Hiking - Lost in Woodcutter

Hi Blog,

On Sundays, I typically engage in cycling or hiking; if not, I have a class or meeting. However, I procrastinated, which made it take some time to motivate myself to go hiking.

Just looked at this perfect weather. I also think I mainly have to decide which area to explore.

Upon reviewing my previous blog posts regarding the trail I intended to revisit, it appears I have not returned since 2020. If you had missed out, you can click here: unexplored trek left (2020), unexplored trek right (2020) and medical cutter (2021)

I should sort my trisuit. Many years ago, in my previous hike, I wore the same red one; I should have changed to a different one. Haha, but it doesn't matter when I don't look good.

Green top and red bottom - what a weird combination. No one bothers, and most importantly, I managed to push myself out for an exploration.

The weather today is excellent—bright and sunny—ideal for exploration. The ground is expected to be dry, and the trail should be clearly visible.

From the shade and the moment you stepped out, the sun's heat and light were intense—no joke. Luckily, the trail I will be exploring is mostly shaded.

It has been some time; the path to the location is familiar yet appears more untamed now.

It seemed like I needed to revisit this place, Chestnut Nature Park, more regularly for updates.

I recalled that I had started my trisuit theme here and have yet to complete it. The older photos of me posing here were from 2022! It makes no difference to an eyesore person like me.

What a peaceful trail here.

I wanted to go up to the tower, but no, I'll skip.

Dry ground is preferable; I am hesitant to visit due to the muddy conditions. While I understand this is expected for hiking, I prefer to avoid getting my shoes dirty.

Alright, time to enter the wildest trail...

...to see the wildest vines that spark a lot of wild imagination.

There appears to be pottery scattered throughout this area; I am curious about the historical activities that took place here.

The presence of fresh bicycle tracks indicates ongoing activity in the area.

Somehow... This place felt differently... Unlike five years ago...

Like, there are many fallen trees, and I was trying to recap my experience, but somehow I cannot.

One thing is that the blessing in disguise is that the trail is obvious.

Anything I can just track back.

I am uncertain why, but this danger sign, which was meant to serve as one of my landmarks, appears unfamiliar to me.

Like I was heading towards a different area.

I could review my previous posts to recall the landmarks; however, the connection here was poor.

Hello, Giant Forest Ant! Will you be able to guide me?

Look at the ground, there are many discarded pots here. Are you able to find all of them here? I have found eight. How many did you find?

If you can't find them, we will stick to a more obvious angle. Those are big ceramic pots!

There appear to be smaller ones arranged in a stack, resembling a wall; could this be a form of warning for my hike?

It is possible that the tree logs have significantly influenced the landscape, but it will serve as a landmark for me.

I have not come across a well during my previous exploration; it seemed like I had taken a different route.

I attempted to use my GPS, but it failed to detect my location. This is concerning.

Oooo, more pots are stacked up like a wall.

Ooo, an abandoned vehicle!

Based on the map, when I reached home and got GPS, it was labelled as 'condom lorry'. I was like, 'What?' Haha. Where can I find some?

Anyway, it is interesting to see the exposed engine of the lorry.

Time to ride the lorry!

From the look of the wall of stacked pots, it resembles more a graveyard of pots.

I continued to move forward to see what this trail had for me.

I heard the sound of an aircraft overhead and was uncertain of my location. I attempted to check my GPS on the maps, but it did not load correctly.

I observe markings here, which suggests that this location was frequented regularly.

I did not approach this location because I was near PUB Chestnut Place and realized I was heading in the wrong direction, it seemed like I need to backtrack.

Looking on the concrete floor, this path might be worth exploring again safely.

I had returned to my marker points where the path split into two; the GPS wasn't helping. I had to take another path instead of going back. Weird...

Going up the slope, and it feels familiar somehow.

Unfortunately, there is no network connectivity, so I will have to approach this as if I am exploring a new hiking area.

Ah! I knew it! It's the Granite Hill.

Actually I love this spot as it is an important landmark to determine where I am.

I tried my GPS because I was on high ground and managed to confirm my location, and then determine my route. Although many might have advised me to turn back, I was resolute in continuing my exploration, guided by my map (as long as my phone is still on).

However, I was concerned that I might have lost my way in the forest... In fact, I am.

Ooo, it seemed like many rangers had passed by this place.

Honestly, I really don't know where I was or where I was heading.

I asked myself if I would come back to familiarise myself with the place. I have mixed feelings, but I know I am somehow in safe hands. I tried not to let my wild imagination (the vine monster) take over me and stay focused.

And I managed to find the iconic landmark - the Stream!

I am pleased to have discovered the stream, as it indicates that I have successfully completed 30% of the entire trail.

I am tempted to swim, but I am concerned about leeches. One advantage of Singapore trails is that they are free from leeches.

At this moment, my priority is simply to stay dry.

I plan to revisit the initial section of the jungle to continue my exploration, as I recall there are numerous hidden pitcher plants nearby, although I lost my way just now.

Now, for the second section of the jungle (after crossing the stream), I hope there are no big changes.

One of the landmarks - the woody vine.

Wait, it should not be called a landmark; it should be 'junglemark'.

After some time walking, I noticed that my GPS was still malfunctioning, and the trail had led me to unfamiliar locations.

To others who are viewing this image and don't even click to take a closer look, you just see trees and plants, but I see it differently...

I see the Way, the Peace and the Tranquility.

I believe in Singapore, I will find a way out. I won't be sure about other countries, though.

Because there are some kind-hearted hikers who leave a marking for you.

I wondered how many paths there are here... Google Maps won't help much as it does not have any trail...

My primary concern arises when I encounter a fork in the road and must determine which direction to take.

However, I successfully reached the location I had visited five years ago, despite having run out of water, which posed a challenge. I cannot stop here.

Yippee! Managed to find the Cross path! By right, I was supposed to come from my right side-path, but I came from the bottom right path. I know the top-left path was sealed by a fence at the other end. So, I was left with my left side-path to civilization.

At least, now I feel safer after I found the cross path. Time to relax for now.

I was trying to conserve my mobile battery, so I didn't take any more snaps, besides some 'junglemark'-like structures, such as this wooden bridge built by an unknown kind-hearted hiker.

As long as I don't stray off the path here, I will reach one more 'junglemark'.

The legendary muddy stream. I forgot how I passed through this, but no rain will definitely make it easier here.

I need to carefully watch my steps. While I would like to reinforce the wooden bridge here, my primary goal is to exit this jungle safely.

Finally! Civilization! Did you see a road there?

I need to purchase a water bag, as my previous one was discarded by my mother due to cleanliness concerns.

I have been postponing this purchase, but it will be my next item from Decathlon.

Hi woodpecker! What a rare sight. I shall take it as a celebration for exiting the jungle safely. I could have gotten deeply lost without GPS. I consider myself fortunate to have experienced something terrible and then been rewarded by spotting a woodpecker.

I realised... I got scratched by the wild vines as they tried to capture me in the woods. Thank goodness I was free from their captivity. I think they might need more than just grabbing my arms. Haha

Overall, my experience exploring has been wonderful. I have never regretted my decision to go there. It helped ignite my sense of adventure, and I still hope my GPS was working properly while I explored. I will definitely return to this jungle again.

For those with a strong interest, navigating this jungle is not recommended for novices. Please adhere to the official trail for hiking safety.

Jeff