Jeffery's Diary: Hiking - Celebrate Halloween with Tree Shrine

Hi Blog,

After a long Halloween night yesterday, a new day dawned in November. Before continuing my afternoon program, I had a strong feeling that I should step out to visit the Tree Shrine, the Old Uncle Banyan Tree, since I hadn't managed to visit it on my previous hike due to the rain. (2026 Oct post)

2026 11 01 celebrate halloween with Old Uncle Tree

Today seemed like a good weather!

Since I might try to do NNN again, I will visit the Old Uncle Banyan Tree to get its blessing and celebrate Halloween with it. Besides, among all the banyan trees I have visited so far, the Tree Shrine is definitely the creepiest and most secluded..

Speaking of NNN, even though it's the first day, I know it's a stupid thing to do. Details will be written in a focus post.

Back to the topic, I was thinking: should I just have a short hike, or go for an exploration?

Actually, I will go for a longer hike after visiting the Tree Shrine.

I thought I would be able to leave home in the morning, but after being delayed here and there, it was almost near the noon..

And took the wrong bus...

Eventually, I still arrived here, prepared, like applying the finishing mosquito repellent lotion.

As usual, no one seemed to be around at this hour, and especially this location.

Oh no... This spot is closed. It used to be open and accessible to see something different. So sad that it is no longer accessible...

I guess I got off the bus too early, which shocked the bus driver. He didn't stop in time even though I had rung the drop-off bell. He overshot a bit because I also didn't stand up from my seat. I guess I should stand and be ready to get off because usually, no one will get off along the way.

Nice Mandai Zoo backdrop. If they can maintain the grass here, it will be a perfect tourist spot for photos.

Finally, we could go for some exploration here.

As I walked towards the hidden spot of the Tree Shrine, I saw something afar.

Ah, the abandoned concrete wall which I missed registering on my Google map.

Have a closer look, I really don't know what these are for. What is the purpose?

Someone left a durian shell here. So properly opened, it must be the work of human activity.

What a nice-looking moss growing on the concrete wall.

What a quiet afternoon.

Wait... There was someone else on this path. Honestly, I have to explain something: the Tree Shrine is located in a restricted zone, so it's better that I don't bump into anyone here.

I guess I couldn't celebrate with Old Uncle Banyan Tree today, so I have to hike elsewhere instead.

As I continued my path to explore Mandai, I saw this.

Did you see what I see?

I observed a series of wooden planes arranged in an orderly manner here. That caught my attention, and curiosity.

As I walked further along the plains, I saw that a fallen tree blocked the path.

It appears to have fallen relatively recently, likely within the past year. It still looks fairly fresh.

I pray hard for every hike I go on, that no tree falls on anyone, including me.

I noticed there is an uphill next to the fallen tree, so I went up and saw that the top is rather flat.

Just look around from the top in a panoramic view.

As I got down, I found a path closer to the Tree Shrine; perhaps it's a sign for me to visit that tree.

As I entered the woods, there was no clear path, and I just had to make my own way in. I noticed there were fences. This place used to be something.

I found a very uniquely shaped glass bottle. I want to bring it home, but I should not. I also feel that it might break... If I return on my next trip and come across this bottle, I will pick it up and pass it to the Old Uncle Banyan Tree to take care of.

Just look at this path... Where is the right direction? Will I get lost? No one can tell. However, it escapes the sight of anyone.

This place became a dumping ground before they moved out for whatever reason.

Look, guys! A bathtub! This place was definitely a residential area before.

Now it has become a mosquitoes' residence. Better stay away from this area.

I don't know what these are for—like some building parts for an unknown purpose. Wow, I can't believe I found so many things on this trip.

Ah! Old Uncle Tree!

It appears both impressive and eerie, making it an ideal representation for Halloween.

I wonder what AI will do with this image.

(Credit AI) My AI made this spooky Old Uncle Tree scene with lots of spiders—so cool how AI can just make images like that!

Every time I was in front of Old Uncle Tree, I felt like it could come to life whenever it wanted.

(Credit AI) Like at night, this place might come alive.

(Credit AI) The banyan tree's root system looks like the legs of a giant spider, and I just started my NNN (1st day); this place has sparked a lot of my imagination. Not good, not good.

Like this, the Banyan tree's root system looks like a web.

(Credit AI) Very dramatic, and I wondered whether it can be done in real life, like in Halloween decor, to be honest...

I struggled to live between reality and imagination...

I need to step out of the realm of imagination.

Returned to real life, it is better not to hallucinate too long.

Okay, since I was here to celebrate Halloween with the Tree, I should dress up. 変身 Henshin! (next time I will strike a pose.) it has been a while since I wear my Captain costume.

Perhaps, I should start doing it regularly.

Posed with the Tree. Come on, uncle, let's pose together!

(Credit AI) Yes! That should be the way! Cheers!

Trying to snap a few photos but somehow lack of ideas.

I wish I could do more photo shoots in different postures, but I know my ugly face unable to carry it... The Old Uncle Banyan Tree told me to get lost immediately, don't disgust him further.

I got it, Old Uncle. I will see you again next time.

Time to explore other places.

Wait a min. What did I bump into?

OMG! It is a farm from the past! I saw some hikers visiting this place, but none of them could give me the actual location! I finally found it! Yippee! It had been years with no clue about it.

How do I know it's a farm? This structure has many spaces with thin walls, and I don't see any doors. It definitely can't be rooms or storage. It is quite likely an animal farm.