Feeling adventurous and been wanting to get into hiking? You may feel spoiled for choice with the 400 parks that Singapore is home to, but it’s important to note that not all trails cater to beginners. As such, we’ve carefully curated a selection of 20 beginner-friendly hiking trails with captivating sights to explore.
All the trails can be completed under or within an hour, so go and clock in those 10,000 steps now!
1. Thomson Nature Park
Located on the site of a former Hainan village, this unique park offers you the chance to investigate the ruins of the village while on your hike. The Thomson Nature Park Loop (3.8 km) is made up of five trails, but beginners can start with the Ruins and Figs Trail (1.50 km) and the Rambutan Trail (0.40 km). Both trails, which take a combined 38 minutes to cover, are filled with plenty of interesting ruins to explore along the way.
Distance: 1.9 km (Ruins and Figs Trail + Rambutan Trail)
Time: 38 minutes
2. Chestnut Nature Park
Next up is Singapore’s largest park, and the first park to have dedicated hiking and mountain biking trails. Start off at the Northern Hiking Loop that spans around 2 km — it features an observation tower that allows you to get a stunning view of Singapore’s skyline, and will take around 30–40 minutes to complete. For those looking to challenge yourself, perhaps the rockier and steeper Southern Hiking Loop would be more suitable. The 2.1 km trail will take around 42 minutes to complete.
Stick to the Northern and Southern Hiking Loops, and be careful not to veer into the mountain biking trails or you might just find yourself on the news for the wrong reasons.
Distance: 1.5–2 km (Northern Hiking Loop); 2.1 km (Southern Hiking Loop)
Time: 30–40 minutes; 42 minutes
3. Dairy Farm Nature Park
Unlike what the name suggests, there are no cows at the park. However, it does host a permanent exhibition and trail dedicated to the English naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace. The Wallace Trail (2.2 km) provides an easy 45-minute one-way hike, adorned with artefacts, information boards showcasing the area’s history, and a new viewing deck. If you want to have a picturesque and quiet moment, the nearby Dairy Farm Quarry and Singapore Quarry serve as ideal resting spots.
Distance: 2.2 km
Time: 45 minutes
4. Windsor Nature Park
This park in Upper Thomson boasts three beginner-friendly hiking trails: Hanguana Trail (350 m, 10 minutes), Squirrel/Drongo Trail (2.2 km, one hour), and the Venus Loop (1.8 km, 45 minutes). Abundant freshwater streams that run through the park attract diverse wildlife, while a 150m elevated bridge walk offers scenic views.
Distance: 350 m (Hanguana Trail); 2.2 km (Squirrel/Drongo Trail); 1.8 km (Venus Loop)
Time: 10 minutes; 1 hour; 45 minutes
5. Rail Corridor (North)
You’re likely familiar with the Rail Corridor, but tackling its entire 21 km length? That might be a bit much, even for avid hikers like me. However, the 6 km section (two hours) that just opened this year is definitely worth exploring. You don’t have to cover the entire trail, but don’t miss the impressive 6m-high lookout deck. From there, you’ll be treated to fantastic views of Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, Dairy Farm Nature Park, and Bukit Timah Hill.
Distance: At your own pace
Time: At your own pace
6. Kranji Marshes
Nestled in the far northern corner of Singapore is an easy hiking trail popular amongst nature enthusiasts for its diverse array of flora and fauna. It spans 2.3 km and takes approximately 46 minutes to an hour to complete. You can observe shy marsh birds and even enjoy panoramic views from Raptor Tower.
Distance: 2.3 km
Time: 46 minutes–1 hour
7. Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
Talking about Kranji, you definitely can’t miss the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. Take your pick from the four beginner-friendly hiking trails. If you prefer a scenic view of the Johor Bahru coast, the Coastal Trail (1.3 km, 26 minutes) is for you. For a closer encounter with feathered wonders, take the Migratory Bird Trail (1.95 km, 40 minutes).
Distance: 1.3 km (Coastal Trail); 1.95 km (Migratory Bird Trail)
Time: 26 minutes; 40 minutes
8. Sengkang Riverside Park
Looking for a good mix of fun and exercise? The Sengkang Riverside Park has one of the most beginner-friendly hiking trail. Along the way, you’ll get to marvel at the lalang fields, and vibrant water hyacinth blooms and visit Singapore’s largest man-made wetland, the Sengkang Floating Wetland.
Distance: 2.1 km
Time: 42 minutes
9. Hampstead Wetlands Park
Step into a fairytale scene at Hampstead Wetlands Park, where blooming water lilies are in abundance, conjuring up a magical atmosphere. You can take on various beginner-friendly hiking trails within the park — one supposedly makes for a short yet scenic 12-minute hike!
Distance: At your own pace
Time: At your own pace
10. Lorong Halus Wetland
Lorong Halus Wetland is an underrated gem that has been kept under wraps by the residents of Pasir Ris and Punggol. You’ll never know it used to be a landfill considering the teeming wildlife and rare birds that surround the reservoir.
You can also catch a view of an unobstructed skyline on the photogenic Lor Halus Red Bridge.
