This Heightened Alert saw me engage in activities I wouldn’t have otherwise, had it not been for Covid-19. In an attempt to overcome cabin fever and claustrophobia of having to work, play and live in a small confined space 24/7 and only have my husband (majority of the time) to interact with, I decided to explore the C2C Trail.
At almost five months pregnant, my friend, Melissa and I (and the ‘child in me’) decided to explore the trail spanning about 36 km.
As you know, it links up nature areas, parks and park connectors from Jurong Lake Gardens in the west, the new Lornie Nature Corridor near the centre, and to Coney Island Park in the northeast.
To our surprise, the 36km trail only took us approximately six hours to conquer (with breaks and numerous pitstops to take photos and to not strain myself unnecessarily).
You Can Enjoy A Breath Of Fresh Air As You Explore The C2C Trail
Image source: Danielle Tan
We rented a bike each at Go Cycle Jurong East and settled for the $40 for overnight return package. This allowed us to have the option of returning our bikes at Go Cycle Punggol.
In this coast-to-coast trail, we were mindful of the diversions that included the Chinese and Japanese Gardens, which were closed then and construction work in AMK causing the diversion of the routes.
There is a C2C App that we downloaded. It provides notices on the trails such as temporary closures or diversion. We, however did not heavily rely on as it had limited navigation features and the reviews were less than stellar.
For this trail, I brought along the following – my “C2C Checklist”:
- Sun protection: long sleeve running shirt, cap, sunblock
- Rain gear: poncho and rain cover for my backpack
- Waterproof case for phone + money
- A large compressed towel from Daiso that can be expandable by pouring water on it
- 1.5 litre of water
- Sweets + snack
The 10 Checkpoints On The Coast-To-Coast Trail
Image source: Danielle Tan
First Leg: Jurong East to Punggol
- Check Point 1 – Jurong Lake Gardens
We merely passed by Jurong Lake Garden, which was undergoing construction and navigated though the housing estate instead.
- Check Point 2 – Bukit Batok Nature Park
The Quarry pool of Little Gui Lin was tranquil and scenic. This was really beautiful respite from the urban jungle.
- Check Point 3 – Hindhede Drive
We made a pitstop at Beauty World Shopping centre to purchase some plasters as my friend’s feet had developed some blisters from her new kicks. We explored Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and were fortunate to witness a pair of white crested laughing trushes.
- Check Point 4 – Adam Road
Adam Road food centre was a much-welcomed break-our stomachs were growling from the mornings exercise- we had satay and fruit juice standing as dining in was still not allowed. I also used the toilets to freshen up and top up my sun block for the next half of the journey. So far so good on the baby, not overly strained or tired.
Image source: Danielle Tan
Second Leg: Lornie Nature Corridor to MacRitchie
We rode past MacRitchie and caught a glimpse of nature enthusiasts posing with a group of monkeys, we didn’t stop for long as we wanted to make it in time for sun set at Coney Islands.
- Check Point 5 – Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park
This part was mainly cordoned off due to construction so we had to rely on the goodwill of pedestrians to guide us to Luxus
- CP6 – Luxus Hills Park
We cycled past Luxus Hills Park, undulating knolls with winding eco footpaths that enhance the greenery and tranquility within the Seletar Hills estates.
- Check Point 7 – Sengkang Floating Wetland
We cycled through the Punggol Park Connector at Sengkang Floating Wetland which is a natural habitat for birds and fish.
- Check Point 8 – Punggol Waterway Park
This Park was thronged with Cyclists and runners and families with kids on skates went by blasting workout music as they got on with their lives-here we had to weave in and out of the thronging crowd- I also witnessed a family of otters. The crowd whipped out their cameras to snap pictures, bet they are taking it for OtterWatch Singapore.
- Check Point 9 – Coney Island
After we returned our bikes at the Go Cycle Punggol we took a stroll to observe rare coastal plants at the Estuary as we strolled on the Boardwalk, made from timber from uprooted Casuarina trees.
- Check Point 10 – Lower Seletar Reservoir Park (Rower’s Bay)
At the rest stop near Seletar Aerospace, we stroll along the cluster of Heritage Trees and rest our feet at the shelter. The three Broad-leafed Mahogony Heritage Trees were believed to be planted in the 1930s, around the time of development of the Royal Air Force’s Seletar station, that puts the trees to be around 80-90 years old. The thought of these big trees standing still and observing the fleeting passage of life, the human life got me thinking about the future I am about to embark on, a new journey of motherhood.
Image source: Danielle Tan
I am aware that there will be days where I struggle through motherhood and it won’t be a walk in the park like the 36km trail.
But I believe parenthood as like this C2C Trail would be a journey well worth the time. The breath-taking sunset amidst the foregrounds of cranes, the angelic sleeping baby face, the varied forms of beauty in this world.
Overall, the C2C Trail is a nature outing worth taking, a pleasant excursion amidst the pandemic. I can’t wait to one day take my little one on this trail.
This article was written by VIP Parent Danielle Tan for theAsianparent.
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