Chestnut Nature Park guide
Living in an urban jungle, the pockets of nature dotted around the city are our form of escape. Apart from the popular spots like MacRitchie Reservoir and Bukit Timah Hill, there is a lesser-known gem on the fringe of the Central Catchment Reserve – Chestnut Nature Park.
With a size of 81 hectares, it is larger than 110 soccer fields, making it Singapore’s largest nature park. Whether you want a scenic trek or an adrenaline rush, Chestnut Nature Park has dedicated hiking and biking trails to offer. Here’s a rundown of what you can expect:
What to bring when hiking at Chestnut Nature Park?
Image credit: @yyongss via Instagram
The trails at Chestnut Nature Park aren’t difficult at all even if you’re a beginner hiker, as completing both the Northern and Southern trails will take you around 2-3 hours in total. As such, just bring what you’d normally prepare when it comes to conquering the many hiking trails in Singapore.
Firstly, you’ll want to stay hydrated – our bodies are made of 60% water after all. A general rule of thumb is to pack 1 litre of water for every 2 hours you’re planning to spend hiking, so bringing around 1.5 litres of water should more than suffice when you’re planning to hike Chestnut Nature Park.
As for footwear, don appropriate hiking shoes, as you wouldn’t want to cut your hiking trip short because of a sprained ankle. Be sure to lather on sufficient sunscreen and spritz on some bug repellent, so you don’t go home with sunburns or mosquito bites. You can also opt to wear long- sleeved shirts designed for hiking, to shield yourself from UV rays and bug bites.
Finally, ensure that you leave home with a fully-charged phone or bring power banks. You might need to consult navigation apps on your visit in the event that you do get lost, so hike with a peace of mind knowing that you can rely on Google Maps to find your way back.
Hiking trails at Chestnut Nature Park
Image credit: Zula
Singapore is a densely-packed city – filled with both people and skyscrapers. At the spacious Chestnut Nature Park, you’d get unobstructed views of nature with no buildings in sight. The park is split into 2 trails, North and South – the former is a relatively chill, breezy trek whereas the latter lets you get more Vitamin D and a detoxing sweat sesh.
Northern hiking trail
For a cooling hike amidst tall trees that provide you shade from the scorching sun, try the Northern Hiking Loop (3.5km), which consists of mainly flat, gentle terrains. Although this trail is longer, it’s the easier hike between the 2 that’s suitable for beginners, and will take roughly 1.5 hours to complete.
You’ll be well-sheltered from the sun by the surrounding trees.
Image credit: Zula
This loop starts from Chestnut Point, a rest stop with toilets and even water coolers to fill up your bottles before your hike. From here, there are plenty of signs to guide you through, so you don’t get lost.
You know you’re on the right track when you see the Observation Tower in the distance. Consider climbing it for additional cardio. It’s worth the ascend, as you’ll be rewarded with some pretty sweet views of the park
Image credit: Yongsuk Hur via Google Maps
If you’re extra lucky, you might spot a helicopter or 2 on their way to Sembawang Air Base from the top.
Southern hiking trail
If you’re an intermediate hiker looking for a more challenging hike, head to the Southern hiking trail (2.1km), which has steeper, rockier terrains and more sun. You’ll also start at Chestnut Point, but move southwards for the trail.
This trail can get noisy, since it’s located next to an expressway. But stick it out, as the 40-minute stroll will lead you to a lalang field where you can snap IG-worthy shots to show off your wholesome weekend.
Image credits: NParks
If you forget to pack an umbrella, both trails have sheltered huts along the path for you to wait out the rain or take a quick break.
Conquer mountain biking trails of 4 difficulty levels
Image credit: NParks
For adrenaline junkies and cycling enthusiasts, there is a separate 8.2km-long mountain biking trail away from the hiking paths. It’s divided into 2 sections, the Northern and Southern loop. Apart from jungle trails and winding slopes, you can also challenge yourself to different features such as rocky and twisty-turny paths.
Slider, a moderately difficult biking trail (left) and On The Rocks, an extremely difficult trail (right).
Image credit: NParks
Have a look at the mountain biking map on NParks’ website; both the loops have various sections classified into 4 levels of difficulty, from easy, moderately difficult, very difficult to extremely difficult. It is recommended that novices to the sport should stick to the Northern loop, while advanced mountain bikers can test their skills at the more difficult Southern loop.
Singapore’s first pump track and bike park for stunt bikers
The park also features Singapore’s first pump track, Chestnut Pump Track, an open, undulating course that will let you build momentum through its roller coaster-like dips and turns. The pump track is designed with 4 sub-sections to cater to riders of all skill levels – with 1 easy area, 2 intermediate areas, and a fast bowl.
The pump track has a circuit of banked turns and slopes to train up and down body movements.
Do note that as long as you’re on a bike, you need appropriate safety gear, including a helmet, in order to use the pump track. Do consider knee and elbow guards too if you’re still learning!
Next to the Chestnut Pump Track is the Chestnut Bike Park, which is designed for more advanced bikers. Consisting of 4 progressive skill lines, you can practise advanced techniques like drop offs and jumps, as it simulates the conditions you’d face on mountain tracks.
Image credit: Redbull
The bike park is best enjoyed with a full suspension mountain bike. Like the rest of the courses, helmets are compulsory, but you should consider donning additional safety gear for extra precaution – better to be safe than sorry!
If you’re looking to practice pumping on muddy trails, check out these other mountain bike trails in Singapore.
Spot wild animals & endangered bird species
Straw-headed Bulbul, a globally threatened species.
Image credit: Nparks
Birdwatchers can also catch a glimpse of a variety of birds, many of which are endangered species, such as the Straw-headed Bulbul and Brown-chested Jungle Flycatcher.
Banded woodpecker.
Image credit: Nparks
Also look out for the attractive Banded woodpecker and Little Spiderhunter, which would be hard to miss thanks to their bright colours and distinct calls.
Malayan Colugo or Flying Lemur.
Image credit: @wildlifejournals via Instagram
And there’s more than just feathered friends; keen-eyed hikers have reported seeing not just squirrels but mouse-deers and even colugos as well.
How to get to Chestnut Nature Park
- By MRT: The nearest MRT station is Bukit Panjang, but you can board the LRT there to get to even closer stations Bangkit and Pending.
- By bus: Take bus 700 or 966 and alight at Block 202 on Petir Road, walk 15 minutes along Chestnut Avenue.
- By car: There is a public carpark along Chestnut Drive near the entrance of the park.
Exploring Chestnut Nature Park
If you’re seeking a respite for the city, look no further than Chestnut Nature Park. Whether you’re a photographer, nature lover or adrenaline junkie, there’s something for everyone. Head there to enjoy rustic nature, undisturbed by urbanisation.
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For more nature parks to visit, check out:
Cover image adapted from: NParks, Zula
Originally published on 22nd March 2021. Last updated by Shannon Lee & Khoo Yong Hao on 25th September 2024.