20 cycling routes in Singapore for all levels besides East Coast Park

by Vivian Ng and Kaye Yeo

There’s lots to love about a cycling trip — it’s a fun activity, you get to explore parts of Singapore that you might not often have the chance to otherwise, plus you get a good workout out of it. 

And whether you’re cycling with family or friends, it’s a fun bonding activity to get your endorphins flowing. So if you’re on the lookout for great cycling routes around Singapore, keep reading for a list of routes arranged according to distance and difficulty levels!

1. Punggol Waterway Park

cycling
Photo: @ramesh_kurup_photography/instagram

Enveloped by lush greenery, the North-Eastern part of Singapore is severely underrated. If you’re a nature lover who enjoys the calmness of water and the melodious chirping of birds, you might want to check out this cycling route.

cycling
Photo: Nishchal S via tripadvisor

Cruise down the mangroves and enjoy the serene waters surrounding Punggol Waterway bridges. Punggol Waterway Park is also one of the prettiest parks in Singapore, so while you’re there, don’t forget to update your Instagram feed.

Difficulty: Beginner
Distance: 4.2km
Suitable for: Leisure cyclists, explorers
Getting there: Walk towards Punggol Road from Damai LRT Station

2. Jurassic Mile

Photo: Changi Airport

Cycling with dinosaurs may seem like an odd idea, but this cycling path that has created an uproar in the community may pique your interest. Stretched over 3.5 kilometres, the Jurassic Mile begins at Tanah Merah Coastal Road and ends at Changi Airport Terminal 4

Photo: @changiairport/instagram

With gigantic, life-sized dinosaurs and huge dino eggs, this is one cycling trail with a unique, prehistoric view.

Difficulty: Beginner
Distance: 3.5km
Suitable for: Leisure cyclists, explorers
Getting there: Make your way to Jurassic Mile from Changi Airport Terminal 4 Arrival pickup point or car park 4A

3. St John’s Island Trail

cycling
Photo: pickyourtrail

Taking a short vacation break outside of Singapore sounds like a great idea for most of us now. After these gruelling long months of not travelling, we’d take anything that remotely resembles an overseas getaway.

Here at St John’s and Lazarus Island, you’re able to explore the gold coasts of Singapore on your bicycle.

cycling
Photo: Gogreen

Bicycle and kick scooters rental are available at St John’s Island, and you can even rent kites, beach mats and tents to relax in after long hours of cycling. Bicycle and scooter rentals are clocked at S$25 for 2 hours per person, while the other packages with your choice of beach items start from S$40.

Difficulty: Beginner
Distance: 2.8km
Suitable for: Leisure cyclists, explorers
Getting there: Travel towards St John Island Pier from Marina South Pier (20 minutes ferry)

4. Marina Bay Loop

cycling
Photo: GL Wong via alltrails

If you wish to stray away from nature tracks to something more urban, the Marina Bay Loop is a great option. This cycling route gives you a stunning view of the gorgeous city skyline.

cycling
Photo: @thithitravel/instagram

Travel along the Helix Bridge towards the Esplanade and the Merlion. This entire journey will take about 40 minutes to complete, so time it well if you want to catch that cinematic sunset en route. Watch the sky fade out from blue to bright citrus orange, with its luminous glow setting behind the skyscrapers.

Difficulty: Beginner
Distance: 11km
Suitable for: Leisure cyclists, explorers
Getting there: Travel to Bayfront MRT station

5. Mandai Track 15

cycling
Photo: kim buay p via tripadvisor

There aren’t many beginner-friendly mountain biking trails in Singapore, which makes mountain biking a little tougher to get into compared to regular cycling. 

cycling
Photo: kim buay p via tripadvisor

Thankfully, if you’ve just gotten yourself a mountain bike and want to start out with a relatively simple trail, the Mandai Track 15 has easy slopes, smooth tracks, and no sharp drops or jumps — perfect for beginners who are just getting into the sport. Still, the trail has its fair share of sloping terrain, so you’ll nevertheless be getting your leg workout in for the day.

