Monday, July 7, 2008

The Southern Ridges

A new Park & Garden attraction in Singapore, The Southern Ridges is a total 9km chain of green, open spaces spanning hills of Mount Faber Park, Telok Blangah Hill Park and Kent Ridge Hill Park before ending at West Coast Beach Park.

Being one of the best spots in Singapore to catch panoramic views of the city, harbour and the Southern Islands, i was elated that amid the fast expanding of our shopping and commercial belt, the greening and parks development of our city was not overlooked.

Location map of Southern Ridges.

We started our hike from the Alexandra Arch bridge and Forest Walk of Telok Blangah Hill Park through the elevated steel walkway, there's also the interesting earth trail for cyclists at ground level.

Meandering through Telok Blangah Hill Park, we finally arrived at Henderson Waves - Singapore's highest pedestrian bridge that spans Henderson Road to connect Telok Blangah Hill to Mount Faber.

The Henderson Waves is a MUST visit of the Southern Ridges; at a height of 36m, it provides bird's eye views of the city, shady and windy spot for rest from our long hike. The cool and cloudy weather makes it possible for our brief short lazing around on the comfortably designed wooden benches...

Continuing our hike beyond the cable car station at the Jewel Box on Mount Faber, we were on the trail of Marang that would lead us down to the Harbourfront MRT Station.

The Marang Trail of pebbly steps is by no means an easy feat for the elderly. Going downwards is manageable but the route up is no joke.

Overall, trail of the Southern Ridges which make up of parts with steep slopes and flight of steps would not be recommended for wheelchair bounded individual, accessibility for the handicap needs much improvement as yet.

And finally, resting for our sore and aching muscles at Vivocity Republic Food Court while slurping on icy coconut milk rich Chendol ($2), with a request for the extra icing :)

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