Singapore Southern Ridges Run

Singapore Southern Ridges Run

During one of my regular training runs, the Singapore Southern Ridges was the venue where I explored on foot. For a change of scenery to spice up my training run programme, I chose to go on a Singapore Southern Ridges run. On this occasion, I commenced and ended my training run at Telok Blangah Hill Park.

From the google map, you can note the red line tracing my footsteps. The line reaches westward to the edge of Kent Ridge Park and touches the outskirts of Mt Faber Park to the east.

The red line is recorded via GPS on my Garmin Forerunner 405CX wristwatch. Data recorded on the watch can be downloaded to PC and uploaded onto a Garmin site for analysis. Details of the run like the running speed, altitude and precise route can be studied later in the comforts of home before a laptop or computer.

Each kilometre traversed is recorded by a Lap marker on the map. Lap 1 indicates the point when 1 km is reached, Lap 2 is the 2 km mark, and so forth.

With this technology, my run data allows me to keep track of my training progress without going through the tedious process of measuring non-linear distances on a map as well as keeping time.

Have you tried walking or running along the entire stretch of the Singapore Southern Ridges?

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Southern Ridges Singapore

Southern Ridges Singapore

I returned recently to Southern Ridges Singapore for a walk through a scenic part of this famous outdoor area. My previous visit happened a while ago near the height of public interest soon after the Southern Ridges Singapore was opened to the public.

On this visit to Southern Ridges Singapore, I was to discover several changes in visitor profile. Instead of hordes of camera-trotting visitors and tourists, it was fairly quiet and peaceful along most parts of Southern Ridges Singapore. Those present were mainly folks taking walks or jogs along the connector pathways.

I could also find empty parking lots at Telok Blangah Hill, instead of a full house at the parking lots. The last time I came, I had to park at the foot of the hill.

Another interesting observation at Southern Ridges Singapore was the discovery of monkeys that appeared to have set up 'busking' spots along the Southern Ridges. They were waiting along the footpaths and railings for passers-by to give them handouts of mouth-watering delicacies.

Above: Southern Ridges Singapore Photograph.

Have you seen the Southern Ridges Singapore?

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Vivocity: Eastern End of Southern Ridges Singapore Park Connector Walk

Vivocity: Eastern End of Southern Ridges Singapore Park Connector Walk

Vivocity Shopping Centre is the logical place for visitors to go after a day's walk to the eastern end of the Southern Ridges Park Connector walk. After exertions under sun-drenched conditions at the Southern Ridges Park Connector Walk, leave the Southern Ridges Park Connector's Marang Trail and cross over to Vivocity Shopping Centre. With its labyrinthine air-con corridors and multiple-choice cafes and eating places to replenish drained bodies, Vivocity is the coolest low-temperature oasis to end any Southern Ridges Park Connector Walk.

After sundown, we like to adjourn to Vivocity's rooftop open space to enjoy the open-air night scene. This is a very spacious area filled with shallow water features, viewing decks, amphitheatre and views across Sentosa to enthrall all. Children and even adults have been spotted wading across the ponds, although most visitors congregate around Vivocity's playground facilities on a level below. A sign here warns that swimming is strictly forbidden.

Watch out for a family-friendly pole dance performance in the middle of this rooftop area. An unusual sculpture hangs proudly in the middle of this pond at Vivocity. If you squint carefully, you will see a dark coloured statue shaped like a man hanging onto a chin-up bar. Watch in amazement as he performs acrobatic maneuvers on this horizontal pole, without suggestive gestures of a bar-top pole dance.

We sit on terrace steps to watch cruise liners line themselves up along the wide berths next to Vivocity, decked in colour and lights. Above Vivocity, cable cars provide more colourful distractions as they glide to and fro Sentosa Island. To the east of Vivocity, port activities continue their 24-hour buzz as suggested by their persistent bright lights. Across the water, Sentosa Island has yet to blossom with lights over much of its land due to the infant stage of construction works at its Integrated Resorts.

Do you have other places of interest to recommend?

You may like to read these related posts:

1. Southern Ridges Singapore Park Connector's Marang Trail
2. Southern Ridges Singapore Park Connector's Canopy Walk
3. Southern Ridges Singapore Park Connector's Henderson Waves

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Southern Ridges Singapore: Forest Walk At Telok Blangah Hill

Southern Ridges Singapore: Forest Walk At Telok Blangah Hill

The Forest Walk, a part of the 9-kilometre long Southern Ridges of Singapore, is accessible at its eastern entrance at Telok Blangah Hill at the end of Telok Blangah Green near the Telok Blangah Service Reservoir. The Forest Walk consists of raised walking platforms made of steel that stretches westward for 1.3 kilometres to Alexandra Road. Through the Alexandra Arch Bridge, the Southern Ridges continues to Hort Park all the way to West Coast Park.

