Singapore - There’s something undeniably refreshing about starting the day in nature. The air feels crisper, the sounds softer, and every sight seems a little more beautiful. One morning recently, I had the pleasure of experiencing just that with my good friend Edmund as we set out on a walk along the Mandai Boardwalk, a stunning new nature trail in Singapore that has quickly become one of the city’s most peaceful outdoor escapes.
The Mandai Boardwalk is a 3.3-kilometre nature corridor that winds its way around the perimeter of River Wonders and Singapore Zoo, offering visitors unparalleled views of the Upper Seletar Reservoir and the lush greenery of the Central Catchment Nature Reserve. What makes this boardwalk particularly special is that it was only opened to the public recently on 14 January 2025 and has already become a favourite spot for early-morning walkers, joggers, and nature lovers alike.
We arrived just after sunrise, greeted by the soft golden glow that spread across the reservoir’s calm surface. The boardwalk, free and open daily from 7am to 7pm, was quiet and refreshing at that hour. This was perfect for conversation and reflection. Spanning gently meandering paths with wheelchair-friendly walkways, the trail felt welcoming to everyone, from casual visitors to eager explorers.
As Edmund and I began our walk, we were immediately struck by the serenity of our surroundings. The boardwalk’s elevated design allows you to feel immersed in nature without disturbing the wildlife below, and along the way we passed several thematic stations inspired by the local ecosystem. From “Tree Frog’s Hangout” to “Iora’s Nest,” each station added character and offered resting points that invited us to pause, take photos, and simply take in the views.
One of the most memorable moments came when we reached a lookout point that offered sweeping panoramas of the reservoir. The water shimmered in the morning light while birds flitted about in the trees, each movement and chirp heightening the sense of peace. It felt like the whole world had paused just for us and a reminder of how special moments with friends can be, especially in such a beautiful setting.
Part of what makes Mandai Boardwalk so special is how accessible it feels despite being tucked in a natural reserve. Whether you’re coming from Mandai Wildlife East or the entrance near River Wonders, the path feels like a gateway — a peaceful transition from city bustle to nature’s calm.
By the time we finished our walk, the morning sun was higher in the sky, and more visitors had begun to arrive. Though the boardwalk was becoming livelier, the tranquil charm we experienced early on stayed with us throughout the day. It was one of those mornings that reminded me how restorative it can be to slow down, step outside, and share the moment with a good friend.
If you’re looking for a scenic, serene way to start your day, the Mandai Boardwalk is absolutely worth the visit — especially at sunrise. It’s a beautiful reminder that nature’s simple pleasures are often the most memorable.
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