MacRitchie Reservoir running is SCENIC! I had always wanted to try trail running around MacRitchie Reservoir. When Nick jio (invited) a few Dads, I jump on the opportunity.
Beforehand, I had came across many wonderful photos of the waterway, boardwalks and the views from Jelutong Tower. Love the cloud’s reflection off the waterbody! 
The first question. Run clockwise or anti-clockwise?
If you are new to trail running, do an anti-clockwise, starting from the carpark..
Follow the markers in the direction of Tree Top Walk, Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, Jelutong Tower.
There are many slopes and rocks to slow you down within the first 4 km.
The pebbles are slippery, run carefully or you might fall.
The last 3 km are on scenic boardwalk.
Look bamboos! We were busy exploring our surroundings too.
We detoured and climb up Jelutong tower, the climb is tiring after our 6 km route. But the view from the top is worth it 🙂
At the 7 or 8 km mark (estimated), you will “exit” the woods and come to this waterbody! VERY NICE!
This area is adjacent to Singapore Island Country Club. Can we wade inside the pool?
The whole MacRitchie Reservoir running route is about 11 to 12 Km. I was flat from 8 or 9 km mark onwards, and had to walk back all the way.
Mental note : My fitness has a lot of catch-up!
If you had started clockwise, the last few kilometers will be super tough!
Anyway, we soon reach the performing stage near the carpark. Many student would be familiar with the zig-zag bridge as they run in their school’s cross-country run.
We saw more tourist families (and monkeys) than Singaporean families. Hope more will go out and enjoy the beautiful scenic views at MacRitchie Reservoir! The boardwalk is stroller and wheelchair friendly too.
The best thing about running is exploring new corners and connectors. To run with a buddy is a bonus 🙂
MacRitchie Reservoir running will start from the multi-storey carpark, hourly rate applies. More details are available on Nparks website.
Check out Nick’s cool Strava mapping here. You may wish to explore Tree Top Walk too, refer our previous experience here.
Marathon runner should still be fit ma??? Kidding…
Thanks for the tips about where the toilets are located…especially with young kids.
I went there before having kids! Beautiful place indeed…
Xoxo,
Jamie chaw
http://karmie080808.blogspot.sg/
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Still trying to go back to previous fitness benchmark, but trail run is totally different from normal runs. You really utilise all muscles (and core).
wow haven’t been running there since sec school days haha.. thanks for the memories!
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Me too, if Nick never jio, I would find it hard to go there just for a run 🙂
The first photo is so beautiful. Your running post is making me feel so guilty about not working out. In fact, I’m snacking as I read your post!
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Taking of kids is a form of exercise too, my housewife Mrs managed to close 12k steps easily everyday!
We went there a few times with the kids but never noticed the Jelutong tower! We better watch out for that the next time we go… 😉
It is about 1 to 2 km from the Tree Top exit 🙂
Good view of our Nature Reserve and reservoir.
Awesome scenic view I must say! So different it looks even if in the city…I would love to take a stroll here.
Shub from RainbowDiaries
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We noticed quite a few tourist families, perhaps recommended by Tripadvisor 🙂
Macritchie is definitely one of our most beautiful reservoirs and the paths are well maintained. Do be careful when you are on the unpaved forest paths, if you’re with your kids or the elderly! I’ve seen too many people trip on a tree root or slip on the uneven ground.
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It will be harder to navigate when it rains. On the otherhand, I would prefer Nparks to retain the “rugged” surface, too much boardwalk is unnatural too haha 🙂
We have been to Macritchie but always with kids and it is a long stretch to cover especially with young kids.
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I agree, hard to cover end to end within 3 hours. Fortunately got some shades 🙂
MacRitchie Reservoir holds a special place in my heart – I used to train for those cross-country runs during my secondary school days.
Initially I wanted to ask why do the anti-clockwise route instead? Got my answer further down your post. ;p Maybe one day, when my spirit and flesh are both willing, I’ll try out this scenic trail run.
– Mary @ Simply Lambchops
If going with family (or if walking not running), go clockwise, uturn at Singapore Island Country Club 🙂
Feel so bad….never got around to my exercise plan and seeing all your photos…But it’s great, being inspired by you guys. Thanks for sharing Bro.
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Cycling coming up 🙂