Hiking Clementi forest

Hiking Clementi Forest came out of the blue. Someone suggested “why-not” and six of us responded YES.

Then we realised nobody has done it before haha(!), and YouTube became our guide.

Nevertheless, we “put date put time” and took leave. We were GAME for some mist, mud and train tracks. Kudos to our adventurous spirit!

Image credit friend

We were afraid we would miss the mist and had arrived early at 0630. Too early as it was still dark and mist not formed yet.

Photo above was taken at around 0645, sunlight quickly showered the landscape between 0645 to 0700. Best time to view the mist would be between 0700 to 0800 (estimated).

If you are researching for Clementi Forest or Old Jurong Railway line, take note there are at least 4 entry points.

 

You may reference my Google Map GPX too. Just open and follow the route.

You can enter via:
-Point 1 (opp Ngee Ann Poly Bus stop). This is recommended, park at SIM.
-Point 2 (Green Corridor, rough GPS 1.32874, 103.781466)
-Point 3 (Bus Stop Opp Maju Camp)
-Point 4 not in picture. Clementi Forest entrance at Sunset Way (GPS 1.323382, 103.769068)

From Google Map below, we had walked in this direction, 1-2-3 and 4. You will also realise Dover Forest is not too far South of Clementi Forest.

Clementi Forest Entrance

Part 1 of Clementi Forest

Below bus stop is Point 1, “Opp Ngee Ann Poly”. The entrance is actually behind the bus stop, follow the green-railings.
I had referenced a few YouTube videos, but this one is short and precise.

Opp Ngee Ann Poly Bus stop

Back to our hike, there is something surreal about hiking early morning through forested area. The plants are up to our knee height. Your legs will feel refreshing and maybe slight itch if you wear shorts.

Got a bit of army days feeling when we had to wade waist-deep in Lim Chu Kang ponds.

Day break, the forest is waking up to another day, and birds are chirping to welcome the sun rays. What a blessing to immerse in nature.

Welcome to Jurassic Park! What a sight.
Surreal and mysterious mist in Clementi Forest!

Clementi Forest Mist (Image credit friend)

You can spot the mist after a 10 minutes walk.

Objective 1 achieved. The 2nd objective was to find and follow the Old Jurong Rail line and see where it leads us. (Not to be mistaken with KTMB Bukit Timah Railway line)

Image credit friend

(YouTube Video link)  Catch our Fun hiking Clementi Forest. Wonderful experience, closeup to flora and fauna. And the insects and birds never stop singing.

With any adventures, the best memories are actually the journey itself. Mud features highly in our FUN element in Clementi Forest.

My hiking kakis make the trip epic.

We were out of Clementi Forest within 25 minutes! Near to Point 2, we can hear joggers hitting the tarmac at Green Corridor.

Where is the mud? Why so fast exit Clementi Forest already?
Are we on the right track?

Nevermind, we go to the valley for some nice group photo first.

Time flies when we had fun, we took so many photos. The hiking seems shorter and less tiring too.

Nice photo! Better companions.

Part 2 of Clementi Forest Hike

Take this tree as landmark. Just follow the path in.

You can cover Clementi Forest alone, but I would recommend going with companions for safety sake.

Posing time again. Look right to spot this well-concealed red structure in the canal. It is just one 1 minute from entrance (Point 2).

You can step on the cooling water if you wish. We spent 10 to 15 minutes here.

Image credit friend

 

If you do not stop at the red structure, you will need 10 to 12 minutes to reach a log lying across the path.

You can reference another video from CM Chen, at 2:50 minutes for the log.

Clementi Forest trail

Just take the left track and you will spot the train track.

Once you turn in, you will spot Mud within 600m (estimated).

Lost railway to Jurong

Embrace nature.

Plenty of Mud for everyone, this is where the real fun begins.
Some will try to resist coating their shoes brown but it is futile.

Do not let your sole become another statistic :p

Clementi Forest swimming pool haha.

I dare not imagine what would happen if someone slip into the chocolate coloured pool.

This segment could be the most slippery along the trek.

As we were blessed with plenty of rain two days before our hike, the ground was as muddy as it could get.

Clementi Forest Mud

Try to follow in the direction of the tracks, walk on track if possible. Some sections might be blocked by vines or fallen trunks, detour.

Anyway, Clementi Forest “path” is well trodden. In other words, it is very hard to be lost.

Many water bodies seem to be stagnant. Get your insect spray ready.

Point 3 – opposite Maju Camp

We took about 40 minutes to exit the forest and reach our Train Tunnel (opposite Maju camp).

Happy legs and shoes. We have completed the toughest and most muddy section of Old Jurong Railway line.

Image credit friend
Clementi Forest Train Tunnel

Take your time with photos. Be creative.
We do not get to see old tunnels everyday.

But maybe do not try posing after midnight in the tunnel. It might be quite eerie in the tunnel and forest.

