Earthlink Jalan-Jalan 2014

Last Saturday, 13th December 2014 was a bright sunny day for a group of nature explorers from Earthlink to take a stroll down to parks in the southern ridges of Singapore starting from Kent Ridge Park to Mount Faber Park. The 6-kilometre walk was accompanied by sharing of knowledge on the encountered flora and fauna in the areas by fellow Nature Guiding Committee.

The exploration of the first park, Kent Ridge Park was begun from the pond located at the park entrance which hosts various species of dragonflies. Various plants like Simpoh Air which used to serve as an indicator for nearby water source, Singapore Rhododendron which is a local butterfly-attracting flowering plant and fish-tail palm tree which is easily recognised by the shape of the leaves were pinpointed along the walk in Kent Ridge Park. After walking through the Canopy Walk where the participants could enjoy a breath-taking view of Pasir Panjang Nursery, Colonial Bungalows at Alexandra Park, Bukit Timah Hill and Normanton Park, they stopped by a historical site known as Reflections of Bukit Chandu for a visit. The museum highlights the history of Opium Hill and a battle over Pasir Panjang area between Malay regiment and Japanese army in World War II to the visitors.

The walk continued to Hort Park and participants were introduced to themed gardens in the park while having a short break. The park allows people to appreciate nature and gardening-related activities. Participants then carried on their journey through Alexandra Arch, an 80-m long bridge which opens like a leaf over Alexandra Road to the elevated Forest Walk of Telok Blangah Hill. The design of elevated walkway was in fact inspired by the triangular-shaped leaves of the fast growing  Mile-a-Minute plant (Mikania micrantha).

Henderson waves was another iconic landmark being passed by participants during the walk at Telok Blangah Hill. It is the tallest pedestrian bridge in Singapore and was constructed by a series of seven undulating  ribs double up as alcoves. The high platform serves as a good observation spot for various migratory birds of prey.

Moving onto Mount Faber Park, participants were mesmerized by the beautiful view of southern part of Singapore and Southern Islands from the top of Faber Walk. Nature guides pointed out some commonly seen trees in the area such as Rubber trees which served as the largest exported commodity of the country in the past and the Royal Palm tree which is originated from Caribbean Island and brought into the park as a whole tree from its country of origin. The long walk was finally ended upon walking down the small-gap staircases of the Marang Trail with a short debrief from Nature Guiding Committee. Participants found the walk as an eye-opening exploration of the local nature and historical sites where they could enjoy great sceneries along the way as well as gaining tons of knowledge on the local biodiversity and Singapore history.