Singapore may be known for its stunning cityscape, delicious food, and shopping arcades, but it's also home to some excellent nature reserves which are perfect for a hike. Here are some of our favourite picks – so lace up your running shoes and get your walk on!
MacRitchie Treetop Walk
The MacRitchie central catchment reserve is home to a number of challenging and scenic walks, but the treetop walk is by far the most popular. The walk takes guests through the various stages of growth of a forest, as well as an unobstructed view of the plants and animals that dwell in the forest canopy. The treetop walk itself is only 250 metres long, but the process of getting there can be a little tricky. The walk is located a two hours walk from the MacRitchie Reservoir Park, but the views from the trees are well worth the journey.
Coney Island
Did you know Singapore is actually made up of 64 islands? Coney Island is just one of them. Much of the island has been untouched by redevelopment, making it ideal for spending a day in nature. The island is home to 80 species of birds and a number of fascinating habitats such as a mangrove swamp and coastal forests. Coney Island can be reached on foot or by bicycle from Punggol Point Park. You’ll want to choose a weekday to visit, as the island can get pretty busy on weekends. Be aware that the island park closes at 7pm every evening, so be sure to plan ahead.
Pulau Ubin
Another one of Singapore’s unique islands, this island can be accessed by ferry from Changi Ferry Point. This 1020-hectare island was formerly a granite quarry, which is where it got its name. There are a number of small stores on the island selling food and snacks, as well as bicycle rentals for those who prefer not to traverse the island on foot. Explore the Chek Jawa wetlands, which is home to six unique habitats including coastal forests, beaches, and even a mangrove swamp. The biodiversity of the island is unlike anything you’ll find on mainland Singapore.
Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
Singapore’s highest peak is a popular hiking spot with locals and has plenty to offer visitors. Located just 12 kilometres from the city centre, this serene nature reserve is home to the 163-metre-tall Bukit Timah Hill, and one of the islands oldest rainforests. This reserve was one of the only original forests since the 1800s making it a well-preserved example of local tropical forests, and offering a unique hiking experience.
Henderson Waves
The Henderson Waves bridge is the highest in Singapore, and one of the most unique in Singapore. The bridge is built in the shape of a wave and has many small niches for visitors to sit and observe the scenery. At night, the bridge is lit up with LED lights, and is a stunning sight to behold. The entirety of the bridge can be explored by a five-kilometre walk through Mount Faber and Telok Blangah parks, which this bridge connects. If you’re visiting at night, be sure to find a central spot to photograph the unique asymmetry of the structure.
