18Km Adventurous Hiking Trail through MacRichie Reservoir

Singapore - Edmund and I started our walk at 3PM from Bishan towards MaRichie reservoir.  This is a 11-kilometre nature trail loop known as MacRitchie Trails, located within the tropical rainforest of Central Catchment Nature Reserve. 

MacRitchie Reservoir was constructed in 1867, through a donation of S$13,000 by philanthropist Tan Kim Seng.

MacRitchie reservoir view from the hill

Reservoir pavilion

Once a popular pavilion to hold events in bygone days but not closed and rarely used.

start of our long journey through MacRichie trails

Edmund and I in front of the reservoir

A closer view of the Pavilion

LIM BO SENG TOMB

One of the highlight is Edmund bringing me to Lim Bo Seng tomb.

Lim Bo Seng tomb

walking through Lornie Trail

THE LORNIE TRAIL

The shade of the tree shielded us from the hot sun and made our walk much easier.  The trail was also cool with a light breeze but you have to be careful as loose pebbles can easily twist one's ankle.   The MacRitchie Lornie trail is very close to SICC golf course separated by a barbed fence.  

Warning sign along the fence 

THE RESCUE 

While walking halfway through the trail, we heard someone shouting for help across the deep MacRitchie reservoir that he is lost and needs help.   As always, Edmund sprung to action and shouted back to direct 'this lost guy'.  

Edmund in action

Good Samaritans

I called PUB hotline for help to rescue this poor guy across the reservoir.   Edmund found out he has been lost for 6hrs but with enough battery power to last at least another 10hrs.   We waited for another 1-2 hrs as the night is falling we decided to head out but Edmund was always on Whatsapp with him.  Fortunately, the rangers found him and rescued him at around 9PM.  

We talk to the MacRitche tower and it was a beautiful sight to behold.  The climb up is not for those who are scare of heights.  

ADAM ROAD HAWKER CENTRE

We walked to Adam road hawker centre for a good meal, an old Edmund hideout and we had a good meal.   

Desmond

Surprised to find an old friend sitting alone beside my table, Desmond.  

What an adventure - 

17Km Walking trail to Upper Pierce Reservoir

Singapore - I started my walking trail at 3.15pm from my home to Ang Mo Kio (AMK), the sun was hot with light breeze.  I decided to walk under the shelter of HDB flats and trees lining the AMK ave 3 covering a distance of 3.7km towards AMK MRT station.  While I waited for Edmund, I made a detour to AMK town garden east park.

AMK TOWN GARDEN EAST PARK

AMK Town Garden East Park

I brought my family to this park many years ago and was famous for their planted rubber trees.   Some MRT construction works was going and parts of the park was cordoned off.   

Lots of greenary at this park

This park was located on top of a hill 

A rubber seed

When Edmund came, we walked under the MRT tracks from AMK MRT to Bishan-AMK Park towards Lower Pierce Reservoir and walked along the wooden broadwalk along the reservoir.

LOWER PIERCE RESERVOIR

Lower Pierce Reservoir

Lower Peirce Reservoir is the second oldest reservoir in Singapore.  Built in 1912, it was originally named Kallang Reservoir because it was built across Kallang River and served as the upstream source for Kallang River. Ten years later, in 1922, it was renamed as Peirce Reservoir in recognition of the services of Robert Peirce, the municipal engineer of Singapore between 1901-1916. Later, it became Lower Pierce Reservoir in 1975 when Upper Peirce Reservoir was built.

Reflections

cross tail junction

Edmund led us toward Casuarina estate - rows of landed property and restaurants.  We found a Chinese restaurant and have a refreshing drink of fresh coconut.   I felt refreshed to continue on our walking trail.

THOMSON NATURE PARK

From the main entrance of Thomson Nature Park, there are three main trails: Rambutan Trail (orange), Ruins & Figs Trail (red) and the Stream and Ferns Trail (yellow).

Hainan Village Ruins

The foundations of the Hainan village

The Hainan village dates back to the 1930s and the last villagers moved out in the 1980s. The village was home to many ethnic and dialect groups, although the majority of the residents were Hainanese.  But since the people vacated in the 1980s, the forest has reclaimed its land, weaving through the once laid bricks.

