Your Guide to the Best Ever Places to Go Hiking in Singapore

Hiking in Singapore may surprise you. While it is a city state, there are hidden pockets of lush greenery and well‑maintained trails that are perfect for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, photographers and families alike. From primary rainforest to coastal vistas, here’s your ultimate guide to the best hiking trails in Singapore.

Bukit Timah Summit Trail

What Makes This A Great Hiking Trail?

Bukit Timah Summit Trail, located in the heart of the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, is one of the must‑do hiking trails in Singapore. As the highest natural elevation in the city state (164 m), it offers a modest but rewarding elevation gain perfect for a morning out for hikers seeking forest immersion without venturing far from central Singapore. The reserve is home to an astonishing variety of flora and fauna: more than 840 species of flowering plants and over 500 species of fauna, including hornbills, drongo birds, and monitor lizards. Trails range from easy to difficult, and hikers can choose to combine routes for a longer trek across the primary forest canopy. Along the way, you may spot glimpses of historical remnants like old quarry sites, remnants of Singapore’s World War II era and industrial past, while passing through the nearby Hindhede Nature Park.

How Do You Get To Bukit Timah Summit Trail?

The easiest way to get here is via Beauty World MRT (Downtown Line). Several bus lines, including 67, 75, 170, and 184, stop near the reserve entrance. Parking is available at the Visitor Centre for those driving in. From the car park, follow Route 1 (the easy, graded trail) or opt for Route 3 or 4 for more of a challenge. The summit is just over 1 km away and takes around 30–45 minutes to reach.

Chestnut Nature Park Trail

What Makes This A Great Hiking Trail?

Situated north of Bukit Timah along the Rail Corridor, Chestnut Nature Park is one of the newer nature parks that attracts hikers and mountain bikers alike. With gentle inclines, an observation tower and varied scenery from secondary forest to open grasslands, this is a great trail for spotting birds or enjoying a quiet connection with nature. The park being part of the Central Nature Park Network means it is well‑managed and ideal for a casual day hike in Singapore.

How Do You Get To Chestnut Nature Park Trail?

Take the MRT to King Albert Park or Hillview, then connect via the Rail Corridor or bus services that run along Upper Bukit Timah Road. If driving, seek the park’s small lot off Chestnut Avenue. Look for signage to the observation tower and clearly marked loops.

Dairy Farm Nature Park Trail

What Makes This A Great Hiking Trail?

Dairy Farm Nature Park borders Bukit Timah and is a short distance from the Quarry, Sungei Buloh Wetland and Chestnut. This is a popular destination for mountain biking, yet it also offers excellent hiking trails, including the Wallace Trail and connections into Bukit Timah Summit Trail. You’ll pass by scenic quarries, lush greenery, and even WWII‑era relics along the way. It’s easy to create loops with a mix of trails, making it one of the most flexible nature trails in Singapore.

How Do You Get To Dairy Farm Nature Park Trail?

Accessible via the Hillview MRT, followed by a short bus ride or walk. Look for signs indicating the Dairy Farm Quarry entrance. There is limited parking nearby for those driving.

Forest Walk

What Makes This A Great Hiking Trail?

Forest Walk refers to the famed MacRitchie Treetop Loop, a popular elevated boardwalk in MacRitchie Reservoir Park. This is one of the iconic hiking trails in Singapore, with a 250‑metre suspension trail offering panoramic views over the tree canopy and reservoir. It’s a hotspot for photographers, birdwatchers and nature lovers eager to see flora and fauna from a unique vantage point. The loop connects to several cross‑reservoir trails, enabling longer hikes through the Central Catchment Nature Reserve.

How Do You Get To Forest Walk?

Head to MacRitchie Reservoir Park, which can be reached via bus from Marymount MRT or Caldecott MRT. Parking is also available. From the reservoir entrance, follow signs to the Treetop Walk elevated suspension bridge and join the forest loop. Expect a total hiking distance of around 3–4 km if including adjacent trails.

Hanguana Trail

What Makes This A Great Hiking Trail?

The Hanguana Trail is a short but educational loop within Windsor Nature Park, near the MacRitchie area. It features boardwalk paths through freshwater swamp forest, showcasing endangered plants including the red Hanguana rubinea and Hanguana neglecta. At only 350 m long with zero elevation gain, it is ideal for a quick escape into nature, especially with children or elderly family members, and is great for macro photography and wildlife spotting.

How Do You Get To Hanguana Trail?

