15 Best Hiking Trails in Singapore That Will Get You Trekking Non-Stop

Itching to go on a hike but not sure what hiking trails in Singapore are available? This concern is very much reasonable. Indeed, this bustling city instantly brings to mind towering skyscrapers and fashionable malls. However, despite Singapore’s reputation of being a concrete jungle, the truth is far from that. As a tropical island, there is actually an abundance of hiking trails in Singapore! We take you through 15 of our favourite hiking trails in Singapore to get you trekking non-stop. Put on your best hiking shoes, grab a bottle of mineral water and get ready for a day with Mother Nature!

1. Bukit Timah Nature Reserve

With a peak of 163.3 metres, Bukit Timah Nature Reserve is the closest thing Singaporeans can get to a mountain here. While it is no Mount Everest, a hike at the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve can still pack quite a punch!

Types of hiking trails available

You can choose from 4 different trails, each with increasing levels of difficulty. For the novices who are just looking for a leisurely stroll, you can take the Blue or Red Trail. This former is the easiest at 0.7 km long. The latter is slightly longer at 1.2 km long. For those who are looking for a bit of a (keyword: manageable!) challenge in hiking trails in Singapore, take the Green Trail. Stretching 1.9km, this moderate-to-difficult trail is challenging enough to make you break into a sweat, but not too draining till you can’t feel your legs! Expert mountain-climbers, if you’ve found yourself smacking your lips in disdain at these trails, fret not. Embark on the Yellow Trail for a difficult yet ultimately rewarding hike.

Flora and fauna of the Bukit Timah Reserve

Bukit Timah Nature Reserve deserves a spot in our list of best hiking trails in Singapore not just because of its various exciting trails, but also because of its large diversity of flora and fauna! An ASEAN heritage park, it is home to over 840 species of flowering plants! As you make your way to the summit, do take some time to observe your surroundings to better appreciate this lovely reserve.

2. Dairy Farm Nature Park

Developed in 2009, the Dairy Farm Nature Park is another place with relaxing hiking trails in Singapore that you should definitely check out. With a land area of 63-hectares, this park boasts various trails for hiking and mountain biking.

Revel in the tranquillity of the moment

If you had to describe the park in one word, it’d be: Rustic. Indeed, as you make your way along the Wallace Trail, you’re instantly enveloped by the serenity of mother nature. Hear the soothing sounds of the various streams trickling their way down. Take in the beautiful sights of various vibrant fruits growing on lush green trees. If you’re lucky, you might even be able to spot some adorable squirrels!

Get educated while you hike

Who says hiking trails in Singapore are solely a place where you sweat it out? Lose some calories and gain some knowledge the next time you hike. At the Wallace Education Centre located at the start of the trail, you can discover interesting tidbits about the park’s history.

3. Kent Ridge Park

If you’re usually a couch potato and this is your first attempt at doing anything remotely athletic, embarking on the various trekking trails in Singapore may seem a little daunting. However, rest easy now as Kent Ridge Park is easy enough for even the most unfit to take on!

Located between the National University of Singapore and the Science Park, Kent Ridge Park is the perfect place to catch a quick break after a busy day at school or work. Take a moment to disconnect from your screens. Stretch your tense muscles and feel your skin glow under the warm sun. Inhale the crisp fresh air. With such a beautiful park located so conveniently close, you really have no excuse not to get moving!

The trails in Kent Ridge Park are also steeped with rich history. Did you know that Kent Ridge Park was the site of the historical battle between Lieutenant Adnan bin Saidi and the Japanese during World War Two? Indeed, there are no better hiking trails in Singapore than the Kent Ridge Park for a moment of contemplation of our history.

4. Hort Park

Do you have a pair of green thumbs? For those who love gardening, or just love basking in Mother Nature in general, the hiking trail in Hort Park is one of the best in Singapore. Branded as a “one-stop gardening resource centre”, you can find all sorts of gardening-related activities here. From educational events to gardening bazaars, it’s a must-go if you love nature! Besides lush greenery, Hort Park also claims a spot in our list of best trails for trekking thanks to its interesting Bee Trail. At this trail, you can spot up to twenty different bee species! Don’t miss out on this bee-utiful park when you explore the hiking trails in Singapore!

5. Telok Blangah Hill Park

If you’re still game for more hiking after exploring the Hort Park, look no further than Telok Blangah Hill Park. This park is connected to the Hort Park via a 1.3km long elevated walkway. Along this walkway, you are treated to a picturesque view of lush greenery. Don’t forget to snap a few photos for your Instagram! Bird-lovers should also definitely prepare their cameras. At the Telok Blangah Hill Park, you can spend a good part of the day watching various native birds.

6. Mount Faber Park

In my opinion, Mount Faber Park has some of the prettiest hiking trails in Singapore. For starters, it’s connected to Telok Blangah Hill Park via the absolutely breath-taking Henderson Waves Bridge. This bridge stands out for its stunning and unique architecture. Like its namesake, the bridge resembles waves, with a series of undulating curves. This bridge is also famous for being the highest pedestrian bridge in Singapore! It’s definitely one of the more interesting trails for trekking in Singapore.

If you’re feeling peckish after your hike, you can tuck into some yummy food at the restaurants located on Mount Faber. Overlooking the glistening sea, this dining experience would be both a gastronomic and visual delight!

