A Guide to the Mysterious Secrets of Syonan Jinja
Hidden deep within the lush greenery of MacRitchie Reservoir lies a forgotten relic of the past that not all Singaporeans know about. Navigating to Syonan Jinja isn’t just about following trails. It’s about tracing the echoes of a bygone era!
Whether you’re a curious tourist or a first-time visitor, prepare to uncover secrets that the forest has kept hidden for decades. If you’re up for an adventure that blends a touch of mystery with a dose of nature, let me take you on a journey to this fascinating shrine.
History & Background
Syonan Jinja is a shrine designed in traditional Japanese architectural style and was intended to serve both religious and cultural purposes for the Japanese in Singapore. It was constructed in 1942 during the Japanese occupation.
However, as the war neared its end, the Japanese destroyed Syonan Jinja to prevent it from falling into Allied hands. Over time, the forest reclaimed the site, leaving behind little more than memories and remnants.
Today, while the shrine itself no longer stands, its history remains a poignant reminder of Singapore’s wartime past.
Things to Know
Location: Unnamed road in MacRitchie Reservoir
Contact: +65 1800 471 7300
Hours: Open 24 hours
Fees: Free entry
Pet friendly? Yes
Accessibility: Not PWD-friendly
Amenities: None within the area but there are toilets near the reservoir’s entrance
Trails Near the Site
- Jering Trail – A quieter path that weaves through dense forest, offering a more secluded experience near the historic area
- Prunus Trail – Runs along the reservoir’s edge, providing scenic water views and a gateway toward the deeper parts of the forest
- Lornie Trail – 11 km (round trip), moderate difficulty. A scenic route around the perimeter of the reservoir and a favourite for joggers and walkers that’s relatively near the general area of Syonan Jinja
- TreeTop Walk Trail – 7 km (round trip), moderate to difficult. This leads to the iconic TreeTop Walk, a 250-metre suspension bridge that offers a unique perspective of the forest canopy, passes through the same general forested area and is relatively near Syonan Jinja
- MacRitchie Nature Trail – 3 km (one way), easy to moderate, suitable for beginners and families, offering a shorter and more accessible route through the forest and is near the general area of Syonan Jinja
- Petaling Trail – 1.5 km (one way), easy, short boardwalk trail that takes you close to the water’s edge and is one of the closer trails to the Syonan Jinja site. This trail is known for its rich biodiversity and is great for those interested in spotting flora and fauna.
Rules and Regulations
✔ Stay on designated trails
✔ Cycling only on permitted paths
✔ Respect wildlife
✖ No littering
✖ No feeding of wildlife
✖ No unleashed pets
✖ No open fires or BBQs
✖ No camping, fishing, or drone flying without permission
How to Get to Syonan Jinja
Closest MRT: Syonan Jinja is located in the MacRitchie Reservoir. To get to the reservoir by train, take the Circle Line to Caldecott MRT Station (CC17/TE9), then exit and walk approximately 10–15 minutes along Thomson Road to the reservoir’s entrance.
Closest bus station: Take a bus to the MacRitchie Reservoir Bus Stop (Bus Stop ID: 51071) on Lornie Road, served by buses like 52, 74, 93, 157, 165, 852, and 855. From the bus stop, it’s a short walk to the reservoir’s entrance.
By car: You can choose between the main car park at the reservoir entrance on Lornie Road or the Venus Drive Car Park, which offers access to nearby trails. Both options are convenient, but they can fill up quickly on weekends, so it’s best to arrive early.
Once inside, follow the main trail towards the TreeTop Walk, and look for signs guiding you deeper into the forest. While the exact site of Syonan Jinja is not marked and is off-limits, the trails leading through the dense forest will give you a sense of the area’s historical significance.
What to Do
Do some historic exploration while hiking
— Media from brice.li.12
Though the actual site is unmarked, I couldn’t resist the chance to explore the trails that wind through the area, knowing that every step took me closer to a piece of history almost forgotten by time.
Along the trails, you might spot remnants of old structures, long overtaken by roots and vines. Hiking in this area is the way history and nature intertwine. The forest here isn’t just a beautiful backdrop; it’s a canvas of Singapore’s wartime past.
Spot some wildlife
— Media from sanlutan
On one of my hikes, I remember being caught off guard by a group of long-tailed macaques casually lounging on the trail, as if they owned the place. These curious little fellows are just one of the many species you might stumble upon here.
Once, I was lucky enough to spot a flying lemur gliding silently from one tree to another, a sight that felt almost otherworldly.
And it’s not just big, dramatic wildlife here. The forest is full of smaller wonders too, like the butterflies that dance through the air or the shy squirrels that dart up tree trunks.
Learn something at the Wallace Education Centre
— Media from wanderlustor69
At the Wallace Education Centre at MacRitchie Reservoir was a section on the history of the area, including the fascinating and sombre story of Syonan Jinja. Its tale is woven into the fabric of the reservoir’s history, a poignant reminder of the Japanese occupation and the changes it brought to Singapore.
As I explored the exhibits, I found myself learning not just about the animals and plants that thrive in the forest today, but also about the human stories that have shaped this landscape.
Do some forest bathing
— Media from palette.and.palates
What makes forest bathing near Syonan Jinja so special is the unique blend of natural and historical elements that fill the air with a sense of mystery and reverence. The tranquillity of the forest, with its thick ferns and gnarled roots, feels almost sacred as if the land itself remembers the past and holds it gently in its embrace.
I couldn’t help but think about the history that unfolded here—the shrine once standing tall among these trees, now reclaimed by nature.