Singapore's three central reservoirs — MacRitchie, Upper and Lower Peirce, and Bedok — are linked by a combination of PCN connectors and park perimeter paths into a route that can be completed as either a 34 km loop or in shorter individual reservoir perimeter segments. Each section has a distinct character, and the differences in surface, shade, and foot traffic make this route more varied than most PCN paths on the island.

This guide covers the full loop, starting and ending at MacRitchie Reservoir Park (accessible from Lornie Road or from Caldecott MRT via a 1 km walk). Shorter versions using individual reservoir segments are noted where relevant.

MacRitchie Reservoir Perimeter (0–11 km)

MacRitchie is the most topographically interesting of the three reservoirs. The path around the perimeter is not uniform — the western bank follows a fairly wide, smooth tarmac PCN connector suitable for cycling, while the eastern bank uses a narrower compressed earth-and-gravel trail that forms part of the MacRitchie Reservoir Park nature trails. Cyclists are not permitted on the nature trail section of the eastern bank.

The full MacRitchie loop is 11 km. The tree canopy is dense throughout, keeping the temperature measurably lower than exposed PCN paths. This also means the path stays damp longer after rain — the nature trail segment can be slippery on clay sections for up to two hours after heavy downpours.

HSBC TreeTop Walk, a 250 m free-standing suspension bridge across the MacRitchie forest canopy, is located along the eastern bank section. It is only accessible on foot and opens at 8:30 am on weekdays (closed Monday). The surrounding trail sections are clearly signed.

Peirce Reservoir Connector (11–18 km)

The link between MacRitchie and Peirce Reservoir uses a PCN connector that exits the MacRitchie park along Venus Drive and joins the Upper Peirce Reservoir perimeter path. This section covers roughly 7 km and is predominantly tarmac, shared between pedestrians and cyclists.

Upper Peirce Reservoir Park is significantly quieter than MacRitchie. The path is narrower (2–2.5 m) and more shaded. A notable feature is the old British colonial bungalows on the Ridout Road side that are visible through the tree boundary — these add context to a section that is otherwise understated.

Cycling note: Cycling is permitted on the PCN connector and on the paved western perimeter of Upper Peirce. The inner nature trail at Upper Peirce is walking only. The Lower Peirce section uses a combination of path types — check current NParks signage at entry points for the latest access rules, as these are updated periodically.

Bedok Reservoir Loop (18–29 km)

The connector from Lower Peirce to Bedok Reservoir runs through the Serangoon Road and Upper Serangoon corridor, approximately 5 km of mostly PCN tarmac through residential buffer zones. This is the least scenic stretch of the full loop — the path is functional and flat but passes through unremarkable landscape.

Bedok Reservoir itself is a different experience. The perimeter is a consistent 4.3 km loop on smooth, 4 m-wide tarmac with minimal shade but strong views over the reservoir. The path is popular at all hours with cyclists, inline skaters, and runners — it is one of the more heavily used reservoir perimeters in Singapore, particularly on weekday evenings when nearby residents use it for after-work laps. The surface is in excellent condition, recently resurfaced in 2024.

Bedok Reservoir, whose perimeter forms the eastern segment of the reservoir loop route

Water points at Bedok Reservoir are at three locations around the perimeter: the main car park entry point near Bedok Reservoir Road, the northeastern corner near the fitness station, and the southern dam area. Toilet facilities are at the car park and at the pavilion near the fitness corner.

Return to MacRitchie (29–34 km)

The return leg from Bedok Reservoir to MacRitchie uses the Serangoon PCN connector in reverse, rejoining the Upper Peirce perimeter and eventually the MacRitchie access path. This section is familiar from the outbound journey and the path is well-signed. Total return distance from Bedok to MacRitchie is approximately 5 km.

Shorter Alternatives

The three reservoirs can each be used independently without completing the full loop:

  • MacRitchie only: 11 km perimeter loop. Entry from Lornie Road car park or Caldecott MRT.
  • Bedok only: 4.3 km perimeter loop. Entry from Bedok Reservoir Road car park or Bedok Reservoir MRT (DT23) via a short walk.
  • MacRitchie + Peirce: Approximately 18 km using the outbound connector and returning via Venus Drive. Suitable as a half-day route.

Equipment Considerations

For the full 34 km loop, road bikes are appropriate on the paved sections but not recommended for the MacRitchie nature trail eastern bank. Hybrid bikes handle all sections without issue. Running shoes with some grip (trail shoes or multi-purpose road/trail shoes) are more comfortable on the MacRitchie nature trail than standard road running shoes.

Lighting is not essential for early morning or evening use at Bedok Reservoir, which has consistent path lighting around its perimeter. MacRitchie and Peirce are not lit — anyone using these sections outside daylight hours should carry a headtorch.