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It may not be very much to look at for more experienced hikers, in fact
it is little more than a hillock, but the superb views of Keppel Harbor,
the outlying islands, and the city center continue to lure visitors into
taking a walk up Mt. Faber Park.
Originally a signal station in the 19th century, Mt. Faber once bore the
name Telok Blangah Hill before it was renamed in 1945 after a government
engineer, captain Charles Edward Faber.
Heavily wooded with lovely park areas, it is popular with walkers and
joggers escaping from the bustle of the city. There are two ways up –
you can either take the cable car from the HarbourFront Centre or
Sentosa, or you can walk up from Telok Blangah Road.
On The Way Up
Hikers usually mark their start from the Harbour Front Centre, gateway
to Sentosa and embarkation point for many cruises. The walk starts by
going over the footbridge crossing Telok Blangah Road. From here, turn
left and walk past the hawker center to the bus station. Continue along
Telok Blangah Road. Pass the striking modern architecture of the Grace
Methodist Church and turn right up Morse Road (following the sign for
Mount Faber Park).
Walk up Pender Road, along which you’ll catch glimpses of some colonial
“ black-and-white” houses between the trees. The road twists up the
hillside so it is advised that hikers/walkers be careful of oncoming
traffic.
Follow the road to a crossroads, above which stands the lovely house of
Tan Boon Liat or “Golden Bell” (now the Danish Seaman’s Mission), where
Dr. Sun Yat Sen is said to have stayed in 1911. If you have time to
kill, you can take a detour round the little park to your left. If not,
press on straight ahead along Mount Faber Road, following the signs to
Faber Point.
Up to Faber Point
 The
road going up to Faber Point plunges you into forest which cloaks this
flank of the hill and in which there are splendid specimens of
bougainvillea and many other shrubs and trees.
After a few minutes, you will see a path going into the trees on the
right-hand side of the road. Cross the road and take the path. Climb
through the dense undergrowth, ignoring the small track that branches to
the right, until you reach a gazebo, where you can stop for a break.
 Here
you will catch a preview of the awesome scenery and views that await you
at the top. Once you have got your breath back, follow the path along
the ridge up some steep red-brick steps and you will find yourself at
Faber Point.
While here, you may be interested in taking a look at the relief
pictures depicting various facets of Singapore life and history that
surround the base of this lookout point.
Walk around the base and climb up the steps for some breathtaking views
along the coast and out to the surrounding islands and nearby Indonesian
archipelago view of the city’s business district. This particular view
can be pretty spectacular at night when all the skyscrapers at the town
center are lit up with the darkening night sky providing a dramatic
backdrop. Telescopes and interpretation boards are provided.
To Cable Car Station and Down
From Faber Point, continue along the ridge. The path drops down to the
road, where toilets are provided. Continue along the road until you
reach the cable car station.
Here there is another excellent viewing platform, as well as a pretty
ornamental pond, a bar and the opportunity to buy souvenirs at the
visitor center and souvenir shops.
If you think you have had enough walking for the day, you can opt to
board the cable car, which will take you all the way down to the Harbor
Front Center.
If you feel up to another stretch of walking, continue along the
road—here the footpath has been turned into a “floral walk”, overhung
with a trellis on which grow many beautiful tropical blooms.
This route takes you down to the Marina Deck, a slightly surreal
reconstruction following the design of a two-mast ship. From here the
road drops down the side of the hill. After a few hundred meters, take
the path that cuts off through the trees on your right.
This joins Temenggong Road – it is named after the officials who helped
control Singapore in the early 19th century, two of whom are buried
close by. After visiting their tombs, walk down to Telok Blangah Road.
Turn left and walk back to the Harbor Front Center, where you can have a
drink or snack as a “reward” for you day’s walking and exploration
efforts.
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