Singapore Pipeline Trail

Why not talk a simple walk?

Twice every workday, I drive pass BKE.  It’s a North-South expressway in our little island nation that cuts through the central water catchment area, otherwise known as the nature reserve. Can’t help it but to notice this well-defined trail that runs about 10km along the expressway. Especially when you drive from KJE (another expressway … ) turning north into BKE. I have wanted to do this hike since don’t know when.  I am not even sure how many years have passed since that first thought. It is a simple 4 hr walk, less than a round of golf, yet every day I drive past and wonder the sight with no action. Consumed by work and prefer to let the body rest perhaps? 

Then that day came. Because I can’t take it anymore worrying about work. I just load up my camelbak and took my boys out.  But I tell you, if none of them wants to come with me, I would have just got back to my computer and work. So I got to thank them for the company.  I got my partner to drop us at the start point off Woodlands Street 41 and then pick us up somewhere in the South.  

This is popularly know as the pipeline trail, as it traces the water pipelines from Johor into Singapore.  This route actually have some educational value on the scarcity of water in Singapore.  Armed with 3 litres of water and some snacks, and bid goodbye to civilisation for the next couple of hours. 

Pipeline trail … walk along the pipes is part of the deal.

My boys found a football. And I can’t believe that they dribble them all the way long the trail, only to pick it up during pipes and road crossings (only need to cross one road, Mandai Road. the rest of the roads are fly overs).

Up hill and down hills. Boys are expending too much energy with the football. 

A second pipeline crossing.  Spectacular view from the top of the hill.  This one is a bit more scary from the first as there were water streams below… we just didn’t want to get wet. 

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Cross Mandai Road and we see another knoll. 

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Some chocolate snacks here at the top of the hill and we are on the trail again. 

Went under the BKE, up another knoll and we see the long straight stretch.

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By this time, my younger boy have clocked his longest hike ever, at 6 km. quite an achievement considering his endurance and perseverance are only proven in Minecraft, and Clash Royale.  

So we decided to call it a day. After crossing under the KJE (yes another expressway. So we made it thru SLE, BKE and KJE..), we joined the park connector leading to Zheng Hua park and to civilization. Another km to a coffee shop and we ordered our well deserved can of coke. activated our pick up and went for dinner.

Save the remaining pipeline trail that will lead into Rifle range road for later. And perhaps a north-bound trip when I procrastinate long enough.

gobassky