Mac Ritchie Reservoir is the oldest reservoir in Singapore, which was completed in 1868 when the government decided to turn the island into a city. The diverse wildlife and lush greenery make this place appealing. The locals visit the park on weekends to relax.

You can enjoy different activities here, including fishing, hiking, or bird watching. If you also want to enjoy a walk closer to nature and need to learn more about Mac Ritchie Reservoir, continue to read!

Mac Ritchie Reservoir, Singapore

The reservoir is included in the list of World Heritage Sites and covers 12 hectares of land. The park supplies clean drinking water to Singapore. It is a paradise for nature lovers. It has a water reservoir, zig-zag bridges, and hilly terrains.

The long-tailed Macaques and birds add a lot to the beauty of this place and a popular spot for bird lovers. The facilities you get there are free parking and lockers where you can keep your valuables.

How To Reach Mac Ritchie Reservoir?

The park is located at 181 Lorine Road, and if you choose public transport to reach the park, then take bus 855, 167, 852, 162, 162M, 166, 165, 157, 132, 130, 156, 93, 980, 52, or 74. All these buses will drop you at 51071, the nearest bus stop to the reservoir. From there, you will take the Circle Line to Caldecott MRT and walk for about ten minutes to reach the reservoir. In this way, you will reach the main entrance of the park.

If you are at the Marymount MRT Station, approximately one kilometer from the park, you can take the bus 74, 165, 855, 852, or 52 to reach the park. Also, you can easily reach the park by walking from this station. If you are coming outside Singapore, Changi Airport Singapore is the nearest airport to the park, 23.5 kilometers from the Mac Ritchie Reservoir. You can take a taxi from the airport to the park or go to the MRT station and then reach the park via train.

Which Is The Best Time to Visit Mac Ritchie Reservoir?

Mac Ritchie Reservoir remains open all days of the week except Monday. The timings for the weekdays are from 9 am to 5 pm, while on the weekends, the reservoir opens at 7 am and closes at 7 pm. Entry to the Mac Ritchie Reservoir is free.

The best time to visit the park is morning and late afternoon (4 pm to 6 pm) from Tuesday till Thursday as you can explore the reservoir peacefully at that time. Also, during that time you can go for the Treetop Walk.

The bird lovers must explore the Mac Ritchie Reservoir during the migratory season, which lasts from September to March. During this time, you can explore various bird species, including the hornbills, kingfishers, and herons.

Things to Do at MacRitchie Reservoir

Below are the different activities you can enjoy at Mac Ritchie Reservoir:

• Bird Watching: The reservoir is also a bird sanctuary and heaven for bird lovers. You can witness various varieties of birds, and undoubtedly, it is one of the fun activities you will enjoy there.
• Hiking: There are two hiking trails (3.2 and 4.8 kilometers). Each day, 100 people can hike over this trail. If that day's quota has been reached, you must wait for the next day. Therefore, making the reservations as early as possible will be better.
• Climbing Jelutong Tower: The tower lets you get a bird's eye view of the park. So, challenge yourself to climb up to the tower.
• Water Sports: There are different water sports, including kayaks, paddles, and canoes, that you can enjoy there. An area for beginners and the other for experienced paddlers has been designated there.
• Walking Trails: Mac Ritchie Reservoir has many trails, and a beginner can easily get confused. First, you have the famous Treetop walk, where you can experience nature from height. The bridge takes you through different stages of the forest. During your walk, you can explore 18 rare types of trees, eight varieties of reptiles, and 80 species of birds. Besides that, Lornie Trail, MacRitchie Nature Trail, and Prunus Petai Trail are the other park trails.

Tips for the visitors

If you are going to explore the Mac Ritchie Reservoir soon, here are a few tips for you:

• The reservoir is home to diverse wildlife, and it is crucial to observe them from a distance and not feed them. The animals can harm you. So, it is better to stay away from them.
• It can take hours to explore the reservoir. Therefore, keeping yourself hydrated and your energy level up is crucial. Therefore, keeping the snacks and water bottles with you is suggested.
• When visiting the Mac Ritchie Reservoir, wear comfortable shoes and breathable clothes. This way, you will stay comfortable and enjoy the outdoor activities better.
• Before visiting the Mac Ritchie Reservoir, check the weather forecast, as the management sometimes closes the trails due to heavy rain and suspends other activities due to safety concerns.
• Always stay on the designated rail and follow the instructions to avoid getting lost or entering the restricted area.
• If you don't want to hike alone, hike with a group or join the guided tour.

Conclusion:

The Mac Ritchie Reservoir is a peaceful heaven among the skyscrapers of Singapore. The stunning landscape, serene water, lush greenery, and adventurous activities attract visitors. Also, locals and tourists come here to break from the urban life. The bird enthusiasts also enjoy exploring the diverse birdlife around the Mac Ritchie Reservoir. In addition, many spots around the reservoir look perfect for relaxation and picnics where the families can have a great time.