Rail Corridor

Start of Rail Corridor

Kranji to Rail Mall

There had been improvement works done along the rail corridor for the last few years and it had been completed in stages. Part of the work was the laying of the water pipe from Murname Reservoir. The southern section had been completed except for the heritage Singapore Station at Tanjong Pagar. This walk was planned to determine the stage of completion of the rail corridor.

Iron Bridge across Bukit Timah Road

We met up at Kranji MRT Station and started walking at 11.20am. It was raining as we proceeded along the MRT line. At the Kranji Road/Woodlands Road junction we got on to a trail below the MRT track. After about 200m we climbed some steps and found the rail corridor where we turned left. The trail from here to Sungei Kadut Ave is just a footpath, wide enough for one person, with occasional puddles of water so our shoes could not avoid getting wet. But it was fun walking in the rain holding up our umbrellas. There were 6 of us. One additional member started late so we advised him to meet us at Bukit Panjang Plaza where we would stop for our lunch.

Hardened Trail

From Sungei Kadut Ave to the Rail Mall the trail was boarded up for improvement works. We had to walk along Sungei Kadut Ave and then Woodlands Road to Bukit Panjang Plaza where we had lunch. Our seventh member met up with us here.

Rail Mall to Spooner Road

The Interlace

After our lunch break of 30min we walked along Upper Bukit Timah Road until the Rail Mall where we finally returned to the Rail Corridor proper. Here the trail had been improved with red hardened and widened surfaces all the way to Spooner Road where the trail ends for now. Eventually this would end at Tanjong Pagar when the Circle Line Cantonment Station is completed. The hardened trail can take both hikers and cyclists and wide enough for 3 hikers abreast.

At the Rail Mall is the heritage iron bridge crossing Upper Bukit Timah Road. This stretch of the rail corridor all the way to Holland Road is the most natural as it runs beside the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve part of the way. One can observe the wild life and hear the call of a wide variety of birds. Just after Rifle Range Road is another historic iron bridge.

Masjid Hang Jebat

In the early days when the rail corridor was opened the trail was just earth and wild grass without the railway track, the sleepers and the granite stone base. It was difficult walking as certain areas would be worn down collecting water so there were many muddy patches.

Some members left near Beauty World Centre due to other commitments. Soon we walked past Buona Vista, Biopolis and Alexandra Hospital. In an earlier walk we visited the Lost Ark which is accessible from a path near Masjid Hang Jebat.

Station Singapura

Eventually the rain reduced to a drizzle and finally stopped. As it was getting late in the day we observed more people out hiking or cycling as we neared the end of the trail. Just past the access to Spooner Road is a building bearing the name of the station Singapura that the trains would be approaching in the old days. Spooner Road was also where the railway staff used to live and where goods were loaded on to the railway cars. Here too was where the engines were turned around manually for the next trip up north.

We ended our walk at about 6pm. The Kampong Bahru Interchange is at Spooner Road a convenient place for us to catch a ride home.

Related Posts

Walking the Green Corridor Former KTM Railway Track

Railway Track from Mandai to Bukit Timah Station

Railway Track from Bukit Timah Station to Tanjong Pagar Station

GPS Track

Bukit Batok Hillside Park, Bukit Batok Town Park, Bukit Gombak Park

Bukit Batok Parks

Our plan was to visit Bukit Batok Hillside Park, Bukit Batok Town Park, the newly opened Bukit Gombak Park and Bukit Batok Nature Park. We wanted to start from West Mall and end at Beauty World. But it was not to be. We succeeded in visiting the first 3 but gave up the last one because of heavy rain just before 3pm.

Stone Steps

The hikers met and had lunch at Koufu food court in West Mall. After lunch we started our walk to Bukit Batok Hillside Park along Bukit Batok West Ave 2. We entered the park trail beside the famous traffic sign opposite Block 315.

