Joggers, cycling enthusiasts and families will enjoy a visit to the Ulu Pandan Park Connector, part of the Park Connector Network (PCN). This park connector stretches all the way from Buona Vista to Commonwealth Avenue West, passing by housing estates at Ghim Moh, Ulu Pandan, Clementi, Sunset Way and Faber Hills. It is also accessible from Buona Vista and Dover MRT stations.
Ulu Pandan PCN is also part of the Western Adventure Loop, which is connected to the rest of the city via the Round Island Route.
Ulu Pandan Park Connector: Family-friendly and Wheelchair-friendly Paths
While cycling and scooting along the Ulu Pandan Park Connector, we have experienced how smooth the track is.
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Joggers and walkers exercise along the track, parents stroll by with their babies in strollers; folks on foldable bikes and younger children on balance bikes navigate the paths easily too.
Caregivers can also be seen accompanying people on wheelchairs, enjoying the picturesque views of the surroundings.
The Ulu Pandan Park Connector has both north and south banks that run beside the Sungei Ulu Pandan River.
Ulu Pandan Park Connector South Bank and North Bank
The south bank runs in front of the Clementi NorthArc estate.
It was previously closed due a “slope failure”, was fully reopened on 30 June 2024.
This reopened stretch runs under the Commonwealth Avenue West and the MRT line.
Following along the South Bank of the park connector, you can reach the elevated bridge over AYE which connects to Pandan Gardens and Pandan Reservoir. There is also an entry way that takes you past the small Faber Heights Park into the Faber Hills estate.
From Clementi Road, the North Bank leads out to Commonwealth Avenue West.
Flora and Fauna at Ulu Pandan
The North bank of the Ulu Pandan Park Connector is a wonderful way to see the flora and fauna of the area.
Look closely at the Sungei Pandan Canal and surrounding trees and you may be able to spot birds such as the Black-naped Oriole, Sulphur Crested Cockatoo, Oriental Dollarbird, Rose-ringed Parakeet, Striated Heron, Little Egret, Swiftlets, Kingfishers and majestic raptors like the Grey-headed Fish Eagle.
A look into the canal, particularly in the mornings and late afternoon, to see birds feeding off the fish or searching for prey amongst the grassland.
Apart from the creatures in flight, there is plenty to see at the canal including occasionally families of otters, monitor lizards, fish and tortoises. We have even witnessed two families of otters “greeting” one another over an apparent territorial dispute.
Children will be pleased to spot flowering plants and trees especially during the flowering season. As the vegetation grows lusher, expect to see even more wildlife in time to come.
Other Points of Interest at Sungei Ulu Pandan Canal
Joggers and cyclists can’t miss the few landmarks along the Ulu Pandan Park Connector. The now-defunct railway bridge across Sungei Ulu Pandan was part of the old Jurong line.
This railway bridge is of a truss bridge design, similar to the truss bridges in Upper Bukit Timah and King Albert Park.
You can still find sections of the old Jurong Line railway tracjs alongside parts of the Ulu Pandan Park Connector.
Remnants of farms still line the railway, and you can spot many fruit trees including durian and jackfruit trees.
Now community farming has taken over and is reminiscent of the old-school charm of the area. We even recalled seeing a cow at the land years ago, before it was reorganised.
From the South Bank, you can also reach the Clementi NorthArc estate and its playgrounds. This brings the total number of access points from Clementi NorthArc to the Ulu Pandan Park Connector to four.
Apart from the bridge, there are several features built which adds to the tranquility of the place.
For instance, visitors can look out for large ponds used as sedimentation basins. These temporarily collects water from the drains and allows larger sediments to settle before cleaner water flow into the river.
Aquatic plants have also been planted to help absorb nutrients and enhances the landscape.
There is are also circular viewing decks along the river. You can pause to see water flowing from the drains into the river through a cleansing biotope which consists of plants that help cleanse the water.
Nearby is the Van Kleef Centre, a water research centre set up by Singapore Delft Water Alliance. It was named after a Dutchman who bequeathed his entire estate to Singapore’s first modern aquarium at the foot of Fort Canning Hill.
Access to Ulu Pandan Park Connector
To gain easy access to the park connector, you can either choose to commute via MRT with your foldable bikes or scooters and alight at either Buona Vista or Dover stations.
Alternatively park at different spots around the estates such as Ghim Moh, Ulu Pandan, Sunset Way, Faber Hills or Clementi Avenue 4.
Venturing along the Scenic Route at Sungei Pandan Canal
Pay a visit to the Ulu Pandan Park Connector and enjoy the breeze caressing your face while enjoying the fresh air and scenic surroundings. Westies will be glad to enjoy this park connector. Perhaps you might spot an eagle or an owl while on your adventure!
If you enjoyed this story, you may also enjoy this one on the Faber Hills Playground, a short distance away from the Ulu Pandan Park Connector.
