According to the National Parks Board, over 40 percent of Singapore is ‘green’, encompassing public reserves and human-made spaces. Despite being the smallest country in Southeast Asia, Singapore is actively investing in the preservation of forest cover and in bringing people closer to nature. For instance, there are little to no fees for those wishing to explore or camp in these areas. Hiking in Singapore, particularly during the spring season, is an excellent way to experience the biodiverse landscapes at their peak.
In addition to being affordable, these spaces are also inclusive and diverse. There are various lengths of paths and levels of difficulty suitable for every type of hiker. If you need further convincing, you can discover some of the finest views of the ‘Garden City’, particularly during spring, which lasts from March to May. With a few exceptions, you can easily walk or take a short ride to nearly every route, with minimal pre-planning required. This guide brings you some of Singapore’s best (and most popular) hiking routes during the lovely spring season.
Also, read why you should head to Lazarus Island for Singapore’s best glamping experience.
Top 10 hiking routes in Singapore to explore during Spring
Southern Ridges
The Southern Ridges in southwest Singapore connect Mount Faber, Telok Blangah Hill, Kent Ridge Park, and Labrador Nature Reserve via architecturally impressive bridges and walkways. Hiking here can be complemented by spotting native wildlife like kingfishers and squirrels. If photography piques your interest, do not miss Henderson Waves, the highest pedestrian bridge in Singapore. Many skip the full 10-km route and walk a section that suits their itinerary.
T+L tip: Should you intend to traverse the entire Henderson Waves bridge, shield yourself from the intense Singapore sun with a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and sufficient water.
Visitors can select Route A, which encompasses Mount Faber Park, Telok Blangah Hill Park, HortPark, and Kent Ridge Park, or Route B, which runs through Mount Faber Park, Telok Blangah Hill Park, and Labrador Nature Reserve. A detailed map of the area and guidance for both routes can be downloaded from The National Park’s website.
Distance: 10 km
Duration: 3 to 5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, one of Singapore’s two ASEAN Heritage Parks, is home to the country’s highest natural peak at 163 metres. The reserve protects one of the island’s last remaining primary rainforests, which is rich in biodiversity, including the Greater Racket-tailed Drongo, the Malayan Colugo, and the towering Sereya tree, reaching 60 metres — as tall as a 20-storey HDB block. Hikers can explore trails that lead to the summit or spot wildlife crossing the Eco-Link@BKE, Southeast Asia’s first ecological bridge.
You can download the full park map with detailed instructions, opening times and more on the National Park’s Bukit Timah Nature Reserve website.
Distance
- Route 1 (1.2 km): The most direct path to the summit via the main road.
- Route 2 (0.8 km): Leads to the Telecomm Tower via the main road.
- Route 3 (1.8 km): A longer route to the summit, passing through South View Path and Cave Path.
- Route 4 (3 km): Follows Route 1, with an additional Dairy Farm loop after the summit.
Duration: 45 minutes to 1 hour
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Note: The reserve’s toilets are undergoing renovation until February 28, 2025, and portable alternatives available.
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The Rail Corridor
The Rail Corridor is a green passage that connects Woodlands North Coast and the Greater Southern Waterfront, having formerly served to route trains from the Malaysian Peninsula to Singapore. Today, it can justifiably be termed a ‘hiking haven’. The corridor is divided into three sections: the North Rail Corridor, the Central Rail Corridor, and the South Rail Corridor.
There is much to explore, with the central stretch recently reopening as a 4 km section. The route has been improved for easy access, featuring restored landmarks such as the Bukit Timah Railway Station and two steel truss railway bridges, along with lookout decks and paths through the rainforest. Be sure to visit the nearby Singapore Quarry to observe rare birds, monitor lizards, and more.
Head to the Visit Rail Corridor website for maps, maintenance updates, permit-related information and more.
Distance: 10 km (North), 10 km (South), 4 km (Central)
Duration: 5 to 7 hours
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Note: Some park routes may remain closed for a period of time. Before planning, we recommend checking the notice board section of the Rail Corridor’s official website.
