Chestnut Nature Park – Singapore’s Largest Nature Park With Dedicated Hiking & Mountain Biking Trails

Visiting Chestnut Nature Park

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:

Explore serene hiking trails

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 parts, 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.

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

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 mountain biking trail (8.2km) away from the hiking paths. Apart from jungle trails and winding slopes, you can also challenge yourself to different features such as rocky and twisty-turny paths. The mountain biking trail is classified into 4 levels of difficulty, from easy, moderately difficult, very difficult to extremely difficult.

Slider, a moderately difficult biking trail (left) and On The Rocks, an extremely difficult trail (right).
Image credit: NParks

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!

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.

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.

Where to start Chestnut Nature Park?

The trailhead for both the Northern and Southern Loops is at Chestnut Point, which is next to the car park.

What animals are at Chestnut Nature Park?

You’ll be able to find a few dozen species of birds and even endangered wildlife like flying lemurs. Also, there are wild monkeys and monitor lizards residing ‘round these parts, so don’t bring any snacks along.

Image credit: Nparks

Unfortunately, pets aren’t allowed in Chestnut Nature Park, so the fur babies are gonna have to sit this one out.