15 Best Places to Hike in Singapore to Escape the City

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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

 

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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

 

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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

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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

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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)

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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

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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

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

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)

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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

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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)

 

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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)

 

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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)

 

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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)

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)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.