FREE | 7 Off the Beaten Hiking Trails in Singapore 🌲
🪄This carefully curated list includes how long is the hike, things take note of and an Off the Beaten rating. 1 representing not so off beaten and 10 for very off beaten. Also camping is only allowed at beaches, visitors are not allowed to pitch tents or hammocks in the nature reserves.
Coney Island
About 2.5 km - Roughly 1 - 2hrs hike
Off the Beaten Rating: 9/10
🌊Imagine one moment running along the beach, and the next moment being surrounded by pine trees. Take a scroll or cycle through this beautiful island away from the bustling city. This place is friendly for families as there are paths. If you go during the low tide, the beach is really clean and beautiful.
Things to take note of:
- Be careful of wild dogs, they will usually ignore you if you ignore them.
- Park opens from 7am - 7pm and no camping is allowed.
- There is only 1 toilet at the entrance.
Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
About 1.9 km - Roughly 1 - 2hrs hike
Off the Beaten Rating: 10/10
🦅For anyone seeking a calming hike, the wetlands of Sungei Buloh are a dream come true for keen nature lovers. This sprawling 87-hectare ecological site allows you to watch migratory birds escaping the cold to the warmer climes of Australia–with some flying as far away as Siberia.
Things to note:
- If you google how to get to this place, they would tell you there is a shuttle bus. However the shuttle bus has ceased operations and you can only take a public bus to this place.
- There are a lot of crocodiles but they are usually chilling in the swamps. If they come to a path, common sense would tell you to make a U-Turn.
- Park opens from 7am - 7pm.
MacRitchie Reservoir
About 11 km - Roughly 4 - 5 hrs hike
Off the Beaten Rating: 7/10
Take an exhilarating walk around the nature trail loop known as MacRitchie Trails, located within the tropical rainforest. You’ll likely bump into long-tailed macaque monkeys, squirrels and monitor lizards. If you’re lucky, you may even encounter colugos (flying lemurs) or owls! 🐿️ There is even a treetop walk which you can visit for those who love heights!
Things to note:
- Be careful of the monkeys. They are vicious and will fight to snatch your food.
- Bring lots of water as it is going to be quite the walk especially in this tropical climate.
Tampines Eco Green
About 2 km - Roughly 1 - 2 hrs hike
Off the Beaten Rating: 7/10
If you are environmentally friendly, this place is for you because it takes it to the next level! Everything from sign boards to shelters are made from recyclable materials. Instead of extensive piping and waste-processing chemicals, their eco-toilet even uses wood shavings and bacteria to turn your poop into compost!
Things to note: Just keep yourself hydrated ~
Off the Beaten Rating: 9/10
The Rail Corridor
About 24 km - Roughly 10 hrs hike
Off the Beaten Rating: 8/10
🛤️ The Rail Corridor is a former railway line that stretches 24km north to south of Singapore. Check out Bukit Timah Railway Station that has been carefully restored and repurposed as a heritage gallery.
Things to note:
- Would encourage to start early morning around 7am.
Alexandra Woodland
Off the Beaten Rating: 9/10
🏝️If you are visiting Rail Corridor, Alexandra Woodland is a small patch of wilderness which lies next to the Rail Corridor, the main attraction of this trail is the magnificent 'Lost Ark' structure made from giant fallen trees next to a natural pond.
Things to note:
- As it is an off-trail location, do hike at your own risk – always wear proper attire and walking shoes, and let someone know where you are.
The Southern Ridges
About 10 km - Roughly 3 - 4hrs hike
Off the Beaten Rating: 6/10
One of the most stunning hikes in Singapore, connecting five parks. Don’t miss Henderson Waves, a timber deck lofted 256 feet in the air. It's the highest pedestrian bridge in Singapore and beloved by photographers for its undulating curves.
Things to note:
- Start from Harboufront MRT station as it is fastest way to get to the top of Mount Faber. There are signages to guide you through the hike.
Places To Stay
Here's a list of affordable places to stay if you are going on a hiking journey! ✨
Feel free to email me at paperdonutholes@gmail.com or instagram message me @paperdonutholes if you have any questions.
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