Hiking in Singapore, fellow trekkers walking along Belukar Track this morning. Our total trail covers a few parks, lasted 4 hours, around 10km, 20k steps.
The interesting invite from Meetup SANL group π
The Kampong, Durian, Chestnut trails were all new to me, and I never knew hiking in Singapore could be so much FUN!
This is the rough direction, Springdale (along Upper Bukit Timah Road)-> Kampong Trail (near to BukitTimah Hill’s slope) along Serapong Link -> Rifle Range Road -> Murnane Reservoir -> Belukar Track (mountain bikes and huge water pipes) -> Dairy Farm for toilet break -> ZhengHua via Hillview Park Connector -> Chestnut Avenue (walk under Bukit Timah expressway) -> Chestnut Nature Park (South) -> Bukit Panjang lunch
Kampong Trail map (GPS 1.346183, 103.775870) entrance is very near to Bukit Timah Hill (slope).
Map below, follow the Red Line for the first Kampong trail ->, Pandan, Rifle Range, Nangka, finally Durian loop.
Old kampong, we can see remnants of the old inhabitants. Steps, wall, ceramic floors etc. It sort of remind me of Bukit Brown trail.
Enjoying the greens, we are still walking on tarmac. Hard to find one nature spot in Singapore which is unexplored yet.
I still prefer tramping on mud paths and trails over hard tarmac any day π
We encountered some fallen trees, walking inside rainforest carpeted by dead leaves. You will also come across a lot of trail runners, some with dogs.
Hard to lose yourself, as there are always signs and direction clues.
Proceed parallel along Rifle Range road, which is very popular with trail runners and cyclists. Atas Temasek club spotted.
In case you are wondering, Durians trees are real but you have to wait for the season. We heard regulars would have already “chope” book their favourite harvesting spots.
We exit Durian Loop next to Murnane Service Reservoir (I have never heard of this reservoir before).
We were informed about Rambutan season, might not be a bad idea to pluck some to enjoy along the hike.
The water pipes and mountain bike trails are along Belukar Track (Nparks Mountain Biking map, refer point 17 and 18).
Have seen the pipes in Instagram, could not resist a selfie. Mountain bikers were happily chasing the contours and trenches.
GPS for pipes estimation 1.352517, 103.784233
.. but PUB and Nparks (signage) always emphasized safety-first hee hee.
Along the trail, we walked under expressways, short bridges and along narrow slopes. It was a wonderful feeling to feel LOST in Singapore π
We pop by Dairy Farm Nature Park for toilet and water break. This park is ideal for family and it is less congested than Bukit Timah Hill.
For once, it was pure bliss to enjoy the serene surroundings. I did not have to worry about navigating for family or finding the next water point.
Just enjoy the Greens, fresh air and scenery.
Hey, hiking in Singapore can be happening too!
We are never far from the main roads and motor sounds, that is how small Singapore is :p
We linked up with Zhenghua Park.
Part of the hiking or treking fun is to explore our surroundings, observe the flora and fauna. We do not get to see this plants or flowers everyday. I am not sure whether they are edible, just follow the birds, monkeys and squirrels.
Follow Chestnut Avenue (slopes warning) to reach Chestnut Nature Park (South). Many Mountain Bikes use Chestnut Nature Park as a pitstop.
Chestnut Nature Park (North) is still under construction, we can look forward to more hiking and cycling trails.
Chestnut Nature Park sights. I only know roasted chestnuts (Gao3 Luc4) are delicious, have not seen the real chestnut yet.
Interesting is an understatement for our trail this morning. Have you counted how many parks and trails we walk across π
There is a sense of satisfaction, perhaps to pander to my craving for hikes. Although the adrenaline is not as high as Gunungs, but you still feel good.
My boys (girl maybe) would definitely be keen to follow me down this trail again.
More tips :
– Follow Singapore Adventure Nature Lover (SANL) group (and Facebook) to book your next Fun adventure (some activities are free)
– Follow Nparks for more hiking and trails recommendations
– Be careful bike and hiking trail differences, children should not wander onto bike paths
– Leave the pokemons catching to the urban areas, pay attention to the path ahead
More photos have been uploaded on our Fanpage album.
Pop by our hiking adventures here –> https://sengkangbabies.com/tag/hiking
*note, photos above might not be in order
Wow! What an inspiring post, and also it’s good that it’s detailed, because sometimes with kids, I rather plan and be prepared than be surprised π
I hope my itinerary is not too detailed, Edlyn. Part of the fun in hiking and exploration is getting a little-bit lost :p (then we can teach kids that Life is full of unpredictability hee hee)
Wonder if the path would be safe during durian season? Or maybe all the harvesters will make the area very crowded to hike. Good info also on where we can rent bicycles from. Thank you!
Vivien ( Beautiful Chaos )
No worries on the durian-congestion, the harvesters have to trek deeper into the undergrowth π
You are super active lah Andy! One moment u are cycling, next moment exploring trekking trails… i hope i can go for a hike like this too, come home sure everywhere pain, but very nice to enjoy the greenery once in a while π
Go with the hubby, Jacqualine. Trial it first, then bring kids along. Some of the routes are family friendly, and we can always u-turn π (after this trip, I am excited at the hiking possibilities in SG!)
You make me miss my hiking trips that I used to have before marriage! haha…
I used to trek the very similar route every alternate weekend. Now with kids, kinda difficult. Only can make it pretty short.
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I know right, with parenting, we give up so many individual pursuits and passion π
I can only afford Sat or Sun early hours to go chase my “dreams” haha.
Your kids have survive Pulai, they can handle SG trails π
It is always great to go outdoors! The whole atmosphere is so refreshing. Thanks for the share.
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Wow! It’s kind of like my backyard and yet…I don’t it exist! Thanks for sharing Andy. Can’t wait to get my MTB out on those tracks! Next time ‘jio’ me along? Thanks for sharing!
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ON David! Checkout Meetup groups. Very active group hiking up and down the Green corridors too π
Hey there, its nice to explore the areas of Singapore where people don’t usually go. Please avoid hiking at the designated Mountain Bike trail as it is dangerous to hikers and bikers alike.
Hi, most of your write up in this post is talking about designated mountain biking trails. For your own safety, as well as the mountain bikers and your children, avoid them at all cost.
There are several other spots such as the treetop walk, macritchie reservoir as well as other nature reserve to explore. Same fun you seek minus the danger of colliding onto these cyclist who seeks the same fun of the nature has to offer.
Do be considerate, happy trails.
Wow Andy, super energetic!! Cycling, hiking and at the same time you are setting a good.example for kids. This is interesting to explore with my kids.
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Do everything while my legs are still “young” haha.
I would gladly expose the kids to more hikes and sun, rather than electronic games π
Never knew we have a Chestnut Nature Park in Singapore! Thanks for sharing! Some of the trails look somewhat familiar. Maybe I’ve gone on the trails with my NCC cadets many years back.
Most of us know Macritchie (cross country), Bukit Timah (tallest hill) or Southern Ridges.
Always amazed that minuscule SG offers so many ulu corners and trails to explore π
Wonderful trekking… keep the great adventure post
There is a great place for exercise and cycling training. Cycling helps us the digestive feature properly and prevent our heart diseases. Have a great cycling.
Love to see the nature. It looks so safe and green.
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