Our little red dot might be a bustling modern city known for its towering skyscrapers and sprawling shopping malls, but those looking for a spot of fresh air have a range of hiking trails to choose from in Singapore.
Whether you’re a long time nature lover or are looking for new ways to work off those packets of char kway teow, these 13 hiking trails in Singapore will be sure to inject some adventure and excitement for your next sweat sesh.
Table of Contents
Southern Ridges covers 10km of green, open spaces that connect Mount Faber Park, Telok Blangah Hill Park, HortPark, Kent Ridge Park, and Labrador Nature Reserve. If you’ve kept count, that’s 5 parks you can easily visit with just 1 trail.
The scenery and terrain constantly change during the climb. One moment, you’re surrounded by lush greenery, and the next thing you know, it’s a beautiful panorama from atop Mount Faber. This route also takes you through Henderson Waves’ iconic architecture – you’ll want to plan for a stop here to snap that customary shot.
This route is rather long, but there are many entrances throughout the trail, which means there are plenty of opportunities to save your adventure for another time.
Recommended trail: Start at Marang Trail on Marang Road, proceed through Faber Walk past the iconic Henderson Waves, before continuing to Sembcorp Forest of Giants, Alkaff Mansion, Forest Walk, and The Singing Forest. End your walk at Alexander Arch.
At this point, you would have walked about 11 km. If you still feel fresh, venture further to HortPark and Canopy Walk.
Getting there:
By car: Park at Seah Im public carpark opposite of Vivo City, right beside Marang Road
By train: Take the Circle Line or North East Line to HarbourFront MRT Station (NE1/CC29). Marang Road is beside exit D of Harbourfront MRT.
By bus: Take bus service numbers 10, 30, 57, 61, 65, 80, 93, 97, 100, 131, 143, 145, 166, 300, 408* and 855 to HarbourFront MRT Station.
Difficulty: Moderate-Hard (4-5 hours)
Opening hours: 24 hours, Daily
Of course, Singapore’s iconic Fort Canning Park has to be on this list. This small hill, only slightly higher than 60m, is a nature sanctuary right smack in the middle of the city. It has witnessed many of Singapore’s historical milestones, and is a hike that will offer you a recreational and historical experience at the same time.
With historical archaeological dig sites and plenty of Heritage Trees lining the trail, there’s plenty to look forward to throughout the trail.
You’ll also get to explore a whole host of attractions at Fort Canning Park, including the Bali-like Sang Nila Utama Garden and the iconic spiral staircase that you might have spotted on your IG feed.
Recommended trail: Start at any entrance to Fort Canning that is convenient for you, and explore the area as you wish. All the trails in this historic park are connected to each other at some point. Take note of the turns you take so that you can explore different routes in the future.
Getting there:
By car: There are a few carparks around Fort Canning Park.
By MRT: Alight at Clarke Quay or Dhoby Ghaut, and walk about 10 minutes to get to the park
Difficulty: Easy
Park lighting hours: 7am-7pm
A famous venue for cross-country races and nature trails, MacRitchie Reservoir deserves a spot on this list. You’ll definitely want to prep the right footwear as you’ll encounter 3 kinds of terrain here – rocky and muddy, boardwalks, and concrete pavement.
It’s a richly forested park, and you’ll be able to spot a long list of flora and fauna, including monitor lizards and turtles. Pick the Prunus and Petai Trails for a 14km jaunt around the calm waters, or head to the golf link connected to Singapore Island Country Club for more open vistas.
Recommended trail: For a panoramic view of the reservoir, take either Chemperai trail (4.8 km) or Petai Trail (3km). If you’re itching for a challenge, try the 10km loop that takes you all around the reservoir. So as to not get lost, remember to follow the signs that say Jelutong Tower and MacRitchie Reservoir Park.
Getting there:
By car: Park at the carpark along Lornie Road.
By bus: Nearest bus stop – 51071 (Bus 52, 74, 93, 157,130, 132, 156, 157, 162, 162M, 165, 166, 167, 852 and 855, 980)
Difficulty: Easy
Park lighting hours: 7am-7pm
Getting to the Treetop Walk might be rather tough with its steep slopes and uneven terrain, but the 250m bridge makes it totally worth the effort. If you’re lucky, you may even see wildlife in their natural habitat – monkey sightings are commonplace here.
For more breathtaking views, head on over to the Jelutong Tower nearby for a 360º view of the sprawling forests below.
Image credit: @yongsukhur via Instagram
Recommended trail: This will be a 6km round trip that takes you across the 250m bridge. Start at the entrance beside Venus Drive and follow directions towards Treetop Walk on the Petaling trail. On the map of MacRitchie, it is the route marked in orange.
Getting there:
By car: Park at the public car park along Venus Drive that is located beside the start of the trail.
