Top 10 Hiking Trails in Singapore, Nature Enthusiasts

Singapore is home to many beautiful hiking trails that showcase its lush greenery and diverse wildlife. Despite being a small urban island, the city-state offers nature lovers plenty of opportunities to explore its natural landscapes.

From coastal paths to forest reserves, there’s something for hikers of all skill levels.

The top 10 hiking trails in Singapore provide a perfect escape from the bustling city life and allow visitors to connect with nature.

These trails wind through different ecosystems, including tropical rainforests, wetlands, and mangrove swamps.

Hikers can spot various birds, monkeys, and other wildlife while enjoying the fresh air and scenic views along these well-maintained paths.

Bukit Timah Nature Reserve : Top 10 Hiking Trails in Singapore

Bukit Timah Nature Reserve is a popular hiking destination in Singapore. It’s home to the country’s highest hill, standing at 163 meters tall. The reserve offers several hiking trails that lead to the summit.

Hikers can choose from various paths to explore the area.

The main trail is steep but well-maintained, providing a challenging climb to the top.

For those seeking a less strenuous option, there are gentler slopes and nature trails available.

The reserve boasts rich biodiversity, with many plant and animal species calling it home. Visitors might spot long-tailed macaques, flying lemurs, or various bird species during their hike.

One of the most popular routes is the Bukit Timah: Main Path, Cave, and South View Loop. This 1.6-mile trail offers diverse scenery and a good workout.

Hikers should remember to stay on marked trails and respect the environment. The reserve is a protected area, and it’s important to follow the rules to preserve its natural beauty.

Southern Ridges Trail

The Southern Ridges Trail is a 10-kilometer hiking path that connects several parks in Singapore’s southwest. It offers a unique blend of nature and urban views.

The trail starts at Mount Faber Park and ends at Labrador Nature Reserve.

Along the way, it passes through Telok Blangah Hill Park, HortPark, and Kent Ridge Park.

One of the trail’s highlights is the Henderson Waves bridge. This wooden walkway stands 36 meters above Henderson Road and offers great city views.

At HortPark, hikers can explore themed gardens and learn about different plant species. The park is a hub for gardening and horticulture enthusiasts.

The Canopy Walk in Kent Ridge Park lets visitors walk among treetops. It’s a chance to see birds and small animals up close.

The Southern Ridges Trail is suitable for hikers of various skill levels. It has both paved paths and natural terrain.

Visitors can choose to do the entire trail or just parts of it.

This trail showcases Singapore’s commitment to green spaces. It combines nature, history, and modern architecture in one scenic route.

MacRitchie Reservoir Trail

MacRitchie Reservoir Park is a popular spot for nature lovers in Singapore. It offers a variety of hiking trails and outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy.

The park features a 20km network of trails and boardwalks. These wind through over 2,000 hectares of lush forest surrounding the reservoir.

Hikers can choose from different difficulty levels.

There are easy walks to more challenging routes suitable for various fitness levels.

One notable trail is the MacRitchie Nature Trail, Sime Track, Chempaerai Trail Loop. This 7.6-mile loop is moderately challenging and takes about 3.5 hours to complete.

The park also offers unique experiences like the TreeTop Walk. This suspended bridge provides a bird’s eye view of the forest canopy.

Visitors can spot diverse wildlife along the trails.

The area is home to long-tailed macaques, monitor lizards, and various bird species.

For those interested in water activities, the reservoir allows kayaking and canoeing. These offer a different perspective of the park’s natural beauty.

Pulau Ubin’s Chek Jawa

Pulau Ubin, a small island off Singapore’s coast, is home to the stunning Chek Jawa Wetlands. This unique ecosystem boasts six different habitats in one area, making it a paradise for nature lovers and hikers.

The wetlands feature a network of boardwalks that allow visitors to explore without disturbing the delicate environment.

These paths wind through mangroves, coastal forests, and tidal flats, offering close-up views of diverse plant and animal life.

A highlight of Chek Jawa is the 7-story tall Jejawi Tower. From its top, hikers can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and spot various bird species.

The Sensory Trail leads visitors through a lush garden filled with native plants. This short walk provides an immersive experience of Pulau Ubin’s natural beauty.

For history buffs, the 1930s Tudor-style House No. 1 offers a glimpse into the past. This restored cottage now serves as a visitor center and provides information about Chek Jawa’s rich biodiversity.

Chek Jawa’s accessibility and well-maintained trails make it suitable for hikers of all levels.

It’s an ideal spot for those seeking a tranquil nature escape within Singapore.

