Canterbury Road – Lesser-Known Hill Near Alexandra With Colonial Buildings For Photoshoots & Picnics

Guide to Canterbury Road

Whether you’re looking for a pretty place to snap some pre-wedding pics, have a quiet picnic with your friends, or spend a day away from the hustle and bustle of city life, Canterbury Road might just be your new secret haven.

Here’s where you can trick your friends into thinking that you’re not in Singapore ‘cause there just aren’t that many spots on our little island with vast green lands. Although it may seem ulu, Canterbury Road is actually really near Hort Park. All you have to do is continue walking up the hill – trust us, the views are totally worth it.

“Cameron Highlands” in Singapore

Some of you might have already seen Canterbury Road on TikTok with a number of cyclists filming their way up the hill to access the many photo spots. Known as Singapore’s very own Cameron Highlands – minus the cool climate – the hill has breathtaking views once you’ve conquered the slopes.

Image credit: @couple_on_weels via Instagram

Grab a friend and challenge yourself to a short hike. You can choose to start from Hort Park which is about a 10-minute walk away or from Gillman Barracks if you’re looking for a longer, more adventurous route of roughly 1.7km.

Those coming from Kent Ridge Park can get here by following the route from the Canopy Walk towards Canterbury Road. But if walking isn’t really your thing, you can cycle up here as well.

Colonial black & white bungalows

Along the road, you’ll be able to spot colonial black and white bungalows which are mostly distinguished by their dark timber beams and white walls. Built between 1903 and 1941, these bungalows are testament to Singapore’s colonial past.

If you think these buildings look familiar, you’re not wrong as there are some of these colonial buildings at Dempsey and Rochester Park as well – bet you didn’t expect to find one here, though. Good news is that it’ll be easier to get photos without being photobombed as this one is relatively unknown.

However, make sure you’re quiet and respectful as these are residential houses.

Picnic & photoworthy spots

Towards the end of the road, you’ll reach the “Canterbury Open Field” – as it is named on Google Maps – and this is where you’ll want to spend some time to admire the view.

With blue skies and a vast open space with greenery extending as far as the eye can see, it’s no wonder this place is such a hit among couples and photographers as well.

You might also want to bring along a camping chair or picnic map to lay down and chill. Pack some food and there you have it – a cute little picnic date.

At first glance, this looks like it was taken somewhere in New Zealand but hey, it’s right here at Canterbury Road.

While you’re there, do keep a lookout for the heritage Bodhi Tree standing tall and strong. It offers some shade on an extra sunny day.

There are also swings tied around some of the trees nearby for some fun pics.

We also found an IG-worthy spot at the bottom of the open field.

Visit Canterbury Road for out-of-city vibes

We know that planning anything outdoors can be difficult these days with the erratic Singapore weather. To avoid that scorching heat, it’s best to stop by Canterbury Road in the early morning or late evening. Bonus for the latter: you’ll get a glimpse of the sunset and a chance to bask in the golden hour, so we recommend sometime between 6pm and 7pm.

Getting there: Walk 5 minutes from Labrador Park MRT to the bust stop at Alexandra Retail Centre. Take bus 61, 93, 97, 100, or 166 to the bus stop After Hort Park and walk 13 minutes to Canterbury Road.

For more places to explore in Singapore:

Photography by Alvin Wong.