Whether you’re looking for the best walks and hikes in Singapore or just keen to enjoy what Mother Nature has to offer, this list is for you! Singapore has amazing jungles, parks, coastal walks and reservoirs that are open to the public (and free). We know it’s hot; but once you’re out there, you’ll forget about it – and it’s much cooler in the jungles than out! Hiking in Singapore is generally not too strenuous, but there are some hills that will get you out of breath and some rough and muddy ground. So, we don’t use the word “hike” too lightly this list – you’ll need to wear a pair of good trainers!
You’ll also encounter wildlife in many of these places. The best idea, in general, is to avoid eye contact and walk calmly past; this is especially true for monkeys and wild boars. Monkeys can be aggressive if there’s food involved, and boars have been known to attack. Snakes usually hear you coming and get out of your way, so they’re not as commonly seen as you might think. You can also come across large monitor lizards, turtles and even otters, if you’re lucky!
Windsor Nature Park hike
7am to 7pm
This is one of several newly upgraded green zones around the various reservoirs that occupy the centre of the island. The park complements the recently launched Springleaf and Chestnut Nature Parks. Covering 75 hectares, Windsor features three hiking trails (Drongo, Squirrel and Hanguana) and a 150-metre sub-canopy walkway. You can continue walking to MacRitchie Reservoir and even Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. Much of this is on raise pathways, but there are also the original jungle trails if you prefer. Wild boar sitings are common at the start, monkeys and wild chickens! Parking is on Venus Drive – it can be busy early on the weekends but usually quieter than the other MacRitchie access point.
MacRitchie Reservoir walks and hikes
7am to 7pm (TreeTop Walk currently closed; expected to reopen May 2021)
Walk along the lakeside boardwalks of MacRitchie Reservoir, the water can be an amazing colour. Watch the kayaking, or do a gentle hike through the forest on cross-country trails. Routes vary from one to five hours, there are maps and markers along the way. The whole loop around the reservoir is about 10km. A highlight is the HSBC TreeTop Walk, a 250-metre aerial suspension bridge with panoramic views over the surrounding rainforest and Upper Peirce Reservoir. Even in the heat of the day, the jungle is cooler, so don’t worry about going later in the day. The reservoir is home to just one of Singapore’s many popular running trails and can get busy, so keep to the left!
Labrador Park walk
7am to 7pm
Attractions here include World War II bunkers, tunnels and a fort. The park also boasts panoramic sea views and is great for picnics. More information on what to see and do can be found here.
Bukit Timah Nature Reserve hike
7am to 7pm (check safedistparks.nparks.gov.sg for updates on opening hours and car parking hours)
One of the largest swathes of primary forest left in Singapore, Bukit Timah Nature Reserve was one of the first forest reserves set up in 1883. It’s now home to more than 840 flowering plants and over 500 animal species. At the base of the hill near the car park is a visitor centre, which is worth a visit. The park also boasts Singapore’s highest peak, quarries and several winding forest trails. The initial hill is a killer if you’re not in shape, but you’ll see lots of very fit people running up it with backpacks – training for bigger things! There are also plenty of mountain-biking trails in the area, too.
East Coast Park walk
Open 24 hours
Singapore’s largest and most popular park offers a long stretch of sea, sand and swaying palms. Come here for the breeze and enjoy walking, cycling, rollerblading and barbecues. The well-loved Marine Cove also finally reopened in July 2016 after a four-year hiatus. It features a huge outdoor playground as well as a variety of family-friendly dining concepts including a unique upscale Macdonald’s outlet. You can rent bikes and larger cycles that take a whole family.
Mount Faber hike
Open 24 hours
This walk provides some wonderful panoramic views over the city, the harbour and the southern islands. You can also take a cable car to Sentosa from here. You can park at VivoCity and walk all the way up, or park at one of the car parks further up. This leads on to the Southern Ridges.
Southern Ridges walk
Open 24 hours
This links a series of a hill trails between Mount Faber, Telok Blangah Hill and Kent Ridge Park, with great views across the Telok Blangah area. Highlights are the undulating Henderson Waves Bridge and the elevated 1.3 kilometres of Forest Walk.
Thomson Nature Park walk
7am to 7pm
This is another new green space for Singapore (opened late 2019). Located between Old Upper Thomson Road and Upper Thomson Road, the park’s 3.8km of trails take in heritage highlights including a former Hainan Village, whose ruins have been conserved.
