Feeling the need to get out of my little room and immerse myself in nature, I decided to go for a hike (or rather, a long relaxing trail) last weekend with two of my best friends.
After searching high and low for a trail to suit our needs, we have decided to challenge ourselves at the Hortpark and the Southern Ridges. That being said, you can also check out other amazing hiking trails hidden around Singapore at the links below!
The Hortpark and the Southern Ridges
Not widely known by many, this unique 10km trail offers a relaxing outdoor experience in the southwest of Singapore that you will never get to experience anywhere else. Ranging from architecturally stunning bridges to a wide variety of flora and fauna, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city, the greenery from the lush hilly parks of Mount Faber, Telok Blangah Hill as well as the harbour from Labrador Nature Reserve.
There are two routes you can choose from to explore these amazing parks. The first one starts from Mount Faber Park, passes through HortPark and Telok Blangah Hill Park, then ends at Kent Ridge Park. Whereas, the second route starts from Mount Faber Park, passes through Telok Blangah Hill Park and then ends at Labrador Nature Reserve.
However, being the rebels that we are, my friends and I chose to begin our trial the opposite way, starting from the Labrador Nature and Coastal Walk and ending it on top of Mount Faber Park for a satisfying lunch with a hilltop view.
Labrador Nature & Coastal Walk
Just 5 minutes walk away from Labrador Park MRT, we were immediately greeted with the breathtaking views of the Keppel Harbour and the distant rocky cliffs of Sentosa Island as we stepped into Labrador Nature.
Turning right at the entrance, we started our trial by exploring the Labrador Nature Reserve. As one of Singapore’s four protected nature reserves, Labrador Nature Reserve provides a safe haven for a wide variety of organisms and habitats, including the coastal cliffs and the rocky shores.
It was as though we were being transported to Krabi or Bali while admiring the picturesque views of greeneries and ocean-blue waters along the nature reserve. There were also people fishing alongside the extended deck located at the end of the reserve. To me, it is the perfect spot to observe our outstanding seaport up close.
Treading back to the entrance, we continued our journey towards the Berlayer Creek, where we explored the only mangrove patch in Southern Singapore. Along the way, we visited several landscapes that are rich in wartime and maritime history, namely the Red Beacon, a red steel beacon that once served as a navigational guide to sailors, as well as the Dragon’s Teeth Gate, a replica of the rock outcrop that once used to serve as the gateway to Keppel Harbour’s western entrance.
Distance: 4.5 km
Walking Time: 30 – 45 minutes. However, if you are into nature photography, be prepared to set aside about 1 – 2 hours to just enjoy the area and capture nature in its best forms.
Level of difficulty: Easy & wheelchair-friendly. Flat ground mostly... Great for children and elderly folks as well!
HortPark & Telok Blangah Hill Park
The second part of our hike was at HortPark and Telok Blangah Hill Park, where we walked over from Labrador Nature and Coastal Walk along the Alexandra garden trail. Upon arriving, we were greeted by the huge HortPark sign before making our way to the popular Alexandra Arch.
Spanning 80 meters long, Alexandra Arch truly lived up to its reputation! This architecturally stunning bridge resembles an open Mikania Micrantha leaf with its curved deck intersecting an arc that is tilted at 70 degrees. Hanging over the Alexandra road, the pedestrian bridge connects the Floral Walk at HortPark at one end and blends into the Forest Canopy Walk at the Telok Blangah Hill Park. So if you are wondering how to visit both parks at once, this is how you do it!
Unfortunately, while the bridge is visually stunning, we couldn’t take any photos of it due to the weekend crowd. If you are not a crowd person, then I suggest you visit the park either early in the morning or late in the evening where there is less crowd and you could also witness the colourful LED-lit bridge.
Coming off the Alexandra Arch, we were immediately thrust into the step-free Forest Canopy Walk at Telok Blangah Hill Park. With a total distance of 1.3km, this elevated metal bridge gave us a taste of freedom as we strolled through the dense secondary forest at the eye-level of the forest canopy. It is also a great place to observe Singapore’s rich greenery, spotting birds and catching dragonflies and butterflies.
Distance: 2.1 km
Walking Time: 30 – 35 minutes, but could expect more time if you wish to stop and capture a perfect picture along the walk
Level of difficulty: Easy & Moderate. The trail is mostly elevated walkways with some stairs. However, if you are looking to have some workout done, do try the Earth trail instead.
Mount Faber Park
Stepping out of the Forest Canopy Walk at Telok Blangah Hill Park, we hiked up the road towards Mount Faber Park. Along the way, not only did we get to enjoy the living gallery of more than 600 giant tree species at the Sembcorp Forest of Giants, but we also get to admire a panoramic view of Singapore’s central city.
Moreover, we had also made a surprise discovery of a fancy restaurant with a rich history, Alkaff Mansion, along our way towards the Henderson Waves. Before arriving at the famous bridge, there is a restroom for you to take a break before continuing your venture. So you don’t have to worry about being unable to take a rest after long hours of walks.
The last attraction of our hike was the Henderson Waves bridge, one attraction that my friends and I were looking forward to. Suspended 36 meters above Henderson Road, the Henderson Waves bridge is the highest pedestrian bridge in Singapore, connecting Telok Blangah Hill Park to Mount Faber Park. We truly enjoy strolling through this 274-meter long bridge while appreciating the beautiful skyline presented to us. Unfortunately, the park has cordoned off the seating areas due to COVID-19 measures.
Enjoy a Hilltop Dining Experience with Arbora
I must say, while the hiking was satisfying, the highlight (or leisure walk), to me, was our final destination at Arbora restaurant. Located at the top of Mount Faber Park, we had a buffet lunch (with discounts, of course!) at Arbora restaurant with the majestic views of the rainforest hillside, Harbourfront and Sentosa from its vantage location. It is the perfect restaurant for you if you enjoy some tranquillity and serenity.
After lunch, we hiked down Mount Faber Park through the Marang Trail and reached the HarbourFront MRT station within 10 minutes. Yet, this trail is considered a challenging route if you choose to start your hike along the Southern Ridges here.
Distance: 1.1 km
Walking Time: 30 – 45 minutes, but could expect more time if you wish to take a rest and enjoy the scenery along the walk or have lunch (like us) on top of Mount Faber Park.
Level of difficulty: Easy & Moderate. The trail is mostly boardwalks, except towards the end at the Marang Trail which is an earth trail. The trail can be quite dark in the late evening, so prepare some flashlight before exploring it.
All in all, it was a relaxing and fun hiking experience for me and my friends. Whether you are a nature lover or just someone who needs an escape from the bustling city, this incredible 10 km stretch of nature trials and man-made bridges is highly recommended for you! So head down to the South of Singapore and experience first hand the true beauty of the natural incorporation of “garden” and “city” in Singapore.
Some Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Hike/Walk:
- Check the weather forecast before planning your trip and leaving your house!
- Do wear some sunscreen or bring along umbrella or cap
- Bring along a small towel to wipe your sweat
- Always bring along a bottle of water to keep yourself hydrated and some SMALL snacks, like sweets, to avoid fainting (Of course, no littering! )
- Do not feed the animals you encounter at the parks, especially monkeys
- Always adhere to the parks’ rule
