Park - Lower Seletar Reservoir Park

Hi Blog,

I decided to overcome my break and lack of motivation to explore. To be honest, it was not a pleasant feeling. I often wish I lived in a larger country where I could explore more places or had a special way to easily access different locations.

But I know that's a fanciful and unrealistic thought. So, I need to find a way to motivate myself.

I have decided to visit all the parks in Singapore and provide reviews and ratings for each one. I developed a scoring system for this purpose, just for fun, and I am also taking this opportunity to practice my photography and observation skills. I will focus on the larger, well-known parks as the title and include some smaller nearby parks in my reviews. To begin, I'll start with Yishun.

Honestly, trying to motivate myself was a struggle... I don't mind revisiting certain places, but knowing that it will be the same old ugly Jeff and places again might be a turn-off for most people. So, it actually took me a while to push myself...

And I understand the main issue was the 'me issue'; I should just blog if I want, but having something new is also part of my drive.

However, setting a theme, just like my swimming and jogging theme, will give me a fresh start.

Anyway, back to the topic: it's about visiting all Singapore parks, from big to small, and reviewing them all—like a Pokémon Trainer; I am 'Parkemon Hiker'...

I told myself... Should I just focus on one park per post, or should I spread them into separate posts? Like today, I will cover three parks. Should I have them all in one post or separately? While I was typing this, I found an answer: I will separate them.

Alright, enough of my nonsense, let's start today's hike!

Lower Seletar Reservoir is a reservoir located in the northern part of Singapore, Yishun. There is a quiet park which is set on the shore of Lower Seletar Reservoir and offers residents space for both land and water leisure activities.

This Brown sign will be the main focus for my collection of Singapore parks.

A weirdo is standing beside the sign; it's better to pretend I didn't see him and continue running away from the scene.

I will not provide a detailed explanation of the park; instead, I will share a photo containing general information that may be useful for those interested or can be easily found online.

The L-shaped green patch is the area of Lower Seletar Reservoir Park.

It seems like not a complex park here.

Hey, let's check out this park properly, shall we?

Very nice-looking oakleaf ferns are growing on the branches, which shows that they are also among the earliest residents here.

Most residents or park goers will usually take a stroll, go jogging, or cycling along the shore of the reservoir, appreciating a bit of nature and fresh air.

Today's weather seemed okay, but not 'gram-worthy' enough for anyone to consider it a great photo.

A park that features a lake or river provides a soothing atmosphere for visitors.

An Asian Openbill Stork stood by the bank, waiting for people to take its photo.

Natural debris in the water contributes vitality and nutrients to the ecosystem.

Did you notice the activities of life on the water's surface?

Honestly, I enjoy closely observing and documenting things with an open mind. I feel that I will cherish the opportunity to absorb every little detail.

The west side path of Lower Seletar Reservoir Park connects to Springleaf Nature Park, which I plan to explore again next time.

At Lower Seletar Reservoir Park, there is something unique that gives the authorities a headache.

Did you see this platform?

In the Lower Seletar Reservoir's water, there is a fast-growing water plant, the hydrilla plant, that dominates the water.

Authorities must deploy machines to remove hydrilla plants from the water daily.

While removing those plants, small creatures may be exposed, allowing some waterbirds to take this opportunity for a free meal.

That has minimal impact on this water plant; can you imagine if they just left it as it is?

Nature has its own waste, which needs to be managed or consumed, much like how manatees reside in Singapore. However, human-generated waste is a significant issue that can pollute both water and ecosystems.

We must care for and protect the natural environment. By appreciating nature's beauty and taking action, we help preserve the ecosystems and wildlife that enrich our lives.

I want to salute the park cleaners who work humbly without receiving gratitude or smiles. I will always remember and appreciate their efforts.

There are shelters in the park, which is the most important feature for park-goers.

The shelters here are quite spacious, perfect for a family picnic.

Alright, ahead of me is the Lower Seletar Reservoir Fishing Deck.

It is where it offers a fishing platform for fishing hobbyists.

Typically, I avoid walking near fishing bays for personal reasons; however, this platform is sufficiently large to accommodate numerous fishing enthusiasts.