Distance: 1.9 km
Time: 38 minutes
11. Seletar Fishing Village & Yishun Dam
You might have seen pictures of sunsets at Seletar Fishing Village on social media everywhere during COVID-19. Just like the Yishun Dam (located right above the village), this popular photo spot offers a stunning view that will transport you out of Singapore.
Despite it being a short trail, I couldn’t resist including it for its unique beauty. For a complete sunset scenic hike, you can venture through Rower’s Bay Park – conveniently located right beside the village — then on to Seletar Fishing Village and lastly, Yishun Dam.
Distance: 1 km
Time: 10–20 minutes
12. Rower’s Bay Park
Not only is this park a great starting point for your sunset hike, but it also serves as the official starting point of the Round Island Route (RIR). Rower’s Bay Park is a nature retreat with a lookout pavilion and boardwalk that can let visitors get a closer look at the native wildlife. The waterside views become even more pristine when combined with the breathtaking sunset vistas.
Distance: 1.5–2 km
Time: 30–40 minutes
13. Rifle Range Nature Park
This latest addition to Bukit Timah Nature Reserve checks all the boxes of a perfect hiking sanctuary. It features a stunning wetland framed by a rocky hill, rustic meandering trails, and a 31-metre high lookout deck. The Banyan and Gaharu Trails (1.48 km) makes for a great beginners’ route, only requiring 30 minutes to complete. If you are willing to climb up the steep Colugo Trail (582 m) to be rewarded with a panoramic view of the surroundings, remember to take the moderate route.
Distance: 1.48 km (Banyan and Gaharu Trails) ; 582 m (Colugo Trail)
Time: 30 minutes ; 12–20 minutes
14. Labrador Nature & Coastal Walk
This connector between Labrador Nature Reserve and Southern Ridges comprises three distinct segments – Alexandra Garden Trail, Berlayer Creek mangrove trail, and Bukit Chermin Boardwalk. You can explore previously inaccessible mangrove and coastal areas, which are home to 40% of Singapore’s endangered and vulnerable plant species. The captivating seaside views and refreshing breeze are definitely a favourite amongst avid hikers.
Distance: 2.1 km
Time: 42 minutes
15. Hortpark
Hortpark is a busy intersection for gardeners, students, art appreciators, retailers and park-goers. The collection of themed gardens and three beginner-friendly hiking trails will ensure that your hikes will never get boring. Other than charming butterflies and bees, it also houses Singapore’s first Therapeutic Garden. I recommend taking the time to soak in the unique atmosphere of each garden.
Distance: 1–2.8 km
Time: 30–56 minutes
16. Hindhede Nature Park
The Hindhede Nature Park’s Red Trail (1.3 km) is specially designed for families with young children or elderly – meaning that beginner hikers like you should find it easy as well. Keep your eyes peeled for the Banded Woodpecker, Greater Racket-tailed Drongo and Plaintain Squirrel. And of course, don’t forget to snap a photo for your socials in front of the Hindhede Quarry!
Distance: 1.3 km (Red Trail)
Time: 26 minutes
17. Changi Point Coastal Walk
This boardwalk is divided into six sections, providing hikers with a delightful blend of ever-changing landscapes in one continuous walk. Whether you choose to traverse the lush tree-lined Cliff Walk, or the picturesque Beach Creek, you’ll be treated to breathtaking scenery and delightful encounters with fascinating wildlife species. Don’t be afraid if you spot a strange reptile slithering among the lush greenery of the Cliff Walk — it’s actually a perfectly harmless Common Sun Skink that enjoys basking in the sun.
Distance: 2.2 km
Time: 45 minutes
18. Tampines Eco Green
This eco-friendly park is so focused on the “eco” that everything within the park is recyclable – even your waste is recycled into compost through a waterless, chemical-free system with the help of bacteria and wood shaving. But the “call of nature” is not the point here, it’s the three trails of the park that are the main focus!
Of the three, I highly recommend the Diversity Trail (1.2 km) which will only take 24 minutes to conquer. You can also choose to take all three routes for a 3 km hike (one hour). There are no lights in the park, so be sure to finish your hike before the sun sets.
Distance: 1.2 km (Diversity Trail); All three trails
Time: 24 minutes; 1 hour
19. Jurong Lake Gardens
The Jurong Lake Gardens is a personal favourite, especially the Banyan Trail (3.3 km, one hour) which showcases the wide Grasslands, the Instagram sensation that is the lone tree, and the Neram stream. But if you find it to be a tad long, you can opt for the Mempat Trail which is only 1.75 km (30 minutes).
Distance: 3.3 km (Banyan Trail); 1.75 km (Mempat Trail)
Time: 1 hour; 30 minutes
20. Bukit Batok Nature Park
Bukit Batok Nature Park (a park near and dear to my heart), may be slightly more challenging than the other trails since its extra-steep slopes are hard on the knees. However, the historical significance of this site, its clear waters and interesting fauna will leave a lasting impression on you.
When you reach the top, you can check out the remains of a World War II memorial, along with breathtaking views of the quarry.
Distance: 3 km
Time: 1 hour
Upon conquering all 20 of these beginner-friendly hiking trails, you can proudly declare yourself an experienced hiker and boast of having truly discovered Singapore in a remarkable way.
So, lace up your hiking boots and take the first step out! Happy exploring!
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