MacRitchie Reservoir Singapore: Best Trails, TreeTop Walk & Things to Do

MacRitchie Reservoir Singapore is one of the best places in Singapore for hiking, nature walks and escaping into the rainforest without leaving the city. The reservoir is surrounded by the Central Catchment Nature Reserve, where visitors can explore scenic boardwalks, forest trails, Jelutong Tower and the famous TreeTop Walk. In this guide, I’ll cover the best MacRitchie Reservoir trails, things to do, how to get there, trail difficulty, the TreeTop Walk, parking, facilities and useful tips for planning your visit.

MacRitchie Reservoir Singapore at a Glance

📍 Location: Central Singapore
🌳 Nature Reserve: Central Catchment Nature Reserve
🕘 Nature Reserve Hours: 7:00AM – 7:00PM
🚇 Nearest MRT: Marymount MRT / Caldecott MRT
🎟️ Admission: Free
👣 Trail network: 20km
🥾 TreeTop Walk: 250m suspension bridge
☀️ Best Time to Visit: Morning
⏳ Recommended Duration: 2-4 hours
👍 Best For: Hiking, nature, wildlife, photography

Where Is Macritchie Reservoir Park
How To Go Macritchie Reservoir Park
A. MRT
B. Bus
C. Private Vehicle
Map of Macritchie Reservoir
Things to do Macritchie Reservoir Park
A. Hike The Trails of Macritchie
B. Fishing at Designated Areas
C. Have a Family Picnic
D. Head to the Tree-Top Walk
E. Climb the Jelutong Tower
F. Kayaking Activity
G. Walking In The Boardwalk
Macritchie Reservoir History
Opening Hours of Macritchie Reservoir Park
Best Time To Visit Macritchie Reservoir
What To Do Before Hike
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts

Where is MacRitchie Reservoir Park

MacRitchie Reservoir Park is located in the central region of Singapore, particularly along the Lornie Road. It is near to Windsor Nature Park, which offers a shorter route while hiking the loop of the Macritchie trail. The park is also located to nearby park such as Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, Lower Peirce Reservoir Park and Riffle Range Nature Park.

How to go MacRitchie Reservoir Park

MacRitchie Reservoir Park is easy to reach by MRT, bus or car. The main entrance is on the Lornie Road side of the reservoir, which is also the most convenient starting point for the Prunus Trail, Chemperai and Jering Boardwalks, and the longer hiking routes.Here are some ways on how to to get MacRitchie Reservoir Park ;

By MRT

The nearest MRT station to MacRitchie Reservoir Park are Caldecott MRT Station and Marymount MRT Station. The park is ariybd 10 minutes walk from the MRT station. Once you exit the station, look for signs pointing towards the entrance to the park.

From Caldecott MRT: Walk approximately 850m along Toa Payoh Rise before turning right onto Thomson Road towards MacRitchie Reservoir.
From Marymount MRT: Walk approximately 1.5km via Marymount Lane and Upper Thomson Road before turning onto Thomson Road.
By Public Bus
There are several public buses that alight in front of the park which include Bus No. 52, 74, 93, 130, 132, 156, 157, 162, 165, 166, 167, 852, 855, and 980.

By Private Vehicle
Visitors who are driving can access MacRitchie Reservoir park via Lornie Road. Parking areas are widely available near the entrance of the park.

MacRitchie Reservoir Park Map

MacRitchie Reservoir offers a variety of hiking routes, from shorter forest walks to challenging full-day loops through Singapore’s Central Catchment Nature Reserve. If you’re planning a hike, these four routes are among the best options to consider.

Prunus Trail (3km)
The Prunus Trail is a good choice if you want a relatively short introduction to the rainforest around MacRitchie Reservoir. The trail takes you through mature secondary forest, where you can enjoy the peaceful surroundings and look out for native birds, squirrels and other wildlife.
Chemperai & Jering Boardwalk (4.8km)
The Chemperai and Jering Boardwalk route combines forest trails with sections of boardwalk close to the reservoir. It is a scenic option if you want to experience both the rainforest and the water without committing to one of MacRitchie’s longest hikes
TreeTop Walk Loop (10.3km)
For many visitors, the TreeTop Walk Loop is the highlight of hiking at MacRitchie. This longer route takes you deep into the Central Catchment Nature Reserve before reaching the famous TreeTop Walk, a suspension bridge offering a unique view of the forest canopy.
Central Catchment Loop (11km)
The Central Catchment Loop is one of the best choices if you want a longer hike and a more complete experience of Singapore’s largest nature reserve. At approximately 11km, the route takes you through extensive areas of rainforest and gives you a chance to experience the diverse landscapes around the Central Catchment.

Things to do MacRitchie Reservoir Park

MacRitchie Reservoir Park is a perfect spot for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors who are looking to enjoy a peaceful walk, hike along scenic trails, engage in water sports, or simply enjoy the wildlife, MacRitchie Reservoir offers a wide range of activities for everyone. Here are some of our list of things to do MacRitchie Reservoir Park

#1 Hike the Trails of MacRitchie

Macritichie nature trails provide good hiking activity for individuals who want to explore and enter the jungle. There are several trails, loops, and access points for visitors to discover that cater to longer or shorter hikes. The tall standing trees serve as good shade against the sun while hiking the trails. While hiking into the woods, one can see wild animals such as monkeys, boars, or even snakes.

#2 Fishing at Designated Areas

Visitors who enjoy fishing can consider bring fishing equipment at the park. The reservoir allows catch-and-release fishing, and the peaceful surroundings make it a serene spot for fishing. However, anglers must have a valid permit, and fishing is only allowed at designated spots.

