Before the early 19th century, most of the island was covered in lowland, dipterocarp, primary forest. Between 1820 and 1870, a substantial portion of virgin forest was cleared to develop the island as an important trading post. Prior to this, many Chinese planters had also worked the land for timber and the cultivation of crops like gambier, pepper and rubber. By 1886, only 10% of the original forest cover remained.

The development of MacRitchie Reservoir (then known as the Impounding Reservoir) in 1868 brought the forest devastation around the area to a halt. The forest around the reservoir was protected as a water catchment reserve. The forests surrounding the other two reservoirs, Peirce and Seletar, were also protected when these reservoirs were developed later.

Peirce Reservoir, originally named the Kalang River Reservoir, is Singapore's second reservoir. It was impounded across the lower reaches of the Kalang River in 1910. Following the development of Peirce Reservoir, the forest surrounding the reservoir was protected as a water catchment reserve. Much of this forest along the northern shore of what is now known as Upper Peirce used to be thriving gambier and pepper plantations in the late 19th century.

In 1922, Kalang River Reservoir was renamed Peirce Reservoir in commendation of the services of Mr Robert Peirce, who was the municipal engineer of Singapore from 1901-1916. In 1975, a major water supply project to develop new water resources was undertaken to support Singapore's rapid housing and industrialisation programmes. A dam was constructed at the upper reaches of the Peirce Reservoir, forming the Upper Peirce and Lower Peirce reservoirs.

Seletar Reservoir: Located on the northern shore of Lower Seletar Reservoir, this parkland is largely flat with some undulating terrain that provides a pleasant place for your leisurely strolls or a jog. Benches can be found along the edge of the reservoir if you prefer to sit back and enjoy the calm waters of the reservoir.

The park is lit from 7:00 pm to 7:00 am.

Getting there

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Services 851, 852, 853, 854 and 855 Carparks are available at Yishun Stadium along Yishun Avenue

Getting to Central Catchment Nature Reserve

MacRitchie Trails

By Bus
Take services 52, 74, 93, 130, 132, 156, 157, 162, 165, 166, 167, 852, 855 and 980. Alight along Lornie Road at the bus-stop in front of MacRitchie Reservoir Park. Walk towards the park. There are trails beginning in both directions, so head either left or right to begin.

By Car
Entrance to the MacRitchie Reservoir Park car park is along Lornie Road. Park and walk towards the park. There are trails beginning in both directions, so head either left or right to begin.

Lower Peirce Trail

By Bus
Take services 167, 855 and 980. Alight along Upper Thomson Road, near Casuarina Road. Walk along Old Upper Thomson Road towards Lower Peirce Reservoir Park. The entrance to the Trail is along this road.

By Car
From the city, head towards Upper Thomson Road. Turn left before the traffic light at the junction of Ang Mo Kio Ave 1 into Old Upper Thomson Road. Follow the road until you see the entrance of the Trail. Parking is available along the road towards Casuarina Road.

Contact Details
Bukit Timah Nature Reserve Visitor Centre
177 Hindhede Drive
Singapore 589333

Tel: 6468 5736
Fax: 64553605