We get it; the city is busy, fast-paced, and often hectic. However, consider visiting one of Singapore’s natural wonders, the MacRitchie Reservoir Park, to make your next family outing more meaningful.
After all, Singapore is known as a city within a garden, with a plethora of natural wonders waiting to be explored.
To help you plan your next adventure, we suggest you start with MacRitchie Reservoir Park, a serene oasis in the heart of Singapore.
Surrounded by Broad Swamps, Jungles, and Greenery
Located in the central northern parts of Singapore, MacRitchie Reservoir is a peaceful retreat that offers a welcome respite from the chaos of city living.
Surrounded by broad swamps, jungles, and greenery, the reservoir is the perfect destination for family outings and picnics.
Walking Trails: The Best Way to See the Forest
To fully appreciate the beauty of the forest, we highly recommend taking one of the five walking trails that wind through it.
- 3 KM Green Trail – Prunus and Petai Boardwalk.
- 7 KM Orange trail – the quickest route to the Treetop Walk.
- 11 KM Yellow Trail – the longest trail that covers all the park’s attractions, essentially.
Firstly, each trail offers a different hiking experience and unique tranquil forest views.
Secondly, for those looking for a leisurely stroll, the Green and Purple routes are easy and take around 1.5 to 2 hours to complete.
And for more challenging hikes, the Blue, Yellow, and Pink routes are moderately difficult and take around 4 to 5 hours to complete.
Volunteer Guides and Boardwalks
For a more immersive experience, consider following a volunteer guide on tour along the MacRitchie Prunus Trail.
This boardwalk skirts the edge of the reservoir and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding forests and freshwater wildlife.
With a bit of luck, you might spot the white-breasted fish eagle or the flying lemur amongst the greenery!
Other Activities at MacRitchie Reservoir
In case hiking isn’t your cup of tea, there are still many other activities to explore and keep you and your family entertained.
In addition to the scenic trails, you can enjoy jogging tracks, an exercise area, a playground, a tea kiosk, and a fountain.
Moreover, on most Sundays, local school bands or orchestras provide entertainment, so make sure to check local newspapers for the time of performances.
How to Get to MacRitchie Reservoir
- Exact location: MacRitchie Reservoir Park, Along Lornie Road, Singapore 298735.
- Opening hours: Daily 7 am-7 pm.
- Fee: It’s worth noting that admission to the reservoir is free and open daily.
MacRitchie Reservoir is easily accessible by public transport.
By MRT – Visitors can take SBS Transit bus 132 or SMRT bus 167 from Orchard Road and alight at the Venus Drive stop.
Or just take the MRT to Caldecott Station, then take exit A. Upon exiting, walk westward along Toa Payoh Rise and turn right to Thomson Road.
Afterwards, walk northward along Thomson Road for about 900-m walk.
By bus – Take bus 52 from Bishan Interchange or buses 74, 130, 132, 165, 166 and 167 from Ang Mo Kio.
Buses 93, 165, 855 from Farrer Road MRT, 157 from Toa Payoh Interchange and bus 162, 852 from Yio Chu Kang MRT.
By car – You can find the car park at MacRitchie Reservoir Park when you enter via Lornie Road.
10 Things to Bring When Visiting MacRitchie Reservoir
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Comfortable walking shoes – With five different walking trails, you’ll want to ensure your feet are comfortable to enjoy the scenic views fully.
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Sunscreen – The tropical sun can be quite strong in Singapore, so it’s important to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
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Insect repellent – You’ll be surrounded by nature, so expect some bugs. Protect yourself from mosquito bites with an insect repellent.
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Water bottle – It’s essential to stay hydrated when exploring the reservoir, especially if you’re planning to take longer trails.
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Snacks – Bring some snacks to keep your energy up if you plan to spend the day at the reservoir.
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Picnic mat – There are plenty of spots to have a picnic, so bring a mat to sit on and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
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Camera – You’ll want to capture the scenic views, wildlife, and memorable moments at the reservoir.
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Binoculars – If you’re a bird-watching enthusiast, bring a pair of binoculars to get a closer look at the various bird species in the area.
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Umbrella – Singapore’s weather can be unpredictable, so having an umbrella in case it rains is always handy.
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Cash or card – While admission to the reservoir is free, you might want to buy refreshments from the tea kiosk or rent a kayak or bike, so bring cash or a card.
Final Thoughts
It’s time to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature. MacRitchie Reservoir is the perfect place to start.
With its tranquil forests, scenic walking trails, and abundant wildlife, it’s a serene oasis in the heart of Singapore that’s just waiting to be explored.
So grab your family, put on your walking shoes, and head over to MacRitchie Reservoir for an unforgettable day surrounded by nature.
Remember, Singapore is home to many other natural wonders you can explore with your family.
For the complete list of Family oriented places you can visit in Singapore, click here!
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