MacRitchie Trail & Reservoir
1 / 6
MacRitchie Reservoir - by Zhou Don on Google
Description
MacRitchie Reservoir is part of Singapore water catchment system capturing rainwater; its various boardwalks and trails, including a ~10.5km loop, are popular with outdoor enthusiasts and runners. There is also a kayak/canoe center in the eastern corner, close to the main parking lot, and a suspension bridge (Treetop Walk), a short walk from the Rangers' station on the north-western side. The reservoir was created in 1868, making it the oldest in the country; it was named after the municipal engineer that oversaw its capacity expansion at the end of the 19th century.
Access & Transport
The main base is at Reservoir Rd, just off Lornie rd, on the southern side. Other access points include Venus Drive (shortest to the Treetop Walk) and, for hikers/runners, it is also possible to link up from the bottom of Rifle Range and next to Sime Rd. By public transport, there are bus stops along Lornie rd and the beginning of Upper Thomson Rd. The closest MRT station is Marymount (Circle), 400m away, with Caldecott (Circle and TE lines) also an option.
Instructions & Recommendations
The trail is nowadays very popular on weekends, so we recommend going on a weekday if you have that flexibility. Early mornings are best (not before sunrise though) and late afternoons as well - be aware it gets dark around 19h00 and there is not artificial lighting. It is best to wear proper shoes if you intend to walk the loop and bring some water as there are only two waterpoints: next to the main parking and at the Rangers Station.
Environmental & Social
The central catchment area is one of the city's green lungs and is key to preserving the country's biodiversity. An ideal outdoor option for Singapore residents.
Conclusion
The trails or MacRitchie Reservoir are, in our opinion, the best in the city for hiking and trail running, they combine forest sections with some very scenic and peaceful views over the reservoir, in particular around sunrise and sunset time. Even for tourists, there is a destination discovery aspect because the full central catchment area represents a large chunk of the island and is a good example of what the local natural environment was like prior to urban development.
Key positive
Varied terrain and several trail options
Easy to get to and just the right level of infrastructure
Key negative
Very crowded on weekends and public holidays
Suitability
Suitable for all ages but children < 8yrs old may not enjoy long walks along the trail although board walks should be fine. The trails are not accessible for visitors with reduced mobility, only the short flat section near the main parking lot and dam area.
About this Rating
TYPE
Onsite
RESEARCHED IN
May 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 35m
est. visit time:2h 30m
Sunrise / early morningOk
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightNo
Night – aft. midnightNo