Travel to Windsor Nature Park via Marymount MRT, followed by a short bus ride (132, 163, 165, 167, 855) to Venus Drive. From the car park or bus stop, it’s a short walk to the boardwalk entrance. No permits or entrance fees are required.

Hilltop Walk

What Makes This A Great Hiking Trail?

Hilltop Walk is a scenic ridge trail that forms part of the Southern Ridges, connecting Mount Faber Park to Telok Blangah Hill Park and Kent Ridge Park. Notable sections include the Marang Trail, Faber Trail, and the photogenic Henderson Waves bridge, the highest pedestrian bridge in Singapore at 36 m above ground. The trail offers fantastic coastal and city skyline views, lush secondary forest, and historical sites from World War II era bunkers near Kent Ridge.

How Do You Get To Hilltop Walk?

Begin at HarbourFront MRT, exiting to the Marang Trail. From there, follow the marked Faber Trail, cross Henderson Waves to Telok Blangah Hill, then continue along the ridge to Kent Ridge Park.

Labrador Nature Reserve Coastal Walk

What Makes This A Great Hiking Trail?

Labrador Nature Reserve is a scenic coastal park with cliff‑edge trails and historic World War II remnants, including former military bunkers and gun emplacements. It provides sweeping sea views, glimpses of the Southern Islands and is a popular spot for sunset photography and birdwatching, especially migrant shore birds. The coastal walk is relatively flat, accessible and perfect for families and casual hikers alike.

How Do You Get To Labrador Nature Reserve Coastal Walk?

Easily accessed via Labrador Park MRT (Circle Line). From the station, a short walk leads into the reserve’s entry near the sea cliffs. The trail is well signed and loops back toward the MRT station via old seaside steps and viewing platforms.

Lornie Trail

What Makes This A Great Hiking Trail?

Lornie Trail weaves through the green fringes of MacRitchie Reservoir, passing scenic points like Springleaf Nature Park, Jelutong Tower and parts of the Rail Corridor. Its compact and relatively level terrain, ideal walking distance of between 5–8 km makes it a popular route for joggers, hikers and mountain bikers. You’ll see varied habitats: primary and secondary forest, freshwater streams and rustic trails.

How Do You Get To Lornie Trail?

Multiple entry points include Lornie Road near Singapore Island Country Club, or MacRitchie Reservoir Park via bus or MRT. Cars can park at the reservoir’s lot or nearby. Trail signage guides hikers along the loop and to designated connectors to other trails.

MacRitchie TreeTop Loop

What Makes This A Great Hiking Trail?

The MacRitchie TreeTop Loop is the highlight of hiking in Singapore. This 3 km loop features a 250 m suspended boardwalk 13–20 m above ground, snaking through the canopy of the Central Catchment Nature Reserve. It is one of the most scenic hiking trails in Singapore, offering views of reservoir waters, abundant flora and fauna such as monkeys, birds, and monitor lizards. Elevation gain is modest, but the thrill comes from the height and forest immersion.

How Do You Get To MacRitchie TreeTop Loop?

Get off at Marymount MRT, then take bus 52, 162 or 165 to the MacRitchie Reservoir Park. You can start at the visitor centre and follow signs to the Treetop Walk. For parking, head to the reservoir car park or nearby lots. Expect a total hiking distance of around 4–5 km.

Mandai T15 Trail

What Makes This A Great Hiking Trail?

Mandai T15 Trail is part of the Rifle Range Nature Park, opened in 2022. Spanning over 7 km with a 31 m lookout tower, it offers excellent vantage points over quarry wetlands and forest canopy. This trail is rich in biodiversity, represents net‑positive‑energy design, and is a scenic spot for birding, photography and forest bathing. It’s not overly strenuous; elevation gain is mild to moderate.

How Do You Get To Mandai T15 Trail?

Take Beauty World MRT, then bus to Rifle Range Nature Park. Alternatively, drive and park in the park’s designated lot. Follow the clear trail map to the T15 route, watch for signage to the quarry wetland lookout.

Mount Faber Park Trail

What Makes This a Great Hiking Trail?

Mount Faber Park Trail is one of the most iconic and historically rich trails in Singapore. It’s not just a place to stretch your legs; it’s a journey through Singapore’s green heritage and panoramic urban landscape. Located within Mount Faber Park, one of the oldest parks in the country, the trail offers sweeping views of the Singapore skyline, Sentosa Island, and even the Southern Islands on a clear day. What makes it truly special is its perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural significance.

