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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Mount Faber to Berlayer Creek and Bukit Chermin Boardwalk
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Mount Faber to Berlayer Creek and Bukit Chermin Boardwalk

The Labrador Nature & Coastal Walk
The Labrador Nature & Coastal Walk was officially opened on January 2. We decided to visit this area to see what was in store for us. Our plan was to start from Vivocity, walk up the Marang Trail then head west along Mount Faber Park to the Henderson Wave. From this bridge we would traverse the Telok Blangah Hill Park and access the Alexandra Garden Trail via the Forest Walk. This would then lead us to Berlayer Creek and Bukit Chermin Boardwalk. We would then walk past Reflections, Caribbean and Keppel Bay back to Vivocity, a distance of about 8km.

Marang Trail

Marang Trail
This trail is near exit D from the Harbourfront MRT Station. It is a steep climb up the slope of Mount Faber. There are two side trails with lower incline to allow one to catch his breath during the climb.

View from Mount Faber

Mount Faber Park
The main attraction is the cable car station from which one could ride to the World Trade Center and Sentosa Island. There is also the Jewel Box Restaurant and the several viewing areas on top of the ridge. Just after the Jewel Box the road splits into two to skirt around the hill. They will rejoin at Pender Road.

Forest Walk and Earth Trail below

Telok Blangah Hill Park
After crossing the Henderson Waves, the trail continued through this park in a westerly direction. Just before the Alexandra Arch bridge the trail became the Forest Walk, a man-made structure made of steel at treetop level to provide a different perspective. On the day of our walk it was closed and scheduled to be reopened the next day. We had to divert to Depot Road to access the Alexandra Garden Trail. There is an Earth Trail just below the Forest Walk. This trail follows the Forest Walk but at ground level giving a different feel of the surrounding. It is accessible from the steep staircase near the beginning of the Forest Walk and also from Alexandra Road.

Green Crested Lizard seen near the Earth Trail

Alexandra Garden Trail
Various types of flowering plants are grown here to attract butterflies. The fragrant smell of the pandan plant could be detected near the lower end of the trail. Some of the leaves were already cut by some cooking enthusiasts to enhance their dishes. The proper way of cutting is to cut off near the stem and avoid the young leaves near the top. The trail ends at Tanjong Pagar Road. Across the road next to the Labrador MRT Station is the beginning of the Berlayar Creek.

Berlayer Creek Boardwalk

Berlayer Creek
Wildlife is plentiful here, where numerous bird species, fish species and mangrove plants are found. To allow freedom of movement for wildlife, certain stretches of the boardwalk were elevated. Some parts were left without lamp posts to cater to nocturnal animals. Instead hidden LED lights were installed. The pandan plants are more numerous here. Several shelters provide rest and relief from the rain for visitors. Unfortunately during our walk some parts of the creek were covered by rust-coloured algae-like growth floating on the surface.

Bukit Chermin Boardwalk with Reflections in the background

Bukit Chermin Boardwalk
The view from here is exhilarating where one can see the Reflections, Keppel Bay Marina, Sentosa, Labrador Park and Bukit Chermin. After the boardwalk, one can continue walking along the promenade in front of the Reflections and Caribbean. You can also walk across the bridge to Keppel Island to visit the marina and relax in the park. We could see schools of fishes in the deep water around the island. A wide variety of boats could be seen at the marina, ranging from the smaller yachts to the luxurious type. Because of the rain, we had to cut short our walk and end it at Seah Imm hawker centre.

The Caribbean at Keppel

Marina at Keppel Bay

See Also:
Southern Ridges 
Sentosa Jungle Trails and Beach Walks 
Tanjong Rimau and Fort Siloso at Sentosa Island 

GPS Track

Map data ©2018 Google, Urban Redevelopment Authority