Old Jurong Rail Guide
Did you know that Singapore used to have a rail network that stretched 14km between Bukit Timah and Jurong Industrial Estate? This was known as the Jurong Railway Line.
Its purpose was to facilitate the transfer of goods between Malaysia and Singapore (via Jurong), galvanising economic prosperity for both countries. The rail made its first run on 12 November 1965, after $5.5 million investment. However, due to the subsequent Independence of Singapore, Jurong Railway Line’s potential to serve the Malaysian Market was greatly reduced. Although the line did handle some 128,000 tons of freight in 1974, it was a far cry from its projected yearly traffic of at least 400,000 tons. The line eventually closed in the mid 1990s. The last train probably ran sometime in early 1990s when the AYE (Ayer Rajah Expressway) was built.
Today, sections of the abandoned rail can still be found in the forests of the Green Corridor and Jurong Railway Line has found fame as a hiking trek for the adventurous.
We will be resuming our journey after the Clementi Forest Hike (Point A to B) where we took a short break along the green corridor. From Point B towards Midpoint 1, this will mark the start of our Jurong Railway Line adventure!
Hike Time: Point B to Point C will take about 1hr 30 mins. This may vary according to fitness levels and prevailing weather conditions Point C to Point D will take about another 1hr. Hiking times include sufficient water breaks and of course photo taking time as well.
Preparation: Most of Point B to Point C will be within the rainforest, so gear up for forest hiking. From Point C to Point D, there isn’t much shelter hence a Cap and sunblock is recommended. Proper trekking shoes are a must as the trail is muddy. Gloves will be helpful when you have to search for handholds amongst the vegetation while navigating the uneven terrain.
Midpoint 1: Just in case you need to stop for the day. This is where you can leave halfway through the trail. Just walk up to the bus stop along the main road.
*Note: As this is not a regulated hiking trail by Npark, please take note of safety while walking through this path. It’s best that you head down with at least 1 other hiking partner.
Directions (From Point B onwards)
Once we exit Clementi Forest continue till you hit the green corridor path. Once on the trail, turn right and walk for like 5 minutes. (Follow the Purple Arrows!)
After like 5 minutes (or lesser), look right and you will see some railings and a pathway that is parallel to a drain.
Are you ready? Let’s go! Further on, you will see a familiar warning sign. Please ensure that you are wearing proper hiking gear, shoes and have sufficient water.
Enjoy the fresh open spaces, but watch your step!
Ahh the great outdoors!!
Gentle reminder not to throw your litter carelessly. Let’s keep the trail in good condition for everyone to enjoy!
And when the path seems to lead to nowhere… Just press on ahead a little further.
You will notice an opening with the rail track cutting across the pathway. Almost there!
[ Tip: Look out for those red and white ribbons as possible guides from previous hikers. ]
Finally, we are here at the Jurong Railway Line.
Here we have verdant jungle overgrowths and abandoned railway tracks, a stark contrast from the snazzy skylines of Marina Bay and fast moving Singapore. Take some time to appreciate the serenity of the jungle around you before continuing.
Keep a lookout for old fixtures still standing by the side of the track.
The start of the trail is relatively easy, but as we traverse deeper into the forest, it gets more challenging and of course, muddier as well.
If only I had worn hiking shoes instead of sport shoes…
After some time on the muddy track trail, you will come to a point where the track disappears into the vegetation.
And what is beyond… seems pretty much impossible to pass. We did try to go further but stopped when the water level kept rising.
So what’s next? No worries, that’s what this guide is all about! Remember when the track disappears under the vegetation? (Arrow 1) At that point look to your left, you will see an elevated mud path (Arrow 2) higher than the current one you are on. With the help of some fallen tree branches, climb up to that path. The gloves will come in handy here.
Further along the elevated mud path, we can see that the track is totally submerged on our right. Turning back earlier was indeed the wise choice.
Please be careful when you walk along the edge of the path, as it is very slippery after a heavy downpour.
Keep a lookout on your right as the water level subsides once again. It’s time to re-join the railway track!
This ledge is near the point where the railway track emerges from the muddy waters. You might want to sit on the ledge and lower yourself to the track below as it’s really muddy and slippery.
[ Tip: you can always look out for the red and white tapes around to give you a clue where you might continue on the trail in the case that you are unsure. ]
From here onwards, it’s getting less muddy! Yayy! However, we still have a few more fallen trees and branches to traverse before we reach Midpoint 1.
Yup… trees and more trees ahead.
Yes we see an opening ahead!
Congratulations, you have reached Mid Point 1.
Just in case you need an escape path out for the day, just head up to the bus stop and civilization is just a bus ride away.
I will catch you in Part 2 of the Old Jurong Rail Guide!
In case you missed my earlier hike through Clementi Forest, do check it out here!
This article was edited by Ah Tan.
