Bukit Batok Nature Park: A CNY recce run

Had the opportunity to do a short run at my brother's house @ Bukit Batok. Went for a brief recce in my car to 'Little Guilin' and along the way saw the entrance to Bukit Batok Nature Park. This has been one park I have long wanted to run in, having heard its legendary slopes and the murder of a lady jogger in its quiet surroundings some years ago.

After feasting on lots of tidbits, I decided to do the run in the cool weather. Sis-in-law showed me the path that led to the Park. After about 1km, I entered the Park from Bukit Batok side...ran some nice loops, and then exited and ran along the 2.5km bicycle track. It led me to Hillview Ave, and then I ran along Upper Bukit Timah Road till I reached the other entrance...the steep upslope. I took a good breath, and ran up the approximately 500m steep upslope. It was a hard workout. Though it was not as long as the MF slopes, it was steep...very similar in nature to Telok Blangah Hill. Finally reached the top, and before I could recover, there were three long flights of steps to run...hmm, good for vertical marathon training....all the way up the satellite towers.

Hit the top, and ran down again, took a side exit to a viewpoint where I could see Guilin View. It was nice and scenic. I then ran the other side, hoping to reach to the bottom of the Park. Ran into some private estates, Hume Heights, and then was confronted by 3 fierce dogs which were not on leash. I had to growl louder than them, while running away, before reaching back....hmm, I shall try again to do this some other time. I ran back along the slopes which I ran up from, and after getting a sports drink from a Petrol Kiosk, ran 2km more before reaching back. I estimated a total of 10km taking about 1hr. A nice run alone, rare occasions for me these days, and I enjoyed the solidarity and serenity of the run. Hope to be able to explore more of this area, maybe next will be to the 'Little Guilin' area.