Planning your MacRitchie Reservoir and TreeTop Walk itinerary is straightforward if you know which trailhead to start from, how long each segment takes, and what to prepare for Singapore’s humidity and terrain. As a local who hikes MacRitchie regularly, this guide lays out a realistic half‑day to full‑day plan, with safety‑first tips so you can enjoy one of Singapore’s best nature trails and the famous TreeTop Walk suspension bridge with confidence.
This article is part of Homejourney’s wider Singapore nature and lifestyle pillar, and complements our in‑depth local guide: MacRitchie Reservoir & TreeTop Walk: Local Guide by Homejourney . Use this itinerary piece when you are finalising your hiking Singapore schedule and timing.
MacRitchie & TreeTop Walk: Why It’s A Must‑Do
MacRitchie Reservoir is Singapore’s oldest reservoir, bordered by the Central Catchment Nature Reserve, with over 20 km of nature trails and boardwalks through primary and secondary rainforest.[5][8] The star attraction is the TreeTop Walk, a 250 m suspension bridge that takes you above the forest canopy for panoramic views and wildlife sightings.[1][2]
What makes MacRitchie unique compared to many urban parks is how quickly you transition from city to dense, genuine rainforest: giant trees, long‑tailed macaques, water monitors, and sometimes even wild boars along the trail.[1][3] Despite being deeply natural, it is well‑managed by NParks, with clear wayfinding, ranger stations and basic amenities, which aligns strongly with Homejourney’s focus on safety and trustworthy information.
Essential Info for Planning Your Visit
Quick Reference Itinerary Facts
Address: MacRitchie Reservoir Park, along Lornie Road / Upper Thomson Road, Singapore 298717 (main park entrance by Lornie Road car park and Amenities Centre).[4]
How to get there (MRT & bus):
- Marymount MRT (Circle Line): Walk ~15–20 minutes via Upper Thomson Road towards the main MacRitchie entrance.[3][4]
- Caldecott MRT (Thomson-East Coast & Circle Line): Similar ~15–20 minute walk via Toa Payoh Rise / Lornie Road.
- Upper Thomson MRT (Thomson-East Coast Line): Good for starting at the Venus Drive / TreeTop Walk side; walk or take a short bus ride to Venus Drive car park.
- Buses along Lornie / Upper Thomson Road (e.g. services commonly stopping near MacRitchie Reservoir bus stop; confirm via LTA journey planner before travel).
Opening hours:
- MacRitchie Reservoir Park & trails: Generally open daily, 7 am – 7 pm (NParks recommends you exit the forest by 7 pm for safety).[5][8]
- TreeTop Walk: NParks currently operates the bridge in daylight hours and keeps it closed on Mondays (except public holidays) for maintenance.[3][5] Always check the latest NParks advisory before you go, as hours can change for weather or works.
Admission fees: Entry to MacRitchie Reservoir Park, the nature trails and TreeTop Walk is free. There is no separate ticket required for the bridge at time of writing.[1][5]
Best time to visit: Early mornings (7–10 am) or late afternoons (4–6 pm), especially on weekdays, for cooler temperatures and smaller crowds.[1][3] Avoid midday heat if possible, particularly if you are not used to Singapore’s humidity.
Recommended duration:
- Short boardwalk & reservoir stroll: 1.5–2 hours
- Standard TreeTop Walk loop (Venus Drive start): ~7 km, about 2.5–3 hours at a comfortable pace, including stops.[2][3]
- Full 10–11 km reservoir loop including TreeTop Walk: 3–4 hours, for fit hikers.[1][3]
Official info: For any updates on trail closures or TreeTop Walk hours, refer to NParks’ Central Catchment Nature Reserve page.[5][8]
Choosing the Right MacRitchie & TreeTop Walk Itinerary
Your route should match your fitness level, weather, and how much time you have in your Singapore itinerary. Below is a breakdown of three realistic options I personally recommend to visiting friends and overseas colleagues.
Option 1: Classic TreeTop Walk Loop (Most Popular)
Best for: First‑time visitors who want the TreeTop Walk without over‑committing to a full 11 km loop.
- Start at Venus Drive car park
Take MRT to Upper Thomson or Bright Hill, then a short bus/taxi to Venus Drive. This start point is closer to TreeTop Walk and avoids the long approach from the main MacRitchie entrance.[3] - Follow Venus Loop → Venus Link → Peirce Track
The trail is mostly shaded, with a mix of dirt paths and boardwalk. Expect some gentle slopes and uneven ground.[3][8] - Reach the Ranger Station
Use this as a rest point: toilets, water refill, and shelter are usually available here.[1][3] - TreeTop Walk
From the Ranger Station, follow signs up to the suspension bridge. There is a short but steeper climb just before the bridge; pace yourself, especially in mid‑day heat. - Return via Petaling Boardwalk → Sime Track → back towards Venus Drive
This creates a pleasant loop of roughly 7 km. Total hiking time: around 2.5–3 hours including photo stops.
Insider tip: If you start before 8 am, you usually reach TreeTop Walk before the crowds arrive, making it easier to take photos without a queue behind you.
Option 2: Family‑Friendly Reservoir & Boardwalk Stroll
Best for: Families with young children, older travellers, or anyone nervous about longer hikes but still keen on a nature trail in Singapore.
- Start at MacRitchie Amenities Centre
This area has a visitor centre, café, toilets, and water points.[2][4] It’s also where school canoeing groups launch from, so it feels lively but safe. - Walk the Prunus & Petai Boardwalks
These are relatively flat wooden boardwalks that hug the water’s edge with lovely reservoir views and frequent wildlife sightings.[3][4] - Optional extension
If everyone is coping well, continue towards the start of the forest trails before looping back, aiming for a total of 3–5 km. - Return to Amenities Centre
Finish with drinks or a light snack at the café while enjoying the water view.