Dairy Farm Nature Park
Located at 100 Dairy Farm Road in Upper Bukit Timah, Dairy Farm Nature Park spans 63 hectares. The main attraction for hikers is the Wallace Trail, which stretches from Hillview MRT Station to the Wallace Education Centre. Highlights include fruit trees, butterflies, birds, streams, and kampung artefacts. Named after the naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace, the trail runs alongside a secondary forest where one can observe durian and fig trees, plantain squirrels, and crimson sunbirds.
Distance: 2.2 km (Wallace Trail)
Duration: 2 hours
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Chestnut Nature Park
Singapore’s largest nature park spans 81 hectares. If you enjoy mountain biking, hiking, birdwatching, or any combination of these activities, this is the perfect place to spend a day during spring. The park features two routes: the Northern Loop and the Southern Loop, where birdwatchers can observe globally threatened species such as the Straw-headed Bulbul and the Brown-chested Jungle Flycatcher, as well as the Banded Woodpecker and Orange-bellied Flowerpecker. Additionally, the park is home to rare plants like the critically endangered Braided Chestnut and the Jelutong tree. For the best views of the area, climb the Chestnut Observation Tower.
Care about conservation and want to contribute? Join the Friends of Chestnut Nature Park initiative or volunteer to support the park’s environmental efforts. Visitor information and maps are available on the Chestnut Nature Park’s website.
Distance: 3.5 km (Northern Loop) and 2.1 km (Southern Loop)
Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
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Bukit Batok Nature Park
Established on a former quarry site in 1988, Bukit Batok Nature Park boasts rich biodiversity, a memorial from World War II, and Instagram-worthy views of the quarry. Watch for orchids, fruit trees, and native forest trees, alongside wildlife such as long-tailed macaques, monitor lizards, and the endangered straw-headed Bulbul. The WWII memorial plaque provides insight into the area’s history, whilst the quarry’s cliffs and waters allow you to escape the city. The trail features stairs and steep slopes, making it inaccessible for wheelchair users. The park authorities are also planning an upgrade to Singapore’s green belt in this area.
Distance: 3.87 km
Duration: 1 to 2 hours
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Coast-to-Coast Trail (Central)
The Coast-to-Coast (C2C) Trail (Central) is a 36-km trail connecting Jurong Lake Gardens in the west, Lornie Nature Corridor, and Coney Island Park in the northeast. It links natural areas, parks, and park connectors across Singapore, making it ideal for hiking during the spring season. Home to 18 parks and 11 park connectors along one continuous route, the C2C quickly gained popularity among local and visiting hikers during the spring season following its announcement in March 2019. You can explore it using the NParks Explore a Route (NEAR) app or the C2C online trail guide.
Distance: 36 km
Duration: 10 to 12 hours
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
MacRitchie Reservoir
Explore the 20-kilometre MacRitchie trail network in the Central Catchment Nature Reserve, encompassing over 2,000 hectares of woodland around MacRitchie Reservoir. Those suffering from decision fatigue should beware; there are multiple routes to choose from. Route 1 offers a leisurely walk along the Prunus and Petai Trails. Route 2 takes you along the water’s edge with the Chemperai and Jering Boardwalks before looping back via Lornie Trail. For a more challenging experience, Route 3 features the TreeTop Walk, whilst Route 4 circles the reserve, passing Jelutong Tower. Route 5 continues from Route 3, leading to Rifle Range Road. Route 6 begins at Windsor Nature Park and leads to the TreeTop Walk. The Singapore Island Country Club’s Public Access Trail, adorned with spring foliage, connects the reserve to Upper Peirce Reservoir Park. The trails are open daily from 7 am to 6 pm.
The park map and advisory around access to certain areas are available on the National Park’s website.
