Mr Wise Guy Blog

We left Henderson Waves behind and look forward to another iconic bridge, the Alexandra Arch. Lolx, what's up with bridges being checkpoints throughout our journey? Here in Singapore, the only buildings worthy of being checkpoints are either MRT stations, or Shopping Malls! Anyways, Alexandra Arch wasn't that far off as the signs were already pointing us to the right direction.


Lalalalala... It was an enjoyable walk. One thing to take note, I've not seen a single vending machine from start to finish. So bring your own water and snacks. By this point, the missus and I had finished up a litre of water already. And if you're stuck without water, you're gonna have a hard time enjoying yourself.


Going up the steps will lead you to the Picnic Hilltop.


You can never get lost. Even without a map, you can confidently walk towards either bridges. Signs such as these (yes, they look like they're serving a temporary purpose), are everywhere and should guide you.



At the end of the road, the Forest Walk comes into view.


Tadaa!!! The picture is just like the ones you see on the papers. heheh. Breathtaking view that makes you wonder how the heck something as complex and as overgrown as this can be kept preserved and unnoticed from the majority of Singaporeans.


The paths are supported by steel columns.


The staircases act as shortcuts. Whilst you could walk the whole path through a gradual slope, the staircases make it shorter and immediately bring you to a lower level.


The path snakes through treetops...




There's really a shortage of space here in Singapore...


I like this picture. Its like stepping into a new world...




I call this the path to hell... It ends abruptly. Perhaps an extension is in the works?





As we reached the end of the path, the Alexandra Arch comes into view... The Forest Walk was an enjoyable one. Truly enjoyed myself. Though it wasn't as high as the Canopy Walk at Taman Negara in Malaysia, or as scenic, I think with what little greenery Singapore has, the walk has made full use of it.

Stay tuned for Part 4! Wahlau so many pictures must edit!

Henderson Waves Pictures, Mount Faber Pictures, Alexandra Arch Pictures, Jewel Box Pictures

Beyond the trees, was the Mt Faber entrance to Henderson Waves. It was kinda obvious as the word Henderson Waves was plastered on by the side of the pavement. Kinda creepy and eerie as there wasn't anybody around...


Somehow, the flooring suggests that the Henderson Waves is made out of concrete.


But I was wrong! The Henderson Waves is not fully concrete but has a wooden base! Woooot! A magnificent structure and I was awed by the snake like appearance. It looks kinda long, about 300m in fact, but once you're on it, the distance isn't much of a problem. You'll be cursing at the sun, and if you're afraid of heights, will be doubling up to the other end in a jiffy.

The information board tells us that the bridge is modelled after a math formula. Frankly speaking, it felt like a gimmick. I suspect that they came up with the math formula thingy AFTER the bridge was built. lolx.

Just imagine, the group of architects huddling around;

Leader: What should we tell the public about the concept of our design!?
A: Is it really necessary? It was built out of pure boredom! There settle!
B: Haiya... Tell them its the price of COE lah. Go UP Go down Go UP Go down.
A: Oh yah hor... Like stock market liddat.
Leader: WTH? Can we come up with something green?
B: Should we say its modelled after a snake?
A: I know, how bout we silence them by saying its from a math formula! Taddaaaa!
Leader: Great! That's the best crap I've ever seen coming out from your mouth! You're promoted!


The arches double up as a shelter from the sun. Doesn't provide much shelter from the rain though. If it rains, you're screwed. Period.


Wide as an open highway...



It is quite high up but there's not much to see except the boring road and some housing estates. If only it spans Orchard Road. There's be a hell lot of stuff to see then!


Stairway to heaven.



This is what you'll see if you look over the edge.


Soul-searching? Nah...

Stay tuned for Part 3!

Henderson Waves Pictures, Mount Faber Pictures, Alexandra Arch Pictures, Jewel Box Pictures

We started the trip from Harbourfront MRT Station on a beautiful Weekday Morning. I've heard about the weekend crowd (sounds similar to the masses at Orchard Road) and decide to stay away from them. We took Exit D at Harbourfront MRT, and walked away from the nearby food court, towards a 'Southern Ridges Map'. The entrace is quite a distance from the exit and there are no signages. My only advice is that you walk diagonally, away from the exit and the food court. That'll keep you on track.


Basically, the route will take us through:

1) Marang Trail
2) Faber Walk
3) Faber Point
4) Henderson Waves
5) Hilltop Walk
6) Forest Walk
7) Alexandra Arch
8) HortPark

Since we've been to the Canopy Walk and Reflections at Bukit Chandu, we decide to end our trip at HortPark. Besides, the route ain't coloured as nicely as the other paths, so we thought it'll be boring. heh.


The path looks eerie from where we were at, and the steps look intimidating. Only the sounds of crickets could be heard. Didn't thought this would be the path until we saw some Ang Moh strolled past us and towards the steps. Oh well...


Its not that steep after all and is suitable for the senior walkers. There were a lot to see along the way...


Flowers! This bugger was quite a pity as it got ants crawling all over.


I guess its a normal occurrence. Ants like sweet stuff anyways...


Giant trees! This tree is extremely tall and definitely older than Singapore itself (43 years old). It is quite surprising to see old trees growing quietly less than 1km away from Vivocity.


This animal is abundant in Singapore. You need not have to go to Mount Faber just to see this. Just check out the nearest group of trees at the void deck and there's one, surely. Gotta apologise for the blur picture as it kept moving around.


Through the opening in the thick canopy, we saw a colonial style building sitting atop. It was as if, we were British soldiers, climbing Mount Faber towards our barracks. And from there, we could monitor the whole of Singapore's southern approach.


We reached the end of the gravel path and went on to a wooden boardwalk. It leads up to Mount Faber and we were greeted by...


Magnificent views!


We can see ships in the distance...


Trees in the foreground...


As we marched towards the cable car tower, the ship too, was making progress...


Towards the North-East, we could see the Central Business District. The cable car tower wasn't that far, and the journey was only 30mins long from the start.


The Jewel Box, is the name of the Cable Car Tower and it has a restaurant within the compound. From here, you can hop on a cable car to get to Sentosa or Harbourfront. I've seen limousines and a bus going through the road and it sure looks like this restaurant serves a one of a kind experience.


Cable Cars rolling up to the Jewel Box...


If you're lost, they're plenty of signboards. The road on the left leads to Henderson Waves!


While we were walking towards Henderson Waves, there was this 'thing' which caught my eyes. It has sharp edges and definitely man-made. Look at the picture below...


It could be an underground tunnel or structure much similar to the ones at Alexandra Hospital and Labrador Park. I've outlined it in yellow to make it look obvious. I'd love to go down to take a closer look, but it was kinda steep, and I couldn't be bothered anyways... haha.


These trees remind me of fairytales... They look so sober and peaceful...

Stay tuned for Part 2!

Henderson Waves Pictures, Mount Faber Pictures, Alexandra Arch Pictures, Jewel Box Pictures