Hiking at Bukit Timah

Rating:
Compared with MacRitchie Reservoir, Bukit Timah is an easier trek that all ages will enjoy.
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Inspired by the last exhilirating hike up to the MacRitchie Treetop walk, I took along Zan The Mountain Man and on a fine Saturday morning, we took the bus to Bukit Timah.

I packed a liter of water, a peanut butter sandwich, bananas (for potassium), an apple and extra shirt. The night before, I carbo-loaded a lot of noodles to give me the extra energy for the hike.

The first kilometer was the hardest-- it's an uphill climb of a very, very steep incline. I was huffing and puffing feeling like such an elite athlete but then I looked around and saw...

Aunties.
And Uncles. And lots more elderly folk, some with canes and walkers, leisurely strolling and not even breaking any sweat! Add to that the young kids who were running up and down and you can probably tell how ridiculous I felt with my backpack of food and water!

So to make a long story short, it was definitely a shorter and easier hike compared to MacRitchie and you could probably complete the whole thing in less than 3 hours.

There's not much to see but trees, trees and the ocassional monkey. because of all the trees, I couldn't find a spot where you could have an uninterrupted vista of Singapore so don't count on a beautiful panoramic photo.

CONCLUSION
3.5 pawikan points. bring an extra shirt because it's humid. If you're hiking with a special someone, check out the "South View Hut" which is conducive for an impromptu picnic and a little QT *wink wink*.
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If you liked this review, you may want to read about my experience hiking up MacRitchie Reservoir.

Hiking at MacRitchie Reservoir Park

Rating:
Yes there are hills and mountains in Singapore and they're easy enough for beginners to climb.
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Cris and I packed our bags with bottled water, sandwiches, fresh fruit and a huge noodle breakfast (carbo loading!) then we hopped on a bus and got off at Bukit Timah.

Our plan was to check out the view from the Treetop walk. So right about noon, we started our 10km trek starting at Lornie road following route 3 (the blue route on the map)

There wasn't much scenery except for trees, trees, more trees and the occasional monkey. You don't feel the sun's heat because of the tree canopy but you will work up a sweat because it's humid, humid, humid.

It's an easy hike with just a slight incline and you'll be fine if you walk slow. You'll tire not because of the slopes but because it's such a long walk and it's very, very humid.

The treetop walk provides a great psychological boost because it serves as the "peak" and you can then finally say "I've made it!". It's not for the acrophobic and make sure you bring your balls right before you cross because it's a narrow bridge and there's no turning back.

Conclusion
Three and a half pawikan points. Great cardiovascular workout but if you want a shorter walk, start from Venus Drive instead of MacRitchie reservoir park. I won't recommend bringing kids below 10 years old unless you want to carry them.

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If you liked this review, read my review of Bukit Timah!