Insider tip: Bring a small microfiber towel and a change of top for kids; even a short walk can get sweaty in Singapore’s climate, and it’s more comfortable for them on the MRT ride back.
Option 3: Full Reservoir Loop with TreeTop Walk (For Fit Hikers)
Best for: Active hikers who want the complete MacRitchie experience.
Start from the main MacRitchie entrance, follow the 11 km loop counter‑clockwise via Lornie Trail, Golf Link, Sime Track and Petaling Boardwalk to reach TreeTop Walk and Jelutong Tower before looping back.[1][3][4] This takes about 3–4 hours including stops, and you’ll cover varied terrain: boardwalk, gravel, and forest path.
Safety note: Only attempt this in good weather and if you are comfortable with at least 10 km of walking. Carry at least 1–1.5 litres of water per person; refill whenever you see a ranger station.
What to Expect on the TreeTop Walk & Trails
The TreeTop Walk itself is a single‑direction 250 m suspension bridge, about 25 m above the forest floor at its highest point.[1][2] The bridge sways slightly, which is part of the fun, but may feel uncomfortable if you have a strong fear of heights. Overtaking is limited; follow NParks’ one‑direction signs and instructions from any staff on duty.
Along the approach trails, expect:
- Wildlife: Long‑tailed macaques, monitor lizards, squirrels, forest birds, and occasionally wild boars.[1][3]
- Terrain: Mostly shaded, with a mix of gravel, soil, tree roots and wooden steps. After heavy rain, some sections can be muddy.
- Amenities: Shelters, rest huts, and ranger stations at key junctions; toilets near main entrances and some ranger stations.[1][3]
Photo opportunities:
- On the TreeTop Walk, mid‑bridge looking over the canopy.
- At the famous zig‑zag bridge and waterfront platforms near the Amenities Centre.[4]
- From Jelutong Tower, a separate viewing tower along the 11 km loop, for elevated reservoir views.[3][4]
Guided walks: NParks and some licensed operators occasionally organise guided nature walks in the Central Catchment Nature Reserve. Check NParks or the Singapore Tourism Board listings for scheduled walks, especially if you prefer expert commentary on flora and fauna.
Practical & Safety Tips for a Comfortable Hike
What to Wear & Bring
- Footwear: Closed‑toe sports shoes or light hiking shoes with grip; avoid slippers or fashion sneakers.
- Clothing: Light, breathable, quick‑dry attire. I usually wear dri‑fit tops and running shorts.
- Essentials: At least 1 litre of water per person, sunscreen, insect repellent, small towel, basic plasters, and a ziplock for your phone in case of sudden showers.
- Family items: For kids, bring snacks in sealed containers (not visible plastic bags, to avoid attracting monkeys) and a lightweight poncho.
Monkey & Wildlife Safety
MacRitchie’s macaques are used to humans and can be bold. For a safe and positive experience:
- Do not feed monkeys or other wildlife; this is illegal in Singapore and harms the animals’ natural behaviour.
- Keep food out of sight inside your bag; avoid carrying plastic bags openly, as monkeys associate them with food.[3]
- Do not stare directly at a monkey, shout, or wave sticks; calmly walk past and give them space.
- If a monkey approaches you for food, do not tug back any item it grabs; let go and slowly move away to avoid bites or scratches.
In an emergency, look for the nearest ranger station or call Singapore’s emergency number (995 for life‑threatening emergencies, 999 for police assistance). This safety‑first mindset is the same principle Homejourney applies across all our guides and property services.
Facilities, Food & Toilets
The main Amenities Centre at MacRitchie has toilets, showers, a café, and vending machines.[2][4] There are also toilets at some ranger stations, typically nearer the Venus Drive and TreeTop Walk approach.
For detailed dining suggestions before or after your hike (including Upper Thomson’s popular eateries), refer to our dedicated food guide: Best Food Near MacRitchie Reservoir & TreeTop Walk | Homejourney Guide .
Money‑Saving & Time‑Saving Ideas
- Free entry: MacRitchie and TreeTop Walk are fully free, so this is one of the best value half‑day nature activities in Singapore.[1][5]
- Public transport: Use MRT and bus instead of taxis when possible; it’s safe, efficient, and cheaper, and stations like Marymount and Upper Thomson are close by.
- Pack snacks and water: Bring your own refillable bottle; look for water points at main entrances and ranger stations. This reduces both cost and plastic waste.
- Combine with nearby attractions: If you’re buying multi‑attraction passes via the Singapore Tourism Board or major card providers, allocate MacRitchie as your free nature day and save the paid tickets for other attractions like the zoo or river safari.
Nearby Attractions & How to Combine Your Day
Because MacRitchie sits in central Singapore, it’s easy to pair with other sights.
- Singapore Botanic Gardens (UNESCO site): About 10–15 minutes by taxi or 20–30 minutes via MRT. Ideal if you want a gentler garden stroll after a morning hike.
- Thomson & Upper Thomson food streets: Perfect for brunch or dinner nearby; see Best Food Near MacRitchie Reservoir & TreeTop Walk | Homejourney Guide for a curated list.
- Orchard Road: 10–15 minutes by taxi; good for shopping and air‑conditioned respite after your hike.
For travellers planning multi‑day itineraries, check our Johor Bahru cross‑border guides for another nature‑plus‑food day trip idea: Johor Bahru Day Trip Itinerary from Singapore: Safe Planning with Homejourney .
