While Singapore may be perceived as a bustling city, it is also a garden city. This does not only mean Gardens by the Bay or MacRitchie Reservoir, as there are many other places you can visit to witness Singapore's greenery. Whether you are tired of hiking the same trails in MacRitchie, or just wanting to get out of the house for some fresh air, you should definitely check out these lesser-known hiking trails!
Pulau Ubin’s Puaka Hill
If you have a day to spend at Pulau Ubin, definitely check out Puaka Hill. While the trek is short, it is narrow, hilly and rocky—so prepare yourself! If the sky is clear, you will be able to see Singapore and even to Johor at the top of the hill. At the top, you can also have a view of Ubin Quarry—definitely worth the trip! Mount Serapong
Built as early as the 1870s, Fort Serapong was built together with Fort Siloso, Fort Connaught and the Imbiah Battery to form part of the British’s southern coastal defence. Behind the fort lies an abandoned trail where you are able to hike up to the top where old war bunkers can be found. Walk up the trail at your discretion and watch out for cars coming!
Green Corridor
Surrounded by nature, the Green Corridor spans for 11km—having a continuous path from Jurong Lake Gardens to Gardens by the Bay. You can begin this trail from the abandoned Bukit Timah Railway Station, located near King Albert Park MRT. This trail is far from the hustle and bustle of Singapore—you will definitely be fully immersed in nature.
Chestnut Nature Park
This park is jam packed with forests and trails for you to explore. There are two different parts of the Chestnut Nature Park—North and South. If you are new to hiking, or just want to take it easy, try the Northern HIking Loop as it consists of gentler terrain. While the Southern Hiking Loop is more challenging—with steeper and rockier terrain.
While you are here, you can also try one of the four mountain biking trails or try to look out for endangered birds!
Tampines Eco Garden
Hidden behind Tampines, Tampines Eco Garden is one of the lesser known parks in Singapore. This eco garden is hidden—even the signboard is camouflage into nature. Walking into the park is like walking into a different world—a world filled with trees, birds and flowers. This park is also filled with birds and other insects such as dragonflies.