Difficulty: Beginner
Distance: 12km
Suitable for: Mountain bikers, leisure cyclists, explorers
Getting there: Travel down to Kranji MRT station

6. Sentosa Island

cycling
Photo: @nelmarose/instagram

Most people visit Sentosa Island for its beaches and attractions, but did you know that the island is a great place to cycle too? 

There are three cycling routes available that cater to riders of varying levels. Beginners can cycle along the coast, while more seasoned cyclists looking for a good workout can take the Imbiah Trail Uphill or the dedicated on-road cycling lanes to Sentosa Cove Village.

cycling
Photo: Sentosa/facebook

The island has bicycle rental shops at Beach Station and Siloso Beach where you can rent a bike starting from S$15 per hour. 

Enjoy the sea breeze and beautiful sights as you cycle along the routes!

Difficulty: Beginner – Intermediate
Distance: 12km
Suitable for: Leisure cyclists, explorers
Getting there: Travel from VivoCity shopping mall at Harbourfront MRT Station

7. Rail Corridor

cycling
Photo: @bertatheexplorer/instagram

Filled with abundant greenery, the newly revamped Rail Corridor is a 24km trail that runs from Tanjong Pagar Railway Station to Woodlands Train Checkpoint

The best part? The trail passes right through the famous Bukit Timah Railway Station, which has reopened after 11 years with a cafe, a heritage gallery, and more exciting features. The popular spot is the perfect place to take a break, grab a bite, and snap some pictures before continuing down the trail.

Photo: @linwiluck/instagram

If you prefer a shorter route though, you can also choose to just take on the Central Rail Corridor, the middle section of the trail that’s just 4km and includes the Bukit Timah Railway Station and iconic Bukit Timah truss bridge.

Difficulty: Beginner – Intermediate
Distance: 24km
Suitable for: Long-distance cyclists, leisure cyclists, explorers
Getting there: Take a bus to Melati Block 2 bus stop

8. Northern Explorer Loop

Photo: @isaiahkuan/instagram

Wave hello to Malaysia from across — the Northern Explorer Loop includes a pit stop at Woodlands Waterfront, giving you a full-frontal view of JB. This cycling route comprises some of the best nature spots in Singapore, including Ulu Sembawang Park Connector, Admiralty Park, and Lower Seletar Reservoir.

cycling
Photo: @beyond__the__frame/instagram

Enjoy your time riding through this route while spotting some of the cutest wildlife animals. 

Difficulty: Beginner – Intermediate
Distance: 11km
Suitable for: Long-distance cyclists, leisure cyclists, explorers
Getting there: Walk through Yishun Park Connector from Khatib MRT station

9. Ketam Mountain Bike Trail

Photo: @snap_mtb/instagram

For the brave hearts that are looking for something more difficult, this is for you. Situated at Pulau Ubin, this international standard Ketam Mountain Bike Trail is bound to send adrenaline pumping through your veins.

There’s a 10km bike trail that’s suitable for all levels, including beginners. The real challenge is its double-black diamond trail. Manoeuvre through muddy downhills and rocky bumps to unlock a series of bragging rights.

If you’re thinking of giving this route a try, you can access it by taking a 15-minute boat ride and do note that there is a fee of an additional S$2 to transport your bicycle.

cycling
Photo: NParks

Alternatively, you can also join Pulau Ubin’s bike tour where they’ll show you the best views around Pulau Ubin. Although there’s less freedom to explore on your own, the tour makes a great option to get navigation tips around Pulau Ubin — so you won’t feel FOMO.