By bus: Buses 52, 132, 163, 166, 167, 855 and 980. Alight just outside ESSO station before the junction of Venus Drive, Upper Thomson Road and Sin Ming Avenue.
Difficulty: Moderate (2-3 hours)
Park lighting hours: Tue-Fri 9am-5pm | Sat-Sun & PH 8.30am-5pm
As Singapore’s tallest natural hill, Bukit Timah Nature Reserve stands at 163.8 metres and is a favourite among local hikers. It might not be a mountain by any stretch, but the constant, steep slopes will make for a challenging hike. Maintain a steady pace and you’ll definitely feel it in your thighs the next morning.
Recommended trail: At the carpark at Hindhede Road, you’ll find an entrance to the hill. Enter and follow signs towards Summit trail. It is a 1.4km hike up that takes approximately 40 minutes. Check out our full article for a list of hiking trails at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve.
Getting there:
By car: Park at the carpark along Hindhede Drive at the Visitor Center. *Note that the public is encouraged to take public transport because of limited carpark spaces.
By bus: Bus numbers 67, 75, 170, 171, 173, 184, 852, 961. Take a bus to Upper Bukit Timah Road, alight opposite the Bukit Timah Shopping Center and Beauty World Center. From there it’s approx. ten minutes walk along Hindhede Drive to the Visitor Center.
Difficulty: Easy (1-12 hours)
Opening hours: 7am-7pm, Daily
For a legit jungle trekking experience, Dairy Farm Nature Park is the perfect pick. Secluded and with most of the park left untouched, it’s the go-to spot if you’re looking to recreate the NS outfield experience. While you’re there, hit up the Wallace Trail, which features muddy and rugged paths aplenty en route to the Singapore Quarry.
Dairy Farm Nature Park features an alternate route to the summit of Bukit Timah Hill.
At the other end of the park lies a tranquil haven called the Singapore Quarry Park, with picturesque cliff walls and deep lakes to boast. This is the spot where rock-climbing enthusiasts venture outdoors for the real thing. For the rest of us, it’s a photogenic spot similar to Little Guilin.
Singapore Quarry Park.
Image credit: James Tann via Youtube
Recommended trail: Start at carpark B and make your way to the Wallace Trail. Start your hike there, past Wallace Education Centre and head back towards car park B. Then, continue all the way to Singapore Quarry.
If you’re driving, you’ll have to walk back to car park B to get your car. If you’re taking public transport, you can exit at the Jalan Asas entrance to get to the bus stop at Rail Mall.
Getting there
By car: Take the Bukit Timah Expressway (towards Woodlands) and turn left at Exit 2. Travel along Dairy Farm Road and look out for the sign that says “Dairy Farm Nature Park”. Turn left into Carpark B. From Bukit Timah Road, keep left onto Upper Bukit Timah Road. After about 3km, turn right into Dairy Farm Road. Make a U-turn at the Bukit Timah Expressway junction and turn left into Carpark B.
By bus: Buses 700, 700A, and 966. Alight at the bus stop along Petir Road between Chestnut Avenue and Dairy Farm Road.
Difficulty: Easy-Moderate (2-3 hours)
Opening hours: 7am-7pm, Daily
The steps around Bukit Batok Nature Park make it a refreshing exercise that’ll really work those legs. If you’re an active hiker looking for a rigorous workout, the hiking trails here are safe and non-slippery, so don’t be afraid to quicken your pace.
Wildlife encounters are almost a guarantee along this trail. Regular hikers often cross paths with monitor lizards and white-crested laughing thrushes. Just a note: these creatures are great hiders, so you’ll need to train your eyes to look past the trees and branches to spot them.
Recommended trail: There is not one trail here. Wherever you enter, follow the stairs and keep climbing and walking around the area.
Getting there:
By car: You can park at the car park along Bukit Batok East Ave 2.
By bus: Buses 61, 66, 157, 178, 852 and 985 will take you to Bukit Batok East Ave 6.
The park is also accessible via the entrance at Lorong Sesuai and from Hillview Park Connector.
Difficulty: Easy
Opening hours: 24 hours, Daily
Pulau Ubin might be known for its tough mountain bike trails and Chek Jawa Wetlands, but it has a fair share of exciting hiking trails too. From the public jetty, head left towards the island’s highest point: Puaka Hill. There, you’ll encounter a slight incline, but there are plenty of solid steps that make for a safe ascent.
It’s still rather steep and rocky at some points, but it’s only a 74m hike which makes it suitable for novices. After clocking in leg day gains for the week, soak in the breathtaking view at the peak, which overlooks the Granite Quarry. Look a little further afield, and you might glimpse the shores of Malaysia, too.
Recommended trail: On the island, follow directions towards Puaka Hill on Jalan Jelutong. Keep going for 2.1km and when you see a hut with bicycle stands on the right, the entrance to the bottom of Puaka Hill is just in front. Hike all the way to the peak.
