Nature in City - The Jungles of Queenstown and Tanglin

Explore the trackless jungles of Queenstown to find the northern sources of the Singapore River, visit historic ruins and see wildlife.
About this Event

Singapore is marketed as a “City in Nature”. Through the ACRES Nature in City Series, we invite participants to discover some of the important wildlife habitats and pockets of nature that continue to survive within our highly urbanised landscape.

These walks will explore often-overlooked wild spaces that most people have not noticed eclectic pockets of greenery and unusual landscapes that provide valuable habitats for wildlife while delivering important ecosystem services to people, like cooling our surroundings, carbon sequestration, water catchment, and the mental and emotional benefits of experiencing natural spaces and areas of beauty.

Yet, many of these spaces face increasing pressure as Singapore continues to develop and urbanise. Through these walks, we hope to encourage a greater appreciation and understanding of the nature that persists alongside us, and why these spaces are worth knowing and protecting.

The Queenstown - Tanglin area has one of the older HDB estates in Singapore, which is less manicured and consequently has a more intersting character and biodiversity. Unbeknownst to many, it even has some small patches of secondary forest. The area is also contains the northern sources of the Singapore River and some guppyferous drains. More adaptable wildlife such as monitor lizards, squirrels, and birds can be seen there as well as many plant species. There is also some interesting historic colonial architecture to see along the route.

Hike Difficulty: Medium. Distance is around 4.5km. Some sloping and uneven ground with high steps 50-60cm in height. Participants have to jump across some drains around 1m wide. Not recommended for children under 11 or those with mobility issues.

Donations

These walks are conducted on a donation basis, with proceeds supporting ACRES (Animal Concerns Research and Education Society), an animal protection organisation in Singapore.

Funds raised through this series will contribute towards the expansion of ACRES' animal sanctuary facilities and our ongoing animal protection efforts.

Donation:

• Adult + Child Combo - $50
• Adult/Child - $30 (permits one)

As ACRES is an Institution of a Public Character (IPC), eligible donations of $10 and above qualify for a 250% tax deduction.

For example, a qualifying donation of $50 may provide a $150 deduction from your taxable income, subject to prevailing IRAS requirements. To get the tax deduction please fill in your full name as in NRIC/FIN, and full NRIC/FIN number when you register.

Meeting Point

Meeting Point: Food More @ 115B Commonwealth. 115B Commonwealth Dr, #01-00, Singapore 149597

Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/wNRJwgQxRwfBHRmz8

Meet there at 2.30pm, please don't be late as we can't wait for latecomers.

End Point

Please note that the walk ends at a different location (Holland Road).

If you are driving, please bring your public transport card or another means of payment for public transport, as you may need to take a bus back to MacRitchie Reservoir car park after the walk.

Getting There by Public Transport

The nearest bus stops are:

• Opp Blk 115B
• C'wealth Stn Exit B/C
• C'wealth Stn, Along Commonwealth Ave

The nearest MRT station is: EW20 Commonwealth

Toilets

If you take the MRT or bus to Commonwealth Station, the toilets there are located down the stairs behind the 7-11 shop. There are also toilets at the coffeeshop that is the meeting point but the MRT ones are nicer. It is advisable to go at the start as there are no public toilets along the route.

Parking

Public car parks are available in the HDB areas near Commonwealth MRT. Note that the end point is at Holland Road so you will have to take alternative transport back to the car park if you drive.

Registration

Please purchase one ticket for each participant attending the walk. Each attendee must be registered individually so that we can collect important information, including emergency contact details.

What to Bring & Wear

• Covered shoes are compulsory. Participants must wear well-fitting covered footwear with good traction to provide protection from vegetation with thorns and insects and centipedes.
• Long trousers – for protection against scratches from thorny vegetation like mimosas.
• Long socks – tuck the ends of your trousers into your socks to reduce the risk of ants getting onto your legs.
• Hat - protects from sun and from falling dust etc in the forest.