I have observed that many young individuals have begun participating in fishing activities, which is quite interesting as I previously assumed such activities were more suited to older and more leisurely individuals.

Speaking of older and more leisurely individuals, in Lower Seletar Reservoir Park, there are rectangular plots of space for hobbyists to grow their own plants.

The area is called Allotment Garden.

I wondered how they managed to own such space to grow their own plants... Okay, let me search online. Under NParks' Allotment Gardening Scheme, each household may apply for and ballot for one garden plot at any one location at a time. Successful applicants will be assigned a plot consisting of a raised planter bed with soil and a mini storage area for tools. The applicant will pay a rate per year for a period of up to three years.

How I wish to have a plot, but the main issue is that under full exposure to sun and perhaps rain, the option of growing my desired plants will be limited. There is also the issue of theft. If I were to have a plot of land, I would consider cultivating mammoth sunflowers or Amorphophallus.

Oooo, there is a Water Sports Centre.

You can engage in some kayaking together?

What will be the operation timing for this kayaking on the weekend?

I dare not go kayaking in open water if I can't see or reach the bottom, but I can give it a try.

I continued strolling, and it was not crowded, which I truly enjoyed...

...so that not many park-goers will judge this ugly.

Anyway, back to the topic, did you see that structure from afar? That's one of the main features or icons for Lower Seletar Reservoir Park.

It is a Heritage Bridge. I wondered why it was named that way. Let's walk closer to it shall we?

A workout corner without shelter will limit usage, especially under the hot sun.

Oooo, a large toilet, which is perfect—a must for each park, especially the large-area ones.

Spotted a weirdo in a toilet.

Lower Seletar Reservoir Park has a new water park, which can be fun for children or for families to gather, especially during cooler times.

I could hear children laughing and water splashing, sounds fun.

Ooo, a child was playing alone and what a great way for the kid to let his imagination go wild.

Perfect, just the perfect spot for children to go crazy and tire themselves out.

A spot where parents or anyone can have their tired feet soaked in cool running water.

Singapore's water plan and message.

The Heritage Bridge at Lower Seletar Reservoir Park bears a resemblance to a traditional fishing village. You could search online for 'Seletar Fishing Village' to observe this similarity.

A windy boardwalk that evokes a sense of returning to the past.

It appears that the walk here is quite lengthy.

Until you see this.

They explained the long history of Lower Seletar Reservoir here, but I need someone to read it out for me. Haha

The content contains extensive details, which can sometimes be overwhelming. If someone could explain to me audibly, it would enhance my comprehension.

No riding on the boardwalk, definitely because it will create a lot of noise and damage the boards in the long run.

At the end of the boardwalk, I am certain that fishing is not permitted here.

This is the perfect place to take a sunrise photo, near the golf club.

And a sunset photo looking towards the park.

Interesting approach to have these "flippers" installed here. What I can think of is to stop people from jumping into the water.

But is it...? They could have jumped from somewhere else.

Oooo, something that captured my attention!

I love this spot - it's round and has a spiral diagram. I wanted to summon aliens here to capture me. However, there were park-goers around... (I noticed they had been there since I started, as I saw in my photos when I looked back.) So I just snapped photos normally.

Anyway, it was a nice experience visiting a park and having a good look at it. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

As I was returning from the bridge, there is a simple observation deck which I can't access yet.

There is a designated car park for the park, which is perfect for park-goers to have a shorter walk if they park at the nearby residential car park.

Found another allotment garden near the carpark. I wondered, is it the same content? Nope, they are different.

What a cool place for gardening.

While maintaining a planter bed may appear enjoyable, it entails additional responsibilities that may be less desirable. Perhaps appreciating the growth and produce of others is good enough.

Overall, Lower Seletar Reservoir Park deserves a five-star park rating, as it has history, space, functions and facilities for activities, and easy accessibility; just a simple appreciation leaves a satisfying taste.

Alright, after Lower Seletar Reservoir Park, I could have ended it here, but I felt I should explore a few more places, so I continued with part 2, visiting 3G Park nearby.

Jeff