Tired of going back to the same ol’ Singapore parks? Fret not! From East to West — there’s more flora and fauna to discover in our Garden City! 

By now any well-trodden Singaporean would have traversed MacRitchie’s treetop walk, ran up Bukit Timah Hill’s gazillion stairs and stomped through Fort Canning Park — but how many of us have explored Pulau Ubin’s dirt bike trails, gazed upon the lesser-known Hindhede Quarry or bashed through the forage of Clementi Forest? Lucky for you, we’re pulling together a list of our favourite lesser-known Singapore parks and trails that you and a friend can explore this weekend. 

If you’re ready, grab your water bottles and comfy walking shoes because we’re about to embark on an adventure!

Best Singapore Parks & Hiking Trails:
1. Tampines Eco Green
2. Changi East Boardwalk
3. Pasir Ris to Punggol Park Connector: Marina Country Club
4. Ketam Mountain Bike Park, Pulau Ubin 
5. Coast to Coast Trail 
6. Dairy Farm Nature Park
7. Hindhede Nature Park
8. Chestnut Nature Park
9. Mandai Track 15
10. Northern Explorer Loo

Best Singapore Parks & Hiking Trails in the East

1. Tampines Eco Green

Image credits: National Parks

Pop by this sanctuary in the east for hiking trails through a secondary rainforest — or to simply rediscover the rich biodiversity that can be found even in the heartlands. Cycling isn’t allowed in the park. So leave your bikes and worries at stands, but take along a sense of adventure and a good pair of binoculars! 

Distance: 0.36 km
How to get there: Alight at Tampines MRT station and walk 20 mins to the park via Sun Plaza Park
Find out more here.

2. Changi East Boardwalk

Image credits: Wikimedia Commons

Changi Village isn’t just home to great local food. It’s also the starting point for avid joggers and nature lovers. You’ve probably been to Changi Beach, but have you discovered Changi East Boardwalk? Also known as Changi Point Coastal Walk, this two-kilometre long stroll leads you away from the crowd and treats you to a view to remember. Pro-tip: it’s especially beautiful at sunset. 

Distance: 2.2 km
How to get there: From Changi Beach, Along Changi Village Road
Find out more here.

3. Pasir Ris to Punggol Park Connector: Marina Country Club

Image credits: Flickr

One of the great perks of staying in a garden city is having a ton of park connectors that weave through the various suburbs. A personal favourite of mine is this one that starts at Pasir Ris Farmway and ends in a quiet port in Punggol. If you’re cycling at night, be sure that your bikes are equipped with the appropriate reflective gear because it could get pretty dark on those roads! 

Distance: 6.2 km
Starting point: Lorong Halus Park Connector

4. Ketam Mountain Bike Park, Pulau Ubin 

While most flock to Puaka Hill for a hike, why not take your bike for a ride on the wilder side? Ketam Mountain Bike Park sits at the far end of Pulau Ubin and circles around the quarry. While it does boast scenic routes, it is not for the faint of heart. If you’re game for a go, we recommend starting with the Blue Square Grade before you attempt the Black Diamond ones. 

Distance: from 0.1km
Starting point: Peranjak Hut, Pulau Ubin
Find out more here.

Best Singapore Parks & Hiking Trails in the West

5. Coast to Coast Trail 

Image credits: National Parks

File this one away for days when you’ve got a bit of time on your hands. You’re gearing up for a 36km walk that starts at Jurong Lake Gardens, cuts through Lornie Nature Corridor and ends at Coney Island Park — so be sure to wear your comfiest pair of shoes, a wide hat, and plenty of water.

Distance: 36 km
Starting point: Jurong Lake Gardens
Find out more here.

6. Dairy Farm Nature Park

Image credits: Singapore Geographic

Not only is this park home to the gorgeous Singapore Quarry, but at Dairy Farm Nature Park you’ll also find a  permanent exhibition and nature trail that honours the late Alfred Russel Wallace and his many contributions to natural science. While sightings are few and far between, who knows, perhaps you too will stumble across a ton of curious biodiversity just like he did! 

Distance: 2.2 km
Starting point: Alight at Hillview MRT Station, take Exit A. It is about 1.5 km from the station to the Wallace Education Centre
Find out more here.

7. Hindhede Nature Park

Image credits: National Parks

Note this one down for a post-climb cool-down stroll after submitting Bukit Timah Hill. Tranquil and scenic, this nature park is great for the whole family because of its easy trails and well-defined footpaths. Better yet, for those who make it to the end of the park, you’ll be rewarded with a sight to behold — the Hindhede Quarry. 

Distance: 0.1km
Starting point: Alight at Beauty World MRT Station, take Exit A
Find out more here.

8. Chestnut Nature Park

Image credits: National Parks

With a span of 81 hectares, Chestnut Nature Park is Singapore’s largest nature park to date. Nature enthusiasts, you’ll love the conservation efforts put in place by NParks that ensures biodiversity finds a way to thrive and survive through the planting of native trees.

If hiking isn’t your thing, there are also mountain biking trails here with a kiosk for users to rent or wash their bikes! 

Distance: 0.8km
Starting point: Chestnut Ave
Find out more here.

9. Mandai Track 15

Image credits: Cheekiemonkies

Also known as the Gangsa Trail, this track takes you from the heavy greenery of Chestnut Nature Park right into the heart of Singapore Zoo. So why not make a day out of it? Start early in the day and ensure that on the way to see the Giraffes, you pass these various checkpoints: Seletar Reservoir, an old well, an old dumping ground of vehicle parts and of course, a ton of flora and fauna. 

Distance: 7.1km
Starting point: Central Catchment Park Connector

10. Northern Explorer Loop

Image credits: PUB 

This route starts out at Crab Village in Sembawang and takes you through the Northern side of Singapore. Once you get through the park connectors of Simpang, Yishun, Khatib, you’ll end up at Lower Seletar Reservoir. Take a break before continuing through the Mandai park connector and finally at Singapore Zoo. 

Distance: 13km
Starting point: Crab Village
Find out more here.

Life’s a Breeze(walk)

So there you are, more trails to blaze through with your best friend over the weekend. Be sure to bring along some essentials to avoid any unpleasantries. We recommend a ton of sunscreen, mosquito repellent, an umbrella, a cap and of course, water!

Whether it’s hiking or treating yourself to a bike and comfortable footwear, remember to check out your YouTrip card to make use of those sweet wholesale rates. 

If you still haven’t gotten your free YouTrip card, use our special promo code <BLOG5> to sign up and receive a free S$5 in your account! 

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