Look beyond the food courts, shopping malls, and buzzy bars in Singapore, and you’ll find scenic lakes, hidden parks, and a whole lot of hiking trails. One of which is the Mandai T15 trail.
Located inside the Central Catchment Nature Reserve, this less-trafficked trail stretches 7.1km and is relatively flat, which makes it an easy spot to get your daily green fix without going full-on Into The Wild. Strap on your sturdy shoes and hit the road.
Clocking in at 7.1km, the richly wooded loop starts on Mandai Lake Road – near the entrance of the Singapore Zoo at Mandai Wildlife Reserve – and takes you to Bukit Panjang Hawker Centre. It’s home to paved paths canopied by large oaks and maples, alongside meadows and wetlands that are pretty photogenic and also kid-friendly.
Along the hike, expect to witness a host of wildlife like long-tail macaques, deers, stingrays, and even snakes. If you’re committed to the full hike, which generally takes around 1.5 hours to complete, make sure you follow the main trail which is marked with signs. The Mandai T15 trail is not dog-friendly so leave your pets at home.
The picturesque path wraps around Mandai Lake and winds through a fallen tree trunk photo spot. Once populated with ‘grammers, this drool-worthy sight has been cordoned off to prevent trekkers from trampling on trees and plants in the area.
The Mandai T15 trail is also popular among mountain cyclists, so stay alert. Or, dust off your bike and bring it along to cover more ground and burn more calories. There are a few slightly strenuous slopes along the trail that’ll make cycling fun.
Your daily environment may be more concrete jungle than actual jungle, but odds are, excellent hiking trails like Mandai T15 are just a short drive away.
Make sure you douse yourself in bug repellent and sunscreen and pack plenty of water before heading out. The recommended starting point is at the Central Catchment Nature Reserve entrance on Mandai Lake Road where you’ll be able to find a map for the Mandai T15 trail. If you like calming landscapes and a breath of fresh air, this one’s for you.
Location: Mandai T15 Trail on Google Maps
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Cover image adapted from: @aik_yong2002, @rovinglight via Instagram
Originally published on 15th May 2023.
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