Mac Ritchie Reservoir, Singapore

Situated at the heart of the city, this is a part of Singapore’s largest nature reserve. It offers a complete break from the city's concrete jungle and fast life, making it an ideal destination for those seeking tranquility amidst urban hustle and bustle. MacRitchie Reservoir features in the list of World Heritage Sites by being the oldest reservoir impounding water from earth embankment, attracting visitors from around the globe seeking an authentic Singapore tour package experience.

The 12-hectare park is a huge patch of greenery with an enormous water reservoir. Nature lovers visiting MacRitchie Reservoir get to witness lush greenery, beautiful landscapes, hilly terrains and the zig-zag bridge.

The iconic landmarks, boardwalks, nature trails, treetop walks and watchtower make it a fascinating place. Visited by nature lovers of every age group there are ample activities to be done within the park.

This popular public park is a nature lover’s dream where one can hike, engage in fishing, kayaking, walking up the hill, indulge in some gluttony or just laze around the many boardwalks. Every activity is centred around the central catchment area, MacRitchie reservoir.

Water from the reservoir is filtered and processed to provide drinking water to the entire city of Singapore. The park is home to Long-tailed Macaques which are indigenous to this particular area and found in abundance.

It has been a favourite amongst nature lovers and bird watchers of Singapore for long. People throng in hordes during the weekends and holidays to enjoy and engage with nature.

Visitors enjoy several hours of the nature trail and hiking crossing boardwalks, bridges and narrow forest patches. Some find solace in kayaking in the reservoir and spend a lazy afternoon indulging in water sports.

There is an abundant area for parking vehicles, lockers to keep valuables and signages leading you to the desired trail. To get up close and personal with nature a visit to MacRitchie reservoir is an absolute necessity.

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• One of the notable hiking routes that brings you through some of the different stages of forest.
• The freestanding suspension bridge is one of its kind and it offers a bird's eye view of the forest canopy.
• The walkway to the destination from the entrance is about 250 meters and the highest point is located at an elevation of about 25 meters.
• The MacRitchie Reservoir offers an avenue for nature recreation for the locals of Singapore as well as tourists. It welcomes researchers from all over the world to indulge in surveys and plant identifications.
• MacRitchie Reservoir is surely one of the best places in Singapore to understand the complex forest ecosystems.
• The best way to reach the TreeTop Walkway would be taking a hiking tour as that gives you a wholesome experience of the forest.

• By Train: Travel by train till Marymount MRT Station and walk for 2 km to reach the reservoir. 
• By Public Transport: Board buses no. 52, 74, 93, 130, 132, 156, 157, 162, 165, 166, 167, 852, 855 or 980 and alight at Lornie Road and walk to reach the museum.

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The best time to visit MacRitchie Reservoir is between 4 pm to 6 pm from Tuesday to Friday when you will be able to visit the place comfortably. Visiting during this time, you will get an opportunity to go for the Treetop Walk and will also be able to explore the place.

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Things to Do in Tree-top Walk at MacRitchie Reservoir

1. Stroll along the Boardwalks: There is a pair of boardwalks skirting along the water body namely the Chemperai trail. The 1.5 km long trail can be accessed near the zig-zag trail close to the Lornie trail.

The second boardwalk on the eastern side of the reservoir is closer to Thomson road. It has two parts, the Prunus trail and the Petai trail. Both the boardwalks offer a charming view of the catchment area in its full glory.

2. Walk across the MacRitchie Tree Top Tower: This is one of the most interesting things to do inside MacRitchie reservoir. The aerial bridge suspended 80metres above ground level suspends between the hills of Bukit Pierce and Bukit Kalang. Enjoy the other side of the reservoir once you cross the bridge with a brave heart.

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3. Play Area: A play area is located near the vehicle parking. Though it is the small children that make the most use of the area before they start with their adventure trail amidst the forest.

4. Hike along the Nature Trail: Walking along the nature trail will offer in-depth knowledge of flora and fauna specific to this region. There are several organisations run by nature-lovers like the Jane Goodall Institute which offers a monthly nature walk inside to children above 8 yrs and adults once every month.

5. Kayaking in the Reservoir: The Singapore Canoe Federation has a kiosk operating out of MacRitchie reservoir which rents out kayaks on an hourly basis. The reservoir is the largest source of drinking water for Singapore. The catchment is divided into areas strictly for beginners and experts with buoys.

6. Spot Animals: MacRitchie reservoir is a den for long-tail Macaques which are abundantly found here. On the spot, the primate remains cool and avoid eye contact. Most of the times the monkeys do not disturb the visitors unless provoked.

7. Time to Grab a Bite: MacRitchie reservoir park's hilltop has two eateries for you to catch a bite. VAVA Bistro and Mushroom are the two interesting eateries offering several options of delicacies for breakfast, brunch, dinner or just a nibble.

8. Fishing: The eastern side of the reservoir is dedicated to visitors fond of fishing. Anglers are strictly prohibited and only artificial baits are allowed to catch fish. The authorities believe in releasing the catches to maintain the stock of the water body and to maintain biodiversity.

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Places to Visit near Tree-top Walk at MacRitchie Reservoir

1. Fountain of Wealth: Recorded as the largest fountain in the world, the Fountain of wealth finds its place in the Guinness Book of World Records. Once in Suntec city witness the fountain changing form and colour every time. Walk around the fountain to have a firsthand feel of the mega mountain and watch the laser show at leisure.

