Jaime LeeNot only is Singapore a foodie’s paradise, it is well-known for its moniker “Garden City”. As it moves towards becoming a “City in Nature”, the Little Red Dot has established world-class gardens and parks, thereby weaving nature into its urban fabric. That said, we curated the best places to hike in Singapore for you to emerge on top of your fitspo game. So slap on some sunscreen, and let’s go work up a sweat!
Note: Do remember to check out the visitorship levels of the parks beforehand using the safe distancing portal here to avoid large crowds.
1. Jurong Lake Gardens
If you are yearning to admire Paddle Pop skies in the West, this is the place to go. | Image credit: Jaime Lee
Nestled in the heartlands of Lakeside, Jurong Lake Gardens is a tranquil pocket of foliage amidst the concrete jungle. Embark on a picturesque hike through ankle-deep fields of gold at the Grasslands, and make a pit-stop at its Instagram-worthy dome-shaped structure.
Rather than kicking off your day with a morning hike, we recommend heading out at sunset. The golden hour transfigures this garden into a dreamy nature paradise, as its cinematic light bathes the landscape in an unimaginably warm colour. It’s no surprise really, that many couples flock to this area just before dusk for pre-wedding photoshoots. You are bound to love the soft, ethereal vibe captured by your photos.
Image credit: Jaime Lee
Unbeknownst to many, the grass is not Lalang. Instead, six species of grasses that belong to the Pennisetum family thrive in this field.
Image credit: Lhu Shi Hui
The Lone Tree, which stands tall amongst the grass, is another one of the garden’s highlights. Here, you will naturally feel as if you have been whisked away to the African savannah.
Fun fact: This tree is actually constructed from recycled iron reinforcement bars salvaged from old park pathways.
Besides hiking, adrenaline junkies often head to Jurong Lake to seek out heart-pounding adventures they crave, such as kayaking and canoeing. After an adrenaline-filled day, take a leisurely stroll along Rasau Walk, a boardwalk which meanders through the garden. Enjoy the quiet as the cool breeze ruffles your hair.
After exploring to your heart’s content, you can always soak in the oriental vibes of the iconic pagodas at its neighbouring Chinese Garden.
2. MacRitchie TreeTop Walk
This gives you the chance to experience trekking above the foliage. | Image credit: LuizCent
Relish the lush greenery which envelopes MacRitchie TreeTop Walk, a 250m bridge suspended above the forest floor. The first of its kind in the Little Red Dot, this forested nature trail offers a bird’s eye view of the flora and fauna that thrive in the forest canopy below.
Tip: You may encounter the terrain’s steep slopes at some points; so wear proper footwear such as track shoes or sneakers.
Be one with nature atop the TreeTop Walk. | Image credit: Mokkie
Be sure to hydrate yourself well, as the distance to its entrance from MacRitchie Reservoir Park is already a two-hour hike in itself. However, you will be duly rewarded as the serenity here is almost unrivalled. Embarking on this hiking route is bound to make you feel as if you’re on top of the world; it offers an uninhibited 360-degree panoramic view of the surrounding natural beauty! You can even spot Central Catchment Nature Reserve and Lower Peirce Reservoir from afar, too.
Tip: Ensure that your backpack is zipped shut and that nothing remains in its side pockets, in case there are curious monkeys roaming nearby.
3. The Southern Ridges
Image credit: Chuttersnap
Embrace the great outdoors at nature’s playground — The Southern Ridges. Stretching over 10km, these ridges consist of green spaces that connect Mount Faber Park, HortPark, Kent Ridge Park, Labrador Nature Reserve, and Telok Blangah Hill Park. You’ll find that its vast wilderness is teeming with wildlife, from Banded Bay Cuckoos to Red-whiskered Bulbuls.
Also read: 72 Hours in Singapore: The Ultimate Guide to Experiencing The Best of The Little Red Dot
Image credit: Singapore Tourism Board
Imagine trekking along a bridge suspended 36m above verdant greenery. You can perform this heart-pounding high-wire act at Henderson Waves, which connects Mount Faber Park to Telok Blangah Hill Park. Its wave-like structure proves rather intriguing, as it features a series of undulating curved “ribs”. End your hike with a well-deserved aerial view of the harbour and the Southern Islands. Ready your cameras to snap picture-perfect memories, too.
Fun fact: Henderson Waves is the highest pedestrian bridge in Singapore.
4. Telok Blangah Hill Park
You can either end your scenic hiking trail at Henderson Waves, or trek to Telok Blangah Hill Park. Can’t get enough of trudging through the lush foliage? Continue your journey on the Forest Walk, which winds through the secondary forest of Telok Blangah Hill to Alexandra Arch.
Image credit: National Parks Board Official Website
Take your pick from its two trails — the Elevated Walkway and the Earth Trail. Keep your eyes peeled for dragonflies and butterflies on the former, or navigate through the latter’s steep terrains for a more rugged experience.
If you are feeling weary after a long day of traversing the landscape, why not enjoy a picnic with your loved ones while witnessing the sunset? The park is well equipped with picnic tables. Bask in the shade under its majestic Eugenia, Alstonia and Rain trees. With all that, don’t hesitate to make this park your next family getaway!
Image credit: Sergei Gussev
Before you dive back into the cosmopolitan chaos, marvel at its sea of eye-popping pink Bougainvillea blooms. These delicate flowers flourish against the grey stone stairs at the semi-circular terraces atop the park’s Terrace Garden. It surely isn’t difficult to see why this Bougainvillea wonderland is one of the best places to hike in Singapore.
5. Fort Canning Park
This spiral staircase is known to be an Instagram hotspot. | Image credit: John Marvin De Jose
Steal a getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse in unadulterated nature at Fort Canning Park. With murals and walls etched with names of old, Fort Canning Park is reminiscent of ancient ruins of a lost city. This hilltop landmark has witnessed many historical milestones, such as serving as the Headquarters of the Far East Command Centre and British Army Barracks. Today, it boasts of nine gardens that are home to a plethora of hiking trails for true-blue hikers to enjoy. Its sprawling lawns also make the perfect natural auditorium for concerts and theatre productions under the stars.
What’s more, hikers are free to download the augmented reality trail; BALIKSG: The Fort Canning Trail. This mobile application brings hikers on an interactive journey through the park, revisiting the hill from days of yore. If you happen to be a history buff who loves hiking, this is perfect for you. Just as it’s one of the best places to hike in Singapore, it’s a surreal Instagram-worthy destination, too.
6. Labrador Nature Reserve
The sound of the crashing waves is bound to soothe your soul. | Image credit: William Cho
Labrador Nature Reserve is an oasis of tranquility, built on the edge of a secondary forest against the breathtaking backdrop of the turquoise ocean. Thriving with wildlife, this park offers an invigorating experience of being up close with nature. It is not uncommon to hear a diverse variety of bird species, such as the Oriental Magpie-robin and Black-naped Oriole, carrying a melodious tune. Moreover, don’t be startled if you glimpse squirrels scurrying past; these adorable critters dwell in the area.
Besides, what could be better than witnessing the sunset skies explode in a kaleidoscope of vivid colours above the seemingly endless ocean? You are bound to leave the nature retreat feeling rejuvenated. It’s easy to see why this is a popular haunt of nature lovers.
Also read: Phase 2: 7 Things You Can Now Do in Singapore
We could go on and on, but we’ll cut this teaser short, for there’s nothing better than experiencing these best places to hike in Singapore for yourself!