Distance:
- Prunus Trail: 3 km
- Chemperai and Jering Boardwalks: 4.8 km
- TreeTop Walk (via Route 3): 10.3 km
- Entire Nature Reserve: 11 km
- Route 3 (Sime Track to Rifle Range): 9.5 km
- TreeTop Walk (via Route 6): 7 km
- Public Access Trail: 1.8 km
Duration: Varies by route, typically 1.5 to 4 hours
Difficulty: Easy to challenging (depending on the route)
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Thomson Nature Park
Thomson Nature Park, a part of the Central Nature Park Network, features multiple trails that most would find easy and leisurely. The Ruins and Figs Trail passes the preserved ruins of Hainan Village, followed by the Streams and Ferns Trail, which winds through lush greenery and freshwater habitats with rocky paths. The Rambutan Trail encircles a 1930s rambutan plantation, and last but not least, the Langur Trail, a short boardwalk, serves as the park’s entrance, perfect for catching a glimpse of the critically endangered Raffles’ Banded Langur, making it a must-see sight during spring hikes in Singapore.
The park map is available on the Thomson Nature Park website.
Distance:
- Ruins and Figs Trail: 1.5 km
- Streams and Ferns Trail: 1.4 km
- Rambutan Trail: 400 m
- Langur Trail: 150 m
Duration: Varies by trail, typically 10 to 40 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
In addition to spring hiking, Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Singapore’s first ASEAN Heritage Park, is a significant site for migratory birds. Key highlights include Eagle Point, where eagles and other raptors can be seen hunting above the sea, and Aerie Tower, where you can capture photographs of the reserve from an 18-metre-high vantage point.
Make your way along the Mangrove Boardwalk, Kingfisher Pods along the Coastal Trail, and the Junior Wetland to discover the region’s biodiversity. The Migratory Bird Trail is ideal for admiring both migratory and resident birds, with the prime season running from August to April. The Visitor Centre’s Mangrove Gallery and the Wetland Centre’s Nature Gallery provide opportunities to explore and learn about a wide range of topics. Details about guided tours can be found on the National Park’s website.
Distance:
- Migratory Bird Trail: 1.95 km
- Mangrove Boardwalk: 500 m or 3 km
- Coastal Trail: 1.3 km
- Forest Trail: 300 m
- Mid-canopy Walk: 150 m
Duration: Varies by trail, typically 10 minutes to 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Essential tips to remember while hiking in Singapore during spring
- Dress suitably, as spring hiking in Singapore can be hot and humid. Moisture-wicking clothing is ideal.
- Consider downloading offline maps, carrying a compass or GPS device, and checking a comprehensive weather forecast.
- Pack light but thoughtfully, considering a couple of litres of water, high-energy snacks, and binoculars for spotting distant wildlife.
- Apply insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin before entering nature reserves, and you can avoid mosquito bites and tick infestations.
- Maintain silence for wildlife by speaking softly, turning off mobile notifications, and refraining from crinkling plastic bags.
- Stick to the marked paths and trails to prevent damaging vegetation and disturbing habitats.
- Do not approach or feed wildlife such as macaques, wild boars, or otters, as they may become aggressive; if you encounter them, back away slowly.
- Dispose of waste responsibly by carrying a ziplock bag for rubbish, avoiding single-use plastics, and using designated recycling bins at exit points.
- Observe park regulations by adhering to signposts regarding protected species and remaining within opening hours. The National Park’s website provides a comprehensive list that is worth consulting.
(Feature image credit: Singapore Tourism)
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The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Given Singapore’s small land area, while it offers a few challenging spring hikes, the majority you will find have easy to moderate difficulty.
Basic fitness is recommended for most hikes, though many are easy to moderate, so everybody can try them.
Yes, many trails are kid-friendly and you can plan and prepare in advance for a hassle-free journey.
Yes, Singapore’s nature reserves are safe for hiking with proper guidelines and maps in place by the park departments.
Yes, you can spot local fauna and wildlife like birds, monkeys, and reptiles during hikes.
No permit is required for hiking in Singapore’s public nature reserves. If you have a group of more than 10 or 20 people, you may require a permit.
Yes, dogs are generally allowed on hiking trails in Singapore. It is advised to check with the park beforehand.
Yes, trails are well-marked and suitable for first-time hikers.
Yes, guided tours are available for hiking in Singapore. You can book them using private tour websites or check the National Parks website for upcoming tours.
Written By
Sneha Chakraborty
Sneha Chakraborty is a journalist and photographer covering how travel intersects with food, culture, ..Read More