Wishing Well

Bukit Batok Hillside Park
The trail was initially earth but after a few meters it turned into stone steps that would take us all the way to the wishing well. After a short photo session we moved past it following a trail that led us to the hilltop facing HDB flats under construction. After admiring the scenery we entered the bamboo forest to explore it. We then took a different trail to go downhill directly in the direction of the stone steps as we knew that the beginning of the so called "torii gates" was near it. Just before the stone steps we made u-turn to another trail to locate the boardwalk cum pergola loosely call the "torii gates" by U-tubers. Although some planks were rotten there were some in fairly ok condition for our 70kg hikers to gingerly walk across. After exploring this we made our way downhill by two routes, one leading to the stone steps and another to a steep downward slope.

Torii Gates

Bukit Gombak Park
To get to Bukit Gombak Park we turned left and moved along Ave 2 then turned right to Ave 4 to Ave 7 where we turned right again to Ave 5 where we turned left to Bukit Gombak Park. At the entrance was a cafe called Whisk & Paddle with a long queue of young diners. In the park we walked past the community garden and the dog run to the highest slope then followed a path to the slope between the HDB flats and the fence at Bukit Gombak. We then walked along the slope. There was some landslide about midway towards Seng Chew Quarry. For safety this area was roped off. Just before the drain from the quarry we turned and walked downhill back to Ave 5.

Bamboo Forest

Just past the stadium it started raining. By the time we reached Little Guilin at Bukit Batok Town Park it was pouring. We kept going and were hoping to visit the Bukit Batok Nature Park but by the time we reach the entrance we had to abandon our walk and took a bus to Bukit Timah Food Centre for R & R. We managed to walk about 8km.

Our route

Map data ©2021 Google Imagery

Clementi Forest and the Jurong Railway Track

 

Iconic Trees of Clementi Forest

Since Brice Li shared his drone video of the Clementi Forest several months ago, hordes of hikers both local and foreign have descended on its trails during weekends. Because of the monsoon rain we waited until January to explore the trail. So far we walked the trails twice. The first time we did it, we started from Clementi Road opposite Ngee Ann Polytechnic where there is a stream going eastward towards the Rail Corridor. We just followed the path created by past hikers which generally follows the stream. When we reached the Rail Corridor we took another path that led to the railway track and followed the trail all the way to Sunset Way. The second time we reversed the direction of the walk starting from Sunset Way back to the Rail Corridor and then the trail along the stream to Clementi Road.

Fallen trees in Clementi Forest

Maju Forest 

This post describes the second walk. We started the walk from Clementi Mall and walked along Clementi Ave 4 and crossed over the Ulu Pandan River to Sunset Way where we turned left to explore the neighbourhood. Just before Sunset Vale we were stopped by a consultant who advised us to turn back because of resurfacing of road. So back along Sunset Way we walked. After walking under the railway track we turned left toward the railway track. We located the trail that would lead us back to the railway track and walked along it. Some people referred to this part of the forest as the Maju Forest as Maju Camp is located nearby and some have served their National Service there. 

There were red tags at intervals to guide us on the right path. Eventually we reached the top of a slope where we had to climb down. Here someone had graciously tied a rope to help us climb down. We reached back to the railway track and walked along it. The going wasn't too difficult occasionally having to step over tree trunks or go off track. As the weather was dry for several days it was not muddy as before. 

Jurong Railway Track

Clementi Forest 

Eventually we reached the tunnel under Clementi Road. Here we came across a film crew resting during lunch period. They were probably students doing a project as they were a large number and about that age. They were resting during their lunch break. Here we seniors were actively scrambling up the slope to check out a track seen on a YouTube video. At the road level we walked northward. After about 80 meters we located a track and followed it as it turned inward into Clementi Forest. The track widened eventually and we saw marks of a tracked vehicle. There were some yellow painted pipes stuck in the ground presumably left in the ground after a soil investigation. A mango tree was just fruiting leaving a large number of ripe fruits on the ground. The track did not lead anywhere so we retraced our steps back to the tunnel where we planned to continue with our walk. 

So back to the film crew and down to the tunnel. There was some water by the rail tracks but it was no obstacle. Near the middle of the route the tracks were water logged and hikers had to climb onto the higher level to bypass them. This stretch provided some excitement and required concentration. Finally we exited the trail back to the earth track. It was then a short distance to the Rail Corridor.

