The Top 10 Singapore Hiking Trails To Breathe Clean & Exercise Green!
With a sheer number of parks and nature reserves located far from the cityscape, Singapore has something in-store for adventure enthusiasts too in addition to its year-round attractions and a stunning Skyline. Spare a day and branch off the line of tourist's attractions, hiking in Singapore along these trails.
Hiking in Singapore city is a rewarding experience, especially if you are a nature enthusiast. The rich tropical landscape and the vibrant history is captured through the many trails and paths in this city of gardens. From enjoying the panoramic views of the cityscape from the top of Mount Serapong to walking alongside the dense tree canopies at MacRitchie Reservoir’s Tree-Top Walk, the options are as varied as you can imagine
You can also head out for a hike and uncover Singapore’s rich heritage through trails that weave through Singapore’s history like Fort Canning Park with their augmented reality trails and Labrador Nature Reserve with its fort from World War II. Trekking and hiking option is one of the many activities you can do with your family in Singapore. No matter what your age or fitness level is, there is a trek for you.
You can take your kids and pets for an early morning walk along abandoned railway tracks, on the Green Corridor trail or you can challenge yourself and walk to the Upper Peirce Reservoir, covering more than 4.5 kilometres of uphill area. Trekking is one of the best things to do in Singapore that will take you through mudflats, mangroves, jungles, coastlines and old battlegrounds, making your days spent hiking, some of the most memorable ones.
What To Bring For Your Hike
At the very least prepare bring along:
A hiking backpack
An extra change of clothes
Bottles of water
Hiking boots (ideally waterproof)
First-aid kit and any medication you might require
1. MacRitchie Reservoir Park
Far from the hustle and bustle that Singapore is, and to take a nice break from pavement beating the traffic and heat, MacRitchie Reservoir is perfect for nature lovers as well as hiking enthusiasts. The 'treetop walk' is scenic; an escape to nature in the middle of a busy city and the trail is facilitated by a water ranger station, where people can refill drinkable water in their water bottles and appropriate mobile network which proves to be a comfort to the tourists. On the way, the tourists experience a panoramic view of the impressive MacRitchie reservoir surrounded by rubber trees and remnants of the plantations from the 19th Century.
The Tree-Top Walk is the highest trail among the many at MacRitchie Reservoir. This one-way walk takes place on a free-standing suspension bridge that connects the two highest points in MacRitchie i.e. Bukit Peirce and Bukit Kalang.
The length of the entire walkway is around 250 metres and its height reaches 25 metres at its highest point. The trail weaves right in the thicket of dense forest cover and gives a bird’s eye view of animals and birds living in the forest canopy.
Location: 601 Island Club Rd, Singapore 578775
2. Southern Ridges
This hiking trail in Singapore consists of bridges connecting parks along the southern ridge of the city. The various trails at Southern Ridges offer panoramic views of the southern part of Singapore and the Southern Islands. The 'Henderson Waves' trail being the highest pedestrian bridge with its impressive architecture is connected to 'Alexandra Arch' through a 1km trail generally known as 'Hilltop Walk'. Southern Ridges are also known to offer stark beauty - a path lined with flowering plants forming a gateway to the gardening hub known as 'Hort Park'. Southern Ridges, with its dynamically changing surroundings as one proceeds, are known for recreation purposes and an ideal venue for bird-watchers and eco-tourists.
The South Ridge hike covers a ten-kilometre stretch of open, green spaces in Singapore. This 6-mile long trail weaves through some of the most popular parks and gardens of the city including Mount Faber Park, Telok Blangah Hill Park, HortPark, Kent Ridge Park and Labrador Nature Reserve. The trail rises above the city, as high as 36 metres above the ground level, affording some spectacular panoramic views.
The different areas covered are connected through beautiful ridges and pathways that add to the allure of the walk. You can expect to come across some fascinating art and architecture and vibrant botanical gardens as you walk through the many dirt tracks, paved paths and elevated walkways of the trail.