UPPER PIERCE RESERVOIR PARK

The monkeys are so comfortable watching humans walking and jogging by.  

Monkeys all around

Once you enter Upper Pierce Reservoir, the road towards the reservoir tends to be hilly and it was a tough but we made it up 2 small hills towards the beautiful scenic view of the reservoir.

Up the hill

Upper Pierce Reservoir

Finally made it to this reservoir.

Edmund and me @ Sunset

What a beautiful sight! of the reservoir but the thought of walking back was daunting. 

Beautiful sunset

And it was time for dinner.   

Acai desert

Singapore - A nice Acai desert at StarVista mall with Edmund after our meeting.

A big punch of anti-oxidants - found on açai palm trees in South American rainforests, açai berries are a lot like grapes. The seed takes up about 80% of the berry, but the flesh and skin pack plenty of vitamins and other nutrients in the remaining 20%. Not to mention the berries are only about 70 calories a cup.

Walk Trail from Bishan to McRitchie Reservoir

Singapore - It was a good workout walking from Bishan park all the way to McRitchie reservoir and back to Bishan - a total of 13.13km.   In good company, the distance seems short.

Edmund, Lesley and I

and watch the beautiful sunset.   As it was getting dark fast, we do not want to get caught in the middle of the junge in pitch darkness.   

We had a sumptuous dinner at Mata Thai located at 508, #01-390 Bishan St.11.   This is a Halal Thai restaurant and the food is simply authentic and delicious.  

Pad Thai 

Hor Fun Thai style

Spicy Petai dish

Lesley had his Thai curry rice

A good dinner after a long walk.

Walk trail from Serangoon Central to Marine Terrace - 13 km

Singapore - At 8AM, I started the walk with Edmund towards Marine Terrace walking down Paya Lebar road, pass the estate of Eunos, walked pass PLQ at Paya Lebar MRT, 

My 2hrs+ walk to Marine Terrace

Soya Bean at Joo Chiat

Duman Road Wan Ton Mee

We walked past come incremental wall murals along Joo Chiat. 

Then, went to see my mother after a long walk.

Mummy and Edmund

The Japanese Cemetary Park

Singapore - I plan and walked to the Japanese Cemetary Park which is near Philips Ave & Parry Ave estate, which is a good walking distance from my house.

Signage at the front

The Japanese Cemetery Park stands as a poignant reminder of the historical ties between Japan and Singapore, reflecting the lives and legacies of Japanese immigrants who made significant contributions to the development of the island nation. 

Located in the heart of Singapore, this serene park is not just a burial ground but a symbol of cultural heritage and historical significance, preserving the memories of those who lived and died in Singapore in the late 19th century to the early 20th century.

The Japanese Cemetery Park holds a unique place in Singapore's history, tracing its origins back to the late 19th century when Singapore was a bustling hub of trade and commerce. During this period, many Japanese immigrants arrived in Singapore seeking economic opportunities, and among them were Futaki Takajiro, Shibuya Ginji, and Nakagawa Kikuzo, who owned the land that would later become the cemetery.

Originally a rubber plantation owned by these Japanese brothel owners, the land eventually became a burial ground for the Japanese community in Singapore. The cemetery served as the final resting place for Japanese expatriates, businessmen, diplomats, and their families who lived and worked in Singapore during this era of rapid economic growth and cultural exchange.

Mido (Hall of Prayers)

The Japanese Cemetery Park is more than just a burial site; it is a testament to the enduring bonds between Japan and Singapore. 

With over 900 tombstones scattered across its lush green grounds, the cemetery is a treasure trove of historical artifacts and cultural heritage. Each tombstone tells a story, representing the lives, achievements, and aspirations of the individuals laid to rest here.

In recognition of its historical and cultural significance, the Japanese Cemetery Park was gazetted as a heritage site by the National Heritage Board of Singapore in 1987. Since then, efforts have been made to preserve and conserve the cemetery, ensuring that future generations can continue to appreciate its heritage value.

Surrounded by private landed estate

The park features well-maintained pathways, lush greenery, and tranquil surroundings, providing visitors with a peaceful and reflective space amidst the bustling cityscape of Singapore. Interpretative panels and guided tours offer insights into the history and significance of the cemetery, enriching the visitor experience and fostering a deeper appreciation for Singapore's multicultural heritage.