Stream Opposite Ngee Ann

We had a water break and then returned to the forest again this time to walk along the stream with the surrounding providing the backdrop for many videos featuring drone shots. After a short distance in we came to the side stream that blocked our way temporarily. This time it was easier to climb the slope. The rest of the trail was easy except we had to be careful to avoid twisting our ankle or miss our footing and drop down the banks of the stream. Finally we arrived at the Clementi Road entrance. A man on a bike was curious about the route difficulty as he planned to do the trek also. We ended our walk at Beauty World for a distance of 8 km.

 Related Posts

Walking the Green Corridor Former KTM Railway Track

Railway Track from Mandai to Bukit Timah Station

Railway Track from Bukit Timah Station to Tanjong Pagar Station 

The Route

Map data ©2021 Google Imagery, Maxar Technnologies

MacRitchie Trail via Windsor Nature Park and Rifle Range Road

 

Windsor Nature Park

 

Windsor Nature Park
From Thomson Plaza we walked north along Upper Thomson Road to Venus Drive where we turned into the car-park. We walked to the end of the car-park for the trailhead at Venus Loop.
We walked along this until the first junction where we turned right into the Squirrel Trail. We kept  walking until the entrance to the boardwalk. We climbed the steps to the raised boardwalk. One could also follow the earth trail that runs parallel to the boardwalk as it would eventually meet at the final junction of the boardwalk. At the end of the platform boardwalk we turned left and followed signage for the Ranger Station. Here we continued on the road. 

 

Raised boardwalk

  

Trails to the Ranger Station
We skipped the first trail on the left as it would lead us to the MacRitchie Reservoir entrance.
The next three turning would all lead to the Ranger Station. The first is the longest and is part of the Terentang Trail. Eventually this trail would reach a bend with a number of large stones behind which would be the start of an obscure trail to the Shinto Shrine. Recently two teenagers lost their way while looking for it. They were rescued by the police and rangers by boat. They were located using a British app called what3words. Basically every 3m by 3m place on earth is given a combination of 3 words. The app would give 3 words to your current location which rescuers could use to find you. See https://what3words.com/products/what3words-app/
The next trail is meant for those returning from the TreeTop Walk to Venus Drive. The intention is to separate the crowds on weekends.
We however preferred the third trail which we call the employees entrance to the Ranger Station. This is the shortest way to the Ranger Station.
The Ranger Station contains offices for the staff, toilets and water cooler - a pleasant stop before people venture for the TreeTop Walk. The TreeTop Walk is closed until 2Q next year for repairs and improvement.

 

Ranger Station

  

Pipeline Trail (Rifle Range Link)
After a short break at the Ranger Station we continued on the Terentang Trail and Sime Track to the pipeline trail that will lead us to Rifle Range Road. To reach the trail we turned right after Petaling Hut and after crossing the bridge over a small stream. The stream contains water from the spillway releasing water from Upper Peirce Reservoir
Along this trail we had to cross another stream. We used to get our shoes wet but recently stones were placed here allowing us to keep our shoes dry. Finally we reached the beginning of the pipeline trail. It runs along the security fence of ST Kinetics. This trail is interesting as it has several undulating slopes to tackle. Efforts are now ongoing to fill up some of the cracks along the trail eroded by rain water.

Rifle Range Road
Just before accessing Rifle Range Road we had a short water break than started the final hike along the road to Jalan Anak Bukit.
Along here we passed the satellite station before walking above the Bukit Timah Expressway.
Just before the Jalan Anak Bukit Flyover we walked past the Rifle Range Nature Park being under construction.
At the end of the road we managed to experience a short part of the improved rail corridor with its brownish hard surface. Finally we emerged onto Jalan Anak Bukit and crossed over to Beauty World where we ended our walk.

Our Route

Map data ©2020 Google, URA

 

 

Changi Coastal Walk

Changi Beach Park

As we could not continue with our weekly walk because of the pandemic, I will describe a walk that we did a few months ago. Since the realignment of the Changi Coastal Road we have not walked this stretch of road. This was because of construction work and the lack of tree cover from the afternoon sun.

Recently in mid November 2019, we decided to risk the rain and sun to walk the 22km distance from Changi Village to East Coast Lagoon. The route would include the Changi Beach Park, the Coastal Park Connector and East Coast Park.