Location: Henderson Road, Mount Faber Park, Telok Blangah Hill Park, Singapore 099203
3. Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
Bukit Timah Summit, known to be the highest natural point in Singapore, is a hilly region with a temperature cooler than the rest of the City-state, probably the reason why Bukit Timah Nature Reserve has proved to be the most sought-after place amongst Singaporean hikers. The trail consists of steep slopes which can prove to be challenging for a few.
When it comes to trekking in Singapore, there are not many places that can match the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve’s rich biodiversity. Home to Singapore’s highest hill, the reserve offers many trails of varying difficulty.
The trails weave through forested areas where you can get a chance to spot long-tailed macaques and a wide variety of birds. Some of the paths lead to towering slopes which reach 163 metres above the ground level. The trails are easy to follow, for most of the part, thanks to steps, boardwalks and rope railings. Bukit Timah Nature Reserve is connected by an Eco Link to the nearby Central Catchment Nature Reserve.
Location: Hindhede Dr, Singapore 589318
4. Windsor Nature Park
A combination of three different trails amounting to a distance of 3.85 kilometers, Windsor Nature Park provides a hiking experience filled with greenery, boardwalks, cobblestones, and freshwater streams. The Hanguana, Squirrel, and Drongo trail provide leisurely walks through the dense vegetation, wildlife, and rare plants and trees. Also, hikers can trek to the Treetop Walk, which is a 250 meters suspension bridge offering a panoramic view of the forest.
Windsor Park’s Hanguana Trail is a great way to explore the park and appreciate the various birds, dragonflies and fruit trees including banana and jackfruit.
If you’re bringing a camera along to snap away beautiful photos of nature, be sure to head to the Drongo Trail that features a sub-canopy walk, allowing visitors to walk through and view the flora beneath them! If you’re itching for a challenge, take a 4 hour trail to the Treetop walk at MacRitchie (yes, they are connected!)
5. Upper Peirce Reservoir
An easy hike for everyone who is a nature lover or just seeking an escape from the monotony of life, Upper Peirce Reservoir is the one-stop to relax in the lap of nature. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city along Old Upper Thomson Road, the Upper Peirce Reservoir offers tranquil lake-side trails and forested areas. One can enjoy strolling along with the lake and encounter monkeys and long-tailed macaques lazing around. A must-visit for history buffs too, the Reservoir is the fourth oldest in Singapore and has significant and intriguing history relevant to it.
The Upper Peirce Reservoir Park is unarguably the most peaceful and serene place to escape the humdrum of the city. The park is a part of the nature reserve which acts as water catchment for the different reservoirs in the area and offers plenty of opportunities for hiking.
The entrance to the park is located more than a kilometre away from the main road and a trail of another 4.5 kilometres can be covered through the Lower Pierce Reservoir to reach the Upper Peirce Reservoir. The long-distance makes it an endurance trail which can take a long time but is definitely worth the effort thanks to the spectacular views of the forest canopy and the reservoir.
Location: Along Old Upper Thomson Road, Singapore
6. Mount Faber Park
Mount Faber, formerly 'Telok Blangah Hill', is located in the Central region of Singapore and is one of the parks connected through the Southern Ridges. The tower on Mount Faber forms a part of the cable car system connecting HarbourFront and Sentosa, offering a panoramic view of HarbourFront. The highlight includes the reservoir which was known to be a source of water provision for Singapore city back in 1905, presently with its surrounding rustic-raw landscape, slippery tracks covered with overgrown bushes which definitely adds fun to hiking here.
When hiking in Singapore, Mount Faber Park is a must-visit destination for its spectacular scenery and fresh air. You can begin your trek at the cable car station at Mount Faber and walk downhill to the Faber Walk. The hilly trail down to the Telok Blangah Rise avails you bird’s eye view of the city and the dense forest cover.
Trails inside the park are spread across the length and breadth and cover about 3 kilometres in roads and paths. One interesting route which includes a 1-kilometre long path above the canopy starts from Henderson Road, then getting onto Mount Faber Road and east towards Mount Faber Park. Then, you head west and end your hike at Telok Blangah Hill Park.
