MacRitchie Reservoir is Singapore's oldest and largest reservoir. Part of the Central Catchment Nature Reserve, this gem is fringed by some of the last bits of Singapore's primary forest, and the surrounding greenery is home to more endangered species of plants and birds besides.
That might explain why it is also Singapore's most well-known and popular nature destination. The tranquil waters and rugged forests feel far removed from the bustle of city life, and the wealth of cross-country trails, water activities and family-friendly activities means that there's something for just about everyone. If you're planning to head out this weekend, make MacRitchie Reservoir your destination – and use our handy guide to get the most out of this beautiful reservoir and nature park.
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Difficulty: Easy
Take a stroll along the Prunus-Petai trail, a 2km boardwalk close to the entrance of MacRitchie Reservoir Park. You'll be rewarded with beautiful views of the calm forest against the backdrop of dense forest, and close-up sightings of various plants and wildlife, including the Singapore Rhododendron, clouded monitor lizards and orange-bellied squirrels.
Difficulty: Moderate
Can't get enough of the boardwalks? Check out Chemperai and Jering Boardwalk to the west of the park's entrance too. This is part of the Lornie Trail, which forms a loop with the section that runs through the forest. Either start along the boardwalk and return via the forested trail or vice versa. Don't be fooled by Lornie Trail's relatively short length ( 2km one way). This route will challenge you just enough with its hilly terrain.
Difficulty: Moderate-Hard
If you've got a few hours to spare, travel deep into the forest on the 10.3km MacRitchie Nature Trail. This is an uphill climb towards Venus Link, so be prepared to work those glutes, hamstrings and quads. This route connects to Terentang Trail and Peirce Track, which will bring you to the crowd-drawing TreeTop Walk for a bird's eye view of the forest canopy. A fitting reward for your hard work.
Difficulty: Hard
Got the whole afternoon to spare? Challenge yourself to the full 11km loop around the reservoir, which will bring you through a variety of landscapes – from scenic boardwalks and shady forests to Jelutong Tower and the open track at Golf Link. The journey is estimated to take around four hours – longer if you stop to smell the roses a bit – so pack plenty of water and some snacks (but keep them safe from the monkeys).
The TreeTop Walk at MacRitchie Reservoir takes you through the different stages of mature secondary forest. The bridge part rises as high as 27 metres, giving you a great vantage point to spot as many as 80 bird and reptile varieties, and 18 rare species of trees. Getting to the bridge, and walking it and back is a 10.5km journey, so be sure to wear your best hiking shoes.
If your leg muscles aren't dying yet, scale the 7-deck Jelutong Tower for unbeatable views across the forest of MacRitchie. Hey, you might even spot the massive Jelutong trees piercing through the forest canopy. Bird lovers might want to perch out here too, in hopes of glimpsing their favourite avians in flight.
MacRitchie Reservoir’s calm waters allows for another kind of recreational activity: kayaking. Most go for sit-on-top kayaks, either as a double or single, and paddle in the ‘novice zone’. Closed-deck and sprint kayaks can also be rented, the latter of which is only available to those with at least a one-star certification. Be prepared to flex some muscles: paddlers are expected to carry their own canoes from the storage room in Paddle Lodge down to the waters and vice versa after.
The zigzag bridge and bandstand are unique structures in MacRitchie, and were conserved by the Urban Redevelopment Authority in 2009. Although it's zigzag shape is best appreciated from above, you can still have some harmless fun navigating the tight turns of this bridge, or simply take a breather while looking out over the tranquil waters of the reservoir.
This boardwalk looks perfectly innocuous, but after heavy rains, it becomes partially submerged underwater. It was designed to be this way, so don't hesitate to get your feet wet and go ahead and cross the 40-metre-long walkway. It's conveniently located near the zigzag bridge and bandstand, which are all accessible from the forested Lornie Trail.
War hero Lim Bo Seng was laid to rest right here in MacRitchie Reservoir Park. A fierce activist in the fight against the Japanese, Lim Bo Seng was captured by Japanese forces and tortured during custody. He never betrayed his fellow soldiers, and eventually died in 1944. He was buried with full military honours at the reservoir.
Nothing like some roti prata to kick off (or end off) a morning's hike. Conveniently located at Upper Thomson Road, The Roti Prata House serves up piping hot prata and teh tarik. There are 80 varieties of prata to choose from, including ice cream, durian, and a sinful bomb cheese kaya prata – but we suggest sticking to the classic coin prata.
Upper Thomson is no stranger to hipster cafés, but One Man Coffee gives the java scene brewing in the area some serious cred. Besides the excellent coffee, this cosy nook shares the same shophouse space with gourmet pizza bar Crust, so you'll have the option for a full meal paired with your cuppa. For something light, go for the pastries or light brunch bites like brioche French toast ($10) served with homemade berry compote and fresh cream.
Speaking of hipster cafés, the popular Hello Arigato is also on Upper Thomson. It's housed in a welcoming space, cosy and chic, with minimalist and soothing concrete flooring and wooden fixtures. Open by The Refinery, the menu here is distinctly Japanese-influenced. The sandos, or sandwiches, are the main draw here. Slices of toasted milk bread hug teriyaki-glazed chicken ($15) or pink-hued Angus striploin ($26). Try the addictive kombu-dusted tater tots ($13), and round things out with its tea-skewed beverage programme that sees the likes of iced dirty matcha ($8) and Spring Time ($5), an in-house cold brew that delights with its elegant bouquet of chrysanthemum, orange, and honey.
Nothing like a hearty bowl of bak chor mee (minced meat noodles) after a hike. Meng's Kitchen is a stalwart on Upper Thomson Road and is known for serving up one of the best bak chor mee's in town. For $5, you get a generous bowl of springy noodles, minced meat, meatballs, liver slices, and mushrooms. Just the right heft to get you feeling energetic again after a day outdoors.
Everyone deserves some dessert after a hike. After conquering the MacRitchie trails, head to Mr Bucket in the quiet Sin Ming neighbourhood for some seriously good chocolate. This chocolate shop shines the spotlight on Asian cacao beans sourced from Malaysia, Vietnam, and more. Find them in pure chocolate bars or delightful bon bons. The latter comes with an Asian twist too – don't be surprised to find flavours like salted egg yolk and double soy caramel. Everything here, from filling to ganache, is handmade daily. Just take a peep into the open kitchen for a glimpse into the chocolate-making process.
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