Under a late afternoon drizzle, I arrived at the carpark of Telok Blangah Hill Park to find vacant lots for convenient parking. This was out of my expectation as the week before I had encountered long queues of vehicles waiting at fully filled carparks. A short walk to the end of Telok Blangah Green with the aid of umbrellas brought my family to the start point of the Forest Walk.

The best views of the entire Forest Walkway is at the highest point as you step off Telok Blangah Hill to commence your journey. The zigzag configuration of the walkway has a very dramatic impact. Coupled with the distant views from the hill and the depth of the secondary forest far below, there was a definite “wow” sensation for me. The hairs on my skin rose to new heights as I lingered to savour the ambience.

The Forest Walk of the Southern Ridges is also not a place to visit for those who fear heights. The steel platforms are made of strips of steel bars that form a triangle, mimicking the “Mile-A-Minute” plant. Conspicuous gaps in these steel platforms leave the faint hearted no room to hide from the “walking on air” feeling within the first ten steps that you take. I was able to peer through these gaps to see the bottom 18-metres below at its highest point. As I walked along the Forest Walk and looked at the floor of the secondary forest under my feet, irrational thoughts of the platform gaps widening to swallow my body flashed briefly to mind. The platform gaps seemed wider at the Forest Walk compared to the Canopy Walk that I visited earlier.

As I descended from Telok Blangah Hill Park towards Alexandra Arch, the steel platforms of the Forest Walk formed a smooth walkway without any steps. There were some stairways to the side of the walkway for shortcuts across the platforms. Some of these stairways led directly to the forest floor.

In the rain, the Forest Walk’s sloping steel walkway did not feel slippery and there was little need to utilize the railings for further support. However, there were only two shelters near both ends of the Forest Walk. No seats were sighted throughout the 1.3-kilometre long walkway.

Many plaques with details of the local flora were scattered along the Southern Ridges’ Forest Walk. These provided useful information on the various plants and trees in this part of the Southern Ridges. Names like Dillenia suffruticosa, Adenantina pavonina, Ficus benjamina and Morinda umbellate were unfamiliar names to a botanically-challenged Singaporean like me.

Near the middle of Singapore’s Forest Walk at Preston Road, I could see a banner displaying the National Parks Board Plant-A-Tree programme. At a large clearing, newly planted trees with short trunks and small foliages were spotted. For a $200 donation to the Garden City Fund, sponsors receive an opportunity to plant a tree in selected parks of Singapore, including this spot.

For visitors who wish to learn more about nature, you can take the path through Telok Blangah Hill via Earthwalk. This path is more down to earth as you get closer to nature by hiking through the vegetation on unpaved paths beneath the steel walkways.

I found the return hike from Alexandra Arch up the slopes of Telok Blangah Hill to be more physically challenging. If you stick to the steel walkways, even a small child can tackle it if you pace yourself. My advice is to bring plenty of water, raincoat (for wet weather), sunscreen (for hot weather) and good hiking shoes.

The Southern Ridges’ Forest Walk certainly provides the most dramatic views, the best walking-on-air experience and the longest walkway challenge for acrophobic visitors in Singapore.

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Southern Ridges Singapore: Marang Trail From Mount Faber Park To Harbour Front

above: Marang Trail at top of Mount Faber

Southern Ridges Singapore: Marang Trail From Mount Faber Park To Harbour Front

The Southern Ridges of Singapore seems to be the flavour of the month for Seen This Scene That. Singaporeans who are genuinely interested in nature, parks and open spaces including the new Marang Trail will realize that the opening of the Southern Ridges is a huge step forward to allow more visitors to appreciate our natural heritage.