Location: Junction of Kampong Bahru Road and Telok Blangah Rd, Singapore 099448
7. Sungei Buloh Wetland
An ecological site renowned worldwide, Sungei Buloh Wetland place serves to be a retreat for nature lovers. Experience the stunning natural wildlife and an increased chance of bird sightings, watching them migrating to Australia during the peak seasons if you can take a day off from the chaotic life and want to know what the age-old method of harvesting prawns in the tide seems like. The natural beauty of Sungei Buloh, coupled with the serene environment, makes it a good trail for hiking in Singapore.
Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve is Singapore’s first ASEAN Heritage Park and offers a unique opportunity to hike through an extensive mangrove forest. You can walk across the 202 hectares of mangroves, mudflats, forests and ponds, making for a memorable experience of hiking in Singapore.
A few of the many residents of this ecological thoroughfare include mudskippers, crabs, shellfish, water snakes, birds, otters, herons, kingfishers and more. There are several trails of varying difficulty that can be undertaken at the reserve. It also has a visitor centre where you can stop by and learn more about the biodiversity and ecology of the place.
Location: 301 Neo Tiew Cres, Singapore 718925
8. Chestnut Park
An amalgamation of jungle terrains, steep slopes, and varied flora and fauna, Chestnut Park located at the eastern end of Chestnut Avenue near Bukit Timah and Bukit Panjang provides for an adventurous hike. This hiking trail in Singapore winds into densely forested areas, filled with exotic flora and fauna. Also, there are markers at every 100 meters which lets the hikers keep a track of how much they have walked so far. While the Northern loop of the trail is an easy walk with little slopes and rugged pathways, the Southern loop is a challenging one with varying terrains and winding slopes.
Singapore’s largest nature park, Chestnut Nature Park is replete with a number of hiking trails. Several hidden streams and lakes straddle the park, adding to the charm of the place. Hiking at Chestnut Park can also be a treat for birdwatchers, with the park attracting several migratory and indigenous species throughout the year.
9. Coney Island
Alternatively known as 'Pulau Serangoon', Coney Island is located off the north-eastern coast of Singapore and is one of the best hiking trails in Singapore. Coney Island Park is home to a wide range of habitats including coastal areas, mangrove swamps as well as grasslands. The land here is undeveloped with a rustic environment offering a stark beauty making the experience one of a kind for any visitor.
Coney Island boasts of a wide variety of habitats including mangroves, grasslands, coastal forests and casuarina woodlands, and thus is an excellent option for trekking in Singapore. During your hike, you can enjoy bird-spotting as the Coney Island Park is home to 80 species of birds, including Baya Weavers, Oriental Magpie-robins and parakeets.
You can walk on the boardwalk which takes you through the forest and mangroves and ends at the beach. You can also enjoy a promenade view of the Serangoon Reservoir if you decide to ride the 2.5-kilometre long park connector. The park also offers two-hour long guided walks with the help of knowledgeable volunteers.
Location: Punggol Promenade Nature Walk, Singapore 829325
10. Dairy Farm Nature Park
This trail is perfect for an adventurous soul looking for a jungle hiking experience in Singapore. The park is isolated from the busy city life and its annoyances and makes anyone feel like an experienced hiker because of the moderate difficulty and inconsistency in paths. A trip to Dairy Farm without visiting the 'Wallace Trail' is certainly incomplete and one can definitely feel a sense of tranquillity at the end of the park where lies 'Singapore Quarry Park' - an ideal spot for the rock-climbing enthusiasts and photographers.
The 63-hectare Dairy Farm Nature Park offers many options for hiking and trekking in Singapore. The most popular of the lot is the Wallace Trail which stretches for one or two kilometers, depending on the route you choose. The trail crisscrosses through forest cover where you can watch squirrels climbing up trees and birds chirping in the canopies.
The path also passes through remnants of a kampong or a village. Although the farm and the cows don’t exist anymore, you can still spot broken structures belonging to houses and ancient trees that are still standing. Amongst the many are Cempedak tree, Durian Tree and bracket fungus.
Location: 100 Dairy Farm Rd, Singapore 679057
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