I've been exploring places close to my home lately. One of these places include Bishan Park - I've been there quite a few times already, and there was once I actually walked the whole length of it (both Bishan Parks 1 and 2). Today's post will be on Macritchie Reservoir, which is a bus ride away from where I live, and also the oldest reservoir in Singapore.
Macritchie Reservoir was was completed in 1868 but pumps and distributing networks for water wasn't completed until 1877. In 1891 its capacity was increased - and the person in charge of this was Municipal Engineer James Macritchie. Hence the reservoir is named after him. The reservoir's been a major water catchment area ever since, and it is also surrounded by lush greenery.
There're a number of trails that people can take. I've been to one of them - the Treetops Trail (around 7-8km I think), where I walked across a suspension bridge that spans the two highest points in the region (Bukit Peirce and Bukit Kalang), and through lush secondary forest. Today I decided to go along another trail, but focused on the more scenic parts of the reservoir.
First up - I noticed this locked shelter extending out to the water. On closer look, I noticed that it was one of the draw-off towers in the reservoir. A draw-off tower pumps water from the reservoir, then sends it to a pumping station. There were a few knobs and controls within there to regulate this pumping action.
This draw-off tower was the one that was closest to the entrance, so it was my first destination.
Headed down this pathway and well - couldn't resist taking pictures of the neatly-lined benches. The reservoir was SO quiet...possibly because it wasn't early morning or evening. Usually people come in the early morning or towards the evening. But I had other things on in the evening, so I came in the afternoon.
In case you guys were wondering, the second picture below has been photoshopped using the "Posterise" filter function on Adobe CS4. This is one of my favourite filters.
View of the other side of the reservoir by the time I walked through this pathway. In order to get to this place, I had to cross the iconic zigzag bridge...
The zigzag bridge. The shelter with the red roof is a performing arts centre. It was labelled as a "bandstand" on the roadsigns though. These were gazetted as a national heritage landmark in 2009.
Here's pictures of the bridge. Although the bandstand has been revamped, it was starting to show some signs of wear and tear. Doesn't matter - I enjoyed the peace and tranquility there! So here we go - 7 pictures showing the zigzag bridge (and the bandstand) from start to end.
Didn't take me too long to walk across the bridge. I reached another small bridge next to the zigzag bridge, and decided to take some pics from there. Not too bad!
Oh and I saw two dragonflies locked in an unusual "embrace", while a third one buzzed around. I feel sorry for the "third party". I wonder how he would have felt - probably lonely?
And here's the bandstand and the bridge from another angle.
Spotted this little creature digging his limbs into the soil, presumably looking for food. I didn't really want to go near him. He seemed kind of oblivious to the camera. Looks like he IS hungry!
Started on this small trail here. It was more beautiful than I thought. Much more beautiful.
And you can see the distinct red roof of the bandstand from here.
Throughout the whole winding path, I could catch glimpses of the wonderful scenery - from all angles. I also passed by another draw-off tower. Like the previous one I mentioned, this was also out of bounds. Beyond that point was a small fitness park.
Passed this spot which I just couldn't resist. Tall tree and tree-shaped shelter, along the winding path. So gorgeous!
I'm still trying to figure out why these shelters were built on a slope instead of closer to the main path. Anyway I'm assuming that they were built a long time ago. They were pretty cool though - complementing the shapes of the trees around them. Good spots for relaxation after a long run! Someone was actually relaxing in one of them when I walked through this path.
The most difficult thing about taking those pictures was that I had to be extremely conscious of what's in focus. My standard (18-55mm) lens just happened to be very, very cranky that day and refused to autofocus. So I had to switch to manual focus for virtually everything, occasionally using autofocus whenever I could. Sadly it couldn't autofocus beyond a certain point. I think it is dying. Going, going, gone. The lens I used most often for over 3 years.
Feeling a tinge of nostalgia, unhappiness, satisfaction etc etc etc now. The lens has been really, really well used and is my most versatile lens ever. Best of all, it came first-hand, and stuck with me ever since I got my dSLR. So - how not to feel nostalgic about it? It sounds kinda crazy but I have a sense of attachment with it. Maybe I should switch to an 18-300mm lens now.
That aside, this lovely lens decided to autofocus one more time - and I took this shot.
View of the path I took. Took this shot near the zigzag bridge and the bandstand.
Another place I visited within the reservoir was this long dam. Initially there was another dam - but that was built using earth. This current dam was built in 1894.
Walked the whole length of the dam twice. And enjoyed every minute of it.
I was greeted with beautiful gates by the time I reached the end of the dam.
Ended up on a pathway that led to a canoeing centre. Macritchie Reservoir's a popular spot for canoeing, and everytime I pass by via the bus, there'll be groups of people coming back from their canoeing sessions. I'd like to try canoeing one day - I've done kayaking and dragon-boating.
The waters were very, very clear here, and I could see what's underneath. If I walked further down, I'd have been on the boardwalk, a pathway that literally hugs the "coast".
Lush greenery, nice and clean jetty, clear waters...this is a great place for meditation!
HDB flats from a distance. I envy those who live on the higher floors!
Went to the Mushroom Cafe for some drinks after the two-hour walk around the reservoir. I should say that I'm a complete mushroom fanatic...and I think mushrooms are adorable. I love the mushroom logo!
And that concludes my trip around this famous water catchment area!