For today, I will present another part of my exploration of the Southern Ridges. I approached the start of the Marang Trail at the top of Mount Faber Park near the cable car station after crossing the Henderson Waves Bridge from Telok Blangah Hill Park. The Marang Trail commences at Mount Faber Park near the cable car station and stretches 800 metres to the foot of Mount Faber Park at Marang Road just behind Harbour Front MRT station. This 300-metre long Marang Trail path of the Southern Ridges of Singapore consists of a series of stairs and sloping footpaths that descend about 70 metres from the top of Mount Faber. The Marang Trail belongs to the eastern tip of the 9-kilometre long Southern Ridges of Singapore that ends at West Coast Park. For a look at the map of the Southern Ridges of Singapore, check this link. http://www.nparks.gov.sg/sr-map.pdf


I noted that the top end of the Southern Ridges’ Marang Trail where the steps began was not well signposted. My wife and I initially walked past the stairs before we realized our mistake. Although equivalent to descending a 24-storey building, the walk through pleasant secondary rainforest felt effortless and cooling. I could see close-up views of the greenery along the Marang Trail of the Southern Ridges but felt in need of a good guide to introduce the various plants, trees and their characteristic features. Perhaps some one could point me in the direction of a local group of volunteers in Singapore who plan to or is already organizing such guided walking tours on the natural habitat of the Marang Trail.

By the time I reached the foot of the Southern Ridge’s Marang Trail around noon since starting at Telok Blangah Hill Park, dehydration prompted a detour to Seah Imm Food Centre at Harbour Front for replenishment. We crossed the many carparking lots near the Harbour Front Bus Interchange under the scorching noon sun before a welcomed respite at the hawker center. I noted the coupon-parking regime at this carpark and was glad that I parked without charge over at Telok Blangah Heights next to Block 60 (free parking applies on weekends and public holidays).

above: Marang Trail at foot of Mount Faber

The hike back up the Marang Trail to Mount Faber Park was a totally different experience. The 24-storey climb up to Mt Faber did not look as appetising as it did earlier. Only then did it hit me that I had to climb and walk all the way back to my car near Telok Blangah Hill Park. My muscles and lungs were complaining of a definite strain on the way up, past other visitors with children who were stopping to catch their breaths and to appreciate the views of colonial bungalows on either side of the pathways.

There is only one wooden bench along the entire Southern Ridges’ Marang Trail for tired limbs to rest while more seats were available only at the top of Mount Faber Park. Fortunately, the secondary forest of Mt Faber provided ample canopy throughout the climb. I would recommend that you bring plenty of drinking water, wear good hiking shoes and to pace yourself with your children conservatively for this Marang Trail climb. Take the time to admire the greenery at this part of the Southern Ridges. Breathe the cool forest air as you listen to unseen cicadas cheering you on as you ascend Mount Faber via the Southern Ridges’ Marang Trail.

While it may not generate as much as thrill as climbing up to Base Camp on Mt Everest or even climbing Bukit Timah Hill, the Marang Trail climb is still a Singaporean natural heritage experience like no other.

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Southern Ridges Singapore: Canopy Walk Near Kent Ridge Park

Southern Ridges Singapore: Canopy Walk Near Kent Ridge Park

The Canopy Walk, a part of the Southern Ridges of Singapore, is located at the end of Pepys Road near the Reflections At Bukit Chandu heritage museum at Kent Ridge Park. The Canopy Walk consists of a raised walkway made of wooden materials that stretches 300 metres through a secondary forest and is elevated 16 metres at the center. It connects Singapore’s Kent Ridge Park on the west to the new Hort Park on the east.

I arrived at the 25-lot carpark C along Pepys Road and made my way through the property of the Reflections At Bukit Chandu to the start point. As expected, the weekend crowd of Singapore was already in action at around mid-morning.

The Canopy Walk of the Southern Ridges engaged visitors with its close-up views of a secondary forest’s canopy. Through rather narrow walkways that cut across tall trees like the Tembusu and rubber tree, one could reach out to touch the leaves and tree trunks at the top of the forest. Along the Canopy Walk were large plaques detailing the natural species of trees and plants in this forest. Tiup Tiup, Simpor Air, Tembusu and Rubber Wood were some of the native species described for visitors to the Canopy Walk to learn. My children were particularly thrilled at the sight of Staghorn Ferns that they recognized and learnt in school.

The National Park Board’s website on the Southern Ridges’ Canopy Walk mentioned that a rich wildlife could be found at the Canopy Walk, such as squirrels, sunbirds, doves, lizards and white-crested laughing thrushes. But I did not catch a glimpse of them during this walk. I guessed with the din raised by a noisy crowd along the walk-way, native wildlife at Canopy Walk would have preferred to seek privacy elsewhere. Fortunately a palm-sized spider sun-tanning on its huge web a few metres away from my nose ignored curious visitors who ogled at its curves without shame.