Coney Island Park

Coney Island Park is a hidden gem for nature lovers in Singapore. This rustic island offers a unique hiking experience with its sandy beaches and coastal forests.

The park features a 5-kilometer trail that circles the island. Hikers can enjoy the serene atmosphere and diverse wildlife along the way.

Casuarina trees line the paths, creating a pine-like environment.

The island’s preserved natural state allows visitors to connect with nature in its raw form.

Birdwatchers will appreciate the variety of species that call Coney Island home. Lucky hikers might even spot wild boars roaming the area.

The park is accessible via Punggol, making it a perfect addition to a longer hike.

Visitors can combine it with a stroll through Punggol’s waterways and promenades for a more extended adventure.

Coney Island Park offers both self-guided walks and guided tours. This flexibility allows hikers to explore at their own pace or learn from knowledgeable guides.

Lazarus Island Trail

Lazarus Island offers a scenic hiking trail that connects to St. John’s Island. The path is easy to navigate and suitable for hikers of all skill levels.

The trail spans about 3.3 miles as a loop, taking roughly 1 hour and 22 minutes to complete. Hikers can enjoy stunning coastal views and pristine beaches along the way.

Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the island’s diverse flora and fauna. The trail passes through lush greenery and provides opportunities to spot various bird species.

One of the highlights is the beautiful white sand beach on Lazarus Island. It’s an ideal spot for a picnic or a refreshing swim after the hike.

Visitors can access Lazarus Island by ferry from Marina South Pier.

It’s advisable to bring water, snacks, and sun protection, as amenities on the island are limited.

Bukit Batok Nature Park

Bukit Batok Nature Park is a 36-hectare green space in Singapore. It was created in 1988 on an old quarry site.

The park offers hiking trails through a secondary forest. Hikers can enjoy views of clear waters from the former quarry.

The main trail is about 3.87 kilometers long. It takes 1 to 2 hours to complete and is rated easy to moderate.

Visitors can see many types of plants and animals in the park. It’s a good spot for nature walks and bird watching.

The park also has a World War II memorial. This adds historical interest to the natural beauty.

Some trails in Bukit Batok Nature Park may be closed for maintenance, so it’s a good idea to check before visiting.

Bukit Batok Nature Park is part of a larger network of green spaces in Singapore. It connects to other parks through connectors like the Hillview Park Connector.

The Green Corridor

The Green Corridor is a unique hiking trail in Singapore. It stretches for 24 kilometers along a former railway line that once connected Singapore to Malaysia.

This eco-friendly trail offers a green escape in the heart of the city. Hikers can enjoy lush forests, diverse wildlife, and scenic views along the route.

The Green Corridor is perfect for leisurely walks and bike rides. It’s a flat, easy trail suitable for hikers of all skill levels.

Along the way, visitors can spot historic landmarks and remnants of the old railway. These add a touch of nostalgia to the natural beauty.

The trail also passes through several neighborhoods, giving hikers a chance to explore different parts of Singapore.

At the Green Corridor, birdwatching enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy. The Green Corridor is home to many bird species.

The Green Corridor is also known as the Rail Corridor. It’s a testament to Singapore’s commitment to preserving green spaces in the urban landscape.

Chestnut Nature Park

Chestnut Nature Park is Singapore’s largest nature park. It covers 81 hectares, which is bigger than 110 soccer fields combined.

The park has separate trails for hikers and mountain bikers. This setup helps keep everyone safe and lets visitors enjoy their preferred activities without worry.

For hikers, there are three main trails to explore. The Northern Trail is 2 km long, while the Nature Trail stretches for 1.5 km.

In the southern part of the park, visitors can take on the Southern loop. This 2.1 km trail offers a moderate challenge for those seeking a bit more adventure.

Chestnut Nature Park is home to diverse plant and animal life. Hikers might spot interesting birds and other wildlife along the trails.

The park’s location on the edge of the Central Catchment Nature Reserve adds to its natural beauty. It provides a peaceful escape from the busy city life.

Kranji Marshes

Kranji Marshes is a hidden gem in Singapore’s northwest. This wetland reserve offers a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. It’s a great spot for nature lovers and birdwatchers.

The reserve has a network of trails that wind through grasslands, marshes, and ponds. These paths make it easy to explore the diverse ecosystem. Visitors can spot many bird species here, both local and migratory.

One of the highlights is the Raptor Tower. From its top, hikers get a panoramic view of the marshes and Kranji Reservoir. It’s an ideal place to watch for birds of prey soaring overhead.