#3 Head for Family Picnic

Visitors who enjoy outdoor activities can relax to enjoy the scenery. The park has picnic areas, which provides good spot to enjoy a meal with a scenic view of the reservoir. The park is family-friendly, and the open spaces are perfect for a relaxing afternoon picnic.

#4 Head to the Tree Top Walk

When visiting Macrtichie Reservoir, one must cross the Tree-Top Walk. The TreeTop Walk is a suspension bridge that allows visitors to walk on top of the treetops forest. The 250-meter-long walkway connects the two peaks in the Macritchie jungle. While crossing the bridge, visitors also can check the view of the Upper Peirce Reservoir and the golf course located from afar.

#5 Climb the Jelutong Tower

Jelutong Tower is located in the middle of the Macritchie Trail, where visitors can climb and explore the view from the top. Jelutong Tower is a seven-storey observation tower offering an elevated view over the forest. Once on top of the tower visitors can check the 360 degrees view of the horizon with tall standing trees above the ground. The tower is made of up steel and its staircase is in the form of a spiral which makes it a bit challenging. From here visitors can also take a glimpse of the reservoir and building structures of HDBs around the Bishan area.

#6 Paddle at Reservoir

MacRitchie Reservoir is also a popular location for canoeing and kayaking. Visitors can enjoy the calm waters while surrounded by the greenery of the Central Catchment Nature Reserve. Visitors can paddle through the calm waters of the reservoir by renting a kayak which are available for a single or double person. Paddling on the reservoir gives visitors unique perspective of the surrounding greenery and is a peaceful way to enjoy the water.

#7 Walk in the Boardwalk

Walking the boardwalks next to the reservoir is a quite lovely experience. Visitors can witness the scenic view of the reservoir, especially in the morning when it is quiet and serene. There are also benches available along the boardwalks, where one can sit and have a piece of mind enjoying the view of the water.

MacRitchie Reservoir History

MacRitchie Reservoir has played an important role in Singapore’s water-supply history. It was developed in the 19th century when Singapore’s growing population created an increasing demand for a reliable source of fresh water. The reservoir was completed making it Singapore’s first reservoir and an important part of the early public water-supply system. The surrounding forest was also protected as a water catchment area, helping to preserve some of the natural landscape around the reservoir. Today, the reservoir forms part of the Central Catchment Nature Reserve, Singapore’s largest nature reserve.

MacRitchie Reservoir Opening Hours

MacRitchie Reservoir and the surrounding Central Catchment Nature Reserve are open daily from 7:00AM to 7:00PM. Visitors should not enter or remain in the nature reserve after 7:00PM.

Best Time to Visit MacRitchie Reservoir

The best time to visit MacRitchie Reservoir is early in the morning, ideally between 7:00AM to 9:00AM. The weather is generally more comfortable for hiking, and starting early gives you plenty of time to explore the trails before the afternoon heat and thunderstorms become more likely. Early mornings are also a great time for spotting wildlife and enjoying a quieter trail experience.

What to Do Before MacRitchie Hike

A little preparation will make your MacRitchie hike much more comfortable, especially if you’re tackling one of the longer trails or heading towards the TreeTop Walk.

Bring drinking water
Comfortable hiking shoes
Apply insect repellent
Pack sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat or cap
Wear breathable and quick-drying clothes
Check the weather forecast
Carry a comfortable daypack

Frequently Asked Questions About MacRitchie Reservoir Park

How long is the MacRitchie Reservoir trail?
MacRitchie Reservoir has a network of trails of different lengths, including the 4km MacRitchie Nature Trail, 2km Lornie Trail, 1.7km Petai Trail and 0.8km Prunus Trail.
What is the best trail at MacRitchie Reservoir?
The Prunus and Petai Trails are good choices for an easier scenic walk, while the TreeTop Walk is the highlight for visitors looking for a longer hike and forest-canopy views.
How difficult is the MacRitchie Reservoir hike?
MacRitchie has trails ranging from easy, mostly flat walks to routes with moderate or steep sections.
How long does it take to hike the MacRitchie TreeTop Walk?
Allow several hours for the full hike to and from the TreeTop Walk, depending on your starting point, pace and stops.
What are the opening hours of MacRitchie Reservoir Park?
The Central Catchment Nature Reserve is open from 7am to 7pm daily.
How do I get to MacRitchie Reservoir Park?
MacRitchie Reservoir Park can be reached by public transport, with nearby MRT stations including Caldecott, Marymount and Upper Thomson.
Can beginners hike at MacRitchie Reservoir?
Yes. Several MacRitchie trails are suitable for beginners, particularly the mostly flat and easy trails around the reservoir.

Final Thoughts

MacRitchie Reservoir Park is one of the best places in Singapore to escape the city and experience the island’s natural side. With a network of forest trails, peaceful reservoir views and the famous TreeTop Walk, there is a route for almost every type of hiker. And after covering over 10 km distance of walking, we can say that Macritichie Reservoir Park is a great place for hiking while enjoying the presence of the natural environment. During our hike, we had a great time that we did not realize we have covered for 10 km. Also while walking along the boardwalk we witness the beautiful and scenic view of the reservoir. With its combination of nature, hiking and history, MacRitchie Reservoir Park is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience a greener side of Singapore.

MacRitchie Reservoir Singapore: Best Trails, TreeTop Walk & Things to Do

Where is MacRitchie Reservoir Park

How to go MacRitchie Reservoir Park

MacRitchie Reservoir Park Map