The best hiking trails and spots in Singapore
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Loading... - Alex Pinyin
- 04 Mar 2022
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Singapore's most popular attractions may include a boat-like tower with an infinity pool and two durian-looking domes and other impressive manmade structures but you'll be surprised by the amount of greenery you can find within the city-state (and surrounding offshore islands). The best way to discover this? Hiking.
Put on your best trekking shoes and go on foot to explore these hidden (and not so hidden) trails around the island. But before you get on the best hiking trails in Singapore, it might be best to slap on some sunscreen – and it wouldn't hurt to bring along some mosquito repellent.
The Rail Corridor
How far? The Rail Corridor covers about 24km, but the central stretch, which recently reopened, is about 4km-long.
How long will it take? Depends on the route you choose as there are many things to do and see along the way.
Why go? Besides its lush natural landscapes, the Rail Corridor is also known for its rich heritage. The railway line was used for commuting and transporting goods between Singapore and Malaysia from the beginning of the 20th century until 2011. And now it has been enhanced for easy access. Look forward to the sensitive restoration of landmarks like the Bukit Timah Railway Station and two steel truss railway bridges, lookout decks to soak up nature’s beauty, and paths to immerse in the rainforest experience.
What's there to see? Besides the Bukit Timah Railway Station and the truss railway bridges, you can also head to the nearby Singapore Quarry where you can spot rare birds, fishes, turtles and even monitor lizards if you're sharp. For more wildlife, trek down to Dairy Farm Nature Park, Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, and Hindhede Nature Park.
MacRitchie Reservoir
How far? To get into the rainforest proper, the MacRitchie Trails offer both easy boardwalk treks and ambitious hikes that can be as long as 11km.
How long will it take? Depends on the trail you choose!
Why go? Singapore’s oldest and most popular nature park is a haven for joggers, families and weekend strollers. The highlight is the HSBC TreeTop Walk, a suspension bridge positioned 25m above the forest floor, which connects the two highest points in the reserve and offers splendid panoramic views. Traffic on the bridge is one-way, so there’s literally no turning back.
What's there to see? Wildlife – from flying lemurs to tree frogs and pangolins – is abundant but rarely seen. Long-tailed macaque monkeys are more common, but be wary: they can be quite ferocious, as they’re used to being fed by irresponsible visitors.
Alexandra Woodland
How far? The Alexandra Woodland is a small patch of wilderness which lies next to the Rail Corridor, opposite Alexandra Hospital and next to the Ayer Rajah Expressway. Start the trek from Portsdown Avenue and stick close to the main path to get there.
How long will it take? Exploring the area will take less than an hour.
Why go? It's so beautifully hidden and a pocket of peace from the busy Rail Corridor. Stick around for the pictures you can take of the place.
What's there to see? The main attraction of this trail is the magnificent 'Lost Ark' structure made from giant fallen trees next to a natural pond. As it is an off-trail location, do hike at your own risk – always wear proper attire and walking shoes, and let someone know where you are. Most importantly, do respect the surroundings and leave as you found it and do be mindful of tramping on young plants and saplings.
Mandai T15 Trail
How far? The Mandai T15 Trail is a 7.1-kilometre heavily trafficked point to point trail
How long will it take? Around three hours
Why go? Part of the Central Catchment Nature Reserve, it's one of the best hiking trails to go to admire Singapore's green lungs in their full glory. The trail around the area may not be as popular as Macritchie or Bukit Timah, but it's not as daunting as it appears to be. In fact, it's an easy and levelled hike for both amateurs and pro hikers alike.
What's there to see? With the trail's location in the Central Catchment Nature Reserve, expect to see some of Singapore's most beautiful fauna and flora such as the Sambar deer, macaque, Oriental Whip Snake and more. If you're lucky, you might even come across the trail's popular Fallen Trunk right along the reservoir. It's become a hotspot for those looking to get photos for the 'gram.
Chestnut Nature Park
How far? The hiking trails cover a total distance of 5.6km and the biking trails 8.2km.
How long will it take? Two to three hours.
Why go? Split into North and South regions, Chestnut Nature Park covers 81 hectares, making it Singapore’s largest nature park. It has separate mountain biking and hiking trails that are clearly marked out, too. The former has winding slopes and a pump track where bikers can practise their stunts, while the latter, especially along the 2.1km Southern Loop, takes you through varying terrains and steps.
What's there to see? Hidden streams and lakes, squirrels and endangered bird species such as the straw-headed Bulbul, the banded woodpecker and orange-bellied flowerpecker. Read More…
