Mountain bike trails in Singapore
It’s no secret that the Covid-era has seen Singaporeans picking up all sorts of new hobbies, with a major one being cycling. Whether you’re an avid biker deprived of overseas cycling expeditions or a newbie ready to wheel yourself away from reality, going on a bike ride is great for a serotonin boost.
If you’re all about the rugged mountain bike (MTB) life, then these mountain bike trails in Singapore will be right up your alley. Through lush greenery and scenic lakes, these trails are a much-needed break from concrete walls and computer screens.
What you need to know before mountain biking in Singapore
You should already be a seasoned biker before you attempt mountain biking. Planning is key in making sure you have a safe and enjoyable time on any of the mountain bike trails in Singapore. This includes researching the difficulty of the trails and biking on a sunny day, rather than after a heavy storm, since muddy trails can be quite slippery.
You’ll want to make sure you have the right gear with you. It doesn’t just mean getting a mountain bike. You should also wear protective gear such as a helmet, and shin, elbow, and knee guards, if the trail you’ve picked is particularly rocky. You’re also encouraged to bring a small first-aid kit with you so you can dress wounds, should you get into an accident.
Mountain bike trails in Singapore have already been carved out, so stick to designated paths and don’t go off trail. Don’t modify a biking trail or create a new one while you’re cycling. If the paths have been blocked, you can contact NParks to clear it. Creating new trails damages safe spaces for Singapore’s wildlife.
How are mountain bike trails graded in Singapore?
There are 4 grades to mountain bike trails in Singapore: easy, intermediate, advanced, and very advanced. These are denoted by a green circle, blue square, black diamond, and 2 black diamonds. Here’s a breakdown on what each symbol means:
| Symbol | Trail difficulty description |
| 🟢 | Easy, gentle slopes, relatively smooth surfaces |
| 🟦 | Moderately difficult track with slightly steep slopes, uneven paths, and narrow lanes |
| ◆ | Advanced trails with steep climbs and drop-offs, some obstacles |
| ◆◆ | Very advanced trails with very steep climbs and drop-offs, tricky obstacles, sharp turning corners |
What’s the difference between a mountain bike & a regular bike?
Stick to paved roads if you only have a regular bike, but it’s not recommended that you use such bikes on mountain bike trails in Singapore, since they don’t have enough grip to traverse rocky roads and terrain. Here’s a breakdown of the differences between both types of bikes:
| Feature | Mountain Bike | Regular Bike |
| Tires | Wide, knobby tires for off-road traction | Narrow, smooth tires for paved surfaces |
| Frame Design | Heavier, more durable frame for rugged use | Lighter frame, designed for speed and agility |
| Suspension | Front and/or rear suspension for shock absorption | Typically no suspension, or minimal for comfort |
| Handlebars | Flat or riser bars for better control on rough terrain | Drop or flat bars for aerodynamic efficiency |
| Gear Range | Wider gear range for steep climbs and descents | Narrower gear range, optimized for flat and inclined roads |
| Brakes | Disc brakes for powerful stopping in all conditions | Rim brakes, effective in dry conditions |
| Best For | Off-road trails, rough terrains, mountains | Urban commuting, road cycling, casual riding |
If you’re in the market for a 2-wheeler suitable for mountain bike trails, check out our best mountain bikes in Singapore.
1. Kent Ridge Mountain Bike Trail
For seasoned enthusiasts
Home to the one and only NUS, Kent Ridge is more than a throwback to bittersweet mugging days. Here lies Kent Ridge Mountain Bike Trail that’ll satisfy mountain bikers looking for a thrill.
Image credit: @stevelai_ via Instagram
Surrounded by hills and forests, this trail cuts across many steep inclines, slippery slopes and leafy terrains – you could say it’s literally off the beaten track. That being said, this trail is only recommended for confident and seasoned cyclists.
Image credit: @captainbobbypants via Instagram
Ending things with a sweet reward, cyclists can head to the park’s Canopy Walk to soak in some beautiful forest views.
Difficulty: Intermediate
Address: Vigilante Drive
Opening hours: 7am-7pm, Daily
2. Ketam Mountain Bike Park
Pulau Ubin’s internationally-certified trail
We don’t just have the world’s best airport and UNESCO heritage site Botanic Gardens making a name worldwide. Enter Ketam Mountain Bike Park – a must-go for avid MTBers.
With 7 trails spanning 10km in total, this bike park in Pulau Ubin’s west side is certified by the International Mountain Biking Association and has routes for beginners (blue square grade) up to advanced cyclists (double black diamond grade).
If you need to pause and catch a breather, you’re in luck. The cycling trails are built around Ketam Quarry, with views that’ll make you feel like you’ve walked right into a postcard.
Check out our complete guide to Pulau Ubin for more information on getting here.
