We continued our walk along MacRitchie Reservoir, passing by the Draw-off Tower, dam and heading towards the kayaking area. The reservoir dam acts as a barrier to contain the water and the spillway helps to channel the overflow of water from the reservoir.

Although it was already 10 plus in the morning, the sky was pretty cloudy which spares us from the heat. Before reaching our resting point, we spotted a lot of monkeys. They seem to be an attraction to the curious onlookers and avid photographers but we didn't get too near or stay long in the area.

 
Although we had our picnic safely (after checking the grounds), we should not/avoid picnicking in the area as the monkeys may come charging and snatching the food from us. Definitely a lesson learnt and important point to note whenever we are visiting the nature parks.

Keep food and snacks in haversacks/bags and not in plastic bags. The monkeys are accustom to human and they know plastic bags often contain food. Do not eat in the presence of monkeys and most importantly do not feed them! When approached by the monkeys, we should look down and walk away and not looking into their eyes. The children might find the monkeys fun and interesting but parents should educate and look after their kiddos to avoid any unwanted scares and injuires.

Read reports on Monkey Mayhem -
http://wildsingaporenews.blogspot.com/2007/12/monkey-mayhem-at-macritchie-reservoir.html
http://www.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne+News/Singapore/Story/A1Story20111007-303751.html

This would probably be our first and last picnic in the park.

If we keep the park clean and take note of the safety measures, the reservoir is a wonderful spot for nature lovers and exercise enthusiast. One example is Kayaking which seems to be a pretty popular sport activity here.
 

Fishing grounds

We continue our walk and took on the Prunus Trail walking on the footpath that skirts along the edge of the reservoir.  

Soon, we spotted rubber trees. Hubby quickly went in to look out for rubber seeds and rubber shells. All of us were curious not knowing what he was trying to do? It turns out that Hubby used to play with these little seeds and shells. According to Hubby, if you rub the seeds against each other or on your shirt, it will be 'heated' up.

As for the rubber shells (broken in halves), they will somehow connect together and you can make it spin! Another thing we learn today from our little field trip.

We did not continue with the Petai Trail but spotted Petai flowers. According to the guide, the seeds can be eaten and it taste like garlic.

More monkeys spotted within the trail. Gladys staying close to me as we walk past.

Thanks to Andy again for taking this nice group photo. ^_^

That ends our little group outing to MacRitchie Reservoir. All of us are famished and its time for lunch! ^_^

Here's what we brought home as souveniors. Complete set of rubber seed for Denver & Gladys to explore!

It has been almost 20 years since our last visit to the MacRitchie Reservoir. As for Denver & Gladys, it was their virgin trip. We make a date with Andy's family to revisit the reservoir. The carpark was full when we arrived at 8:30am - maybe this was due to the holiday? Apart from walking or taking a stroll, it is also a popular spot for jogging, cycling, canoing and trekking.

Want to learn more information about MacRitchie Reservoir? Check out the website at Nparks - http://www.nparks.gov.sg/cms/index.php?option=com_visitorsguide&task=naturereserves&id=49&Itemid=75

We need to check out the map before deciding where to go first.

Mushroom Cafe

Platform area where people can do yoga, warm ups or just simply taking a little rest. 

The pavilion and zig-zag bridge is the distinctive trademark of the reservoir. I still recall the times where our concert school band performed at this pavilion during my secondary school days and our sports day events at the reservoir. So much has changed around the vicinity but the images of the pavilion and zig-zag bridge still stamp deeply in my memory.

I heard there used to be water along this stretch of foot path where people can walk through the shallow submerge water feature. Unfortunately, it was dry when we arrived. It would be fun for the kiddos to walk on the water path.

Since there is no water play, the children played on a tree log instead. See them jump and walk on the log.

There is also a fitness park and Lornie Trail which we did not venture in further.

Its time to move on to check out the other side of the reservoir. Denver holding Wenxin's hands as we walked to the Dam area.

Stay tune for Part 2 - to be continued