Best Hiking Trails in Singapore Suitable for All Ages

Amidst Singapore’s towering skyscrapers, efficient transport network and ubiquitous residential areas, there are still untouched spots in the city, such as hiking trails and nature parks. After all, Singapore is known as a Garden City, and we do live up to its name. From everyone’s favourite hiking trails to the newly discovered, here is a list of hiking trails with varying difficulty levels. Time to unleash the explorer in you and experience a new adventure in your backyard.

1. The Green Corridor

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Also known as The Rail Corridor, the tracks used to be part of Malaysia’s KTM railway connecting Malaysia and Singapore. The trail is about 24km long stretches from Kranji, Bukit Timah, Bukit Panjang, Tanglin and Alexandra. While some parts of the trail are still in construction, you can still walk alongside the main road. A must-visit pitstops are the Old Bukit Timah Railway Station, built in 1903 and the preserved Truss Bridge, located near The Rail Mall.

Difficulty Level: 3/5
Entry Point: There are multiple entry points including Hindhede Bridge, Bukit Timah Railway Station, Truss Bridge and Upper Bukit Timah Bridge.

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2. Dairy Farm Nature Park

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Conveniently located 5 mins away from Hillview MRT, traverse through 1.3km rocky terrains and be awed by the Singapore Quarry. The boardwalk here makes for a good spot for an Instagram photo, or simply admire the biodiversity in this tranquil lake.

Go for a casual hike at the Wallace Trail, a 2.2km one-way trail that takes about an hour to complete. While there are demarcated treks made, expect muddy soils and shrubs at some parts. You’ll also see the Wallace Education Centre, a former cowshed turned gallery.

Difficulty Level: 2/5
Entry Point: Hillview MRT Exit A or Carpark A & B

3. Keppel Hill Reservoir

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Go off the beaten track and discover one of Singapore’s most deserted reservoirs which leads to Mount Faber. If you’re a fan of taking the road less travelled, this trek experience is for you as you’ll need to traverse through muddy trails and verdant foliage. While heading towards this azure water reservoir, you might even chance upon the legendary Seah Im Bunker and a Japanese tomb.

The reservoir is one-third the size of an Olympic swimming pool and was rediscovered by researchers in 2014. Research showed that it was once a swimming pool, and you can even see remnants of a diving board on the edge.

Difficulty Level: 5/5
Entry Point: Seah Im Carpark, lookout for the 10m tall heritage tree

4. Hindhede Nature Park

Take a leisure stroll with the family at this easy trail at Hindhede Nature Park. It is located right next to Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and is an ideal spot for bird watching too. Here, you’ll get to see birds such as the Banded Woodpecker and Greater Racket-tailed Drongo. The well-defined footpath also makes it easy for the kids to walk, which is ideal for the little ones and the elderly too.

Difficulty Level: 1/5
Entry Point: From Beauty World MRT, walk towards Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. The entrance of Hindhede Nature Park is beside the Visitor Centre.

5. Tampines Eco Green

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A sanctuary right in your backyard, Tampines Eco Green is located just 20 mins away from Tampines MRT via Sun Plaza Park. The park is rich with biodiversity and a great place for visitors residing in Tampines and beyond. Appreciate nature by spotting butterflies and dragonflies as you stroll through the park. Avoid coming here in the evening as the park isn’t lit, to protect the wildlife living there.

Difficulty Level: 1/5
Entry Point: Beside Sun Plaza Park

6. Kranji Marshes

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If you’re an avid wildlife enthusiast, Kranji Marshes is the park you should visit. It’s home to more than 170 species of birds, 33 species of dragonflies and 54 species of butterflies. Take a leisure stroll along Neo Tiew Woods and look out for birds such as Purple Swamphen and Common Moorhen. If you’re visiting between November to March, spot migratory birds such as Japanese Sparrowhawk and Black Baza from the top of Raptor Tower, standing at 10.65m tall.

Difficulty Level: 2/5
Entry Point: Only one entrance at the Kranji Gate

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7. Chestnut Nature Park

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The park is split into two areas, Chestnut Nature Park North and South, where the former opened to the public on 25 February 2017. This park is Singapore’s largest park to date at 81 hectares and visitors can look forward to bird watching, hiking and mountain biking. Feel the adrenaline rush at the 8.2km bike trail that puts your mountain biking skill to the test. For a more leisurely stroll, cross over to Zhenghua Park.