As you make your way up the trail, you’ll find markers and murals that commemorate Singapore’s past, including relics from World War II. The climb itself, though not long, offers just enough elevation to give hikers a satisfying challenge. Along the way, you’ll walk beneath large rain trees and over paved paths surrounded by lush foliage, making it ideal for both photography and leisurely strolls. Sunrise and sunset are particularly magical here, as the golden hour light filters through the canopy and casts a warm glow over the cityscape.

How Do You Get to Mount Faber Park Trail?

The most convenient way to access the trail is via HarbourFront MRT Station. From there, take Exit D to Marang Trail, which serves as a steep but scenic entry point into Mount Faber Park. The well-marked path eventually links up with Faber Walk and leads to Henderson Waves, a photogenic pedestrian bridge and architectural marvel. For those driving, parking is available at the Mount Faber Car Park near the cable car station, which also makes a great starting point if you want a less uphill beginning.

Rail Corridor

What Makes This a Great Hiking Trail?

The Rail Corridor is perhaps one of Singapore’s most ambitious green projects, and it offers a hiking experience that’s deeply rooted in history and biodiversity. Stretching over 24 km, the corridor follows the path of the former KTM railway line that once connected Singapore to Malaysia. This transformation from railway to greenway offers a flat, wide, and mostly shaded path perfect for long hikes, casual strolls, or cycling adventures.

What makes the Rail Corridor special is its raw, natural feel. It’s not just a place to walk; it’s a space that brings together conservation, history, and urban renewal. You’ll pass through key landmarks such as the restored Bukit Timah Railway Station and enjoy access to nearby parks like Hindhede Nature Park. As you explore, keep an eye out for wildlife like monitor lizards, kingfishers, butterflies, and migratory birds, particularly during the right seasons.

How Do You Get to the Bukit Timah Reserve Section of the Rail Corridor?

One of the most popular entry points to the Rail Corridor is near the Bukit Timah section. Alight at Beauty World MRT Station and head toward the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve Visitor Centre. From there, follow the signs to the old Bukit Timah Railway Station and the Rail Corridor entrance. Additional access points are available from Buona Vista, Commonwealth, and Hillview, allowing you to customise your route based on your stamina or schedule.

Rain Forest Walking Trail

What Makes This a Great Hiking Trail?

Located within the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Singapore Botanic Gardens, the Rain Forest Walking Trail offers a unique and educational hike through a preserved patch of primary rainforest. The trail is incredibly rich in biodiversity. You’ll encounter towering dipterocarp trees, dense undergrowth, and a variety of tropical flora and fauna, many of which are rare or endemic.

This trail is perfect for those who want a serene, shaded, and accessible hiking experience. It’s especially great for nature lovers, students, and families who wish to learn more about native rainforest ecosystems without leaving the city. Interpretive signage along the trail helps visitors understand the ecological significance of the area. Despite its modest length, the trail offers a deep sense of immersion and a quiet escape from urban noise.

How Do You Get to the Rain Forest Walking Trail?

Take the MRT to Botanic Gardens Station via the Downtown or Circle Lines. Use the Bukit Timah Gate entrance, and from there it’s just a short walk to the start of the Rain Forest Trail. Visitors entering from the Tanglin Gate can also access the trail after passing through the central sections of the gardens. The area is well-signposted, and admission is free.

Rifle Range Nature Park

What Makes This a Great Hiking Trail?

Rifle Range Nature Park is one of Singapore’s newer nature parks. With more than 7 km of trails, including the Gaharu Trail, the park offers varied terrain that ranges from elevated boardwalks to dense forest paths. Among the park’s standout features are the Quarry Wetland and Colugo Deck, where visitors can view a restored quarry site now teeming with wildlife.

The park is relatively quieter than others, making it ideal for hikers who prefer solitude or a more meditative walking experience. It’s also a haven for biodiversity, with opportunities to spot native birds, butterflies, and tropical plants. The Rambai Boardwalk provides a unique raised walking experience through a freshwater swamp forest—something rarely seen in urban parks.

How Do You Get to Rifle Range Nature Park?

The park is easily accessed from Beauty World MRT Station. Take Exit A and walk approximately 10 minutes along Rifle Range Road to reach the main entrance. There’s also car parking available on-site. The trailheads are clearly marked, with maps showing the relative difficulty and distance of each path.

Singapore Botanic Gardens Loop

What Makes This a Great Hiking Trail?