Getting there: Pulau Ubin can only be reached via bumboat from the Changi Point Ferry Terminal, located approximately 100m from the Changi Village Bus Terminal.
The terminal is served by bus numbers 2, 29, 59 or 109.
*Bumboats don’t operate according to a fixed schedule – they depart whenever there’s a full boatload of 12 passengers. The single trip is S$3 per person, bicycles cost extra.
Difficulty: Moderate (2-3 hours)
Opening hours: 24 hours, Daily (Last ferry departs approx. 7pm)
Once owned by the Haw Par brothers – the same duo behind Haw Par Villa, Coney Island is one of the most easily accessible undeveloped spots in Singapore. Hiking there, you’ll trek through its large population of Casuarina trees, where you might spot some of the 80 bird species that call this island their home.
The island has signage, benches, boardwalks and even a play area made from wood from fallen trees, and is largely off the grid without street lighting – meaning its gates close at dusk for visitor safety.
Do come prepared for the gravel and dirt terrain, and note that there are plenty of sand flies here, no water points, and only one toilet on the whole island. We recommend bringing lots of water and renting a bike to help you along.
Nonetheless, look out for its secret beaches, an abandoned villa by the Haw Par brothers, and a newly-built boardwalk surrounded by an abundance of greenery.
Recommended trail: From the West Entrance, take the inner pathway (left) towards beach A and B. Exit at beach B to the main pathway and walk towards beach C, where Casuarina Exploration is. Enter back into the inner path. From there, head towards the East Entrance and turn back.
Getting there:
By car: Park at the carparks near Punggol Settlement. Walk about 500m east along the Punggol Promenade Nature Walk to get to Coney Island West Entrance.
By bus: From Punggol interchange, take bus 84 to Punggol Point Park/Punggol Settlement. Walk about 500m east along the Punggol Promenade Nature Walk to get to Coney Island West Entrance.
Difficulty: Easy
Opening hours: 7am-7pm, Daily
Taking you through six different park connectors in the north, the Northern Explorer Loop offers a variety of terrain for your hike. Unlike the other hiking trails, it’s mostly open-air, so you’re unlikely to find yourself trudging through masses of tall trees.
There’s also plenty of calming water bodies along the way, in addition to playgrounds and other attractions for a hike with the family.
Recommended trail: This 11km trail starts at Lower Seletar Reservoir Park, then continues on to Mandai Park Connector, Ulu Sembawang Park Connector, Woodlands (SLE) Park Connector, Admiralty Park and ends at Woodlands Waterfront. If you stay around this area, just start wherever is convenient for you!
Getting there:
By car: Park at Lower Seletar Reservoir Park car park.
By MRT: From Khatib MRT Station, take a 5-minute walk to the start point through Yishun Park Connector.
By bus: Buses 851, 852, 853, 854, 855 or 957. Stop at Yishun Avenue 2 and walk to Mandai Park Connector.
Difficulty: Moderate (2-3 hours)
Opening hours: 24 hours, Daily
For beginner hikers looking for an easy stroll that’s just as rich in biodiversity as Coney Island, then turn to Tampines Eco Green to build up your hiking stamina.
It’s a vast 36-hectare park – about the same size as 15 football fields – but you’ll mostly be walking on leg-friendly flat ground. The hiking trails skirt along the open grasslands and wetlands, so there’s plenty of nature to soak in.
Image credit: @shuutravels via Instagram
For a chill walk in the park, the 0.8km Marsh Trail, also the shortest, brings you along different marshes. You’ll even pass by a hidden bird watching spot that’s made out of wood and twigs, that camouflages into nature. On other trails like the Forest Trail and Diversity Trail, you’ll hike past some freshwater wetlands and make your way through the smooth terrains.
Recommended trail: There are 3 trails at Tampines Eco Green. Start at the park’s main entrance, also the beginning of the 1.2km Diversity Trail, and walk through the Freshwater Habitat. Follow along until you turn at Marsh trail, followed by a final corner turn to forest trail before reaching the end.
Getting there:
By car: Park at Tampines Block 408 car park.
By MRT: From Tampines MRT Station, take a 20-minute walk to the start point, passing by Sun Plaza Park.
By bus: Buses 2N, 28, 29, 293 or 533. Stop at Tampines Avenue 9 and walk to the park entrance.
Difficulty: Easy
Opening hours: 24 hours, Daily
For an adventurous hike in the woods, visit Clementi Forest. There isn’t an official trail per se, but countless visitors have carved out a walkable path to explore the forest. That being said, we recommend bringing a hiking stick with you to make your trek through the dense greenery easier.
First-timers to the forest are highly encouraged to stick to the walking path, lest you get lost. Look out for these landmarks in this order and you’ll know you’re on the right track: a small stream of water, red metal beams, a short steep hill, then old railway tracks from the Old Jurong Railway Line.