Difficulty Level: 3/5
Entry Point: Zhenghua Park or the official carpark

8. Thomson Nature Park

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One of the newer hiking trails in Singapore, Thomson Nature Park opened in October 2019. A hiking trail that goes beyond just admiring flora and fauna, it is also rich in cultural heritage that showcases the ruins of a former Hainanese Village, where villagers (including Teo Chew, Cantonese, Malay and Eurasian) resided from the 1930s to 1980s. Be amazed by the ruins which are still standing such as a spiral staircase, previously owned by the Eurasian Fox Family. Or be left in awe, as you witness a well-preserved ruin, where you can clearly distinguish staircases and rooms, previously owned by the Foo Family.

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With multiple unique trails such as Streams & Ferns Trail, Rambutan Trail and Ruins & Figs Trail, it’s a hiking experience you should definitely try. Did you know the area was once part of the Thomson Road circuit for the Singapore Grand Prix in 1961?

Difficulty Level: 1/5
Entry Point: 5 mins walk from Aft Tagore Dr bus stop to the main entrance

9. Coney Island

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Not to be confused with Coney Island in New York, Singapore’s very own Coney Island opened its doors to the public in October 2015. Also known as Pulau Serangoon, the island spans over 100 hectares after multiple land reclamation projects. Rich in biodiversity, Coney Island is a popular stop for migratory birds like the Asian Drongo-Cuckoo.

The island is also a popular spot for wedding photography for its lush greeneries, resulting in beautifully captured photos. Did you also know that there is a bungalow on the island owned by Aw Boon Haw and Aw Boon Par? The founders of a huge ointment business empire known as Tiger Balm.

Difficulty Level: 1/5
Entry Point: Drive to Punggol Settlement and walk to Coney Island’s West Entrance

Read: Best Cycling Routes and Bike Trails in Singapore

10. The Southern Ridges

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Comprised of Mount Faber Park, Telok Blangah Hill Park, Hort Park, Kent Ridge Park and Labrador Nature Reserve, The Southern Ridges is a must-try hiking trail in Singapore. Close to a 10-kilometre stretch, The Southern Ridges most iconic spot would be the Henderson Waves Bridge – which looks futuristic in shape and it’s also the highest pedestrian bridge in Singapore.

Go for an evening hike, where at dawn, you’ll witness the bridge come to life, illuminating the sky from 7pm to 7am every night. After a long hike, take a respite and have brunch at Wildseed at The Alkaff Mansion here, and earn cashback for every reservation made.

Difficulty Level: 2/5
Entry Point: Mount Faber, Henderson Waves, HortPark and Alexandra Arch Bridge at Alexandra Rd

11. Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve

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Be one with nature at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, and traverse through extensive mangroves rich with biodiversity, from migratory birds, mudskippers to lobsters. For the migratory birds, some come as far away as Siberia, and witnessing their stop in Singapore can be heartwarming. For photography and art enthusiasts, this is the perfect park to capture and draw nature’s wonder at work.

Take a stroll at the 1.3km Coastal Trail, where you can see a picturesque view of Johor, Malaysia. Do practice caution when walking at the boardwalks and stay clear of the water’s edge as there might be crocodiles lurking in the waters.

Difficulty Level: 2/5
Entry Point: Wetland Centre entrance

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12. MacRitchie Reservoir Park

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The most popular hiking trail and nature park is of course the MacRitchie Reservoir Park. The nature park is highly visited by sports enthusiasts and nature lovers for its pristine waters, thick lush greeneries and multiple water activities, such as kayaking and canoeing. Gear up in your trekking attire and test your stamina, by embarking on an 11km hiking trail which would take roughly four hours, depending on your fitness level.

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A must-see spot in MacRitchie Reservoir Park is the Treetop Walk, an aerial suspension bridge hanging about 80 feet above the ground. On the bridge, witness the panoramic view of the Upper Peirce Reservoir – a truly breathtaking sight. There might be monkeys on the ledge of the bridge, so be careful to not hold onto anything lose such as sunglasses, caps, and snacks.

Difficulty Level: 3/5
Entry Point: Best accessed via the MacRitchie Reservoir Carpark

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