Difficulty: Beginner – Hard
Distance: 10km
Suitable for: Leisure cyclists, explorers, mountain bikers
Getting there: Take a ferry ride from Changi Point Ferry Terminal

10. Chestnut Nature Park

cycling
Photo: @stevelai_/instagram

Mountain bikers that find it inconvenient to travel to Pulau Ubin can opt for Chestnut Nature Park instead. As the first park in Singapore to have dedicated mountain biking trails, the 8.2km trail caters to aspiring and seasoned mountain bikers. You can practise at the Chestnut Pump Track or tackle the Chestnut Bike Park, depending on your skill level.

cycling
Photo: NParks/Facebook

Difficulty: Beginner – Hard
Distance: 8.2km
Suitable for: Beginner and experienced mountain bikers 
Getting there: Travel down to Bangkit LRT

11. Eastern Coastal Loop

cycling
Photo: @nparksbuzz/instagram

Don’t mistake the Eastern Coastal Loop for East Coast Park! Although this route ends at East Coast Park, this loop treats you to an abundance of flora and fauna at Tampines Eco Green, as well as panoramic seaside views along Changi Beach Park and Bedok Jetty.

cycling
Photo: @urasingapore/instagram

After a tiring ride, you can stop by for refreshments at the Bedok Food Centre where the famous Ye Lai Xiang Cheng Tng store is located.

Difficulty: Beginner – Intermediate
Distance: 17.5km
Suitable for: Leisure cyclists, explorers
Getting there: Walk to Pasir Ris Town Park from Pasir Ris MRT Station

12. Southern Ridges

Photo: Strava

The Southern Ridges route is challenging, with short yet steep hills that definitely make for a good leg workout — but the breathtaking views here make it more than worth taking on.

You’ll pass through open green spaces such as the ‘Gateway to Nature’ and Telok Blangah Hill, before finally arriving at the iconic Henderson Waves. Take a break on the famous bridge, and maybe snap a picture or two against the pretty backdrop of the distinctive, undulating structure. 

cycling
Photo: NParks

To end your journey, make your way up to Mount Faber, where you’ll be able to take in panoramic views of Singapore from the various lookout points.

Difficulty:  Intermediate – Hard
Distance: 10km
Suitable for: Leisure cyclists, explorers
Getting there: Multiple locations, including Kent Ridge MRT station and Harbourfront MRT station

13. Western Adventure Loop

cycling
Photo: @takumi2046/instagram

Filled with picturesque landscapes and lots of nature, this cycling trail in the West might just be the prettiest one.

Start your journey at Chua Chu Kang Park or Bukit Batok Nature Park. The trail will then take you through eight parks, including Dairy Farm Nature Park, famous for Singapore’s only quarry to be filled up with earth instead of water, and Pang Sua Park Connector with its two charming Butterfly Gardens.

cycling
Photo: @david_la_vida/instagram 

Difficulty: Intermediate
Distance: 20km
Suitable for: Leisure cyclists, explorers
Getting there (Chua Chu Kang Park): Walk through CCK Park Connector from CCK MRT Station
Getting there (Bukit Batok Nature Park): Take bus 66, 157, 174, 178 to Bukit Batok East Ave 6

14. Coast to Coast (C2C) Trail

Photo:  @urasingapore/instagram

Leading from the beautiful Jurong Lake Gardens to the recently opened Rower’s Bay Park, this long-distance trail is not for the faint of heart. The long-distance Coast to Coast (C2C) route cuts across various local park connectors, nature parks and heartlands. This offers you the full visual package of local sightseeing.

Photo: @happymuzal/instagram

This trail can be completed within half a day’s time on your bicycle. As you’d be sharing footpaths with people, don’t forget to slow down for pedestrians!

Difficulty: Intermediate
Distance: 36km
Suitable for: Long-distance cyclists, leisure cyclists, explorers
Getting there (Jurong Lake Garden): Travel down to Lakeside MRT
Getting there (Rower’s Bay Park):  Take Bus 103, 117 to Opposite Seletar Airport or ST Aerospace

15. Central Urban Loop

cycling
Photo: 고윈ᄐugly via google images

Taking you through the heartlands of Singapore, the best part about the Central Urban Loop is that it also passes through multiple great food spots — perfect for some late-night supper if you’re going for a nighttime cycle.

cycling
Photo: @r.linshuyan/instagram

The 36km islandwide loop will take you through Ang Mo Kio, the Kallang basin, and Punggol via the park connector networks, with multiple parks along the way where you can take in some nature and greenery.

