If you’re ready to hit the gym and start eating healthy because it’s nearly 2025…then there are many benefits to hiking the great outdoors of Singapore. From clearing our mind, to disconnecting from our screens, connecting with our roots, appreciating picturesque views and even getting those steps in…taking one of the best hiking trails in Singapore is the perfect outing this season. Here’s 15 of the best hikes around the island of Singapore.
1. Changi Bay Park Connector
Changi Bay Park Connector is a relatively new scenic park connector which is part of the Round Island Route’s eastern corridor. It stretches 3.6km, linking Changi Beach Park to the East Coastal Park Connector Network. It’s the perfect hiking spot for those who don’t want to put in too much of an effort or those with kids. There are stunning boardwalks with picturesque waterfront views that have been compared to scenic landscapes in South Korea’s Jeju Island. Plus, you can cycle along the route as well. Definitely, one of the easiest hiking spots in Singapore.
2. Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
Trek through the 1.3km mangrove forest of Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve for a quick adventure in the wild. The reserve is home to Singapore’s first ASEAN Heritage Park and a rich biodiversity filled with ponds, observation decks, boardwalks, wildlife such as monkeys, and hundreds of species of birds due to its global importance for migratory birds. Visitors can hike through the wetland reserve with a group tour for around one or two hours weekly. Plus, the reserve is easily accessible by public transport and connects to Kranji Way – home to Kranji Marshes – a hike also mentioned in this article.
3. The Rail Corridor
This 24km hiking trail is set along a quiet old railway track that has been conveniently turned into a beautiful walkway for hikers. It stretches across a number of scenic reserves, some named on this list such as Rifles Range Nature Park and other points of interest like Bukit Timah Railway Station. Additionally, visitors will hike past rustic marshes, quarries, wildlife and other points of interest on the full track. Definitely, one of the best hiking trails in Singapore and a superb day trip for adventurists.
4. Bukit Batok Town Park
If you’re searching for a quick hike that’s fast and easily accessible, why not check out Bukit Batok Town Park? The 42-hecatres park has been dubbed by locals as Little Guilin because it resembles the city in Southern China. Visitors can walk around the abandoned granite quarry admiring the park’s rock formations, gorgeous lakes, memorials, and striking landscape of limestone karst hills, to name a few things. The park links to Bukit Batok Nature Park, Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, and Sungei Pandan. Learn more about Little Guilin in Singapore.
5. Pulau Ubin
The island of Pulau Ubin offers an epic 10km hiking trail which is the perfect off-the-beaten track experience. Here, visitors will find Singapore’s last remaining kampung, charming old plantations, stunning well-shaded greenery and walkways, an array of wildlife…it’s an ideal escape from reality. Plus, you can opt to either walk the full trail or rent a bike around the rich coastline.
6. Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
Bukit Timah Nature Reserve is home to Singapore’s highest hill Bukit Timah Hill. It’s a challenging but small trail is one of the most popular among Singaporeans. Discover forested walkways, climb rewarding staircases, listen to birdsongs, see the clear waters of the reserve, and much more on the track. This is definitely a picturesque family-friendly trail which takes around 50 minutes to the summit. In 2011, it was declared an ASEAN Heritage Park just like Sungei Buloh Wetland reserve. Certainly, one of the best hikes for nature lovers in Singapore.
7. Rifle Range Nature Park
Rifle Range Nature Park is a new green park is located along Rifle Range Road to the south of the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. The 66 hectares park is the first positive energy park in Singapore, with energy harvested from solar panels around the park. It also boasts two boardwalks, a range of beautiful kid-friendly trails, viewing platforms, and a quarry wetland.
8. The Southern Ridges
Swap the hustle and bustle of the city for a day exploring 10km of history and nature on the Southern Ridges. It consists of large open spaces connecting Mount Faber Park, Labrador Nature Reserve, Telok Blangah Hill, HortPark and Kent Ridge Park. Wander through the huge green space and admire birds, wild flowers, and sweeping 360-degree views of Singapore. Of course, you can’t miss the highest pedestrian bridge in the city, Henderson Wave, along the way.
9. MacRitchie Reservoir Park
Get up at the crack of dawn to explore the oldest reservoir in Singapore featuring kayaking, turtle spotting, bamboo trees, and more excitement. Depending on experience, you can select different coloured trails. Such as, Orange, which is a 7km hike to reach the instagrammable Treetop Walk within one and a half or two hours. Meanwhile, the suspended bridge 25m above the forest floor offers majestic views afar. Certainly, a wonderful outing for people of all ages.
10. Kranji Marshes
Another marvellous place to hike in Singapore near the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. It resembles something out of The Jungle Book where you can appreciate wildlife and nature, as well as a beautiful sunsets and picture-perfect views from an old lookout tower on this 30 minute route. Rustic and peaceful…what more could you ask for?
11. Mount Faber Park
The hiking trails on the Southern Ridges needs no introduction. This easy route at Mount Faber Park is usually packed with tourists, boasting heritage tours, a variety of iconic lookout points, bird watching, and more. After you’ve finished your hike, refuel at one of the best alfresco dining areas or even have dinner at one of the best rooftop dining restaurants in Singapore. Afterward, take a cable car from Mount Faber to Sentosa Island to finish out your day.
12. Clementi Forest
Grab your favourite hiking partner and step into a fairytale on one of the most unique hiking trails in Singapore. It’s an untouched forest with spooky abandoned railway tracks, muddy crossings, rare species, secret tunnels and much more to discover. Indeed, an enlightening and rewarding hike that is sure to provoke interesting conversations among your fellow companions.
13. Coast To Coast Trail
Advanced adventurists will adore this 36km trail along the coast of Singapore, connecting Coney Island Park, Jurong Lake Gardens, Bukit Batok Nature Park, and other parks. There’s 10 epic points of interest to see such as the Twin Padogas at Jurong, Bukit Batok Nature Park’s Quarry Pool and World War II Memorial Site. Additionally, it even connects a dreamy new park called Changi PC on the Round-Island-Route, merging Changi Beach and East Coast Park. Definitely, some of the best hiking trails in Singapore.
14. Windsor Nature Park
One of the best places to hike in Singapore is Windsor Nature Park. The park opened in 2017 near the city and is a relatively easy hike of around two to three hours. It features boardwalks, rich biodiversity, and easy access to MacRitchie Reservoir which is also mentioned on this list.
15. Chestnut Nature Park
Singapore’s largest nature park, spanning 81 hectares, is Chestnut Nature Park. There’s a North and South Trail to hike which is generally flat and with easy terrains. There’s plenty of activities along the way such as the North Trail with the popular Chestnut Nature Park Observation Tower, as well as mountain biking trails, wildlife, birdwatching zones, and more. The park is opened from 7am to 7pm daily so it’s the perfect place for all those morning people.