As a frequent visitor of Singapore, I've seen almost every tourist attraction Singapore has to offer. Thusly, it is time to explore other areas that are not so famous with tourists. So how about a nature walk? Let's go explore Southern Ridges!
Southern Ridges is about 10 km in total, it connects four parks stretching across western part of Singapore: Mount Faber Park, Telok Blangah Hill Park, HortPark, Kent Ridge Park and Labrador Nature Reserve. It can be separated into 8 trails: Marang Trail, Faber Trail, Henderson Waves, Hilltop Walk, Forest Walk, Alexandra Arch, Flora Walk & HortPark and the Canopy Walk.
The trail offers impressive bridges like Henderson Wave allowing pedestrians to cross busy highways. Several parts of the trail are suspended high above the jungle like the Hilltop and Forest Walk offering great views of the primeval greenery around the trail. This is great for families looking for a different kind of adventure, great for walking enthusiasts, nature lovers, bird watchers and shutterbugs like me.
|
| My hubby/supermodel/bodyguard... ready for the climb! |
For this post, let me start with Marang Trail. The trail is 800 metres long and 70 metres high. It will take you 30 to 45 minutes to reach the top.
Marang Trail extends from Marang Road, just behind the HarbourFront MRT Station . You’ll find the entrance to this forest trail as you step off the escalator exiting the HarbourFront MRT . Check the picture below:
|
| Marang Trail is just outside HarbourFront MRT station, Exit D |
The trail consists of steps and shaded footpaths, all you'll need is a comfy shoes and a bottle of water.
Expect a deck of stairs after the other. Oh boy, I think you will surely decide to love or hate taking the stairs after this trip!
You might want to skip this trail if you have little ones, I don't think you'll have the energy to climb these stairs with a baby in tow! It is better to take the trail with older kids. Bicycles and roller skates are not allowed.
Taking this trail is a good cardio workout, I can't barely breathe climbing but we've met a few people who were actually jogging during our climb! Wow, what an endurance!
Whew! After that 30 to 45 minutes climb, you will be rewarded with this view:
|
| Panoramic view from the top of Marang Trail |
|
| Panoramic view of the cable car and harbour from the top of Marang Trail |
The walk is as safe as you'd expect in Singapore, the roads and stairs are well maintained complete with warnings about lightnings, emergency numbers and feedings the animals. Please be reminded however, that in Singapore it is illegal to feed the animals in the wild! You may end up in a walking trail straight to JAIL! Yaiks, that is one walking trail I'm not so excited about!
