Hiking Spots in Singapore, Where Nature Meets Concrete Jungle
Singapore's iconic urban landscape needs no introduction. With its bustling nightlife and incredible skyscrapers, the city is an urban wonderland.
But it also has its pockets of nature - after all, it isn't called the "Garden City" for nothing! Want an escape from the city? These hiking spots in Singapore are a perfect getaway.
Gardens by the Bay
We'll start with the big boy first – Gardens by the Bay. While it's more of a stroll than a hike, you can’t go wrong taking a walk through one of the most beautiful parts of Singapore.
A big reason why Singapore is called the Garden City in the first place, make sure you check out the three waterfront gardens. But if you really want to see the best of the place, we’d recommend grabbing tickets to attractions like Floral Fantasy, Cloud Forest, and the Flower Dome.
Address: 18 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018953 (map)
Opening Hours: Check the official website for the various attractions' opening hours.
Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
A verdant oasis teeming with diverse flora and fauna, Bukit Timah Hill, at 163 metres, is the city's highest natural point, and is one of the best places to hike in Singapore.
It was also the spot where the Allied Forces took one of the final few stands against the invading Imperial Japanese Army during WWII.
Address: Hindhede Dr, Singapore 589318 (map)
Opening Hours: Open Daily, 7am to 7pm
MacRitchie Reservoir
Nestled amidst the Central Catchment Nature Reserve, the highlight of MacRitchie Reservoir is the TreeTop Walk.
A suspension bridge perched 25-metres above ground, it provides an Instagram-worthy bird's eye view of the surrounding canopy. You may also spot long-tailed macaques or lemurs (if you're lucky) up here.
Address: MacRitchie Reservoir Park, Singapore (map)
Opening Hours: Tue to Fri: 9am to 5pm, Sat & Sun: 8.30am to 5pm. Closed on Mon
Coney Island Park
Featuring coastal forests, low grasslands, casuarina woods, and mangroves, the rustic Coney Island is home to many endangered flora and fauna.
Take a relaxed hike, enjoy birdwatching, and walk along the 2.5-kilometre Coney Island Park Connector, offering a lovely view of the Serangoon Reservoir.
Address: Punggol Promenade Nature Walk, 829325 (map)
Opening Hours: Open Daily, 7am to 7pm
Coast-to-Coast Trail
The longest trekking route in Singapore, the 36-kilometre Coast-to-Coast trail runs from Jurong Lake in the west to Coney Island in the northeast.
This cross-island hike features multiple nature parks and viewpoints, making it a must-do for trekking enthusiasts in Singapore.
Starting Point: You can either start at Jurong Lake Gardens (map) or Coney Island (map), depending on where you'd like to start and finish the trek
Clementi Forest
Featuring thick jungle canopies and old train tracks, the largely untouched Clementi Forest, with Jurassic Park vibes, has two nature trails - one connects the Rail Corridor to Dover Forest, and another runs along the former Jurong Railway Line - come here for one of the best natural hikes in Singapore.
Starting Point: Opposite Ngee Ann Poly Bus Stop (map)
Thomson Nature Park
Set upon the remains of a former Hainan Village, this hidden gem features 3.8 km-long beginner-friendly trails.
The Ruins and Figs trail is the most idyllic, with a touch of Indiana Jones-esque magic. Oh, and the trail is also home to the critically endangered Raffles' Banded Langur.
Address: Upper Thomson Road, near Aft Tagor Dr. bus stop, Singapore (map)
Opening Hours: Open Daily, 7am to 7pm
Rifle Range Nature Park
Rifle Range, Singapore's first net-positive energy nature park (meaning the energy harvested from the solar panels around the park exceeds the park's consumption), is a former quarry with an exciting terrain with rocky trails.
If you're a beginner, explore the Gliders Boardwalk for height and the Colugo Trail for viewpoints.
Address: Rifle Range Road, 589322 (map)
Opening Hours: Open Daily, 7am to 7pm
Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
A haven for migratory birds and aquatic life, Sungei Buloh takes you through mystical mangroves and mudflats. Watch for colourful kingfishers and the odd crocodile in the low marshes!
Address: 60 Kranji Way, Singapore 739453 (map)
Opening Hours: Open Daily, 7am to 7pm
Jurong Lake Gardens
Singapore's most extensive man-made floating wetlands, sprawling over a massive 90-hectare area, Jurong Lake Gardens, is a joy to explore.
Take the Banyan Trail along Grassland, spend some time pond-side at the Japanese Garden, and catch a view of the Instagrammable boardwalk over the lake.
