Distance: 2.5-12km
Feeling adventurous? Hit the Lion City’s MacRitchie Reservoir packed with jungly hikes in the middle of the metropolitan buzz, and continue westward to Bukit Timah Nature Reserve if you have the energy. We’ve got you covered for a spring fling with macaque monkeys, sky high birds of paradise or creepy crawlies underground – go get ‘em, Jane.
A. MacRitchie Reservoir
Watery jungle enclave teeming with wildlife and home to knee-weakening Treetop Walk. Basic it may be, but Mushroom Cafe (at the main entrance) dishes out a mean chicken curry for pre and post mountain peak feeds (4.5km). Get dropped off at Venus Drive for a shorter trek to the bridge (2.5km), which will have you floating above the jungle canopy. For serious hikers, go early for a spot of bird watching along the entire reservoir loop (11km). Not for vertigo sufferers.
MacRitchie Reservoir: Along Lornie Road, +65 1800 471 7300, 7am-7pm daily
Treetop Walk: Inside MacRitchie Reservoir, 9am–5pm Tues-Fri, 8.30 am–5pm Sat-Sun
Mushroom Cafe: MacRitchie Reservoir (Amenities Centre), +65 6254 7975, 7am-9pm daily
Distance: 2.5-11km
B. Kampong Trail
Like it says on the tin, neither gussied or glammed, check this pint-sized track interconnecting MacRitchie Reservoir and Bukit Timah Nature Reserve for one of Singapore’s more challenging hikes. For the durian lovers, don’t shy away from muddy soles in your search for the budding king fruit. However, avoid after tropical storms.
Jalan Kampong Chantek
Distance: 12-14km
C. Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
While the Kampong Trail might take you half a day, flit to this rainforest summit only 10 mins from town. Heaving with wildlife and your pick of walking routes, be sure to take fluids, snax and mozzie spray, but don’t feed the monkeys, lest the little sodes shred your kaftan.
Want to get closer to our primate cousins? Bring the kids for edu-tainment events on the weekends led by primatologists from the Jane Goodall Institute (janegoodall.org.sg/event).
Hindhede Dr., 7am-7pm daily
Distance: 2.6km
ManulifeMOVE has no association with any of the landmarks, dining venues, galleries or retailers included within this walking guide, selected by LUXE, and disclaims any liability as to the accuracy, adequacy or reliability of any information contained herein.
Photo Credit: Kenneth Cheong/iStock
