Hiking - 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. Meanwhile, I will see some places near Mandai until the afternoon.

Pack and get ready, let's go!

I usually walk to Mandai, but I will be meeting Elmo (the first person to ask me). Funny, I had to post this information because a few people have asked me to go there, but I can not find a good time and want to avoid crowds; I guess everyone is excited to go somewhere new.

At the same time, I had a tight evening schedule and was not sure how long it would take to get to the Mandai Boardwalk, so I decided to take the bus to cover some ground before meeting Elmo at the zoo.

It has been a while since I last visited this location, so let us check it out again.

The place still appeared untouched and quiet; the vibe was distinct and peaceful.

It appeared that this previously unblocked section had been taken over by plants; it was once a small empty concreted space ideal for a picnic.

It has undergone significant changes, reminding me that if things or relationships are not nurtured for an extended period, they will eventually evolve.

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

Since it was early, I decided to explore some remote areas and discover something new!

I discovered an abandoned concrete wall structure out in the middle of nowhere. I guess I will come back here the next time.

Ah! I’m back! I miss you, Old Banyan Tree. I could not find you at all... Fortunately, I persisted in my pursuit of you because I admire how massive you are. I will come back again.

Ah! I finally found you! I thought you were gone, even though you looked smaller than when I last saw you. Never mind, I will do a follow-up blog post here next time.

Sorry for the digression; the title is about the Mandai boardwalk. 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.

A sturdy boardwalk, similar to that at MacRitchie Reservoir.

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.

(Credit Elmo) Let's have a wefie together.

And let's continue to explore the trail.

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

(Credit Elmo) Elmo captured a behind-the-scenes moment of me preparing my camera, which I didn't post on my blog.

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

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

(Credit Elmo) However, I try not to let it affect me—I know I'm not handsome or muscular, just a stupid nerd.

(Credit Elmo) What truly matters to me is being true to myself.

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.

(Credit Elmo) You may see a fatter version of me in the future...

What beautiful creeping plants! It was called Ficus villosa Blume. 

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

(Credit Elmo) I want to thank Elmo for making an effort to take more photos of Fat Me. I really appreciate it! This location offers a fantastic backdrop for photography, and I'm excited to capture more moments here.

This is what I meant! :D Perfect!

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

(Credit Elmo) When no one was around, let’s take some photos—snap, snap, snap!

(Credit Elmo) It's wonderful to have a supportive friend help with photos, but I should avoid bothering others to snap pictures of me...

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.

Maybe it is a game to figure out which platform is fake, and after testing, I did not step on any of the fake ones. Hahaha

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.

Thank you, Elmo, for getting this blind box from Japan for me; I received an Ultraman!

When I got home, I noticed I had a trisuit-suntan. I can imagine if the sky only had Mr. Sun.

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