Here’s a 257-step challenge that promises a glorious view of the campus at the end. Can you better the times of NTU athletes Xander and Clenyce?
by Lester Hio / Photos and videos by Hillary Tan and Ashraf Z
Xander – 1 min 22 secs
Clenyce – 1 min 31 secs
THE ROUTE
Starting at Yunnan Garden, propel yourself up two separate flights of stairs out of the garden and into NTU’s Chinese Heritage Centre. Turn right. The side stairs there exit into the Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan Building, which houses the College of Humanities, Arts, & Social Sciences.
Continue climbing up until you step outside and towards a long red-brick staircase. This final stretch will bring you to the back of the Student Services Centre, and the end of the climb.
Your reward for completing all 257 steps – equivalent to climbing a 12-storey building – is a gorgeous view of Yunnan Garden and the Jurong neighbourhood that stretches into the horizon.
Pro tip: If you make the climb in the evening (when the weather is cooler as well), you may be up for a beautiful sunset.
*This steep staircase workout requires pacing yourself. Seek advice from your doctor if you have any health concerns.
FAST FACTS
Total number of steps: 257
Like climbing: 12 storeys (3m per floor)
Elevation gain: ~37m
TIPS FROM THE DUO
“It’s longer than it seems, so pace yourself well and don’t go all out right from the start.”
Keep your eye on the stairs for safety.”
VIEW FROM THE TOP
ARE YOU UP TO IT?
If you need a dash of excitement in your daily 10K – this is it. Make it a fun challenge by seeing if you can beat the times set by business undergrad and national sprinter Xander and sport science master’s student Clenyce. (The accomplished sprinters aren’t going to make it easy for you though!)
Send HEY! your best time and you could win a prize.
HOW FAST CAN YOU GO?
Under 2 min – Stair master
Under 3 min – Rising respect
This story was published in the Jul-Aug 2023 issue of HEY!. To read it and other stories from this issue in print, click here.
