Mandai Boardwalk

Good Morning Blog,

After a hectic Saturday, today was a relaxing day to rest and finish my blog backlog, but I felt compelled to do something else. I knew I needed to buy something at the zoo, so why don't I go to the newly opened trail?

The weather appeared cloudy, but I do not think it will rain. So where am I going? As stated in the title, I intend to visit Mandai Boardwalk today, as it is frequently mentioned in hiking Facebook group posts.

Exploring the boardwalk and buying something there is like hitting two birds with one stone. My gut feeling told me that visiting there at noon would be ideal for reducing the number of visitors compared to the morning.

The zoo banner has been updated; all animals are now housed under one roof, including Birds Park, River Safari, Night Safari, and Mandai Zoo.

I walked in from the main road, and it is a long distance (at least 2km), so keep that in mind unless you take the shuttle bus.

I underestimated the distance I had to walk, and I was the only weird one to stroll into the zoo, judged by those passing by vehicles. 😞

Anyway, I finally arrived at the zoo and found the boardwalk sign right in front of me.

Meeting Elmo here. Hello, Elmo. It has been a long time since I have seen you.

I expected fewer people, but it turned out to be a mix of zoo visitors and boardwalk goers.

But it was a Sunday, so I had low expectations for the boardwalk... If you do not want to be surrounded by people, I think weekdays are the best time to come here.

Welcome to Mandai Boardwalk!

Here's the map of Mandai Boardwalk; I believe they will extend the trail in the future.

Instead of a simple structure for a shelter...

They designed a curvy structure to appear organic, as there are no straight lines in nature.

Nothing extraordinary, but to me, this is a peaceful scene in Singapore.

Here is some information regarding the trees at Mandai Boardwalk. However, there appears to be no useful information about them, other than crediting some human.

Check out the walk; there are not many people.

The combination of a blue sky, lush greenery, and a gentle breeze creates an ideal moment for relaxation.

A pleasant natural shelter from the intense sun.

And let's continue to explore the trail.

I tried to take a selfie, but my battery began to drain.

Under the scorching sun, I doubt anyone would choose to use this place.

I understand there won't be any visitors, and I'm aware that some people laugh and judge me behind my back.

Let's stay focused on the Mandai Boardwalk.

If the boardwalk is overgrown with plants...

It will be an interesting place as it grows naturally.

They planted vine-like plants here and have a plan for how they wish it to look. I will update you guys with newer pictures in the future.

What beautiful creeping plants!

Do you remember where this place is? Yes! It’s across from us, at Upper Seletar.

This is what I meant! :D Perfect!

I would like to visit this place alone next time to take photos.

As we walked, we noticed some familiar structures that brought back memories of River Safari.

If you visit Mandai Boardwalk, make sure to check out Selaginella willdenowii, which has iridescent, metallic bluish-green leaves! They are beautiful, aren't they?

(Credit Elmo) Another resting spot that was not sunny, was ideal for photographs.

Something interesting here; I am curious why they did this. Usually, people will just remove the plants and build a platform on top of them.

This is one of the River Safari routes: crossing a bridge.

You could hear the animals and visitors conversing from here; we were so close but not a part of it.

Oh, here's another exit/entrance to the Boardwalk; go left to continue exploring, and right to exit.

Let's complete the route.

Perhaps the afternoon sun warmed my head and made me feel burned out.

There exists a picturesque beach online featuring a slanted coconut tree; in our location, we also have a leaning tree.

Ah! Not too long ago, I found Iora's Nest! That's the end of the trail!

It is a lookout point where you can sit and observe birds without scaring them.

I suppose I have already scared many people here...

I assumed Mr Sun and Miss Cloud were the only ones who were not afraid of me.

I was supposed to capture a beautiful information board here; maybe next time. It is time to put an end to this trail.

The Mandai Boardwalk offers a straightforward hiking experience that allows you to hear wildlife up close, appreciate the stunning views of the unobstructed reservoir lake, and unwind beneath the open sky. If you do not like crowds, try exploring here on weekdays; weekend afternoons are also an option. It is an ideal plan if you simply want to relax.

Jeff