7. Labrador Nature Reserve

With a total land area of 22 hectares, Labrador Nature Reserve offers you a much-needed respite. Despite it being near to a bustling shopping mall, this reserve is home to one of the calmest hiking trails in Singapore. Thriving with wildlife, hikers may also encounter various animals on their trek!

8. Green Corridor

The Green Corridor is easily one of the more whimsical hiking trails in Singapore! If you’re tired of following the usual marked trails, this will be for you. The Green Corridor follows the train tracks of the old Kerata Api Tanah Melayu (KMT) train. You can jog, stroll or even bike along this peaceful trail. As you balance on the rugged train tracks, close your eyes and imagine the days gone by. A lovely hideout away from the frenetic pace of life, it’s no wonder that trekking this trail is one of the favourites in Singapore!

9. Windsor Nature Park

Located at Upper Thomson, the Windsor Nature Park is a 75-hectare green buffer for the Central Catchment Nature Reserve. Featuring a marsh habitat and various freshwater streams, this park is the epitome of tranquillity. This park has no shortage of exciting trails for every adventure-seeker to try out. Notably, on the Drongo Trail, hikers are treated to a sub-canopy walk where you can appreciate the under-story of the forest.

Furthermore, the Hanguana Trail boats several rare plants that’ll make for an interesting tour. Indeed, the Windsor Nature Park boasts some of the best hiking trails in Singapore for a good workout!

10. Mac Ritchie Nature Trail

When you’re talking about best hiking trails in Singapore, it’d be almost blasphemous to leave out the Mac Ritchie Nature Trail. The highlight of this trail is definitely the Mac Ritchie Treetop Walk. Perched high above the canopy, the view from this suspension bridge is sure to take your breath away. Admire the azure blue sky, lush green foliage and the glistening waters of the nearby Mac Ritchie reservoir from a bird’s eye view.

Besides this main attraction, this trail is also one of the best hiking trails in Singapore for animal-lovers. Some wildlife that a lucky hiker may spot include monitor lizards, owls and even flying lemurs!

11. Fort Canning Park

Looking to combine exercise with a history lesson? There are no better hiking trails in Singapore than the ones in Fort Canning Park. This park has borne witness to lots of major historical milestones. Notably, Fort Canning Park was the site where the decision to surrender Singapore to the Japanese was made. Choose your pick from nine historical trails for a meaningful trek. What’s more, NParks has opened 9 new gardens in Fort Canning Park ideal for hiking and exploration!

12. Kranji Marshes

Located along the scenic Kranji Reservoir, Kranji Marshes is one of the largest freshwater marshes in Singapore. Totally a 56.8 hectares, Kranji Marshes teems with biodiversity. More than 170 species of birds, 54 species of butterflies and 33 species of dragonflies call Kranji Marshes their home. Bird and insect-lovers will definitely have the time of their lives!

Indeed, Kranji Marshes dedication to nature and wildlife preservation is extremely admirable. If you’re looking to revel in the beauty of wildlife when exploring hiking trails in Singapore, Kranji Marshes is highly recommended.

Besides wildlife, Kranji Marshes also features a beautiful Raptor Tower. Climb up the tower to be rewarded by a panoramic view of the Kranji Reservoir below. It’s the perfect spot to put the worries of life away, and simply be in the moment.

13. Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve

Another one on our list of Best Hiking Trails in Singapore: Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. When was the last time you’ve visited Sungei Buloh? If you’re like most Singaporeans, you’d probably been there only once during your school field trip. Here’s why Sungei Buloh is worth visiting again for a hike!

Singapore’s first ASEAN Heritage Park, every corner of Sungei Buloh is simply thriving with biodiversity. The key feature of this ecological hub is unquestionably its vast mangroves and mudflats. Here, you can encounter various native creatures. Marvel at the adorable mudskippers as they scurry along the mudflats. Spot elegant water snakes slowly gliding along. Giggle at the antics of the playful family of otters. With so much wildlife thriving in its grounds, Sungei Buloh is undoubtedly one of the best hiking trails in Singapore!

14. Bukit Batok Nature Park

This is one of the top hiking trails in Singapore, especially if you’re into amazing scenery and crystal clear waters! When you’re there, do check out the beautiful pond located at the bottom of a towering cliff wall. You also won’t regret taking a leisurely trek through the various footpaths in Bukit Batok Nature Park. With the lush plants and forest, this hiking trail in Singapore is sure to make your hiking experience a highly enjoyable one!

15. Botanic Gardens

Better known as Singapore’s first Unesco World Heritage site, Botanic Gardens clearly deserves a spot in our list of top hiking trails in Singapore. This hiking trail is not only scenic and peaceful but even has several educational and recreational amenities for you to participate in.

Botanic Gardens now also has a 350m ridge hiking trail that features plants found on the tropical hills of Southeast Asia. What better way to spend an evening than to hike in the beautiful and amazing Botanic Gardens!

Conclusion

Singapore may be well known as a shopping paradise but maybe it’s time for you to explore the other aspect of this country! Get away from the glitz and glamour of Orchard Road for a day with Mother Nature instead. There are a variety of hiking trails in Singapore catering to a broad range of needs. A couch potato who’s decided on a lifestyle change, a seasoned hiker who believes that health is wealth – regardless of who you are, there’s bound to be a trail for you. So, lace up those shoes and get hiking!

Looking for a way to get fit in a fun and interesting way? Check out 17 Fun Exercises In Singapore To Try If You Hate To Workout.

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