Welcome to the northern end of Singapore. To many of us, Mandai could be considered a long-lost outpost of Singapore. Few people live here. Most residents cocoon themselves around the Meng Suan Road area. Past that, it is mostly military or industries.

Save for the Mandai Wildlife Group, there is little colour here. But Mandai Road does have a few accolades of her own. She has the honour of being a “Heritage Road”.

It is one of the oldest roads in Singapore. It was built way back in 1855 when tigers still roam the jungles. Agriculture is a keyword here. Jalan Lada Hitam (Malay for Black Pepper) tells us that someone did try to get into the spice trade.

But by the turn of the century, Mandai has shifted to rubber, pineapple, vegetable and poultry farms. By the mid-1900s, the rubber and pineapple industries have disappeared.

This transitioned to vegetable and poultry farming, which remained till the 1980s when Singapore decided it was time for HDB (Housing Development Board) to move in.

Yours truly, Uncle Chris was lucky to have witness the change of Mandai Road from days of old to current days. I served my National Service from 1973 to 1975. Mandai was (SAF) Singapore Armed Forces’ favourite military training area.

As a raw recruit, I roamed the farms all along Jalan Ulu Sembawang. Farming was old-school then. It was rustic, full of old-world charm. Baby boomers who did the same military training will remember this place (& Hill 265!!), fondly.

Our walk will include Upper Seletar Reservoir which has its own history (complete with beautiful sunset scenes).

We meet at Springleaf MRT on Thurs, 20th Aug 2026, 7pm and hope to end by 9.30pm, maybe 10. Upon alighting, take Exit 2 and meet me at the bus stop next to Han’s Café. From here, we’ll take bus service 138 to Mandai Road.

Take your dinner before coming as there is nothing available along our walking route. There are lots of eateries next to Springleaf MRT.

Note: This is an evening walk because a morning walk would mean “we will be cooked by the sun” as our entire walking route is unshaded. The bonus is – this is a beautiful night walk!!

For reservations, contact:
UNCLE CHRIS WALKING TOURS
Chris WK Ng
T: 65 91814298
E: [email protected]
W: www.unclechrisdrivingholidays.com

Note:
• We do the worldwide practice of tipping at the end of the tour.
• We also reserve the right to accept or reject habitual late cancellations and No Shows.
• Do not sign up for this tour if you are not sure of your schedule. Sign up only when you are sure of your schedule.