Upper Seletar Reservoir, body of water
Upper Seletar Reservoir is a drinking water reservoir in central Singapore, near the zoo and the Central Catchment Nature Reserve. It is surrounded by forest and has walking trails along the water, a tower-shaped structure on the shore, and a lone Casuarina tree at the edge of the water.
The reservoir opened in 1920 as Singapore's third major water storage facility, following MacRitchie in 1867 and Lower Pierce in 1910. It was badly damaged during World War II and later expanded, with works completed in 1969.
The name Seletar comes from a Malay word referring to the sea nomads who once lived in this region. Today, people come here to fish along the banks, walk the trails, and watch birds near the water, especially in the early morning hours.
The area is open at all hours and has free parking along Mandai Road. Springleaf MRT station is nearby, making it easy to arrive without a car. Staying on marked trails is a good idea, as the forest around the water can feel dense quickly.
Near the shore stands a rocket-shaped tower built in 1969 and designed by architect Goh Peng Koon, who also designed the zigzag bridge at MacRitchie Reservoir. Close by, there is an old merry-go-round, one of only three still found anywhere in Singapore.
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