Changi Beach Park
The group met at Changi Village Food Centre as usual with a quick lunch. We then crossed the Changi Creek Bridge to the beach to begin our walk. The Changi Beach Park was improved since our last trek here. There were no more signs of renovation. This stretch of the walk is pleasant as it is well-shaded and has toilet facilities. There is a memorial of the Shook Ching Massacre that occurred here during the Second World War where thousands  were killed and buried at the beach.

Memorial Plaque

Aviation Park Road
After leaving Changi Beach Park, we passed the Changi Ferry Terminal and walked along Nicoll Drive and Aviation Park Road. This is where the Singapore Airshow 2020 would be staged at the Changi Exhibition Centre. But attendance was lower than previous years because of the pandemic. It is now being used to house foreign workers as a community isolation facility for recovering patients and those with mild symptoms. 

Tanah Merah Coast Road
Then on to Tanah Merah Coast Road. We thought we could access the beach for the views but all along the coast there were signs forbidding access. There was only one spot that allowed some photo shoot as shown on Google Map. It was a long monotonous straight stretch of road that runs parallel to the Changi Airport runways. Besides the park connector, there is a lane on the road reserved for cyclists.

Tanah Coast Road with cycling lane

We were blessed on that day with cloudy skies and no rain but still we could feel the effects of the heat. Eventually we reached the first bus stop on this road near the Naval Base and some members left us because of the heat. Eventually the rest of us reached the Safra golf club and from here on the trails were familiar such as the Sea Sports Centre and the Bedok Pier. Kayaking lessons were being conducted as we walked past them.

Kayaking lessons at the Sea Sports Centre

We finally reached the Lagoon Village Food Centre after 5 hours and the front-runner was ahead by an hour. We started with 10 but only 5 arrived at the food centre. 4 stopped earlier to catch a bus because of the heat and one took a different route near the sailing club.

Bedok Pier in the background

Related Posts
Changi Point Coastal Walk to East Coast Park
East Coast Lagoon to Changi Point
 
Our Route

Map data ©2020 Google

Serangoon River

 

Serangoon River

Serangoon River

Most of the time we walked the banks of the Serangoon River, they were along the west bank on the park connector. The few times we walked the east we could not do the whole stretch due to construction of various roads. For this walk we wanted to check whether the whole bank from Tampines Road to Lorong Halus was passable.

The walking group met at Gourmet Delights at Oasis Terraces to begin our walk along the Punggol Waterway to the Lorong Halus Wetland. After crossing the pedestrian bridge we turned right to begin the walk along the east bank. Before we could take more than a few steps a worker came out telling us we could not proceed further because of construction work. We had no choice but to turn back across the bridge to walk the west bank.

Bridge across Pasir Ris Industrial Drive 1

So we moved along the Serangoon Park Connector until the newly completed bridge extension from Punggol Central. We noticed a flight of stairs at the other end of the bridge so we decided to cross this bridge to access the east bank again. After crossing the bridge we went under the bridge to continue our trek along the river bank with the river on our right and the former dumping ground on our left behind a fence. The day was hot and there were minimal shade.

At the Tampines Expressway was a construction site. They were constructing more access roads to the Tampines Expressway. We managed to walk through the construction site but the supervisor advised us not to come by the same way again as he showed us the way to the exit to continue our walk toward Tampines Road. We were happy we did not have to turn back.

Looking back at Tampines Expressway

At Buangkok East Drive a couple came down the slope beside the bridge to enjoy some private time. After this the rest of the walk was uneventful except for the heat.
The river split into two branches and we had to follow the river to the left. We came to a newly completed 8-lane highway that seemed to lead to nowhere and there was no traffic. Had we studied the map we could follow this road direct to Tampines Road. Instead we crossed the highway, followed the canal and climbed over a fence to get to Tampines Road. Here we turned right to our destination at Kovan Mall where we ended our walk.

Road that led to nowhere

So what did we learn during this walk? The trail from Lorong Halus Wetland should be passable as construction at the other end where we crossed over is nearing the end. We noticed that all work were completed and the workers were just tidying up. The bridge is already in use and according to onemap.sg is called Pasir Ris Industrial Drive 1. This is accessible from Pasir Ris Farmway 3 and Lorong Halus.

