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| Pasir Panjang Terminal , from Kent Ridge |
It has been a soggy November but this morning offers a rare window of opportunity for a rain-free walk in the park. Seize the day I did and after depositing the little one at Science Hub, it was me-time at the nearby Kent Ridge Park, where Bukit Chandu is.
The park is not exactly accessible by public transport. The nearest bus stop is located at Pasir Panjang Road which demands a very steep climb.
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| A walk in the ( Kent Ridge ) Park |
I parked the car at car park B, steps from Kent Ridge Park’s lookout point. Facing west, I took in Pasir Panjang Terminal and the western sea, partially obscured by tree tops. 10.30am is a decent time for a nice , clear photo as the Terminal and sea was lit up by the morning sun.
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| Trees, trees and more trees at the canopy walk |
South of the lookout point, a lush
avenue of trees led to the canopy walk and Bkt Chandu. The canopy walk is one
of Nparks works that links Kent Ridge to the Southern tip of Singapore, Mount
Faber. The walk, a 20m odd boardwalk with lookout points was immaculately
maintained, free of slippery leaves and debris.
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Decisions, decisions, decisions
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| Kent Ridge Park |
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| Near Kent Ridge lookout point |
The boardwalk ended at the entrance of
Bukit Chandu, a heritage point that witnessed fierce fighting between the local
freedom fighters and the Japanese in WWII. Bukit Chandu was closed because
it was a Monday but a nearby plaque gave
a vivid account of the battle which, as history knows, we lost.
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| Hort's own Lombard Street |
At this point, a short slight of stairs
led to a Lombard Street like walk path that opens up to the nursery at Hort
Park. Hort Park was stately even at the 11 am sun, with a huge swath of green
that housed many greenhouses.
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A little of Botanic Gardens, no ?
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I
especially recommend the community farm that grows dwarf versions of every
possible herbs and vegetables. There was
a small playground which was too hot to enjoy in the noon sun.
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Community farm at Hort
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Vineyards the Restaurant is located the
end of the landscaped garden. At this point, I refreshed myself at the public
amenities ( including chilled water cooler ). Hort Park, like Botanic Gardens
and the zoo, has one of the nicest, eco-friendly public washrooms in Singapore
which I highly recommend.
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| As seen from Vineyard at Hort Park |
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| Mozaic murals, at Vineyard |
The total distance from Kent Ridge Park
to Hort Park is about 1.5 km which takes a leisurely 1 hour, more if you are a
chronic shutterbug.
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Greenhouse at Hort, where testbeds of plants are housed
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I backtracked my way uphill from Hort to
Kent Ridge. Between the stone steps and canopy walk up to Kent Ridge , I much
prefer the scenic canopy walk. Unless I am in a hurry, the steps look
murderously unending all the way to the top. Not to forget, there’s not much of
a view using the stairs up too.
All in all, the 3 km walk gives a good summary to the
area which is impossible to navigate by car. If these parks have a personality,
I would think Hort is stately as Kent Ridge is friendly. Much as Hort is beautifully
manicured, I prefer the shadier Kent Ridge. Though the narrow park is flanked
by Normantan and Pasir Panjang, it
offers great views and is cooler because of the trees.
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| Normanton Park, from Kent Rdge |
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| Pasir Panjang at noon |
Either end of the walk, there’s not much
in the way of drinks, except for a vending machine and water cooler. Bring
along a bottle of cold water because the Singapore sun does a good job of
sizzling you up at any time.