Around the Marsh Station, there are bird hides that provide opportunities to see shy marsh birds. Lucky visitors might spot purple swamphens or common moorhens in their natural habitat.

Kranji Marshes is considered an easy hiking route. Most trails are flat and well-maintained, making them suitable for hikers of all skill levels. The main loop takes about 30 minutes to complete, but visitors often spend more time observing wildlife.

Flora and Fauna Along Singapore’s Trails

Singapore’s hiking trails offer a rich array of plant and animal life. Visitors can spot unique species and learn about the island’s biodiversity.

Common Plant Species

Singapore’s trails showcase a variety of native plants. The Bukit Timah Nature Reserve boasts many tree species. Hikers can see towering dipterocarp trees and colorful orchids.

Ferns and mosses thrive in the humid climate. The Singapore Walking Iris, with its blue flowers, is a common sight.

Mangrove plants line coastal trails. These include species like the api-api with its pencil-like roots.

Wildlife Sightings

Singapore’s trails are home to diverse animal life. Monkeys are often seen, especially long-tailed macaques. They can be found in many parks and reserves.

Bird watchers can spot colorful species. The crimson sunbird and greater racket-tailed drongo are two examples.

Reptiles like the Oriental Whip Snake may be seen on tree branches. Lucky hikers might spot larger mammals, such as the Sambar deer, in some nature reserves.

Butterflies and dragonflies add splashes of color to trails. The Common Tree Nymph butterfly is a striking black and white species often seen.

Trail Safety and Preparation Tips

Hiking in Singapore requires proper planning and gear. Staying safe on the trails involves packing essential items and considering the weather conditions.

Essential Hiking Gear

When hiking in Singapore, bring a sturdy backpack with these key items:

• Water bottle (at least 1 liter)
• Trail snacks like energy bars or nuts
• First aid kit with bandages and antiseptic
• Insect repellent
• Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
• Hat or cap for sun protection
• Comfortable, closed-toe hiking shoes
• Quick-dry clothing

A fully charged phone is vital for emergencies. Download offline maps of the hiking trails before setting out. Bring a portable charger as backup.

Weather Considerations

Singapore’s climate is hot and humid year-round. Hikers should:

• Start early in the morning to avoid midday heat
• Check weather forecasts before heading out
• Bring extra water to stay hydrated
• Wear breathable, moisture-wicking clothes

Sudden rain showers are common. Pack a lightweight rain jacket or poncho. Trails can get slippery when wet, so use caution and proper footwear.

During the monsoon season (November to January), be prepared for heavier rainfall. Some trails may close due to weather conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Singapore offers a variety of hiking trails for nature lovers. These trails cater to different skill levels and interests, from scenic walks to challenging treks.

What are the newest hiking trails opened in Singapore in 2024?

The Coast-to-Coast Trail, opened in early 2024, connects parks across Singapore. It spans 36 kilometers and features diverse landscapes.

Another new trail is the Rail Corridor, fully reopened in 2024. This 24-kilometer green corridor follows the old railway line.

Which hiking trails in Singapore offer the most scenic nature walks?

The Southern Ridges Trail provides stunning views of the city and nature. It connects several parks and includes the iconic Henderson Waves bridge.

MacRitchie Reservoir Trail offers lush greenery and chances to spot wildlife. The TreeTop Walk, a highlight of this trail, gives a unique perspective of the forest canopy.

Can you recommend some lesser-known hiking trails in Singapore for enthusiasts looking to avoid crowds?

Kranji Marshes is a hidden gem for birdwatching and nature photography. It’s less crowded than popular trails and offers a unique wetland ecosystem.

The Kampong Trail at Pulau Ubin is another quiet option. It takes hikers through an old village and provides glimpses of Singapore’s rural past.

Where can I find a detailed map of hiking trails in Singapore?

The National Parks Board website offers detailed maps of Singapore’s hiking trails. These maps show trail lengths, difficulty levels, and points of interest.

AllTrails is another useful resource. It provides user-generated trail maps and reviews for Singapore’s hiking paths.

What are the top-rated hiking trails in Singapore for experienced hikers?

Bukit Timah Nature Reserve is challenging and popular among experienced hikers. It features Singapore’s highest hill and dense rainforest.

The Coast-to-Coast Trail, while long, offers varied terrain for seasoned hikers. It passes through nature reserves, parks, and urban areas.

Are there any family-friendly hiking trails in Singapore suitable for young children?

Hindhede Nature Park offers easy trails suitable for families with young children. It has a playground and a quarry with scenic views.

Coney Island Park is another family-friendly option. It has flat, easy trails and opportunities for wildlife spotting.