The other day, my friend jio me for trekking. I excitedly offered a few suggestions (like Macritchie and Labrador Park), but she immediately dismissed them, saying that she meant somewhere outside of Singapore. She said Singapore’s trails were, in her own words, “meh”.
I know it’s easy to think that we’re an urban jungle, but hear me out — our tropical island has its riches if you’re willing to explore. I admit that I haven’t explored every single trekking trail in Singapore, but I’ve seen enough to know that my friend was wrong. Here are my favourite trekking spots in Singapore, if you’d like to set out on your own great adventure without burning a hole in your wallet.
01 • Upper Peirce Reservoir
Don’t be embarrassed if you’ve never heard of Upper Peirce Reservoir. Neither had I! But after trekking there, now I won’t shut up about it. This resplendent reservoir sits next to Thomson Nature Park and can be accessed from Springleaf or Lentor MRT station via Old Upper Thomson Road. It’s a bit of a difficult walk to get there, but once you’re in, you can marvel at the sight of one of Singapore’s largest reservoirs.
💡 Pro tips:
- Difficulty: Intermediate. Depending on where you enter, the trek along Old Upper Thomson Road is slightly longer than 3km. The road is undulating, so the uphill elements might make the trek a little difficult. If you’re willing to brave it, the view is spectacular!
- Things to bring: Bring a bottle of water. Water coolers are only available at Thomson Nature Park — and nowhere else.
- Best time to go: Early morning, or close to evening. The noon overhead sun can be unforgiving, even though there are plenty of trees on both sides of the road to provide shade. The main gate to the reservoir closes at 7pm, so don’t be late to exit.
- Trail highlights: Near the carpark, there’s an amazing vantage point that allows you to view both Upper Peirce Reservoir and Lower Peirce Reservoir. If you don’t have enough time to visit both individually, visit this sweet spot instead! 🥰
02 • MacRitchie Reservoir
No list of trekking trails can be complete without MacRitchie Reservoir, arguably Singapore’s most popular reservoir for various reasons. Speaking from experience, my favourite thing about MacRitchie is its wide range of trails — from the Lornie Trail, which keeps you in constant proximity to the beautiful waters, to the Treetop Walk Trail, which takes you to the famous and Instaworthy suspension bridge. With so many trails and turns, a trip to MacRitchie is sure to feel like an adventure.
💡 Pro tips:
- Difficulty: Easy. There’s no set distance, leaving it up to you how much you want to trek. There are ample rest spots throughout each trail for you to catch a breather. You’ll also find many entrances and exits throughout, so you don’t have to worry about committing to a round trip — just find the nearest exit!
- Best time to go: Sunrise. There’s a spot at the start of Nature Trail where you can catch the sun gleaming off the water. It’s an extraordinary sight. 😍
- Highlights: The MacRitchie Treetop Walk Trailhead. This beautiful suspension bridge is a bit of a walk from the reservoir, but I always make an effort to visit it.
- Your safety: If you bring food, stow it away in a backpack. There are monkeys along the trails that may snatch your food if they see it. It’s happened to me!
- Other things to do: MacRitchie isn’t just for trekking. If you want to get closer to the water, you can rent a kayak.
03 • Rail Corridor
Spanning an impressive 24km from Kranji to Tanjong Pagar, the Rail Corridor is a great trail for beginners and seasoned trekkers alike. From the tranquil waters of Pang Sua to the intriguing tunnels of Commonwealth, there’s so much to see and learn about our country’s past. That’s the truly unique thing about the Rail Corridor — it keeps going on and on, bringing you new sights.
💡 Pro tips:
- Difficulty: Easy. There are many entrances and exits, so you can decide how long you want to trek. The terrain is also fairly even, making it friendly for all ages.
- Things to bring: Sufficient water. While the Rail Corridor does cut through some parks, it’s not a park by itself. Water coolers might be difficult to find, so pack enough water, especially if you’re planning for a long trek.
- Best time to go: Before sunset. Even though the Rail Corridor is open 24/7 because it also serves as a natural walkway for animals, this means there are zero artificial lights. That’s why it’s best to go during the day.
- Highlights: If you don’t have much time, go straight to the Bukit Timah Truss Bridge. This colonial-era steel bridge is the poster child of the Rail Corridor. It’s a nice, vibey place to snap some pics!
04 • Jurong Lake Gardens
Hot take: Jurong Lake Gardens is the best park in the west. The trio of thematic gardens — Lakeside Garden, Chinese Garden, and Japanese Garden — combine to create a slice of paradise in the heartlands. Whether it’s a quick evening stroll or a day out with your family, Jurong Lake Gardens will not disappoint.
💡 Pro tips:
- Difficulty: Easy. Wide walkways and fairly even terrain make Jurong Lake Gardens one of the most unintimidating trekking trails.
- Things to bring: Sunscreen. While most rest areas are shaded, the trekking trails within the park rarely come with shade.
- Best time to go: Morning. With vast green and blue spaces, the morning air is cool and crisp, making it perfect for a brisk walk.
- Highlights: The Twin Pagoda. This striking 3-storey Chinese architecture is a must-see. You can even step inside to explore the buildings.
- Other things to do: Jurong Lake Gardens is a PAssion WaVe site. Water babies should try dragonboating or kayaking here.
05 • East Coast Park
Not all trails are set deep in the forests. If you’re a beach person, the East Coast Park might be up your alley. This popular coastal park is a cyclist’s haven, but a long walk with the sea breeze gently caressing your face isn’t a bad idea either!