Image credit friend
Clementi Forest map
Clementi Forest map

Anyway, you will cross the tunnel (under Clementi Road) and appear in Maju Forest. (Image above, “X” is the tunnel)

There is still mud along the way, but we can do slight detours to skip the mud. We walked pass “Clementi waterfall”.

No one should be drinking from the stream :p

Clementi Forest “Waterfall” !
Image credit friend

Nearing the end of our 3km trek. Everyone is still energetic!

The second mud-covered segment is 300m from Sunset Way exit. Again, this section is normally dry, but was muddy due to last few days of rain.

No worry, just balance on the logs.

Do you need “banana leave” to package (tabao) nasi lemak or get an umbrella?

Take a closer look at the mushroom, ferns and other plants too. You will spot some interesting spiders and insects too.

Clementi Forest Flora Fauna

So happy to see HDB, civilisation!  Is this block 112 or 113?

Some may decide to wash their shoes along the drainage. Water seems clear here. Have seen folks posing here in IG and FB :p

Clementi Forest wash shoes

Point (4) From the train tunnel, we took 40 minutes to exit at Sunset Way.

If you walk South another 200m, you will reach Ulu Pandan PCN and see an old iron bridge (cannot walk over bridge).

Clementi Forest Exit

Hiking Clementi Forest took 2 hours, although it is only a 3 km track.

We took many photos to bring back as memories. Clementi Forest is not your usual walk-in-the-park, but most active folks should be able to do it. Adventurous kids too.

Love our nature and the greenery, but refrain from climbing trees or swinging from branches. The fragile forest will not be able to withstand thousands or hikers climbing it.

We headed to Springleaf Prata to give ourselves a treat. The prata is delicious and crispy. Nice!

Springleaf prata with friends

Everyone agrees this was a happening hike. So happy that we completed our hike and had so much FUN along the way.

This ends my blog post about Hiking at Clementi Forest.

Do check out Brice’s fantastic Drone footage too. His video kick started Singapore’s awareness in both Clementi and Kranji Forest  (Facebook clip).

Clementi Forest (and for that matter, Dover Forest) are slated for future residential development.

Meanwhile, you may catch more photos of my hike (Both Clementi Forest and Kranji Forest in Facebook Photo album)

Clementi Forest and Kranji Forest photos

After Hiking Clementi Forest, I proceeded to part 2 of my adventure.
I had trek 17km to Kranji Forest. Check out the sneak peek below.

Video: Hiking 17km from Green Corridor to Kranji Forest

Due to Covid lockdown, Hidden Trails are getting exposed in Singapore. Read my previous sharing on Green Corridor , Bukit Brown and Kranji Forest (Photos of Kranji Wood lands). Dover Forest and maybe trekking SG 150km will be next.

These trekking episodes have re-ignited my passion for the great outdoors. Challenge would be to find a spot with lesser human traffic :p

Do pop by our overseas family hiking trips in links below.
– Kids at Gunung Belumut (1000m)
– 7 hours NZ Tongariro (Mordor!)
– Our hiking journey is under this hashtag #skbHiking

Cycling around the Reservoirs at Central Catchment area

Cycling around the Reservoirs through Old Upper Thomson Road was on my wish list. Imagine the green views, the old road and the picturesque water and flora.

YouTube video : My escapade to the reservoirs

 

Maybe do not think about the FUN Upper Peirce Reservoirs slopes first.

You can cover 3 reservoirs in under 3 hours. If add Springleaf and Thomson Nature Park, that would be at least 5 parks or reservoirs. Adventures Buffet!

This blog post will share the attractions at each park or reservoir. You may jump down to end of page for link to more photos on our Fanpage album.

Those cycling from Sengkang and Punggol can do a clockwise Bishan Park-Lower Peirce – Upper Peirce- Upper Seletar- Springleaf -Lentor Avenue – Yishun Dam and home. Loop should be around 50km.

Cycling Sengkang to Peirce Reservoir (Cycling around the Reservoirs)

Photo below, I love the cycling tracks under Ang Mo Kio MRT viaduct (same as Bukit Batok). The pavement offers connectivity and shade.

Bishan Park

Although Sakura tree no more (Refer Nparks’ March update link), there are still plenty of visual attractions at Bishan Park.

I used to go long-kang fishing with the kids when they were younger (Blog Bishan Long Kang fish).

Next, cross Upper Thomson road to explore Lower Peirce Reservoir.

Refer to Google Map below, I had wanted to explore (1)Lower Peirce, (2)Upper Peirce and (3)Upper Seletar Reservoirs.

By all means, detour and explore scenic Springleaf Nature Park and Thomson Park too.

Did you notice Macritchie Reservoir is a mere 5km from Lower Seletar Reservoir? More corners to explore and photograph.

Lower Peirce Reservoir

Lower Peirce Reservoir is easier to access compared to Upper Peirce Reservoir ( It is about 1.5km and 3km by bus and walking, respectively.)

Lower Peirce Reservoir’s scenic offerings are not inferior and there are plenty of reflections too. Pose away.

