Dover Forest West - 1 Technology Dr

Took a short hike around Dover Forest. No mud unlike it’s neighbour (Clementi Forest)... spirit was uplifted by the quiet sounds of the forest and the cool afternoon breeze streaming through the trees...

A City Forest My first time to this forest, it’s small and I believed not many people had been explore here as still cannot find the proper walking path inside the forest. During our trekking we had seen quite a bit of big trees and there are a lot of small trees are growing. I over heard from a friend, this forest might be used for future development like building condo in 5-10 years time. Personally I really hope that this will be kept as natural reserved for green environments, felt pain if those big trees (guess some of them might be over 100 years). This is pretty small forest, you just need 30mins to explore it if you are not busy taking photos ?. Lastly, don’t go alone as you might lost the way as there are not many trekkers as well.

It's a pretty small trek. Also, some areas inside the forest do not have definite path. So experienced going in circles. But it was worth it! Carry lots of insect repellent though!

The forest is less explore by the public. You will get to see a lot of different kind of trees and how they grow. You will also get to see nice scenery along the way which you will not be expecting. However, do note that there tends to have more webs and the trail in the forest is not so obvious. A path is built to connect Dover MRT to the private estate. This also split the forest to 2 parts. The journey starts from Buona vista Mrt and end at Clementi Mrt.

After exploring a number of Singapore’s nature parks with designated paths or well-marked walking trails, it is new experience for me trying to explore Dover Forest. I was expecting thick undergrowth of a typical tropical forest as I immersed myself into its depths, but was pleasantly surprised by many segments of relatively sparse and dry undergrowth. There was no “bashing through thick vegetation” initially, but as I ventured deeper and encountered some areas not passable due to soft mud, the options left were to either backtrack the long distance where I came in, or to cut through some dense vegetation for a quicker exit. In the absence of well-marked trials, the quicker exit method can be determined through identification of own GPS position on digital map and orientation using a compass ( a general north direction leads to Ulu Pandan Park Connector ). However, consideration was given not to disturb the fragile eco-balance and back-tracking was the better choice. In terms of wildlife sighting, I was able to spot some very interesting insects, including the Sumatran paper wasp and Harpactorinae assassin bug.

Happy to explore the Dover Forest (East) as part of Tapestry Trails. The guide was knowledgeable and passionate about all things nature. Do visit this space soon before it is replaced by HDB BTOs!

Located just next to Dover MRT, Dover Forest consists of 2 sections: Dover Forest East and Dover Forest West. Dover Forest came into spotlight when the authority decided to deforest the Dover Forest to build new housing. It sparked outcry from the locals. After months of discussion, the final decision was made in late July 2021: Dover Forest East will be developed into public housing in 2022, while Dover Forest West will be retained at least until 2030.

The lesser explored forest in Singapore which is going to be gone soon. The forest is true to it’s name and as close to natural as possible due to less hikers coming. There are no visible trails except for the entrance and some exits, this place is only for the experienced. The ground is covered with leaves, protruding roots, low dangling vines and full of ants. There are also muddy grounds which can be pretty slippery. The environment inside the forest is quite dangerous as there are hazards all over, any miss steps can result in a hard fall and injury. At some parts of the forest, the bushes are as tall or taller than an average man’s height. I would highly recommend you to be well geared and covered to prevent cuts and bites. This challenging terrain is unique and I don’t think can be found in other parts of Singapore, I felt pretty good and had a sense of achievement after clearing this location. Come challenge yourself before this wonderful place is cleared for residential development from late 2022 onwards.