Singapore's latest attractions, the Rail Corridor gives a new lease of life to former Keretapi Tanah Melayu route, writes Alan Teh Leam Seng
AN almost surreal feeling overwhelms while walking along the former railway track that used to link Woodlands in the north to Tanjong Pagar in the heart of the city-state Singapore.
After having locomotives rumbling through ceaselessly for more than 120 years, the Rail Corridor today has given a new lease of life to this former Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) route.
MULTI-USAGE OUTDOOR VENUE
Under the purview of the National Parks Board, this valuable and strategically positioned recreational area has been carefully conserved and is fast gaining popularity as a multi-usage outdoor venue for the health conscious and those who treasure spending time in the great outdoors.
The middle and most accessible section of the Rail Corridor comes into view soon after exiting the King Albert Park MRT station. Leaving the bustling Bukit Timah Road behind, the endless streams of vehicles and incessant traffic noise are soon replaced by lush greenery and pleasing noises often encountered while jungle trekking.
Accompanied by sounds of a babbling brook nearby and melodious birdsongs from branches overhead, the pleasurable hour-long walk proves to be both nostalgic and eye-opening.
Reminisces of the glorious past come flooding back when the trail leads to the former Bukit Timah Railway Station. Still undergoing restoration and repurposing, plans are afoot to turn this single-storey building into a heritage gallery, complete with amenities such as toilets and bicycle racks.
In order to further preserve the collective memory of those who had travelled between Malaysia and Singapore by rail in the past, other nearby structures like adjacent tracks, platform and stationmaster's house are also preserved. Also retained are several truss bridges that serve as iconic reminders of an early transportation system that played a key role in Singapore's success in nation building.
ENHANCING BIODIVERSITY
At the same time, flowering shrubs, like those commonly used in food preparation and decoration in Singapore back in the 1960s, are planted to successfully create a kampung-like atmosphere.
In fact, more native trees have been added to form a natural tiered forest structure that enhances bio-diversity, add greenery and provide ample shade.
A little further up, railway tracks soon give way to grassy stretches and binded aggregates that help enhance the Rail Corridor experience.
Although open 24/7, the entire 24km length is not lighted at night except at major intersections. While the intentional darkness primarily facilitates nocturnal wildlife movement, it also functions to limit human activities mostly to the daylight hours.
Already a hive of activity at the crack of dawn, the Rail Corridor sees a steady stream of exercise buffs eager to take advantage of the cool surroundings and crisp morning air. The crowd, however, gradually thins towards noon only to return in force as evening sets in.
In the absence of steam-powered engines and their long train of carriages, there are ample signs all around that Mother Nature is slowly but surely reclaiming what was hers right from the start.
Within sight of the carefully conserved multi-usage walking and cycling trail are a plethora of creepers and shrubs like the mimosa and rhododendron that bear small but striking blooms that add colour to the path.
At the same time, it is a joy to watch dainty winged creatures like butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies flit joyfully among the plants in search of nourishing nectar.
Although the trail is mostly fringed by tall tropical trees, there are occasional breaks that offer sweeping views of the surrounding areas. Like the many other attractive places along the Rail Corridor, these openings that pop out from among the dense foliage offer amazing opportunities for social media worthy photographs.
The trails has many strategic exits along the way that lead on to nearby housing estates, bus stops, MRT stations and taxi stands. Some four kilometres into my amazing and eye-opening experience, sight of a woman walking past with packets of noodles brings to mind that it is time for breakfast.
Ending up at the Holland Village Food Centre, morning meal comes in the form of a well-earned plate of tantalising Mee Siam and a warm frothy glass of Teh Tarik.
During the meal, soaring resolve is steeled to conquer the entire length of the Rail Corridor and seek out its many other hidden wonders when the next opportunity presents itself.
FAST FACTS
National Parks Board HQ
1 Cluny Road, Singapore Botanic Gardens
Singapore 259569
TEL 1800 471 7300 (within Singapore)
EMAIL nparks_sbg_visitor_services@nparks.gov.sg
WEBSTISE hwww.nparks.gov.sg
THE BACKGROUND An agreement between the governments of Malaysia and Singapore in 2010 prompted Keretapi Tanah Melayu to move from Tanjong Pagar to Woodlands in return for three parcels of land in Singapore jointly managed by both nations. The last train left Tanjong Pagar Railway Station on June 30, 2011.
WHERE TO EAT Although there currently are no food outlets along the Rail Corridor, visitors can rest assured that there are plenty of dining opportunities near well placed exits located all along the trail. Apart from speciality cafes and restaurants, check out neighbourhood food courts that are filled with stalls offering a wide variety of inexpensive and delicious local selections.
WHAT TO WEAR Start the walk in the early morning with comfortable shoes and suitable attire. Bring sufficient drinking water and allocate ample time to explore as there are lots of things to see along the way and many scenic spots for amazing photographic opportunities. Ample exits allow for convenient toilet breaks and the chance to check out local dining outlets.
THE VERDICT Well conserved and visitor friendly. A true haven for nature lovers and exercise enthusiasts.
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