Except for construction at Tampines Expressway, the whole stretch of the trail along the east bank of Serangoon River should be passable. The whole trail has been hardened with reused construction materials so we do not have to experience muddy puddles anymore. The only issue is the trail is exposed to the hot sun.

Our Route

Map data ©2019 Google, Urban Redevelopment Authority

Kranji Marshes and Thow Kwang Pottery

 

Raptor Tower at Kranji Marshes

Kranji Marshes

The Kranji Marshes is situated in the western part of Singapore. As it is far from where most of us live we decided to include a visit to the Thow Kwang Pottery for we have not been there for several years. 

To get there we arranged to meet at Lot One Shoppers' Mall in Chua Chu Kang for lunch first. Then from the front of the mall take bus service 975 to Lim Chu Kang Road where we alighted at the bus stop just before Lim Chu Kang Lane 1. An easier way is to take the Kranji Countryside Express bus from Kranji MRT Station that will take us to the Marshes. But we wanted to work in 10km of walking as part of our weekly routine. After alighting from the bus we walked along Lim Chu Kang Lane 1 at the end of which we turned right into Neo Tiew Road. About 400m on we turned left into LCK Lane 2. We stopped at D'Kranji Farm Resort for a short rest. This is also where the Kranji Express will make one of its stop. D'Kranji offers farm stays, gardening workshops and has a restaurant and pub. After the break we walked further in toward the Marshes. 

View from Raptor Tower

Only the Marsh Station and the trail leading to it from D'Kranji is accessible to the public. The rest of the areas are closed to allow the marshes to mature further.

Parking is available at the Kranji Gate. From here visitors have to hike their way to the  Marsh Station. Here there is the Raptor Tower for us to get a higher view of the areas and the wildlife. There are also hides on the ground for observing the birds feeding.

Thow Kwang Dragon Kiln

Thow Kwang Pottery

We left the way we came by walking towards Neo Tiew Road where we made a left turn to walk to Jalan Bahar to catch bus 975 to Choa Chu Kang Road. Along Neo Tiew Road we passed by Bollywood Veggies and a signboard leading to Seng Choon Farm one of the larger eggs producer. 

At the first bus stop after turning into Choa Chu Kang Road we alighted and crossed the road to take a bus to Nanyang Avenue where we alighted at the junction. We crossed Jalan Bahar and walked along Nanyang Avenue until we past JTC CleanTech One where the bus stop is. Just behind it is a path that took us all the way to Thow Kwang Pottery. One of their friendly staff welcomed us and showed us around and invited us to enter the dragon kiln. 

Inside the Dragon Kiln

We entered the kiln and were amazed by the size. The kiln is fired only 3-4 times a year. The public are welcome to bring their art pieces for joint firing and help in the firing as well.

A selection of porcelain ware

We walked around the place and saw many types of porcelain wares most of which are now imported. Thow Kwang is on a mission to educate the public on pottery and conducts classes accommodating more than a hundred students with 20 potter's wheels.

Potter's Wheels

Related Posts

Lim Chu Kang Farms
Round Island Walk - Boon Lay to Kranji  


How to get there

For those going direct to the pottery take a train to Boon Lay Station and change to bus service 199 that will take one to CleanTech One.

Our Route to Kranji Marshes

Map data ©2019 Google

Tanjong Rimau and Fort Siloso at Sentosa Island

Fort Siloso

Tanjong Rimau

Fort Siloso sits atop a hill at the north western end of Sentosa. It was built here as it commands a good view of the sea. Guns were positioned here to defend Singapore in the early 1900's. The beach at the base of the hill is Tanjong Rimau. It is only accessible at low tide so our current walk was planned around the early afternoon low tide.

The low tide on the day of the walk was 1:15pm so we had a short lunch at Vivocity and were off to start our walk by 11:30am. As usual we walked across the bridge toward the Merlion via Resorts World. Just before the Merlion we turned right and rode the escalator to the Sky Tower. We followed signs leading us to the nature trail, crossed Imbiah Road to the start of the Imbiah Trail. Within minutes we reached a fork and took the left branch of the trail. This would take us direct to Siloso Beach and Rasa Sentosa Resort.