The trail ends off at a tunnel, which you can skip if you’ve had your fill of hiking. Otherwise, walk through it and you’ll find yourself back in civilisation.
Highlights of this 2.2km nature trail include gentle slopes and full on contact with nature, so do bring a bottle of water and extra insect repellent. During rainy seasons, the terrain may also get slippery and muddy. Oh, and keep a lookout for any monkeys above because they might just grab your items.
Recommended trail: From the bus stop, follow the path leading into the jungle. You’ll cross a small stream then reach a park connector pavement. Stay on the walking path and you’ll reach the tunnel in about 2 hours.
Getting there:
By MRT: From King Albert Park Station, it’s a 10-minute walk to reach “Opp Ngee Ann Poly” stop.
By bus: Buses 52, 61, 74, 75, 151, 154 or 184. Stop at “Opp Ngee Ann Poly” and walk behind the bus stop and into the forest entrance.
Difficulty: Moderate-hard (2-3 hours)
Opening hours: 24 hours, Daily
To most of us, Alexandra Woodland might sound foreign. But this 26-hectare forest is actually more interesting than it seems. Located along the Rail Corridor, hikers come here to clock in their steps, but to also get a peek of The Lost Ark – a recreational wooden deck.
You enter through an entrance that’s right beside Masjid Hang Jebat. NGL, the ulu-ness of this place might give you the creeps, but continue to brave on this quiet path. Keep walking until you find a forest opening – that’s your sign that you’re close.
Along the way, enjoy 360° views of towering trees and lush greenery. You might pass by the forest marshland that’s a habitat to many wildlife too.
Follow the now unobstructed forest trail and tada – you’ve arrived at the Lost Ark. Bask in Singapore’s 33°C weather here and reward yourself for making it through the thick jungle. You might even find foldable chairs and benches to rest on.
The trail to the Lost Ark is relatively easy thanks to the forest’s flat terrain and spacious path. Once you exit, places like IKEA Alexandra are just nearby for you to grab a post-hike bite.
Recommended trail: There’s no specific hiking trail here, just follow along the entrance path until you see a forest opening. Walk the trail there and arrive at The Lost Ark. To exit, head south and walk out of the forest, you’ll end up at Warwick Road. Continue walking ahead till Alexandra Road.
Getting there:
By car: Park at Alexandra Hospital and walk to Masjid Hang Jebat.
By MRT: From Queenstown MRT Station, make your way to Masjid Hang Jebat and then to the park entrance located right beside.
By bus: Buses 61, 100, 123 or 855. Stop at “Blk 19″ stop and take a 10-minute walk to the park entrance.
Difficulty: Easy
Opening hours: 24 hours, Daily
Before you embark on any of these hiking trails, bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated, for pit stops can be far and few between. Apply sufficient sunblock, have the mosquito repellent ready, and most importantly, wear proper gear to hike in comfort.
Hiking shoes are one of the most important pieces of equipment to have before hitting the trail, and are the most important piece of gear you take with you. Vasque, a brand from Red Wing Shoe Company, focuses on outdoor footwear that improves performance by ensuring quality best suited for different terrains.
The stiffness of the shoes, which eventually softens when your feet ease into them, kept our ankles steady and supported. Designed with proper outsoles to maintain a firm grip in rugged terrains and on wet surfaces, this keeps even the most accident-prone people safe.
On Jonathan (in order of appearance):
Grand Traverse (Men’s 7320) – Performance Hiking.
Breeze 2.0 GTX (Men’s 7480) – Hiking.
Inhaler GTX (M7330) – Performance hiking.
On Esther:
Breeze 2.0 GTX (Women’s 7485) – Hiking.
Choosing a comfortable pair with consideration for traction, ankle support, feet stability will ensure a smoother journey. Here’s a brief guide for beginners:
Trail walking/running shoes: For urban athletes seeking adrenaline-pumping trail workouts away from the concrete jungle.
Performance hiking: For a combination of city and outdoor activities, with assured traction and lighter weight.
Hiking boots & shoes: For day hikes or weekend trips with light loads, providing sufficient ankle stability and foot support on rugged trails.
Backpacking boots & shoes: For multi-day expeditions with support for the adventurer’s and his backpack’s weight. Supremely waterproof with burly midsole for foot support and ankle stability.
Along with a collection of other brands, you can find these Vasque shoes at Outdoor Life Millennium, located in Funan Mall.
Outdoor Life Millennium
Address: Funan Mall, #02-20, 107 North Bridge Road, 179105
Telephone: 6970 5441
Opening hours: 10.30am-10pm, Daily
Check out more hiking and exercise trails in Singapore:
This post was brought to you by Vasque Singapore.
Originally published on 23rd November 2015 by Esther Tam. Last updated by Iffah Nabilah Norhisham on 2nd June 2023.
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