There were park benches provided along scenic sections of the Canopy Walk to allow visitors to soak in the wide spaces of greenery and sky. I would probably return to these benches on a quieter and cooler month and really feel at peace with nature at the Southern Ridges’ Canopy Walk.

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Southern Ridges: Henderson Waves, Highest Pedestrian Bridge In Singapore

Southern Ridges: Henderson Waves, Highest Pedestrian Bridge In Singapore

Henderson Waves is Singapore's highest pedestrian bridge linking Mount Faber Park to Telok Blangah Hill Park that forms part of the Southern Ridges. The two parks join forces with Hort Park, Kent Ridge Park and West Coast Park to form a corridor of green spaces known as the Southern Ridges of Singapore.

For a detailed map of the Southern Ridges of Singapore, you can download the file at Npark's website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/sr-map.pdf

Last Sunday morning, I was curious enough to visit Henderson Waves to familiarize myself with this new place in Singapore's scheme of parks. To reach the highest pedestrian bridge in Singapore, I chose my start point at Telok Blangah Hill Park as it had the nearest carpark. However, many other vehicle owners (and many more waiting at the car parks and roads) had beaten me to the limited lots available there. A quick change of plans ensured that I found a free parking lot (on Sundays, Public Holidays only) along Telok Blangah Heights next to Block 60.

From the car park, my wife and I crossed Telok Blangah Heights and made our way past a lotus pond as we climbed steps and slopes up to the Hilltop Walk at Telok Blangah Hill Park. In less than six minutes, the Singapore Southern Ridges’ highest pedestrian bridge, Henderson Waves, beckoned.

Pedestrian flows at Telok Blangah Hill Park and Henderson Waves were heavy compared to the time that I visited and wrote in my post before construction of Singapore’s Henderson Waves was completed. This was within expectation and I believe it will be quieter on weekdays and even on weekends after another three to six months when the novelty of the new bridge wears off.

The Southern Ridges’ Henderson Waves is a one-of-a-kind pedestrian bridge like no other. Its unusual wave-like form gives an impression of a giant caterpillar wriggling across a tight rope from one Singaporean hilltop to another. There are seven steel “ribs” that curve above and under its deck. These “ribs” form alcoves that provide shade from the hot late morning sun and also provide seating areas. The decking is made of strips of yellow balau wood that leaves gaps large enough for me to peep at the traffic 36 metres below my shoes. The decking appears to slant with the higher end at Telok Blangah Hill Park. Readings of the height of the bridge above sea level carved into the slabs of wood confirm my suspicion.

There is also a security camera on Singapore’s Henderson Bridge presumably to keep a lookout for any hanky panky along the 300-metre long bridge. This may arguably make it the only pedestrian bridge in Singapore and along the Southern Ridges to have a security camera installed as part of its design.

For a run-of-the-mill pedestrian bridge, we would have walked across a bridge of this length within three minutes. But as this was a record-setting pedestrian bridge in Singapore and the prime reason for our visit here, we broke our own records for the slowest amble across Singapore’s highest pedestrian bridge. The views to the north of Henderson Waves consisted mainly of Singapore’s Bukit Merah housing estate and beyond. To the south, a glimpse of the distant sea was available for photography. Under the pedestrian bridge, vehicular lanes dominated the view bounded by trees and vegetation.

I was glad that I did not bring my foldable bicycle along for this trip. Cyclists will have to navigate up some pretty steep slopes to reach Henderson Waves from Telok Blangah Hill Park. They would not be allowed to cycle across the bridge but could push their bicycles across the entire span of Henderson Waves. The use of skate scooters, roller blades, baby prams, high heels and other mobility devices will face difficulty due to the gaps in the flooring of the deck.

I plan to return to the Southern Ridge’s Henderson Waves for another visit at a later period when the novelty crowd is thinner; to catch the 7pm to 2am LED light up of the bridge. The prospect of witnessing a light show of Henderson Waves, the highest pedestrian bridge in Singapore, is a mouth-watering thought indeed.

To get to the Southern Ridges’ Henderson Waves, bus service numbers 131, 145, 176 or 648 will take you to Henderson Road where you can climb up the stairs up to Mount Faber Park. For Singaporeans who drive, there are 17 lots at Mt Faber car park D and 39 lots at car park 1 and 2 at Telok Blangah Hill Park.


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