The Best Hikes In Singapore
This article will take you on a journey through some of the most picturesque and invigorating hiking trails Singapore offers. From the scenic MacRitchie Reservoir to the tranquil Singapore Botanic Gardens, get ready to lace up your hiking boots and embark on unforgettable adventures in the heart of the Lion City.
Singapore is a vibrant and bustling city-state known for its modern architecture and bustling urban life, stunning parks, lush nature reserves, serene reservoirs, and beautiful gardens. Whether you’re an avid hiker or just looking to explore the great outdoors, Singapore offers a diverse range of hiking experiences catering to all fitness and adventure levels.
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Walking Trails and Hikes in Singapore
Walks for The Entire Family
Singapore is known for its luscious green surroundings and beautiful architecture, which means you can find beautiful walking trails all throughout this beautiful country. Sometimes, when you least expect it, there is one right at your doorstep. From nature reserves to hiking trails, Singapore has many options, so here are a few of my favourite walks in Singapore.
The Rail Corridor
The Green Corridor is a former railway line repurposed into a beautiful green space for walking, jogging, and cycling. It stretches 24 kilometres from Woodlands in the north to Tanjong Pagar in the south, offering a peaceful and scenic route away from the hustle and bustle of urban life.
The corridor is lined with lush vegetation, old railway tracks, and rustic bridges, providing a unique and tranquil environment for outdoor activities. It’s a great way to explore Singapore’s natural beauty and history while enjoying recreational time.
The recommended route includes a stop at the Alexandria Village Food Court and should take approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes to walk. However, this estimate may vary due to ongoing work along the trail. The trail begins at the Bukit Timah Railway station, closest to the King Albert Park MTR, and ends at the Hawker Market for a well-deserved treat.
Sungei Buloh Wetland
I know that Buloh Wetland Reserve seems like a trek to get to, but I can promise you it is worth the travel. This nature park has a little bit of everything in it: education, wildlife, and lots of coverage to ensure an enjoyable walk.
Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve offers a captivating escape into nature, providing a rich tapestry of wildlife and serene landscapes for everyone to immerse themselves in. Despite its proximity to urban Singapore, the reserve feels like a world of its own, boasting diverse ecosystems and many bird species that captivate nature enthusiasts and casual visitors.
The expansive wetlands and lush greenery, complemented by views of Malaysia in the distance, combine to create a truly immersive and unforgettable experience. Whether you’re an avid birdwatcher or simply seeking a peaceful retreat amidst nature’s splendour, Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve is a true gem waiting to be discovered.
Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
Bukit Timah Nature is one of my favourites because it contains a few hills that are uncommon in Singapore. Better still, you can reach the summit in around 45 minutes at a leisurely pace and can be done at any fitness level.
Bukit Timah Nature Reserve is a hidden gem in Singapore, offering a fantastic escape into nature right in the city’s heart. Established in 1883, it is one of Singapore’s first forest reserves and has been recognised for its historical importance. Bukit Timah Hill was the last place the British Military stood before the British Army surrounded it.
It features uncommon hills in Singapore and provides hiking trails suitable for all fitness levels. The summit can be reached in approximately 45 minutes at a leisurely pace, making it an excellent option for a refreshing outdoor adventure. Furthermore, the reserve’s rich biodiversity and lush greenery offer a great walking place. Whether seeking a peaceful retreat or a rewarding hiking experience, Bukit Timah Nature Reserve has something unique to offer.
If you feel like you have more fuel in the tank, keep walking for another 6 km, and you will reach Macritichie reservoir.
Macritichie Reservoir
For several reasons, Macritchie has always been the most popular hiking trail I have visited in Singapore. This nature walk is close to the city but feels like you are miles away. With excellent walking paths approximately 10 km long, there is enough wildlife to entertain the kids for most of the walk.
MacRitchie Reservoir is one of Singapore’s most popular hiking destinations, offering a refreshing retreat from the bustling city life. The highlight of this nature walk is the mesmerising treetop walk, which gives you a unique perspective as you traverse through the lush canopy of the forest.
Treetop Walk is closed on Mondays, so if this is the case, the reservoir surroundings will still provide a serene and picturesque environment for hikers. With well-maintained walking paths spanning approximately 10 kilometres, visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of nature and spot diverse wildlife, including playful monkeys and fascinating reptiles.
Whether you’re an avid hiker or just looking for a peaceful nature walk, MacRitchie Reservoir provides an unforgettable outdoor experience.
Singapore Botanic Garden
I know I have written about the Singapore Botanic Garden before, but it always intrigues me that I can see something new every time I visit. There is so much to love about these gardens, whether you discover it from head to toe or grab a picnic basket and spend the afternoon playing with the kids.
