Singapore is known as a City in a Garden and do you know that the city is full of nature trails? If you happen to be a resident of Reflections, Caribbean and Corals at Keppel Bay, the luxurious waterfront properties by Keppel Land, you’re in luck! Here are three interesting nature trails that are just a stone’s throw away from your doorstep.
1. Bukit Chermin Boardwalk / Berlayer Creek
We recommend starting the trail from Bukit Chermin as the boardwalk is only a 15-minute walk from Reflections at Keppel Bay. However, if you prefer taking the MRT, start at Berlayer Creek as that’s located next to the Labrador MRT station.
This trail which takes about an hour to complete is home to a wide variety of endangered and vulnerable plant species - including the Bakau Pasir, a rare mangrove tree with small eye-shaped leaves, within metres of the creek’s entrance. Bird-lovers can try to spot the Brahminy Kite or an Oriental Dollarbird among the 60 different bird species found on the trail.
2. Southern Ridges
If you enjoy walking or cycling in lush greenery, you’ll want to check out the Southern Ridges for a great outdoor experience.
Comprising 9km of green open spaces that connect Mount Faber Park, Telok Blangah Hill, Hort Park, Kent Ridge Park, and Labrador Nature Reserve, the Southern Ridges are a great way to enjoy the outdoors and some of the best views of Singapore’s southern skyline, including the soaring towers of Reflections at Keppel Bay.
You can also take in views of beautiful structures such as the Henderson Waves, the Forest Walk and Canopy Walk. Both the Alexandra Garden Trail and Berlayer Creek also connect to the Southern Ridges, if you are up for an extended walk in the wild.
The Southern Ridges is a quick 5 to 10-minute drive from Keppel Bay, or a 30-minute bus ride via bus services 97 or 57 from the nearest bus stop right in front of Caribbean at Keppel Bay.
3. Keppel Hill Reservoir
For thrill-seekers who enjoy hikes off the beaten path, the Keppel Hill Reservoir is a more challenging hike with fewer marked trails as this reservoir was discovered only in 2014.
Located off Telok Blangah Road, it was believed to have existed since 1905, but was forgotten by the 1950s. It’s a small reservoir, about one-third an Olympic-size swimming pool, and there is a narrow path that will take you from one end of the trail to the other.
Featuring a mysterious house known as No. 11 Keppel Hill, and a tombstone of a Japanese naval engineer, the reservoir is about a short 15 to 20-minute walk from the Reflections and Corals at Keppel Bay.
Time to grab your hiking shoes and embark on your walking trail and hike this weekend!