Kent Ridge Park Singapore - Famous Bird Watching Site

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Kent Ridge Park, Singapore Overview

The Kent Ridge Park is a sprawling 47-hectare park situated at Kent Ridge, between the Singapore Science Park and the National University of Singapore. It is one of the declared eleven sites of the Second World War in Singapore along with being one of the four primary bird-watching sites in the Lion City. Kent Ridge is popular among nature lovers, bird watchers and fitness enthusiasts owing to its well-paved landscape teeming lush vegetation and diverse wildlife.

The eastern side of Kent Ridge Park leads to a valley, the path to which is flanked by a natural pond brimming with fish as well as turtles. Towards this valley is the 280 meters long, elevated boardwalk popularly referred to as the Canopy Walk. It is one of the prime attractions at Kent Ridge Park famous for spotting beautiful doves, sunbirds, mischievous squirrels, and white-crested thrush. The Canopy Walk connects the Kent Ridge Park to the HortPark, a 9-hectare park which also doubles as a gardening hub. At the end of the Canopy Walk lies "Reflections at Bukit Chandu", the museum recounting fierce battle against the Japanese in World War II. Do follow the nature trail along Carpark A and take in the mesmerising view of the natural secondary forest with an abundance of Tembusu, Tiup-tiup, Rubber Trees, Simpoh Air, and Wild Cinnamons. There is a series of exercise stations near Carpark B.

Things to Do at Kent Ridge Park

Walk along the Ridge: At the top of the Kent Ridge Park is a pavement lined with beautiful trees that lead to a lookout point offering a stunning view of the entire coastline. Also, the height of this place makes its significance during the Second World War more evident.

Canopy Walk: Towards the eastern end of the Kent Ridge Park is a 280-meter long boardwalk connecting the Park and Pepys Road. From here, one can trek onto HortPark, Telok Blangah Hill Park, and Mount Faber Park.

Canopy Walkway at Kent Ridge Park Singapore — Canopy Walkway at Kent Ridge Park (Source)

Visit Reflections at Bukit Chandu: Located at the Pepys Road, towards the Canopy Walk is The Reflections at Bukit Chandu museum. The exhibits here provide insights into the areas of history and the heroic actions of the Malay Regiment, which was defending the hill at the time of Second World War.

Nature Walk: The Carpark A at Kent Ridge Park leads to walking trail through lush forest. This nature walk should be carefully executed as the area is full of bugs and mosquitos.

Mountain Biking: The biking trail close to the nature walk area is popular among the local bikers and mountain biking enthusiasts. It makes a loop around the forest at Kent Ridge.

Kent Ridge Park Mountain Biking Trail — The Mountain Biking Trail (Source)

Visit the Ponds: Kent Ridge Park has two natural ponds which are tucked away at the northeastern end of the park. One will find several species of dragonflies near the pond and also a demarcated fishing area.

Fitness Area: People interested to work out a little while visiting Kent Ridge Park can do so. There is a series of exercise stations along the terrace of Kent Ridge Park close to the Carpark B meant for such purposes.

Playground for Kids: Kent Ridge Park also has a park for children’s activities. Located at the southern end is the Vista Park Open Space which has simple play equipment and swings for children. Also, this park leads to Springwood Height Road.

Sightseeing and Highlights

The annual raptor watch takes place here.
The top car park section offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the sky
Several Sparrowhawks and Oriental Honey Buzzards can be spotted at Kent Ridge Park during their migration periods.
Sightings of the rare Blyth's Hawk-Eagle and Booted Eagle have also been recorded here.
The fascinating Crested Goshawk may be seen nesting around, while the Crested Serpent Eagle has often been spotted adorning the sky with its magnificence.
The sight of natural groves of fascinating plant species like Adinandras and Dillenias are gorgeous.
Take in the exquisite views of the magnificent off-shore islands like the Pulau Duran Darat from one of the several lookout points at Kent Ridge Park

How to Reach Kent Ridge Park

One can reach Kent Ridge Park from Pepys Road or Vigilante Road. If you are choosing the latter, take bus 200. If travelling through Vigilante Road, MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) is the best option. One can also take buses 10, 30, 51, 175, or 188.

History of Kent Ridge Park

Formerly known as Pasir Panjang Ridge, the Kent Ridge Park was originally a lowland evergreen forest. In the 19th century, the first settlers of Singapore used to grow different types of crops on this ridge. During the Second World War, the British, in efforts to defend Singapore, used this ridge as a fortress. This park was, therefore, the site of one of the fiercest battles fought by the Malay against the Japanese, popularly known as the Battle of Pasir Panjang, or the Battle of Bukit Chandu.

As a result of the war, most of the crops that were on the site were destroyed. In 1954, Sir John Fearns Nicoll, the governor of Singapore, renamed the park as the Kent Ridge Park to commemorate the visit of the Duchess of Kent. The Lady, along with her son, the Duke of Kent, arrived at the site to inspect the military services of this place in 1952.

Tips

For the long walk, follow the trail along the tranquil park which leads to Mount Faber.
The Southern Ridges do not have wheelchair accessibility, so plan your trip accordingly.