About
MacRitchie Reservoir is more than just a reservoir and a little less than an entertainment park. This 12-hectare park boasts jogging tracks, cycling trails, a fitness area, play areas, a tea kiosk and a water fountain – features that beckon families, cyclists and joggers to flock here to indulge in much-needed R & R. On weekends, leisure-seekers are entertained by gigs held regularly here.

History
Built in 1968 and named Impounding Reservoir/Thomson Reservoir initially, MacRitchie Reservoir is Singapore 's oldest reservoir.

In 1823, the British John Crawfurd proposed the building of a reservoir and several waterworks , and even set aside $1,000 for this. There were no immediate plans, though. Another proposal that met the same fate was the plan to relay the headwaters of Singapore Creek.

1857 was better. Tan Kim Seng, a Straits Chinese merchant, made a contribution of $13,000 for the improvement of the town's waterworks but was met with little success. When he died in 1864, the reservoir was nowhere near completion. A fountain was erected at Fullerton Square in his honour, but was later moved to its present site in Queen Elizabeth Walk.

MacRitchie Reservoir, with functioning pumps and distributing network, was eventually completed in 1877.

The holding capacity of the Impounding Reservoir or Thomson Reservoir was expanded to over 465 million gallons in 1891. Municipal Engineer James MacRitchie oversaw this renovation and the reservoir was named after him in 1922.

During World War II, the Japanese Imperial Army built a Shinto Shrine, Syonan Jinja, in the heart of the MacRitchie Reservoir forest. It was later destroyed but the remains of shrine can still be seen if you look hard enough.

Recreation

• The boardwalks
  Be enchanted with Mother Nature's gifts: the flora and fauna the Central Catchment nature area.
• HSBC TreeTop Walk
  Catch the panoramic view of Upper Peirce Reservoir from this suspension bridge.
• Jelutong Tower
  This tower offers a stunning view of the Singapore Island Country Club golf course and the whole of MacRitchie Reservoir.