The Singapore Botanic Gardens Loop isn’t a traditional hiking trail, but its beautifully landscaped paths, historical structures, and themed gardens make it one of the most enjoyable urban walking trails. Spanning 82 hectares, the loop features highlights such as Swan Lake and the Ginger Garden. It’s a perfect spot for those who enjoy a scenic walk interspersed with opportunities for photography, picnicking, or learning.

The paths are well-paved and wheelchair-accessible, making them suitable for all ages and fitness levels. The gardens are also home to many bird species and exotic plants. Whether you’re there to walk, jog, or simply explore, the Botanic Gardens offer a calm and cooling refuge from city life.

How Do You Get to the Singapore Botanic Gardens Loop?

The gardens are easily accessible via Botanic Gardens MRT Station (Downtown and Circle Lines). Alternatively, you can arrive by bus from Orchard Road. There are multiple entrance gates: Tanglin, Nassim, Bukit Timah, and Cluny, all of which connect to different parts of the loop. The entrance is free and well-suited for weekend strolls or midweek breaks.

Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve Kranji Trail

What Makes This a Great Hiking Trail?

Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve is a treasure trove for nature enthusiasts and photographers, and the Kranji Trail on the western side of the reserve is a hidden gem. This part of the reserve offers a more secluded, tranquil experience with wooden boardwalks that wind through mangroves, mudflats, and coastal forests.

Birdwatchers will find this trail particularly rewarding, especially during migratory bird season when species from as far as Siberia stop here. The Kranji Trail features observation pods, nature shelters, and strategically placed platforms for viewing wildlife. If you’re lucky, you may even spot mudskippers, otters, or estuarine crocodiles in their natural habitat.

How Do You Get to Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve Kranji Trail?

To get there, take the MRT to Kranji Station and then transfer to bus 925 toward Kranji Reservoir. Alight at the stop for Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve and follow signposts to the Kranji Gate. There’s limited parking on-site, so plan your visit early if you’re driving. Bring water, snacks, and insect repellent for a comfortable hike.

Windsor Nature Park Drongo Trail

What Makes This a Great Hiking Trail?

Located near the edge of the Central Catchment Nature Reserve, Windsor Nature Park is a less crowded alternative for hikers who still want access to Singapore’s more challenging treks. The Drongo Trail is the park’s main attraction, named after the Greater Racket-tailed Drongo bird frequently seen in the area.

This trail offers a rustic hiking experience through restored freshwater swamp forests and secondary woodland. It includes wooden boardwalks, gravel paths, and a variety of terrain. The trail is rich in flora and fauna, from pitcher plants and gingers to long-tailed macaques and butterflies. It eventually connects to the more strenuous MacRitchie Treetop Walk, making it ideal for those wanting a full-day hike.

How Do You Get to Windsor Nature Park Drongo Trail?

Start your hike from Windsor Nature Park, which is accessible from Marymount MRT Station. From there, take a short bus ride (132, 165, or 167) to Venus Drive. The Drongo Trail starts at the end of the Hanguana Trail boardwalk and is well-marked.

Woodlands Waterfront Park

What Makes This a Great Hiking Trail?

If you’re in the northern part of Singapore, Woodlands Waterfront Park is a must-visit for its coastal views and open spaces. The main highlight is the 1.5 km-long promenade that stretches along the Johor Strait, offering unobstructed views of Malaysia across the water. It’s particularly stunning at sunset, with the sun dipping below the horizon and casting a golden reflection on the sea.

The park also features forested trails, cycling paths, playgrounds, and fitness stations, making it suitable for all age groups. It’s a popular spot for jogging, family outings, and even romantic evening strolls. The blend of ocean breeze and forest shade creates a refreshing environment, especially on hot afternoons.

How Do You Get to Woodlands Waterfront Park?

Take the MRT to Woodlands Station and then hop on bus 856 or 856A toward Admiralty Road West. From the bus stop, it’s a short 10-minute walk to the park. There is also a large car park for drivers. Bring a camera: this is one of the most scenic and photogenic spots in northern Singapore.

Conclusion

Singapore’s hiking trails show that nature is always close, even in a bustling city. From skyline views at Mount Faber to the rustic charm of the Rail Corridor and the lush forests of Windsor Nature Park, there’s a trail for every kind of explorer. Whether you’re after biodiversity, cultural history, or a peaceful escape, these trails offer a refreshing break from city life. So lace up your shoes, grab the essentials, and discover the wild side of Singapore just steps away.