MacRitchie Reservoir Park, formerly known as Thomson reservoir, is the oldest reservoir in Singapore. It has a fascinating history behind its establishment. The philanthropist Tan Kim Seng’s contribution played a crucial role in its creation. The park spans 12 hectares and is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and sports lovers. It provides an ideal setting for leisure activities such as bird-watching, hiking, and water sports. Visitors can rent canoes or kayaks to enjoy water sports or simply take a pleasant stroll in the park to refresh their minds and rejuvenate their bodies.
About MacRitchie Reservoir Park
Previously, a significant portion of Singapore was covered by forests. This changed after the arrival of the British, as the demand for freshwater increased and they started clearing extensive areas of the forest. However, the British failed to provide an adequate water supply. Tan Kim Seng’s donation motivated people to proceed with the plan, but insufficient planning skills resulted in a shortage of funds. After numerous challenges, the reservoir was constructed, ultimately leading to the cessation of deforestation around the reservoir.
During World War II, the Japanese army constructed a Shinto Shrine in the heart of the park. However, when Singapore was reclaimed by the British, the shrine was demolished. Although the ruins of the shrine still remain, visitors are requested to avoid touching them and instead follow the designated trail during their hikes.
Nature Reserve Opening Hours: 7:00 am to 7:00 pm
TreeTop Walk Opening Hours: Tuesday-Friday: 9am-5pm; Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays: 8.30am-5pm
How To Reach MacRitchie Reservoir Park
MacRitchie Reservoir Park is situated at 181 Lornie Road. To access the park using public transportation, you can take buses numbered 855, 852, 167, 166, 165, 162M, 162, 157, 156, 132, 130, 93, 74, and 52 to 980, where they will drop you off at the nearest bus stop to the park – 51071. Alternatively, you can take the Circle Line to Caldecott MRT and walk for approximately ten minutes to reach your destination. These routes will lead you to the main entrance as well as the park’s points of interest. Alternatively, there are several other entrances you can use to access the park.
The nearest train station to the park is Marymount, about 1 kilometer away. You can either opt to stroll for 10 minutes or take a bus marked as 855, 852, 165, 74, or 52 to reach the park from Marymount MRT Station.
The park also provides a verdant two-story car parking lot where you can also park your vehicle.
The Singapore Changi airport is approximately 23.5 kilometers away from the MacRitchie reservoir park. You can either directly travel from the airport to the park using a rental vehicle or you can go to the MRT station and from there board a train to reach the park.
Activities To Engage In MacRitchie Reservoir Park
1. Bird watching
The park is also a sanctuary for birds and you can delight in observing all the diverse species of birds. Bird watching is undoubtedly one of the finest activities to engage in within this natural park. Of all the things, a camera is an item you mustn’t forget to bring along to this location.
2. Canopy walking
When visiting a forest reserve or a park, we usually walk on the ground, maneuvering through the shrubs and herbs and gazing up at the towering trees. But what if the trees are beneath your walking level? This is precisely what the tree top walks at the reservoir offer. It is an exceptional experience. You can relish strolling on a suspension bridge that spans 250 meters, connecting Bukit Peirce to Bukit Kalan, which are the two highest points in MacRitchie Park. At the highest point of the bridge, it reaches a height of approximately seven stories above the forest floor.
3. Trekking
Trekking paths of 3.2 km and 4.8 km are available and are commonly used in cross-country competitions. Each day a maximum of 100 individuals are allowed for the trek. If the quota is reached for the day then you will have to choose another day. Therefore, making advance reservations would be the best choice.
4. Aquatic activities
If you are interested in water sports, you can rent oars, kayaks, and canoes. There is also a designated area for beginners and another area for experienced paddlers in this stunning tourist spot in Singapore.
5. The monkeys of Lower Peirce
The macaques with long tails are a highlight of the MacRitchie Reservoir Park. It is known that macaques are very similar to humans. They reside in a complex social network with family, friends, and enemies just like us. You can sign up for a walk where you can learn more fascinating aspects about the monkeys.
6. Hiking path
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This is an 11 km path where you stroll to appreciate the abundant beauty around you. No maps are necessary as you must follow the map panels and instructions provided on your path.
Accommodation Options In MacRitchie Reservoir Park
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- MacRitchie reservoir park does not provide accommodations for tourists. However, there are luxury hotels near MacRitchie.
- Oasia Hotel Novena situated in the Novena district offers direct access to Novena MRT station through the basement. It is 2.9 kms away from MacRitchie reservoir.
- Days Hotel by Wyndham Singapore At Zhongshan Park is also located in the Novena district and is 2.5 kms away from MacRitchie reservoir. Additionally, it is surrounded by a retail mall and restaurants.
- Ramada by Wyndham Singapore At Zhongshan Park is situated 2.3 kms away from MacRitchie reservoir. It is a 10 – minute walk from Novena Medical Hub. It also provides amenities such as an outdoor swimming pool, a gym, and a shopping mall within the same building.
Further Reading: Adventure Cove Waterpark: A Guide To Help You Experience Thrill In Singapore Like Never Before!
Singapore is more than just an elegant contemporary city. Singapore truly originated from all the forests and wilderness. And this has been wonderfully preserved in various parks, particularly the MacRitchie Reservoir Park, which is the oldest in the city.
So, don’t ponder much and plan your excursion to Singapore with Fred and Fuzzys right away for an experience of a lifetime!
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