Difficulty: Intermediate to very advanced
Opening hours: 24 hours, Daily
Contact: 1800 471 7300
3. Chestnut Nature Park
Pump track for novice riders
| Trail Name | Location | Difficulty Rating |
| Tender Foot | Northern Loop | Easy |
| Cubs | Intermediate | |
| Blue Quail | Intermediate | |
| Grasshopper | Advanced | |
| Slider | Intermediate | |
| Side Step | Advanced | |
| Watchtower Blue | Intermediate | |
| On The Rocks | Extremely Advanced | |
| Black Crawler | Advanced | |
| Pango | Intermediate | |
| Little Wings | Advanced | |
| Palm Slope | Southern Loop | Intermediate |
| Pandan Plains | Intermediate | |
| Over the Moon | Extremely Advanced | |
| Downhill Rush | Intermediate | |
| Rocky Arc | Intermediate | |
| Cannonball Run | Intermediate | |
| Chestnut Express | Intermediate | |
| Coconut Berms | Intermediate | |
| Lalang Flats | Intermediate |
Image credit: @trottingtrails via Instagram
Another ulu spot is Chestnut Nature Park, which has its own range of trails catered for cyclists of all levels, from noobs to pros. The trail is divided into the Northern Loop and the Southern Loop. The Northern Loop has easy to advanced trails and will lead you straight to the Chestnut Pump Track and Bike Park that’s ideal for newer bikers in need of more practice before conquering rougher terrains.
The Southern Loop is more suited for intermediate cyclists who are more accustomed to navigating rocky terrain, narrow dirt paths, and steep slopes and descents.
Difficulty: Easy to very advanced
Address: Chestnut Avenue, Singapore 679514
Opening hours: 7am-7pm, Daily
4. Mandai Track 15
Flatter terrain suitable for beginners
Image credit: @sunnyoctopus via Instagram
We may be all too familiar with the iconic Singapore Zoo, but not many know that it also has a mountain biking trail along it. Mandai Track 15 is a 12km route with a more predictable, flatter terrain – good news for those that aren’t too confident with tricky drops and jumps.
Image credit: Redbull
But if Mandai Track 15 is ez game for you, you’re in for a treat as the route is connected to Chestnut Nature Park. And if you’d like to park your bikes for a quick water break, head over to the nearby Central Catchment Reserve to enjoy the scenery while doing so.
Difficulty: Easy to intermediate
Address: 451 Mandai Road, Singapore 729753
Opening hours: 24 hours, Daily
5. Bukit Timah Mountain Bike Trail
Singapore’s oldest bike trail
Image credit: Redbull
Even the laziest of couch potatoes will have heard of Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, a.k.a. the island’s #1 hiking spot. Adding on to the list of things to do here is Bukit Timah Mountain Bike Trail, the oldest biking trail in Singapore.
This 7km trail has loads of steep slopes and bumpy terrain, along with interesting features like tunnels and water pipelines to up the fun factor. There are 23 total trails within the entire Bukit Timah Mountain Bike Trail catering to intermediate to advanced bikers.
Here’s a table categorising the trails based on their difficulty:
| Intermediate | Advanced | Extremely Advanced |
| Centipede | Tunnel Vision | Cliffhanger |
| Kinematic Lab | Calamus Flow | Bottomless |
| Figwood Heights | Asas Grinds | Drop & Rock |
| Viper Zone | Comfortably Numb | P-Line |
| Dive Bomber | ||
| SQueeky | ||
| Dairy Farm Pass | ||
| Heart of Darkness | ||
| Paku Waku | ||
| Belukar Track | ||
| Survival | ||
| Stairway to Heaven | ||
| Rifle Range Trail | ||
| Senapang Link | ||
| Meek Creek |
A biking trip can’t end without a good shot for the ‘Gram.
Image credit: @wan.fo.all via Instagram
Difficulty: Intermediate to very advanced
Address: 126F Rifle Range Road, Singapore 588392
Opening hours: 7am-7pm, Daily
6. Rifle Range Road
Urban MTB experience
Image credit: @dirtyjaime via Instagram
We’d probably expect to be all up in nature on MTB adventures, but the Rifle Range Road trail gives riders a unique urban edge.
You’ll still be cooking up a good sweat while on this 9.9km route.
Screenshot from: Google Maps
Not your usual mountain biking route, it runs from Bukit Timah Nature Reserve to MacRitchie Reservoir, cutting through busy passageways including Adam Road and Dunearn Road. Though roads may seem smoother than typical biking terrain, Rifle Range Road is still a test of endurance.
The best time to hit the trails is during off-peak hours between 9am-5pm and 7.30pm–6.30am. For safety, remember to stick to the sides of the road and ensure your bikes have functioning lights attached to the front and back.
Difficulty: Easy to intermediate
Starting point: Chemperai Trail at MacRitchie Reservoir
Conquer these mountain bike trails in Singapore
Though travelling makes a slow return thanks to VTLs, it’s still good to be in the loop on fun things to do right here in Singapore. Besides our favourite hotel staycations and beach outings, these mountain biking trails will let you experience a more rustic side of SG.
That said, do note that you should ride safe and only take on trails that match your ability. With these trails suited for various levels, no one needs to feel left out of an MTB ride.
More cycling guides in Singapore:
- Overnight cycling itinerary
- Cycling routes in Singapore sorted by difficulty
- Lesser-known cycling routes in Singapore
Cover image adapted from: National Heritage Board, Redbull, & @stevelai_, @wan.fo.all via Instagram
Originally published on 15th February 2022. Last updated by Raewyn Koh on 12th August 2024.
