Lower Peirce Reservoir Park
The Lower Peirce Reservoir, Singapore's second-oldest reservoir, was built by impounding the upper reaches of the Kallang River and was commissioned in 1912. The forest that lines its banks is considered a mature secondary rainforest and is still dotted with numerous rubber trees and oil palms – visible reminders of a past when vast areas of Singapore were covered with plantations.
Visit the Lower Peirce Trail running through the forest and along the edge of this reservoir. Along this charming 900-metre boardwalk, you’ll be greeted with captivating views of regenerating secondary forests that line the reservoir as well as a variety of flora and fauna.
The Lower Peirce Reservoir, formerly known as the Kallang River Reservoir, is Singapore's second reservoir and was planned as an extension of the first reservoir (MacRitchie Reservoir) to meet the increasing demand for the supply of water in Singapore. The Municipal Commission proposed its construction in July 1902 and the Westminster Construction Company of London was awarded the contract in March 1907. The reservoir was completed in 1910, at a cost of 967,641 Straits dollars, by damming the upper reaches of the Kallang River and was officially opened on 26 March 1912. Ten years later, the reservoir was renamed the Peirce Reservoir in recognition of Robert Peirce, who was the Municipal Engineer of Singapore from 1901 to 1916. It only acquired its current name in 1975, after the Upper Peirce Reservoir was built.
Park Information
By Car:
Follow the direction of Upper Thomson Road. Turn left before the traffic lights at the junction of Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1 into Old Upper Thomson Road. Follow the road until you see the entrance of the trail. Parking facilities are available along the road near the Casuarina Entrance.
By Bus:
Bus nos. 163, 167, 169, 855, 980. Alight at the bus stop nearest to the Sembawang Hill Food Court and walk along Old Upper Thomson Road towards Lower Peirce Boardwalk. The entrance to the trail (Casuarina Entrance) is about five minutes away.
Boardwalk opening hours: 7:00 am to 7:00 pm daily
Smoke-free park
Notices
Help protect this precious patch of forest and its inhabitants by staying on the boardwalks. Straying off the boardwalks will not only disturb the native flora and fauna but also degrade and eventually fragment the sensitive habitat.
Important Notice for Hiking Permit/Exercise Groups
- If you wish to organise a hike in the nature reserve with a total of 30 people or more, please complete this application form and submit it to us at least one month before the date of the activity.
- For organised outdoor exercise classes of more than 5 people, please refer to this page on our website to register with SportSG and submit an application to NParks at least 1 week in advance.
- Please ensure that the necessary safe management measures are being put in place, e.g. during physical exercise, participants are to stay in groups of 5 and that a safe distance of at least 2 metres between individuals is observed.
- For hiking and organised groups, a maximum of 50 persons per day is allowed into the nature park. If the quota has been met for the day, visitors are required to opt for another day.
On your journey of discovery, remember some simple tips to help make park visits enjoyable for everyone. Click here to find out more about our Trail Etiquette.
Things To Do
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Lower Peirce Trail
The Lower Peirce Nature Trail Boardwalk is part of the Central Catchment Nature Reserve. This Nature Boardwalk meanders largely through one of Singapore's last remaining mature secondary secondary forests and along the edge of Lower Peirce Reservoir. It is an important refuge for many species of birds, mammals, insects and other animals that are adapted to the forest environment.
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A Guide to Walking Trail at Lower Peirce
Highlights:
- An easy 900m wooden boardwalk through a mature secondary forest
- Peaceful walk by the water's edge
- Symphony of nature's music in the background
- Sightings of native animals
- Occasional glimpses of native birds
Walking time: 45min - 1hr
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Nature Walks
The Lower Peirce boardwalk meanders largely through a mature secondary forest. It is an important refuge for many species of birds, mammals, insects and other animals that are adapted to the forest environment.
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Photography
There is always something at the Lower Peirce Reservoir for shutterbugs. If you enjoy nature photographing, the Lower Peirce Boardwalk, which winds through the rainforest, offers plenty of opportunities for first-hand encounters with Singapore wildlife.
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Volunteering
Keen to be part of our biodiversity conservation efforts? Translate your passion into action and sign up as a Central Nature Reserve volunteer!