Tanjong Rimau with the port in the background

The start of the beach at Tanjong Rimau is right next to the hotel. We skirted the perimeter toward the nursery and then walked down to the beach.

Our concern was whether the low tide was low enough for us to round the cape but at 0.7m at low tide it was low enough to expose the sand and rocks so we could walk through. We had to tread our way carefully to avoid twisting our feet or slip on the rocks. Luckily it was a hot day and the seaweeds were dry so the rocks were not slippery. We armed ourselves with sticks we picked up to help in our balance. Our timing was good and we managed to round the cape without getting wet. As we walked we managed to get a glimpse of the shipping traffic from a different perspective. We saw the port cranes of Tanjong Pagar in the background and even a container ship leaving the port. There were many ferries returning from Batam. Labrador Nature Reserve, Keppel Club, The Reflection, Caribbean, Corals and Keppel Marina lie across the water.

The Reflections

We left the beach near the northern trail and walked towards Siloso Lookout for the next part of our walk which was to see Fort Siloso.

Fort Siloso

Siloso Beach

At the Lookout we rode the lift to the 11th floor where we alighted. Here we were presented with panoramic views of both the northern and southern side of Sentosa Island. We could see Siloso Beach on the south and Reflections on the north as well as the cable cars running toward Merlion Station and Imbiah Lookout. We could look through the glass floor but at 11 storey high it was nothing to shout about. 

We proceeded along the Skywalk to Fort Siloso where a vast number of guns were on display. As we studied the exhibits we could get an idea of what it was like before those war years. We climbed down to the last gun facing the west and walked through the tunnels to experience life as a gunner. When we were finished we took the lower trail that would take us back to the Siloso bus stop where we ended our hike. 

Fort Siloso

Our Route

Map data ©2018 Google

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Sentosa Jungle Trails and Beach Walks
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Pasir Ris to Changi Village

It's been awhile since we last walked this way but one of our walking kakis wanted to celebrate his birthday at Changi so we decided to do this route.

A heron facing the wind to dry its feathers after drizzle

Pasir Ris Park
We started from Pasir Ris Station after lunch at Cookhouse in White Sands Mall. We headed over to the Pasir Ris Sports Centre at the northern end of the Pasir Ris Town Park. Here we crossed over to Pasir Ris Park carpark B where we accessed the mangrove boardwalk. Soon we were enjoying the sights and sound of the mangrove at the Pasir Ris Park.

Two squirrels at the Pasir Ris Park boardwalk

The day was cool with the light drizzle that followed us all the way to Changi Village. Surprisingly we sighted a number of herons flying above the Tampines River. From the lookout deck over the river we could see four of them resting on the branches of one tree and there were some flying overhead. Later on we discovered the reason for the sighting as we saw some nests near the chalets.

Pasir Ris Park

Our route took us all the way eastward to the end of the park and then we would go around the chalets and walk along the drain until we found a place to cross near the entrance to Aloha Loyang Resort. We then crossed an open space to get on to Pasir Ris Drive 4 and turned left at Pasir Ris Drive 3 to walk along the Pasir Ris Park Connector.

Kelong Walk opposite Changi Beach Club

Changi Coastal Walk
We went past Loyang Tua Pek Kong Temple at Loyang Way after which we walked the Loyang Park Connector all the way to Cranwell Road to reach the start of the Changi Boardwalk next to the Changi Beach Club. Some parts of the boardwalk were slippery due to the rain. Except for the hardy anglers there were few hikers around.

Beach Walk

The Changi Coastal Walk has a varied terrain starting from a boardwalk over water near the Changi Beach Club then hugging the cliff below the Fairy Point holiday bungalows. Then it passed by the Changi Sailing Club where we could see some boats anchored in the water and some stored on land. After this was the beach section below the chalets of the Civil Service Club and finally hugging the shores of the Changi Creek before arriving at the ferry terminal. This is where people leave for Ubin or Pengarang. We ended our walk here.

Our Route

Map data ©2018 Google