Difficulty: Intermediate
Distance: 36km
Suitable for: Long-distance cyclists, leisure cyclists, explorers
Getting there: Walk to Toa Payoh Town Park from Toa Payoh MRT

16. Mandai Loop

Photo: NParks

For beautiful, soothing views, take on the Mandai Loop, which starts at Upper Thomson Road and moves towards Upper Seletar Reservoir and Lornie Road. Looping around Singapore’s central catchment reserve, you’ll get to enjoy calming sights as you cycle.

cycling
Photo: Decathlon

That said, with a distance of 40km and multiple steep climbs, this route is definitely better suited for cyclists with some experience.

Difficulty: Intermediate – Hard
Distance: 40km
Suitable for: Long-distance cyclists, leisure cyclists, explorers
Getting there: Multiple locations, including the Shell Station at Upper Thomson Road

17. Bukit Timah Mountain Bike Trail

cycling
Photo: @snap_mtb/instagram

Yet another mountain trail, the Bukit Timah Mountain Bike Trail is made for seasoned riders only. Zip through the dense forest and bounce through the rocky, steep trail — truly a daredevil’s game.

Photo: @ejenhankanada/instagram

Popular among advanced cyclists, this bike trail tests your reflexes, memory, endurance and strength. The Bukit Timah Mountain Bike Trail challenges you through demanding inclines, swerves and rapid downslopes. This is undoubtedly a great place to upskill and beat your personal bests.

Difficulty: Intermediate – Hard
Distance: 6.5km
Suitable for: Seasoned and advanced cyclists, challengers, mountain bikers
Getting there: Travel down to Beauty World MRT

18. Seletar Loop

cycling
Photo: @wiserbiker/instagram

A well-known route amongst cyclists, the Seletar Loop will take you around Seletar Aerospace Park, passing by popular cafes such as Soek Seng 1954 Bicycle Cafe and Sunset Grill where you can break for a drink or chill out after you’re done with your ride.

cycling
Photo: @jtc_sg/instagram

But since a large part of the route is on the road, definitely make sure you’re comfortable with road-riding before you attempt this one.

Difficulty: Intermediate – Hard
Distance: 12km
Suitable for: Leisure cyclists, explorers
Getting there: Take bus 102, 103, 117 and alight before Baker Street

19. Kranji Marshes Loop

cycling
Photo: @urasingapore/instagram

Clocking in at around 70km altogether, Kranji Marshes Loop allows you to zip past famous landmarks. These include Macritchie Reservoir, Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, and Kranji Marshes.

cycling
Photo: @visit_singapore/instagram

Behold the beauty of the tall tower overseeing nature’s beauty located at Kranji Marshes and the lush greenery of Macritchie Reservoir. This cycling experience will be one to remember for a long time.

Difficulty: Advanced, hard
Distance: 70km
Suitable for: Long-distance cyclists, leisure cyclists, explorers
Getting there: Travel down to Kranji MRT, or take the Kranji Farm Shuttle (S$5) 

20. Round Island Route (RIR)

cycling
Photo: @urasingapore/instagram   

Do none of these satisfy your boredom? Hop on the Round Island Route (RIR) and ride around the circumference of Singapore instead. The minimum distance that you’ll cover is an average of 150km, and there are multiple ways to plot your trip around the country.

Expect to shuttle through local park connectors and various attractions. You may even pass by the renowned Lamp Post 1 in Tuas, an official landmark owned by cyclists. By the way, don’t forget to strike a pose for your online posts!

cycling
Photo: @urasingapore/instagram

Difficulty: Intermediate – Hard
Distance: Around 120km to 200km
Suitable for: Long-distance cyclists, leisure cyclists, explorers
Getting there: Start wherever you want!

So the next time you feel restless or bored, take on one of these cycling trails for an adventure on wheels!

P.S. If immersing yourself deeper in nature on foot sounds more appealing to you, check out these hiking trails that are easy on the legs and eyes!

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