We get it, the city is busy, fast-paced, and often hectic. However, to make your next family outing more meaningful, consider visiting one of Singapore’s natural wonders. 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, 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.
Firstly, each trail offers a different hiking experience and unique views of the tranquil forest.
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 moderate to 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 a 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
Moreover, MacRitchie Reservoir is easily accessible by public transport. Visitors can take SBS Transit bus 132 or SMRT bus 167 from Orchard Road and alight at the Venus Drive stop. It’s worth noting that admission to the reservoir is free, and it’s open daily.
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. If you plan to spend the day at the reservoir, bring some snacks to keep your energy up.
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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 it’s always handy to have an umbrella in case it rains.
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Cash or card. While admission to the reservoir is free, you might want to buy some refreshments from the tea kiosk or rent a kayak or bike, so bring some 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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