followed the trail path.  Saw a few people carrying their kayaks and a lot of people walking and running.  It was a sunny day but amidst so much of green, it felt bearable.  Most of the path after that was muddy and rocky, covered by trees, so you don’t feel much heat.

We carried on the trail with our lovely group stopping at couple of places for a drinking water and catching breath. The trail is generally alright for everyone with very few stretches a bit steep. We took the blue route to go up and returned taking the yellow route.  If my little one can do it, I presume everyone can!  Infact, he was leading the group :)

You feel so close to the nature without any sight of concrete all along the way. We spotted lots of squirrels, monitor lizard, butterflies and birds along our way.  The tree-top walk was breath taking and a fun experience.  Although people who don’t like steps would be a bit disappointed as there are lots of them on this route.  There are signs along the way warning of snakes.  Fortunately, we didn't see any - I feel a bit uncomfortable by sight of reptiles :)

We stopped at a hut along the way to grab some food which all of us carried with us. There isn’t much options on the trail, so its best to carry light snacks and drinks with you. You’ll find a couple of stops with wash rooms and water.

We then reached Jelutong Tower.  Again lots of steps to lead up but it’s well worth it.  Fantastic views from the top.  You can spot a couple of buildings from there but its amazing that there is so much of green around.  It was getting a bit too hot when we were there.

We continued our journey through the golf link where you can see lots of people playing golf on the course.  This is when it started to drizzle.  We took a brief stop under a big tree to open our umbrellas.  The rain didn’t last long though and within 5 minutes we started our walk again. Soon, we reached the reservoir and stopped to take some pictures.

This is when it started to drizzle again.  We continued our walk with our umbrellas but soon the wind was blowing heavily and the drizzle became a downpour.  Umbrellas were of not so much use after this as we were all wet anyway as were our belongings.  It was quite fun though and everything around looked so beautiful.  Just when we were about to reach a shelter (which was I think about 15-20 minute walk in heavy rain), the rain stopped.  Good that I had a waterproof bag, so our belongings were safe.  However, we didn’t carry a change with us, so had to walk in our wet clothes and shoes.

Just before our final destination was zig-zag bridge where we spotted some turtles. Finally, we reached our destination, back to Mushroom café.  Had a warm coffee with couple of curry puffs which were quite good.  The whole walk took us around 4.5 hours.  Felt a bit tired after it but I know I’ll be back doing this again.  Moreover, there was some talk about the hidden Japanese shrine somewhere along the way.  Its not a regular track, so that’ll definitely be an experience to return here for.

Thank you to our lovely companions who made this walk all the more interesting.  Look forward to doing another adventure soon!

More information here

Trail map

What to carry : Good shoes, umbrella (raincoat recommended), cap, sunscreen lotion, insect repellent, light snacks, water/isotonic drink


Ain't it beautiful

breath taking view

Nature at it's best
Reservoir




Nice way to eat.. ah.

So quiet and peaceful

PS : Photos courtesy group members Sage Art, Istvan, Eduardo, Sand