Despite the fact that it is popularly referred to as a "City" state and its reputation as a densely-populated urban center, Singapore has its fair share of densely green regions. One such area is MacRitchie Park, located in the center of the island surrounding the MacRitchie Reservoir.
The reservoir was built over the course of the 19th century in a series of increasingly expensive public works debacles that finally culminated in a primary reservoir that was still insufficient to keep up with the demands of the growing commercial and residential needs of Singapore, so most of the water has actually been imported from Malaysia since 1927. The reservoir (and more importantly, the old-growth forest surrounding it) have been turned into a nature preserve and hiking area that is substantially more wild than the Botanic Garden to its south.
The park's "trails" are more akin to maintenance roads, perfect for rambunctious children to stretch their legs for an afternoon.
An army marches on it's stomach. Danger Monkey is eating a lightly frosted rice cake whose name transliterates to "Want-want". We have not bothered to figure out if that actually translates to anything.
Armies of ants carried off any dropped crumbs or frosting flakes. The bounty from a single snacking toddler is probably enough calories to keep a moderately sized ant colony fed for a month.
MacRitchie Park has MONKEYS. Also pictured: Long-tailed macaques in the background. They were playing in the road/trail, jumping overhead from tree to tree, chasing each other into the bushes, and eventually devolving into an actual nuisance. I did not think I would get tired of wild monkeys, but when there are enough of anything they can become just another fact of life.
The actual stated mission of the day was to traverse the TreeTop walk - a suspension bridge that traverses a valley between the two highest ridges in the park.
The forest canopy was rich with birds and butterflies, and we were treated to a pleasant breeze on a hot afternoon and a decent view, by Singapore standards.
And then a very long hike down many many stairs. Our legs were rubbery when we got to the bottom, but luckily we were on our way to our (late) lunch!
Afterwards we rewarded the troops with delicious indian food and cold sugary drinks. Barely even a death-march, by Borchert standards!