Plus, don’t judge me for this, but I absolutely love playing at the Coastal Playground as well. The rope tower awakens my inner child. 😃
💡 Pro tips:
- Difficulty: Easy-peasy! Abundant rest points and eateries throughout the trail make this perfect for a family outing.
- Best time to go: Evening/sunset. Unlike other trekking trails, East Coast Park is well-lit, making it perfect for night walks. Come around sunset to admire the sky’s ethereal streaks of orange reflecting on the ocean.
- Highlights: Looking for the best place to admire the ocean? Hit up Siglap Canal Lookout Deck. It extends into the ocean for a bussin’ view of the horizon. 🤩
06 • Clementi Forest
Most trekking trails in Singapore have been altered and curated to a considerable degree — with carved out trails, boardwalks, signs pointing directions, and more. Not Clementi Forest, though. This area, accessible from the Rail Corridor at Bukit Timah, is nature in its truest definition. If you’re okay with your shoes sinking in muddy paths, you’ll be treated to the famous Red Metal Beams, abandoned railway tracks, and a tunnel along this roughly 2km trek.
💡 Pro tips:
- Difficulty: Hard. This trail is not regularly maintained by NParks, so the trails are uneven and typically slippery from mud. The last time I trekked at Clementi Forest, there was even a fallen tree obstructing the paths, which I had to climb over to continue. Aside from a bus stop above the tunnel, there’s no designated rest stop either.
- Things to bring: Sufficient water, sunscreen, and insect repellent. While not required, I’d also recommend trekking shoes and poles to help you navigate the trickier paths.
- Best time to go: Morning. Shade is limited along the trail, so the sun can be quite beating if you go later.
- Highlights: The tunnel residing over the abandoned railway track makes for a fantastic photo spot.
- Important: While Singapore is safe, try not to enter this forest alone. It’s a forest, after all, if you know what I mean.
07 • Bukit Gombak Hill
My friend wasn’t completely wrong. When you think of Singapore, you think of arresting buildings, not nature. However, a few places like Bukit Gombak Hill make me go slack-jawed in awe.
Complete with a magnificently blue quarry and the stunning Little Guilin, this nature park almost feels like it’s not in Singapore. The best part is, you don’t even have to struggle and break a sweat to be treated to the mesmerising views. It’s the perfect place to take your kids or elderly parents!
💡 Pro tips:
- Difficulty: Easy. The actual length of the trekking trails is only a few hundred metres. All paths are paved with stone and even.
- Best time to go: Before evening. While the park is well-lit, you’d want the sun to be out as you admire the sights.
- Highlights: Little Guilin. Nuff said. 🤩
08 • Rifle Range Nature Park
When Rifle Range Nature Park opened in 2022, everyone and their mother was there for a trek. I hopped on that bandwagon and quickly realised why it was so popular. With a combination of dirt trails and boardwalks, Rifle Range is a decently challenging trek that’ll get your heart pumping, yet still manageable for novice trekkers. Each beautiful sight along the trail only made me want to keep going to the next.
💡 Pro tips:
- Difficulty: Intermediate. The dirt trails can get a bit challenging at times, and there are a few uphill elements as the trail progressively gains elevation.
- Things to bring: Sufficient water, sunscreen, insect repellent, and comfortable shoes.
- Best time to go: Morning. There are a few open areas that aren’t shaded by trees. If you’re planning to trek all the way to Bukit Timah Nature Reserve or Central Catchment Nature Reserve, give yourself enough time before nightfall.
- Highlights: The Colugo Deck. Built above the boardwalks, this observation deck gives you an amazing view of the surrounding nature and the small quarry.
09 • Mandai Boardwalk
Home to top attractions like Singapore Zoo and Bird Paradise, Mandai is known for its natural beauty. Did you know there’s a free trail there that lets you get close and personal with nature? Opened early this year, Mandai Boardwalk makes for a chill 3.3km trek, allowing you to admire the view of Seletar Reservoir and plenty of wildlife like peacocks and squirrels.
💡 Pro tips:
- Difficulty: Easy. The boardwalk is an easy trail. There are 7 rest spots throughout the walk if you need a pit spot to take in the surrounding beauty.
- Best time to go: Morning.
- Highlights: The Lizard’s Lounge. My professional opinion is that this is the best rest spot because of its panoramic view of the reservoir. 😍
10 • Southern Ridges
Is it just me, or are the Southern Ridges extremely underrated? When I ask my friends their favourite spots to trek, Southern Ridges is rarely at the top of the list, which is tragic. With aesthetic boardwalks, trails that submerge you into greenery, and a breathtaking view from the top of Mount Faber, what’s not to like about this place?
💡 Pro tips:
- Difficulty: Intermediate. There are many stairs and other uphill elements, especially if you intend to reach the summit of Mount Faber. Totally worth the climb!
- Best time to go: Sunrise or early morning. The paths are well-lit if you intend to trek up to catch the sunrise.
- Highlights: Henderson Waves and the Mount Faber Lookout Point. Both spots are perfect for absorbing the scenic beauty around. The latter gives you a 360-degree view of the city below!
- Other things to do: The Telok Blangah Hill Park is a vibey garden. There are tables and chairs if you want to hang out with your friends or family.
Important: A few trails are currently closed for renovation. Learn more.
Parking information
(Featured photo adapted from: Trevallog, Medium, Trip.com, Visit Singapore)
