Five reasons why your next hike should be at Upper Seletar Reservoir

If the East has East Coast Park and the West has West Coast Park, what about the North?

A hidden gem located off Mandai Road, Upper Seletar Reservoir is probably the best place in the North side of Singapore where you can momentarily escape to for respite from the hustle.

While the trail is a bit out of the way, it is worth a visit.

Here are five reasons why:

When I first entered, I’d thought we were at Seletar Airport rather than at the reservoir. The long stretch of road that leads you to the other side of the park looks similar to a runway for planes.

This stretch would be perfect for morning strolls. As it’s flat terrain, you won’t have to worry about straining yourself.This would also be a great route for casual cycling.

If you need a break, you can simply sit on the ledge and watch the sunrise over the calm waters. 

Or if you’re more adventurous, feel free to climb down the rocks and take a seat. You can even snap a few pictures for the ‘gram while you’re at it.

Upon reaching the other end of the reservoir, I was glad to see grass patches and benches available for visitors to have a rest.

As the grass blades are relatively short, it’s comfortable to sit on even without a mat. 

You can also choose to lay your mat under the tree so you’ll be shaded from the sun as you enjoy the picturesque view of the expanse of the reservoir.

This Casuarina tree is what Upper Seletar Reservoir is most known for.

Famous for its aesthetic silhouette against the backdrop of a gorgeous sunset, you’ve surely seen this iconic tree on your Instagram Explore page before.

It’s flawless structure makes the whole scenery look like something out of a foreign movie.

Apart from the lone tree, the Rocket Tower would be another good place to catch some breathtaking views and Instagrammable photos.

Here’s probably where you can clock in some decent leg workout as you climb up the seemingly never-ending spiral stairs, before you’re rewarded with a 360-degree view of the whole reservoir.

If the weather is good, you might be able to catch a glimpse of the Singapore Zoo as it’s just across the reservoir.

Unlike hotspots like East and West Coast Park, Upper Seletar Reservoir remains relatively unknown to the general public. As such, it’s highly unlikely you’ll encounter much crowd.

It’s also quite far in, so there’s practically no noise from traffic. At most, you’ll hear the chattering of golfers from the country club opposite as they engage in their afternoon golfing sessions.

If you’re like me and avoid crowds like the plague, I’d highly recommend you pay Upper Seletar Reservoir a visit. You won’t have to worry about sharing the path with numerous morning joggers or cycling hobbyists.

Even if you’re not the fittest, its forgiving terrain makes the hike more like a stroll in the park. Or if you’re simply looking for a new picnic spot, this is also a great option to consider!