• At least 1 litre of drinking water – please ensure you have sufficient hydration for the duration of the walk. Minimum 1L but 1.5L is recommended.
• Small bag or backpack – to carry your personal belongings.
• Rubbish bag – please take all rubbish out of the forest with you and leave nothing behind.
• Mosquito repellent – spray-on repellent is recommended.
• Rain protection – such as a raincoat or poncho, to keep you and your stuff dry if it rains.
• Tissue paper – for personal use if required. Coffeeshop toilet does not have.
• Personal Medic*tion – including any essential Medic*tion such as an asthma inhaler or EpiPen.
• Optional: Binoculars to look at birds. Camera. Walking stick - helps balance on slopes.

Important

This is an outdoor forest walk involving uneven, steep, muddy and potentially slippery terrain. Please come appropriately dressed and equipped, follow the guide's instructions, and take care throughout the walk.

Terms and Conditions

1. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis and is subject to availability.
2. Registrations for adults and children must be made by an adult aged 18 years or above. Parents or guardians registering a child agree to these Terms and Conditions, including the Assumption of Risk, Waiver of Liability & Indemnity Agreement below, on the child's behalf.
3. Not reccomended for children below 10. For ages 10 to 15 years, please ensure an adult is present to accompany the child.
4. The organiser reserves the right to make changes to the event programme, including but not limited to the venue, schedule and content, where necessary.
5. The organiser reserves the right to cancel or reschedule the event due to weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances beyond the organiser's reasonable control. Registered participants will be notified via the email address or other contact details provided during registration. Please check your email on the evening before the walk for any important updates or changes.
6. Participants acknowledge that photographs, videos and/or audio recordings may be taken during the event. By participating, participants consent to such media being used by the organiser for documentation, educational, publicity and promotional purposes.
7. Participation in the walk is subject to the Assumption of Risk, Waiver of Liability & Indemnity Agreement set out below.
   

Assumption of Risk, Waiver of Liability & Indemnity Agreement

By registering for and participating in the above activity ("Activity"), you acknowledge and agree to the following. Where a participant is a child, the parent or legal guardian registering the child agrees to these terms on the child's behalf.

• Participation: You voluntarily wish to participate in the Activity.
• Health and Fitness: You confirm that, to the best of your knowledge, you are in suitable health and physical condition to participate in the Activity and do not have any medical or physical condition that would make your participation unsafe.
• Personal Preparation: You are responsible for bringing sufficient drinking water, insect repellent, rain and sun protection, and any personal Medic*tion you may require, such as an EpiPen or inhaler. Participants should also wear appropriate clothing and covered, suitable footwear for an outdoor nature walk.
• Outdoor and Environmental Risks: You acknowledge that the Activity takes place in an outdoor environment and may involve inherent risks. These include, but are not limited to:
  - bites or stings from insects or other animals
  - falling trees, branches or other natural hazards;
  - trips, slips or falls caused by uneven, wet or slippery terrain; and
  - exposure to changing or inclement weather conditions, including heavy rain, strong winds and lightning.
• Assumption of Risk and Limitation of Liability
  While ACRES and/or its appointed agents will take reasonable precautions to minimise foreseeable risks to participants, you acknowledge that it is not possible to eliminate all risks associated with an outdoor activity. You therefore participate in the Activity at your own risk. To the extent permitted by applicable law, you agree not to hold ACRES and/or its agents liable for any loss of or damage to property, personal injury or death arising from your participation in the Activity.
• Indemnity
  If, during the Activity, you deliberately or negligently cause injury to another person or cause loss of or damage to another person's property, you agree to indemnify ACRES against claims made against ACRES arising directly from your deliberate or negligent act, including reasonable costs or expenses incurred by ACRES in connection with such claims.

By completing the registration, you confirm that you have read, understood and agreed to the above Terms and Conditions and the Assumption of Risk, Waiver of Liability & Indemnity Agreement.