2. Singapore Botanical Garden: The Botanical Garden of Singapore is one of the oldest gardens in Singapore with an enormous variety of flora collected, preserved and populated over a few decades. Cited to be as the only tropical garden in the world, as per the UNESCO World Heritage site, it is home to several endangered herbs, shrubs, trees and grasslands.

3. Science Centre: One of the most popular places in Jurong east amongst the locals and tourists, the Science centre has drawn visitors since 1977. The centre showcases scientific instruments, journals, replicas of extraterrestrial observatories and several other interesting artefacts. The institute promotes scientific and technical know-how and curiosity amongst visitors every age.

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4. Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum: This museum takes pride in housing 2000 items and interesting artefacts related to the history of living organisms like plants, orchids, animal and human fossil. A favourite amongst the locals, it is crowded during the weekends and summer holidays.

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5. Japanese Garden: Built by JTC in 1974 on the island of Jurong lake, this pristine garden is a must-visit. The well-manicured garden has a huge variety of exotic plants and flowers with adorable seating arrangements and gazebos. The bridge of Double beauty connects the Japanese Garden to the Chinese garden located right adjacent.

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Places to eat at & near MacRitchie Reservoir

1. Habitat Café: One of the most popular places known to serve all-day breakfast. The egg benedict and stuffed berries hot cake are amongst the tastiest dish on offer.

2. The Roti Prata house: Choose from a mind-boggling menu of 80 different kinds of Prata served with great elan and style. Prata and Teh Tarik are the most soulful food served here. End it with ice cream and durian.

3. Mushroom Café: The café serving Asian delicacies is strategically located where visitors can grab a bite after a walk at the MacRitchie trail. Stacked with healthy and nutritious food like noodles, chicken steak, rice, and chicken it is easy on the pocket as well as on the tummy. To summarise in a few words, it is convenient and economical.

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4. Elemen: This is one of the best options to eat near MacRitchie reservoir with delectable Asian cuisine being served to perfection. Impeccable service, great food, and a warm ambiance at Elemen assure to get their guests back and treat them with delicious food every time.

5. Pacamara: This Café has abundant options for food connoisseurs along with vegan and gluten-free delicacies. This cozy brunch café has its seats full most of the time as it is renowned in the area to serve flavourful and lip-smacking delicacies.

6. Fat boys Burger Bar: If you want to enjoy a quaint meal by the quayside, this is the place to be. Book a table near the waterfront and enjoy the burgers, fries, and a soft drink.

7. VAVA Bistro: This in-house eatery inside MacRitchie reservoir offers tempting food for breakfast, brunch, and dinner. With seating over the reservoir, it offers a panoramic view of the surroundings and a tranquil state.

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Places to Stay near MacRitchie Reservoir Park 

1. Oasia Hotel Novena: The tropical skyscraper Oasia Hotel Downtown is a breath of fresh air and offers travelers a true nature getaway in the metropolis. There are always perfect areas for relaxation, exercise, or work in this opulent hotel, from rooftop pools to gyms and special clubs.

It literally takes you away from the hustle and bustle of daily life while never leaving you too distant from the city's conveniences.

2. Days Hotel by Wyndham Singapore: Get away from the crowds in the centre of the history and gourmet paradise, as well as the old shophouses with their five-foot ways, and savour the taste of tradition. Take in the sweeping views of the city or park landscapes through the huge, double-glazed windows, which let in the light while blocking out the noise for a relaxing rest.

3. Courtyard by Marriott Singapore: At Courtyard Singapore Novena, a 4-star hotel in Singapore's central city, you may discover your passion. After a long day in Singapore, relax with a refreshing drink at our Urbana Rooftop Bar, or experience delectable foreign and local cuisine at Sky22, the all-day dining restaurant.

Those planning an event in Singapore can also choose from natural-light meeting rooms or an outdoor venue for an unforgettable occasion.

4. Shangri-La Hotel Singapore: The Shangri-La Hotel is a five-star hotel providing deluxe, executive, Horizon Club, and Horizon Premier Suite rooms. Apart from the rooms and suites, the Tower Wing houses the majority of the hotel's eating establishments.

There are a number of places where you may continue to enjoy delectable meals in the safety and comfort of your own homes, knowing that the restaurant has implemented a number of safety measures.

5. ST Residences Novena: ST Residences Novena offers boutique serviced apartments strategically placed on the city outskirts, making it a sensible choice for frequent travellers and intelligent tourists.

Residents may relax and recharge at the hotel's Residents' Lounge, fitness centre, outdoor lap pool, and rooftop terrace. There are a number of dining alternatives available, many of which serve wonderful delights! 

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Tips for Visiting Tree-top Walk at MacRitchie Reservoir

Beware of monkeys as they are all over the premise and avoid eye contact with the apes.

- A hefty fine is imposed on visitors who are caught feeding the monkeys.

- Watch out for wild boars.

- Carry cash as you might need a locker to keep your belongings or to grab a bite at the café.

- Avoid littering the place, either stash it in a bin closeby or carry all the trash back.

- Carry sunscreen and mosquito repellents as you might need it for your hiking amidst the thick woods.

- There are water fountains inside, thus carry a refillable water bottle to use.

- Wear fully covered yet light clothing to avoid mosquitoes and other insects from biting.

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