The National Orchard Garden is free entry, so it is a great time to explore this part of The Botanic Garden. If it is an educational experience you are after, no problem! Head over to the Heritage Museum to learn about Singapore’s history.
Finish off at Bee’s Knees for brunch or lunch, depending on the time of day you go exploring, and then treat yourself to guilt-free ice cream at Juju’s bar. The ice cream is made from all-natural ingredients and has half the calories of regular ice cream.
Southern Ridges
For this hike, start at Harbourfront MRT, take in Mount Faber Park and Henderson Waves, and stop here to take in the award-winning bridge that is 274m long and is worth taking the opportunity to enjoy a photo or two. Continue along and finish at Kent Ridge Park. With loads of variety, lots to see and some beautiful views, it is worth the 10km trail.
The battle of Pasir Panjang Ridge is an integral part of Singapore’s history. It can be seen throughout Kent Ridge Park as a reminder of the brave soldiers who defended this country against the Japanese. My favourite part of this hike is the canopy walk, which takes you 280 metres above the ground on a boardwalk, where you may spot a beautiful bird or two.
Thomson Nature Park
Start at Upper Pierce Reservoir, where this beautiful trail starts your journey. Stand alongside this tranquil lakeside and take photos before heading to Lower Pierce Reservoir. You can be mistaken by thinking you are in another country!
Here, you will find many monkeys who feel right at home with you walking past them. They take no notice of you unless you have snacks that they can smell a mile away! This enjoyable trail will find you weaving in and out of tracks of your choosing, with paths that lead you to many beautiful green nature trails.
Stop halfway and enjoy lunch at Casuarina Curry, where you can feast on a delicious Indian meal at an even better price. Watch them make your meal before you, where they may have a little flip or two.
Sentosa Jungle Walk
We all know that there are plenty of things to do on Sentosa Island, but did you know that Sentosa has a beautiful jungle walk at your fingertips? Start at the Merlion and take the escalator to the top. Pass the Luge and Skyride, and you will find the nature trails here.
There are a few trails to choose from, and if you are anything like me, getting lost is easy if you aren’t taking notice of the signs. You will be surprised at what you will find here, from Sentosa Nature Discovery (free admission) to Mount Imbah Battery, which is a little bit of something for everyone.
Fort Canning Park
Fort Canning Park is located right beside Orchard Road; it won’t take you long to walk around the park. However, there is more to Fort Canning than a lap around the outside path.
Step inside, and you will find a plethora of history, from English gravestones to Sir Stamford Raffles’s house of residence. Stop and take in all the signs because there is more to this park than you think. In every corner, you find a little hidden gem.
You could spend an entire day here exploring many little areas of the park and immersing yourself in Singapore’s history. Start at the Battlebox with a self-guided tour of the war tunnels of World War II.
Other places to visit include the Pancur Larangan (or the Forbidden Spring), Raffles Garden, the Sang Nila Utama Garden, the Spice Garden Archaeological Excavation Site, and the National Museum Singapore.
Jurong Lake Garden
Jurong Lake Gardens is a sprawling and picturesque garden in the western part of Singapore. It is a beautiful, serene retreat offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, recreational spaces, and diverse flora and fauna.
The garden features a tranquil lake, lush greenery, and vibrant flowers, making it ideal for leisurely walks, picnics, and outdoor activities. With its well-designed landscapes and peaceful ambience, Jurong Lake Gardens provides a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, offering you.
The park has plenty of activities, making it an excellent place for kids to enjoy and stay entertained. It is a chance to reconnect with nature and unwind in a scenic setting.
Labrador Nature Reserve
Labrador Nature Reserve is a fantastic walking path in Singapore that offers breathtaking coastal views and lush greenery. This serene reserve is a hidden gem, providing a perfect escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.
The Labrador Nature Reserve boardwalk is one of Singapore’s most picturesque seaside trails. As you traverse the boardwalk, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of cliff sides, secondary forests, and marshes, all while enjoying a stunning panorama of Singapore’s coastline.
The reserve is also teeming with wildlife, so don’t be surprised to spot squirrels darting across the boardwalk as you explore this scenic trail.
The tranquil atmosphere and stunning vistas make it an ideal place for a stroll or an invigorating hike, suitable for all fitness levels.
Klook.comMount Faber Park
Mount Faber Park is a fantastic walking destination in Singapore. It offers a picturesque and refreshing hiking experience with breathtaking panoramic views of the city skyline and the lush greenery of the surrounding landscape.
The park features well-maintained walking trails that cater to all fitness levels, making it a perfect choice for both casual strollers and avid hikers. As you ascend the trails, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the bustling harbour, the iconic Sentosa Island, and the magnificent Southern Islands.
Thanks for taking the time to read this article. I hope this post has given you the information you need. If you have any recommendations, tips or advice, I would love for you to share them in the comment section below!
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