The Day I Conquered Southern Ridges.

The idea of trekking the newly established Southern Ridge trail sprouted months ago when me and my pri sch clique decide to do something different for our annual year end gathering. I confessed I wasnt on the right set of mind when i suggested doing so. Hours before i met the other 4 today, i even had thoughts of backing out and doing something more common and less physical instead, such as bowling or what. But we didnt back out, we proceeded on as plan. 5 physically unfit urban dwellers who were instantaneously mentally unsound decide to embark on a physical trail down Southern Ridge without any prior preparations.

We took a bus to NUS. We decided to start from Kent Ridge Park which is near NUS because by going the backwards direction towards vivo, we can finally settle down at vivo for dinner and our gift exchange. Arriving at the mids of NUS at 3, we spent 1 hour finding our way to the start of the trail, crossing the expressway and back again to the original side we were at. We discovered our unnecessary attempt to cross the expressway in the first place. Walking down South Buona Vista Road, we spotted a wooden signboard which suggests that the trail is nearby. We took the risk and walk down the deserted Science Park II Road only to our delight, we finally found the entrance to Kent Ridge Park around 4. Which means we spent 1hr looking for the entrance.

Stepping into the nature is kind of nostalgic. Reminds me 0f outfields. I hate outfields. The heavy scent of nature and wildlife embraced us. Navigating our way through the ridge is difficult in the sense of finding the right route and direction. Equipped only with a simple printed map that i found online, it serves minimal purpose as we had to rely on our gutt feelings and random direction boards planted around the forest park. I continously remind the rest to hydrate regularly like as though i am still in camp providing medical coverage.

We took many photos as we proceeded along. We never fail to amuse ourselves with our over-random behaviour, though slightly insane. We walked and walked and yet referring back to the printed map, we seemed to be further from the end point at vivocity. We passed by a decomissioned armour vehical installed as an exhibit and we took photos with it. We continue to proceed only to arrive at the first part of the newly-installed nature trail - the canopy walk at kent ridge. After that, we passed by Hortipark where we witness many beautiful colourful blooming flowering plants, both in the landscape as well as in glasshouses. Its like a natural children playground. Many of the plants, we hardly can find them at other parts of Singapore.

Proceededing down Hortipark, we finally reached the overhead bridge - the Alexandar Arch. Stretching across Alexandar Road linking Horti Park to Telok Blangah Hill, we finished 1/3 of the trail. What welcomed us immediately as we crossed the Alexandar Arch is the zig-zag canopy walk which took us damn long to walk. It brought us to the top of Telok Blangah Hill. The seaview that can be witnessed from the zig zag walk (as i call it) is quite cool. I can see PSA building and the port behind. Then came the hilly Telok Blangah Hill which at that point of time, is already 5+. We plan to complete the walk by 6.30pm as julia had to leave early.

As we walked, we do not know how long we did so but anyway, we reached the end of Telok Blangah Hill and here, welcoming us is the magnificant overhead bridge crossing to Mount Faber Hill - The Henderson Wave Bridge. It is damn magnificant as i described earlier. Its wave like structure compliments with the "magestic" green forested hill at the back (which is Mt Faber). As we cross the wooden wave bridge, we discovered that the crowd starts to increase. Taking pictures along the way, we finally arrive at Mt Faber which marks 2/3 of the journey had been completed.

Already tired by then, we were basically dragging ourselves to complete the last 1/3 of the journey. The Marang Trail which was kinda downslope proves not as easy since we were quite burnt out. The final part with continuous endless rockly and uneven steps downwards covered by canopy seems endless. I never had this kinda feeling ever since routemarch during BMT. Finally, the sight of Harbourfront (formal World trade centre) delighted us. We finally arrive at the end point. Hurray to all. We then proceed to Harbourfront where we wash up and had our gift exchange. After which, dinner at Vivo super dog.

Completeing the Southern Ridge trail, is a small small achievement. No one in the right set of mind would decide to go for it as a form of pri sch clique gathering. Considering our low level of fitness, especially the girls, it feels quite satisfying. Haha. For the 3 of us boys, i think its quite okay, way damn easier than army routemarch where we need to bring along our FBO and stuff. With light plan clothes and just a small bag, its kinda nothing compare to that. For the girls, really kudos to them. I need to give them a round of applause since they have not engaged in any form of PT (other than shopping) since JC2. Yet, the manage to pull through. I feel very proud for ourselves. I believe my legs will start aching tml morning when i wake up. Mentally prepared. As for now, i think this trail really remind us that we are not to the level of fitness yet and lots still have to be done for us, espeically us guys. Need to exercise way more. I mean, the trail has already been made easy with those canopy walks and stuff, not those undulating and uneven ground we walked through in tekong. Haha.

In conclusion, this is really something special for us as a clique to accomplish during our annual gathering. Any regrets doing it? Not really, since the girls actually had no regrets themselves, why would we guys. Will we do it again? Erm....eyeballs rolling. Haha. Guess you know the answer is kinda obvious. Anyway, a task for Julia n YY - go learn mahjong so we can play during cny, if not 3 que 1. As for YY, go learn cycling !!! We initially thought of cycling at ECP but decide to forgo it and pursue the southern ridge partly because YY cant cycle. Argh !!!