Photo credit: Youth.SG/Angela Ouyang

Chill or Thrill: Going on a Forest Adventure

How does it feel to experience the life of Tarzan for a day?

Angela Ouyang

Published: 12 March 2018, 12:00 AM

Fancy navigating your way through obstacles 9 metres above the ground? Or taking a zip line 14 metres above water? Yes, please!

When Youth.SG swung by treetop obstacle course Forest Adventure, we felt like mini Tarzans climbing and sliding in our natural habitat – except we wished we were as nimble.

Here are some tips we gathered from our trip at the 69 crossings wide obstacle course near Bedok Reservoir.

1. You have to be independent if you want to survive

If you have problems trusting yourself, the last thing you want to hear is that you will left alone to get through the obstacles.

Instructors are only allowed to follow you until the end of the safety trial, which, for obvious reasons, is held on ground level. Anything higher? Roam, free bird, you are on your own.

 

At least I had the comfort of a companion.

 

An independent adventure also means you will have to attach yourself to the zip line and let go from the platform – all by yourself! That might require some new level of self-confidence.

2. Don’t be afraid of the zip lines

If you opt for the Grand Course, you can choose to go through all 44 obstacles and three zip lines above water.

Not exciting enough? Try the 300 metre long big zip that stretches across the Bedok Reservoir.

 

While on the zip, do a running motion with your legs to help you ‘zip’ down while facing the landing area.

 

Each zip is higher and longer than the previous. Hearing the daunting noise of people zooming down the zips, my heart drummed a little as I drew near.

It took me three full zips to notice the pattern: no matter how high or far the zips were, I felt like I was travelling at the same – and definitely comfortable – speed.

My advice? Chuck your fears aside and fly!

3. Enjoy the scenic view rather than being scared

Speaking of the zip lines, there is no feeling like brushing against the breeze and nature’s beauty while gliding through the air!

The higher you go, the windier it feels and the prettier the view. To me, it was the epitome of shiok (satisfaction)!

 

Other than the Tarzan Jump that had a briefly moment of free fall, the obstacles were slow and relaxing.

 

4. Take small steps as you navigate each obstacle

Be it walking on rope, suspended platforms or the wide nets, you will need some time to get used to each new obstacle.

I found myself taking little baby steps to start off the obstacle. As I got higher and more used to the sensation, it became much easier to take big, bold steps.

 

The obstacles get easier as you adapt to the environment.
Photo credit: Youth.SG/Joey Yeo

 

Albeit Forest Adventure’s intimidating façade, I would say it is quite chill with some thrills in between. But that definitely will not stop you from having a whole bunch of fun, though!

The zip lines might be not get your adrenaline pumping as opposed to a flying fox, so I recommend going through the obstacles at your own pace.

If you like living life on the edge, challenge yourself to complete as many obstacles as you can! Or navigate slowly if you prefer to take in the sights from a height.

 

This is part two of Chill or Thrill, a new series that explores adventurous activities you can do in Singapore. Also in this series:

1. Chill or Thrill: The world’s first suspended net playground

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