MacRitchie Nature Trail

A short trip from the city center lies the serenity of MacRitchie Reservoir, part of Singapore’s water catchment system that captures rain water to help supply the island’s growing population. Trails surround the park, which has an upgraded visitor’s center featuring a café, restrooms and information station. The best views are from the TreeTop Walk, a 250-meter suspension bridge across the rainforest canopy, which can be accessed along the seven-kilometer Venus Loop. Wear hiking shoes and bring water.

Situated at the heart of the city, this is a part of Singapore’s largest nature reserve. It offers a complete break from the city's concrete jungle and fast life. MacRitchie Reservoir features in the list of World Heritage Sites by being the oldest reservoir impounding water from earth embankment. The 12-hectare park is a huge patch of greenery with an enormous water reservoir. Nature lovers visiting MacRitchie Reservoir get to witness lush greenery, beautiful landscapes, hilly terrains and the zig-zag bridge.

The iconic landmarks, boardwalks, nature trails, treetop walks and watchtower make it a fascinating place. Visited by nature lovers of every age group there are ample activities to be done within the park. This popular public park is a nature lover’s dream where one can hike, engage in fishing, kayaking, walking up the hill, indulge in some gluttony or just laze around the many boardwalks. Every activity is centred around the central catchment area, MacRitchie reservoir.

Water from the reservoir is filtered and processed to provide drinking water to the entire city of Singapore. The park is home to Long-tailed Macaques which are indigenous to this particular area and found in abundance. It has been a favourite amongst nature lovers and bird watchers of Singapore for long. People throng in hordes during the weekends and holidays to enjoy and engage with nature.

Visitors enjoy several hours of the nature trail and hiking crossing boardwalks, bridges and narrow forest patches. Some find solace in kayaking in the reservoir and spend a lazy afternoon indulging in water sports. There is an abundant area for parking vehicles, lockers to keep valuables and signages leading you to the desired trail. To get up close and personal with nature a visit to MacRitchie reservoir is an absolute necessity.

Things to do in Tree-top Walk at MacRitchie Reservoir.

1. Stroll along the boardwalks:

There is a pair of boardwalks skirting along the water body namely the Chemperai trail. The 1.5 km long trail can be accessed near the zig-zag trail close to the Lornie trail. The second boardwalk on the eastern side of the reservoir is closer to Thomson road. It has two parts, the Prunus trail and the Petai trail. Both the boardwalks offer a charming view of the catchment area in its full glory.

2. Walk across the MacRitchie Tree Top tower:

This is one of the most interesting things to do inside MacRitchie reservoir. The aerial bridge suspended 80metres above ground level suspends between the hills of Bukit Pierce and Bukit Kalang. Enjoy the other side of the reservoir once you cross the bridge with a brave heart.

3. Play area:

A play area is located near the vehicle parking. Though it is the small children that make the most use of the area before they start with their adventure trail amidst the forest.

4. Hike along the nature trail:

Walking along the nature trail will offer in-depth knowledge of flora and fauna specific to this region. There are several organisations run by nature-lovers like the Jane Goodall Institute which offers a monthly nature walk inside to children above 8 yrs and adults once every month.

5. Kayaking in the reservoir:

The Singapore Canoe Federation has a kiosk operating out of MacRitchie reservoir which rents out kayaks on an hourly basis. The reservoir is the largest source of drinking water for Singapore. The catchment is divided into areas strictly for beginners and experts with buoys.

6. Spot animals:

MacRitchie reservoir is a den for long-tail Macaques which are abundantly found here. On the spot, the primate remains cool and avoids eye contact. Most of the time the monkeys do not disturb the visitors unless provoked.

7. Time to grab a bite:

MacRitchie reservoir park's hilltop has two eateries for you to catch a bite. VAVA Bistro and Mushroom are the two interesting eateries offering several options of delicacies for breakfast, brunch, dinner or just a nibble.

8. Fishing:  

The eastern side of the reservoir is dedicated to visitors fond of fishing. Anglers are strictly prohibited and only artificial baits are allowed to catch fish. The authorities believe in releasing the catches to maintain the stock of the water body and to maintain biodiversity.

Tips for Visiting Tree-top Walk at MacRitchie Reservoir.

Beware of monkeys as they are all over the premise and avoid eye contact with the apes.

•  A hefty fine is imposed on visitors who are caught feeding the monkeys.

•  Watch out for wild boars.

•  Carry cash as you might need a locker to keep your belongings or to grab a bite at the café.

•  Avoid littering the place, either stash it in a bin closeby or carry all the trash back.

•  Carry sunscreen and mosquito repellents as you might need it for your hiking amidst the thick woods.

•  There are water fountains inside, thus carry a refillable water bottle to use.

•  Wear fully covered yet light clothing to avoid mosquitoes and other insects from biting.