Taking a Break from the city
Published on
13 Dec 2019
Published by
Prime
NORTH EASTERN RIVERINE LOOP
The Loop is easily accessible from neighbourhoods such as Buangkok, Punggol, Sengkang and Houngang. There are multiple entry points, but the one at Punggol Park is probably the easiest to access via public transport. Over 80% of the Loop runs parallel to waterways and reservoirs, so there will be plenty of wildlife to take in (sea otters, herons & horses).
It only takes approximately 3-4 hours to walk or a 2 hour bicycle ride to cover the Loop, but you can actually spend an entire day exploring all there is to offer.
SUNGEI PINANG (SERANGOON PARK CONNECTOR)
You can begin your journey along this 4.2km canal, which feeds into the longer 8km Sungei Serangoon. Apart from being a cycling and jogging path, Sungei Pinang was transformed by PUB into a green recreational space to conserve the area's natural habitat. When the water levels are low, you may even be able to catch a glimpse of herons, kingfishers and terns.
RIVERSIDE WALK
The Riverside Walk along Sungei Serangoon has plenty of sheltered "lookout" points along the way to get you closer to the water and catch sight of sea otters swimming near the banks. It is said that the best time to catch these otters in action is between 6am to 8am. There are also 2 picturesque bridges for photo taking: the red Lorong Halus Bridge, which resembles an old school steel railway bridge, and the elevated Sunrise Bridge, where you can catch the beautiful sun rising above the water every morning.
PUNGGOL WATERWAY PARK
The park is segmented into four different themes: Nature Cove, Recreation Zone, Heritage Zone and Green Gallery. If you are a fitness enthusiast, you can jog or cycle on the tracks along the promenade at both sides of the waterway, while admiring the surrounding view. There is also a water playground for kids who are looking for a wet-and-wild day of fun. Alternatively, you can take a breather on the benches and enjoy the breeze and you listen to the soothing sounds of running, trickling, splashing and cascading water.
SOUTHERN RIDGES
The Southern Ridges is a great place to explore if you wish to get away from the city and be a little closer to nature. As a bonus, you will also get one the best panoramic views of the city, harbour and southern islands. It is a 10-kilometre stretch of green open spaces spanning the hills of some of Singapore's most popular parks and gardens, connected by scenic ridges and pathways.
The route connects five different parks - Mount Faber Park, Telok Blangah Hill Park, Hort Park, Kent Ridge Park and Labrador Nature Reserve. The segments vary in difficulty so you can pick the one that suits your fitness level.
Bird-watching enthusiasts will be able to catch their favourite creatures in their natural habitat along these trails, while photographers will never run out of picture opportunities of the beautiful flora and fauna found here.
MACRITCHIE TREE TOP WALK
MacRitchie is located in the central area of Singapore, just off Thomson Road, and is popular among nature lovers. The TreeTop walk is a 250 meter suspended pathway between the 2 highest points in MacRitchie, Bukit Peirce and Bukit Kalan. And at the TreeTop Walk's highest point, you'll be up to 7 storeys high!
The moderately challenging 6km round-trip trail includes undulating terrain with steep slopes at certain points, so it is best to wear a suitable pair of shoes, and don't forget the insect repellent!
Source: Prime Magazine Aug - Sep 2017 Issue. Reproduced with permission.
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