Singapore has many park connectors, tracks and canals for runs and jogs. There is always somewhere for the runners to go to. With our well built roads and lush green environment, Singapore is actually a very nice place for runners to do their usual training. The downside is that being a small country, the running routes get repetitive after a while. Recently, I started to explore more of the Northern part of Singapore for running. Different from the past, there are many developments on the way in the North and there are more buildings and constructions going on here compared to the past.
SIMPLE 21 KM ROUTE
MANDAI TO SUNGEI KADUT
PCN from Woodlands to Mandai Road
Singapore Zoological Gardens
Was unable to get a screen shot of my Garmin connect. The route starts from Woodlands ave 1 down to the Sports school. There is a PCN over at the location. The PCN will lead runners through all the way to Mandai Road. As you head down Mandai road, you will reach a few icons: The Singapore Zoological Gardens, the Lorong Asrama Training Field ( a lot of “illegal” mountain bikers will park their cars along the road during the weekend and bring their bikes in for a ride). Crossing the road will bring you to Mandai Hill Camp, Mandai West Camp and the signature Shell station at the corner before heading the Sungei Kadut area.
The Mandai Hill Camp
Mandai West Camp
Surprised to see that along Mandai Hill Camp there is now a foreign workers’ domitory. Many of the workers linger around the area during weekend and at night. So it is really not so “dead” like last time. A couple of warehouses are established at the corner of Shell station too.
the corner Shell Station at Sungei Kadut
SUNGEI KADUT TO KRANJI
Kranji War Memorial
Riding centre
The whole stretch have not changed much but there must be some sort of developments going around as the area is full of construction. The main landmarks to see is the Kranji War Memorial, the Turf Club at Kranji now. There is also the Singapore Turf Club Riding centre at the area providing riding classes and training for equestrian sports lover. There is even a restaurant inside the club: http://www.cheval.com.sg/ It is called the Cheval, and serves western food with a pub.
KRANJI TO MARSILING TO WOODLANDS WATERFRONT PARK
water tank feature
Woodlands town park
Marsiling has not changed much its Spaceship looking water tank is still there standing. From Marsiling you will actually pass by the Woodlands Town park to the old checkpoint.
WOODLANDS WATER FRONT PARK
Entrance of the Woodlands Water Front Park
Website: https://www.nparks.gov.sg/gardens-parks-and-nature/parks-and-nature-reserves/woodlands-waterfront-park
View from the jetty
If you have not been to the North for sometime, this water front park was built in 2011 and opened to the public then. From there you can see directly all the water front buildings in Malaysia. The long jetty there is a favourite spot for many park goers and at night there are some street buskers who will be there to sing and entertain the public.
The long jetty
The park is rather big and has a huge play ground for children. Visitors can take a rest at the many pavilions there too. There are also many lush greenery around for visitors to picnic or play freebie. If you are tired and just need a ride back to Woodlands interchange, there is only one bus to the park which is TIBS 856. The frequency is better during the weekend. The bus terminates at Yishun.
From the beginning until now, the total distance will be about 17km.
FINALE
I ended up back to Woodlands Ave 1. You can replenish your hydration at the Woodlands Waterfront park. At Marsiling, there are small shops and a SPC petrol station for you to take a short break if required.