Cycling around the Reservoirs
Cycling around the Reservoirs

Do follow the winding trails and hug the nature. Boardwalk will let you walk along the water fringe.

Head North along Old Upper Thomson Road, and you will hit junction of Casuarina Road.

Do take note of opening hours for Nature Parks. We want the animals and insects to rest too.

It seems like we can still use the Park Connector, but the gates to the reservoirs will be locked.

PCN for joggers and cyclists, and one-way road for vehicles. I prefer to cycle on the road as it is less crowded.

Follow the meandering Old Upper Thomson road to explore nature up close. You will be connected to the reservoirs, and new Thomson Nature Park too.

Can you imagine how Grand Prix used to drift the hairpin turns in the 1960s?

No more racing on this road, but we are using 2 wheels for Cycling around the Reservoirs.

While cycling or jogging along Old Upper Thomson Road, you can detour and explore the trails at Thomson Nature Park.

Upper Peirce Reservoir

I noticed a detour (Meeting Point 7) at the entrance of Upper Peirce Reservoir. For those who relish a path (and mud) less traveled.


The slopes will take away your breath, literally. Fringed by marvelous green slopes and canopies, it is no joke to cycle up the slopes (x2 times!).

The monkeys will cheer you on :p

But the views are worth the sore calves! Cloud reflections bounced off the reservoir surface. The water is so clear we can see the bottom of the reservoirs.

This spot is super popular for fishing. I am just curious why otters do not navigate to these inland water bodies?

Loves these reservoir pockets of nature. Fresh air providing a respite from Urban landscapes. Awesome instagrammable shots.

Exit Upper Peirce Reservoir, and head towards Upper Seletar Reservoir.

If you start from Springleaf and head towards Bishan direction, you will encounter more slopes (Gut feel maybe 15% more).

Do take note of this “bef SLE” Bus stop. You might not see the steps at night and fly off! This Bus stop is right after you exit Old Upper Thomson Road. Be careful.

Heading towards Upper Seletar Reservoir, you will pass by new MRT line Thomson East Coast line. This is Springleaf station.

I just realised Upper Thomson Road stretches from (almost) MacRitchie Reservoir to Springleaf Nature Park (about 9km).

You will pass by Springleaf Nature Park (on the opposite side), turn left into Mandai Road. (Springleaf and Thomson Nature Park are near to each other.)

Go under this underpass to reach Upper Seletar Reservoir. (GPS 1.402488, 103.812526), follow Mandai Road Track 7.

You will have to cycle on the road and up a slope.

Upper Seletar Reservoir

Highlights at Upper Seletar Reservoir would be the Rocket and that Tree. Take more photos, climb to the roof for a panoramic view.

I have added Google Map GPX in this link, which links you from Sengkang to Yishun to Upper Seletar Reservoir.

Lesser crowds at Upper Seletar Reservoir, perhaps it is less accessible?
MRT will bring more folks nearer to the reservoirs in the future.

Famous Tree at Upper Seletar Reservoir

I was fortunate to catch a rainbow on 12th of July!

You can follow the path and cycle towards Mandai Road. This is more convenient compared to cycling in from Mandai Road itself.

I would not recommend this stretch for new cyclists as road is narrow. Just admire the rows of heritage trees forming a “green corridor”.

Springleaf Nature Park

Time to head home. Cross Upper Thomson Road to reach Springleaf Nature Park.

Just follow the river along Springleaf Nature Park and you will hit Lentor Avenue and Lower Seletar Reservoir.

漂亮! Nice Sunset.

Lower Seletar Reservoir

Cycle pass Lower Seletar reservoir, catch the sunset or blue hour.
From here, you are only 10km from Punggol or Sengkang, via Yishun Dam.

Hope you would find our reservoir tips useful. Cycle to enjoy more flora and fauna. More photos on Cycling around the Reservoirs can be found on our Facebook album.

Singapore Reservoir Photos

Do pop by our other related hiking and cycling posts too:

Upper Seletar climb up the Rocket with Yee
Trail running 12km MacRitchie Reservoir
-Macritchie Tree top walk!

-Cycle 70 km East, TMCR (link)
-Cycle 80 km West, Lim Chu Kang(link)
-Cycle to Woodlands and back for 50km (link)
-Cycle 50km to explore 3 Reservoirs and 3 parks (Google Map GPX from Sengkang to Upper Seletar Reservoir)
-Completed Round Island 140km!  (Click for GPX routing)
-Cycle 20km to Green Corridor (or Marina Bay and Sportshub)

* MTB\RoadBike\Foldie selection, & Foldable bike shortlisting
* Follow my family’s cycling experience here .
-Instagram SengkangBabies #skbCycles or #skbHiking

 

ps.. if you cycling from Yishun Dam towards Mandai, take note Yishun Ave 1 Lane 3 is super bumpy and uneven. Ride safe.

Updated 29Aug : Thomson-East Coast Line opened in Aug 2021.
3 stations will bring you close to Bishan Park and Reservoirs! (Mayflower, Lentor and Springleaf MRT stations). This is exciting news.