Lost In Singapore's Nature Reserve

Lost In Singapore's Nature Reserve

Considering that Singapore is such an urbanized island, is there enough wooded areas or forests to get lost in Singapore?According to the Straits Times published on 30 June 2008, the answer is a resounding yes. Park authorities received about 18 calls a year for help to conduct search and rescue for individuals lost in Singapore's Nature Reserve. The Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and the Central Catchment Nature Reserve were the hottest spots for people to get lost in Singapore forests. Fortunately most people find their own way out after about 3 to 4 hours.

While I have yet to get lost in a Singapore forest *touch wood*, getting lost while finding my way to a park has happened several times. In these days of high petrol prices, a detour here or a u-turn there certainly burns a deep hole in the pocket. To minimize 'getting lost' while driving, I try to study the most updated street directory thoroughly before each journey to plan the shortest route to my destination.

In the same way, if you plan to visit the many wonderful parks and Nature Reserve in Singapore, plan your journey and take note of safety tips provided in that same newspaper article.

Advice when visiting Nature Reserve:

• Do not go alone.
• Stay on marked trails.
• Do not try to take shortcuts.
• Do not attempt to circumvent obstacles.
• Do not start your visit when near evening.
• Bring fully charged mobile phone and top up drinking water.
• Bring a map and compass.
• Plan your route

If you are lost:

• Stay calm.
• Try not to wander further off.
• Contact police or Nparks (64685736 for Central Catchment area)
  

See more places, without getting lost.