Singapore
Off The Beaten Track
Top 10
When you think of Singapore, nature and relaxation may not be the first things that spring to mind. Being well connected and with so many exotic destinations on its doorstep, it’s no surprise people look elsewhere to escape the hustle and bustle.
But look a little closer, and you’d be surprised at what Singapore offers. Exploring by foot, bike, and boat, I will share my top 10 (less well-known) spots from around the island.
Overview
01
MacRitchie
Reservoir
02
Clementi
Forest
03
Coney Island &
Punggol Waterway
04
Lazarus Island &
St Johns Island
05
Southern Ridges
06
Pulau Ubin
07
The Green Corridor
08
Bukit Timah
09
Sungei Buloh
Wetlands
10
Labrador Nature
Reserve
Travel Route
01
MacRitchie Reservoir
This reservoir and jungle walk is a trusted escape for many Singaporeans. Although most start from the MacRitchie car park, I’d suggest getting the MRT to Marymount station at the top of Windsor Nature Park. You can follow a short circular route from here, although I prefer to walk the 10km to MacRitchie, which takes roughly three hours.
Starting on the Venous Loop, take a short walk along the boardwalks before picking from several hiking trails, varying in length and difficulty. My favourite route was the Tree Top Walk, where you guessed it, a high canopy walkway awaits you. A great photo spot, but it’s always busy on the weekends, so you often need to queue for the canopy section.
From here, you drop down towards a track which directs you towards the Singapore Country Club. You’ll then track the reservoir edge for the rest of the walk. You might spot the daily dragon boat racing on the home run if you're lucky!
Length: 10km.
Time: 3hrs.
Start Point: Windsor Nature Park (Marymount MRT/Venous Drive).
End Point: MacRitchie Reservoir Car Park.
MacRitchie Reservoir Walk
MacRitchie - Tree Top Walk
02
Clementi Forest
This walk is a little off the beaten track and will require additional research if you want to give it a go. You can find the start point just behind the Opp Ngee Ann Poly bus stop (the King Albert Park MRT is approx. a 15-minute walk).
Behind the road and into the jungle, you will follow a small river through the valley before picking up parts of the Green Corridor and, later, the old railway line that connected Singapore with neighbouring Malaysia. I never made it for a pre-sunrise start, but I’ve been told the sunrises are spectacular, so one for the early birds.
What I love about this walk is that no section is the same. One minute, you’re trekking through the jungle and the next, you’re hugging the old Jurong railway tracks. Nature has well and truly taken over here and provides a unique experience.
Length: 2.5km.
Time: 1.5hrs.
Start Point: Opp Ngee Ann Poly (Bus Stop).
End Point: Sunset Way.
Clementi Forest
Clementi Forest
03
Coney Island &
Punggol Waterway
Pick up your bike at the Punggol Jetty and head down the promenade towards Coney Island (also known as Serangoon island). This little island offers a bit of everything, whether secret beaches, pine forests or dirt tracks – it’s worth spending some time here. You can also take in views towards the neighbouring island of Pulau Ubin and slightly further afield Malaysia.
As you start the loop towards Punggol Jetty, you cross the Serangoon Dam and Lorong Halus Jetty. Following the signs towards the Waterway Park. This north section of the island has an entirely different feel to it, and although, like most things in Singapore, the waterways are man-made, it doesn’t take away from the relaxing ride.
Length: 21km.
Time: 1.5hrs.
Start Point: Punggol Jetty.
End Point: Punggol Jetty.
Punggol WaterwayÂ
04
Lazarus &
St Johns Island
My favourite day trip to escape the hustle and bustle of Singapore was to head to Lazarus and St Johns Island and neighbouring Kusu Island. While there are several island options, most notably Pulau Ubin to the north, the southern islands were my favourite. There are a few ways to get there. The first is by heading to Marina South Pier and hopping on one of the passenger ferries. We did this once, but with limited island facilities and a bit of a walk to the main beach, it can be frustrating.
Our favourite way (and admittedly more expensive) was to splash out on one of the many private charters from Sentosa Cove and hop on to our private catamaran.
Start Point: Marina South Pier.
End Point: St John's Island.
05
Southern Ridges
I have to admit I’m a little biased when it comes to this selection. Living in Keppel Bay, this walk was on our doorstep, but for me, it was one of the best in the city. The walk is 10km long, and if you have time is well worth the effort. I’ve slightly changed our original route to make it a circular walk.