Address: Yuan Ching Rd, Singapore (map)
Chestnut Nature Park
The Northern Trail (3.5-kilometres) at Chestnut Nature Park is perfect for beginners, offering gentler terrains that lead to the Chestnut Observation Tower.
On the other hand, the Southern Trail (2.1 kilometres) is shorter but more challenging, with steep inclines and rocky paths. Also, the park boasts a dozen biking trails for those seeking a bit of adventure.
Address: Chestnut Ave, Singapore 679514 (map)
Opening Hours: Open Daily, 7am to 7pm
Pulau Ubin
Manmade parks and treetop walks are not enough? Hop on a bumboat for a slice of nature at Pulau Ubin.
Puaka Hill is the highest point, reached by hiking 20 minutes from the foothill. Chek Jawa Wetlands on the east is another trail featuring thick mangroves and a 1-kilometre ocean-facing boardwalk.
Starting Point: Pulau Ubin, Singapore 508298, a 15-min boat ride away from Changi Point Ferry Terminal (map)
Rail Corridor
While the Coast-to-Coast trail takes you west to northeast across Singapore, the Rail Corridor goes from south to north.
A 24 km-long goods train line discontinued in 2011 that once ferried to Malaysia, the central Bukit Timah portion is the most snap-worthy because of the decade-old abandoned rail tracks, and you can combine this route with the Clementi Forest trek, too.
Strating Point: Tanjong Pagar Railway Station, 33 Keppel Rd, Singapore (map)
Keppel Hill Reservoir
Seek out the haunted scenes of Singapore at this forgotten reservoir that was abandoned in the 1950s after 3 drownings. Walk past the old Seah Im Bunker, the diving board, and a Japanese tombstone.
Starting Point: 2 Seah Im Rd, Singapore 099114 (map)
Dairy Farm Nature Park
A former cow shed, this trail offers a challenging trek up Bukit Timah Hill through dense forests and many stairs.
Follow the Wallace Trail to witness impressive rock formations and explore caves. The walk ends at the Dairy Farm Quarry, with a great view.
Starting Point: 100 Dairy Farm Rd, Singapore 679057 (map)
Labrador Nature Reserve
A former WWII fort, Labrador Nature Reserve evokes history with relics like machine gun posts and fortifications still standing on the trail.
Catch a stellar view of Singapore's coastline from the waterfront boardwalk. Fun fact: the park is home to more than 70 different bird species.
Starting Point: 91 Labrador Villa Rd Singapore 119190 (map)
Exciting Walking Tours in Singapore
Are everyday hiking trails not your thing? Here are some unique walking tours for a thrilling Singapore adventure!
Explore Abandoned WWII Bunkers
Discover the wild side of Singapore navigating through thick jungle vines, rusty pipes, and ankle-deep sludge to explore abandoned Allied Force bunkers dating back to 1942-43.
Nighttime Walk Through Rainforest
Interested in Singapore's unique rainforest ecology? Experience what the wild looks like in the dark, use your senses to spot the nocturnal creatures, and introduce yourself to Singapore's nighttime wildlife.
Relaxing Forest Therapy and High Tea
Embrace a slow, guided journey of forest therapy through Labrador Nature Reserve and end your tour with a relaxing Thai-inspired afternoon high tea at Tamarind Hill.
A View from Mount Faber
Take a 2-hour hike across Singapore's Southern Ridges through Telok Blangah Hill Park and Henderson Wave. Stop at vantage points for incredible views, including Mount Faber, one of the highest points of the city.
Spooky Corners of Singapore
This tour is not for the weak-hearted and frail-spirited. Visit a haunted bridge, a WWII-era gun battery, and a Chinese cemetery with over 100,000 tombs, for one of the most unique (and spookiest) places to hike in Singapore.
Battlebox and Fort Canning Hill Historical Tour
Walk through and learn about the historical significance of Fort Canning and the secret WWII underground command centre Battlebox, where Singapore surrendered to the advancing Japanese forces in 1942.
Finishing Line…Best Hiking Spots in Singapore
So lace up your hiking boots, grab your water bottle, and embark on an unforgettable journey through Singapore, where nature and urban life harmoniously coexist.
Commonly Asked Questions
What is the longest hike in Singapore?
The 36-kilometre coast-to-coast trail is the longest trek in Singapore.
Are there dog-friendly hiking trails in Singapore?
Zhenghua Park is one of the most dog-friendly hiking trails in Singapore.
What to wear for hiking in Singapore?
Wear airy, breathable, and moisture-wicking clothes. And don't forget sunblock and insect repellent. The latter is especially important.
Do you need guides for Singapore hiking trails?
No. But if you want customised tours with history, a professional guide will help. A hiking guide will also help if you intend to do some off-road trails.