Gardens by the Bay walk
5am to 2am
Spanning 101 hectares, Gardens by the Bay comprises three waterfront gardens, the towering supertrees and two massive indoor environments: the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest. The showcase of horticulture and garden artistry aims to “bring the world of plants to Singapore and present Singapore to the world”. And the Children’s Garden (free entry) is a treat, with water-play areas, swings, climbing equipment and an adventure trail. Head to the Garden’s website for more information.
Singapore Botanic Gardens walk
5am to 12am
An impressive oasis of greenery, with terrain varying from rolling lawns to jungle, and plant life from orchids to cacti. In 2015, it was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the first and only tropical botanic garden on the list. It features the Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden (a special garden for kids), while Symphony Lake is a great spot for families and friends to gather for picnics and open-air concerts. For information on events, workshops and tours, visit the Gardens website.
Hort Park trails
6am to 11pm
This recreational and educational park includes a variety of show gardens to inspire people who love gardening. The nursery sells plants and garden accessories. The western end of the park provides access to Kent Ridge Park, for those who are hiking the whole of the Southern Ridges.
West Coast Park walk
Open 24 hours
You’d never guess it, but this park is built entirely on reclaimed land. Attractions include a bird sanctuary with boardwalks, sea views and an adventure playground; you can even go camping! (Find out where else you can camp in Singapore here.)
Pasir Ris Park trail
Open 24 hours
On Singapore’s northeast coast, 71-hectare Pasir Ris Park (close to Changi Airport) is popular for pond-fishing and bike rental and has a six-hectare mangrove forest with boardwalks.
Fort Canning walk
Open 24 hours
Established in 1859 as an arms store, barracks and hospital, Fort Canning is sprinkled with memorials of Singapore’s history, including the bunker where the British made the decision to surrender to the Japanese. Attractions include Sir Stamford Raffles’ personal bungalow and the Spice Garden – a replica of the original 19-hectare tract established by Raffles in 1822. Set in the heart of Singapore, it has plenty of winding paths and quiet spaces, too.
Changi Beach Park picnics
Open 24 hours
One of the oldest coastal parks in Singapore, Changi Beach Park offers over three kilometres of coastal boardwalks passing long stretches of beach. It’s a great place for bringing a bite to eat.
Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve exploring
7am to 7pm
Wind your way through the mangrove forest boardwalks, or watch the birdlife over the freshwater wetlands; birds are especially plentiful here during the September to March migratory season. Every now and then, there’s even a crocodile sighting at Sungei Buloh.
Coney Island walk
7am to 7pm
Opened to the public in October 2015, this ecologically sustainable park near Punggol focuses on conserving energy and water, recycling and retaining the natural elements in the park. Like bird watching? Look out for one of the 80 species of birds. Explore its rich biodiversity in the variety of habitats, including coastal forests, grasslands and mangroves.
Chinese and Japanese Gardens stroll
Temporarily closed
Located in Jurong, a visit to these gardens makes for an interesting mix of planting, landscaping and oriental architecture. Attractions include a main building based on Beijing’s Summer Palace and an extensive bonsai garden. Lanterns light up at night during the mid-autumn festival.
Most of the green spaces in this area are currently closed for redevelopment works that are expected to be completed by the end of 2021. Find out up-to-date details here.
Pulau Ubin bike or hike
Regular boat services run during daylight hours
Crossing the water to this island is like taking a trip back in time. Get a taste of what Singapore was like in the 1960s by exploring the island’s trails, shady rubber plantations, isolated beaches and thriving mangroves. Hire a bike and check out the Chek Jawa wetlands. You will get to see mangroves, coastal forests, seagrass lagoons and coral rubble. To get to Pulau Ubin, take a bumboat ($3) from the Changi Point Ferry Terminal. If island-hopping is your thing, here’s our handy article to give you some more ideas.
Rifle Range Nature Park
Opening soon
This new park will cover 67 hectares at the southern end of the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. Among the plans for the green space are hiking trails with various degrees of difficulty and a sky garden with an elevated walkway.
Singapore is investing a huge amount into walking and cycling tracks through the park connector networks and we will soon be able to walk, run, cycle or rollerblade around the island in a continuous loop!
Want to sit and chill with a picnic instead? If you have a dog, don’t miss our great online roundup of all the dog-friendly green spaces in Singapore, or see our pets guide here.