Make an early start. Head to Harbourfront MRT, and make your way to the Marang Trail and the steepest section of the walk that takes you to Mount Faber Park with incredible views. Then stick with the Southern Ridges walk through Henderson Waves and the canopy Forest Walk. After that, I recommend you head towards Labrador Park instead of Hort Park. This requires a left turn along Alexandra Road heading past Gillman Barracks, a revitalised British Army compound full of art galleries where you can pick up a cold drink or an ice cream.
You follow the promenade the entire way towards Harbourfront Centre through Labrador Park.
Keppel Bay Marina
Length: 21km.
Time: 1.5hrs.
Start Point: Punggol Jetty.
End Point: Punggol Jetty.
06
Pulau Ubin
For a day trip in the north, head towards Changi Point Ferry Terminal and catch the early morning bumboat across to Pulau Ubin. You don’t need to buy a ticket in advance as boats leave when full, but do remember to bring $5-10 cash to pay directly to the captain.
Arriving at the main village, you’ll find several rental shops where you can pick up a bike for the day if you fancy a cycle but beware, some of the bikes have seen better days, so choose wisely, or you might find yourself pushing your way back to the jetty.
You can take a couple of different cycle routes, most notably the mountain bike trail in Ketam Park. Instead, I headed east towards the Chek Jawa Wetland to explore the wildlife within the Coastal and Mangrove loops. On the way back, it’s worth stopping at the Pekan Quarry and Puaka Hill to admire the views.
The Little Island Brewery Co at Changi village is a great stop back on the mainland, so make sure you get back in good time and work up an appetite.
Pulau Ubin
Length: 9.5km.
Time: 2hrs.
Start Point: Changi Point Ferry Terminal.
End Point: Main Village Pulau Ubin.
07
Green Corridor
Stretching the island's entire length from north to south, this railway corridor was once the primary connection between Malaysia and Singapore. Its dis-use has led to one of Singapore's most spectacular (and longest) nature trails.
Trying to complete the hike in one day is not for the faint-hearted. As the total distance can take between 5-7hrs, I preferred to split it into two separate walks.
-
Northern Section: Kranji Close > Bukit Timah Railway Station
-
Southern Section: Rail Mall > Tanjong Pagar Railway Station
Following one straight track across the island's length, you’d have to try very hard to get lost, but that doesn’t affect the changing landscape between jungle, grass walkways and urban paths. A must-do walk in Singapore!
Length: 24km.
Time: 5-7hrs.
Start Point: Kranji Close (Kranji MRT).
End Point: Tanjong Pagar Railway Station.
The Rail Mall
Green Corridor
08
Bukit Timah
Standing at 164m, Bukit Timah is the highest natural peak on the island. The park offers various walking and cycling trails perfect for a morning out; you can take the main path up towards the summit or the south view path near the base of the hill, providing more of a woodland experience.
I’d recommend planning your route to pass through the Dairy Farm and Singapore Quarries – both of which provide an oasis feel in and amongst the city skyline.
Bukit Timah
09
Sungei Buloh Wetlands
One for nature lovers, this wetland reserve lies at one of the most northerly points of Singapore, with Johor (Malaysia) visible from across the Strait. It’s a haven for crocodiles and an abundance of birds. It’s not quite as accessible as other walks but provides a different type of landscape in the mud flats and mangroves.
The starting point is the Coastal Trail and what the reserve is best known for, in addition to the Migratory Birds Trail and Mangrove Boardwalk, all of which are circular routes.
For something a little different, we dropped in at Bistro Gardenasia on our way back, providing a unique farm-to-table experience.
Length: 4km.
Time: 3hrs.
Start Point: Sungei Buloh Wetlands Visitor Centre.
10
Labrador Nature Reserve
Labrador Reserve forms part of the South Ridges Walk, one we were fortunate to have on our doorstep and quickly became my go-to running route.
I often took the circular route from the coastal promenade before walking back through the jungle path, which runs parallel. Once a World War II coastal fort, tunnels and relics scatter the path and provide a glimpse into the island's history. Head back along the mangrove and coastal boardwalks – this easy walk offers a bit of everything.
There is no better way to spend a Sunday afternoon after finishing this stroll than to grab a drink at Keppel Bay overlooking the Marina.
Mount Faber
Length: 3km.
Time: 1hr.
Start Point: Harbourfront MRT.
End Point: Bukit Chermin Boardwalk.
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