Singapore’s Southern Ridges: A Complete Hiking Guide (2025)

Split-screen image showcasing two ways to explore Singapore’s Southern Ridges: on the left, a concrete staircase with metal railings ascends through dense tropical forest, inviting hikers into lush greenery; on the right, cable cars glide above treetops and rooftops under a bright blue sky, offering an aerial view of the verdant landscape and urban fringe. The contrast highlights the dual experience of immersive nature trails and scenic sky rides along the Southern Ridges.

Written by

Joshua Ji

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In a city state famed for its impressive skyline, lush greenery, and thriving nature parks, urban hiking in Singapore has never been more exciting or accessible. Among the best hiking trails in Southeast Asia, the Southern Ridges Singapore stands out—a stunning 10-kilometer network that connects majestic nature reserves, modern nature parks, and diverse walking trails for every level of adventurer. Whether you’re searching for a brisk day hike with panoramic Marina Bay views or a leisurely stroll through winding slopes and iconic canopy walkways, the Southern Ridges offers a unique chance to experience Singapore’s lush greenery and diverse ecosystem right on the edge of the city.

What makes the Southern Ridges truly special is its seamless blend of historical sites, nature trails, and engineering marvels like the iconic Henderson Waves and Canopy Walk Singapore. As you explore treetop walkways, vibrant habitats, and even rocky sea cliffs, you’ll also encounter a rich variety of animal and insect species. It’s an urban adventure designed for nature lovers, wildlife watching enthusiasts, and anyone keen to experience Singapore’s unique outdoor activities.

The Southern Ridges: Overview—Connecting Nature Parks and Hiking Trails

Elevated forest walkway suspended among dense tropical trees in Singapore’s Southern Ridges, supported by tall metal pillars and cables. The pedestrian bridge offers a canopy-level hiking experience, blending eco-conscious design with panoramic views of lush greenery. This vantage point invites nature lovers to explore the forest from above, highlighting the trail’s immersive and sustainable architecture.

This visionary network of hiking trails, walking trails, and nature parks was established to preserve native flora and fauna while seamlessly connecting Singapore’s green belts. The Southern Ridges now links together Mount Faber Park, Telok Blangah Hill Park, the horticulturally vibrant HortPark, and Kent Ridge Park—each park contributing its own character, history, and array of green habitats. It forms part of Singapore’s larger adventure network, with easy links to other gems such as Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, Bukit Batok Nature Park, Chestnut Nature Park, Thomson Nature Park, Windsor Nature Park, Dairy Farm Nature Park, and Rifle Range Nature Park.

A full route map for the Southern Ridges begins at HarbourFront MRT and follows the Marang Trail up Mount Faber Park, crosses the architecturally stunning Henderson Waves, weaves through Telok Blangah Hill Park and its renowned Forest Walk, passes Alexandra Arch, and travels along the elevated Canopy Walk Singapore to reach Kent Ridge Park. For the best hiking conditions and wildlife sightings, plan to set out early in the morning or late in the afternoon—avoiding both crowds and Singapore’s sudden tropical downpours. Some hikers expand their day hike by incorporating segments of the Western Adventure Loop or venturing further to Jurong Lake Gardens or Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve for even more diverse nature trails.

Trail Sections in Detail: Southern Ridges’ Best Hiking Trails

Collage of four views from Singapore’s Southern Ridges, illustrating the fusion of nature and urban design: top-left shows a wooden walkway amid dense greenery; top-right features a manicured garden with stone paths and sculpted foliage; bottom-left captures a forested expanse with a road slicing through, city skyline rising in the distance; bottom-right reveals a curved metal canopy walk threading through tropical trees. Together, the images evoke the layered experience of hiking the Ridges—where wild nature, thoughtful landscaping, and city vistas converge.

Mount Faber Park and Marang Trail—Gateway to Southern Ridges

Kick off your adventure at Mount Faber Park—one of the city’s oldest and most beloved green spaces. The Marang Trail, accessible directly behind HarbourFront MRT, ascends through thick forest floors rich with fruit trees, native birds, and butterfly species. At the summit, panoramic lookout points offer incredible views of the city, Sentosa Island, and even the distant Bukit Timah Hill. This area is not only a highlight along the coast to coast and rail corridor, but also sets the stage for appreciating Singapore’s world-class urban nature trails.

Henderson Waves—Singapore’s Treetop Icon

Among all Singapore hiking trails, Henderson Waves is an outstanding architectural highlight. As the nation’s highest pedestrian bridge at 36 meters, its undulating “wave” structure of timber and steel ribs captures the imagination of landscape architects and sightseers alike. The bridge offers favorite wildlife watching and sunrise/sunset photography spots. Early mornings are ideal for catching monitor lizards, Oriental Whip Snakes, and native birds basking in the fresh air atop the canopy.

Telok Blangah Hill Park and Forest Walk Singapore

Continue your journey through Telok Blangah Hill Park, a nature park filled with lush greenery and historical sites. The renowned Forest Walk Singapore is a 1.3km elevated walkway suspended above the forest floor, immersing you in green habitats, native flora, and the sounds of birdlife—perfect for both leisure walkers and wildlife enthusiasts. Terrace Garden remains a beloved picnic and rest stop, especially during music festivals or fruit tree flowering season.

HortPark, Alexandra Arch, and the Canopy Walk Singapore

Proceed to HortPark—Singapore’s garden living laboratory—known for its themed gardens, conservation area programs, and educational exhibits about native plant and insect species. Alexandra Arch, with its graceful LED-lit structure, is a favorite among night hikers. The Canopy Walk Singapore, a 280-meter-long boardwalk, glides above the tropical forest and offers mountain bikers easy access to Kent Ridge Park via biking trails that showcase even more of Singapore’s diverse ecosystem.

Kent Ridge Park—Historical and Biodiverse Haven

Ending your core trek at Kent Ridge Park, you’ll discover trails winding among ponds, tall trees, and sites steeped in World War II history, including restored colonial bunkers. The park connects to Labrador Nature Reserve and the mangrove swamps at Berlayer Creek—offering even more opportunities to explore mangrove boardwalks, look for monitor lizards, or study native bird species. For those interested in exploring more, nearby Hindhede Nature Park and Bukit Timah Railway Station provide further hiking opportunities.

Practical Tips for Hikers—Making the Most of Singapore’s Nature Trails

Safety and Wildlife: Stick to marked nature trails. Avoid feeding monkeys and be aware of possible encounters with snakes, such as the Oriental Whip Snake. Watch your footing on forest floor segments after rain.

What to Bring: Always carry at least 1.5L of water, wear sunblock, a hat, and sturdy footwear suitable for walking and biking trails; insect repellent and a portable fan are handy for warm days.

Trail Difficulty: Most routes across Southern Ridges and its connecting nature parks are rated easy to moderate, with a mix of flat boardwalks and winding slopes. Complete the full 10km hike in 3–5 hours, or break it into easy trails for a few hours’ leisurely stroll.

Accessibility: Wheelchair users will find HortPark, the Canopy Walk, and some Alexandra Arch paths accessible, though other routes, such as the Marang Trail, have challenging slopes and stairs.

Facilities: Look for restroom and water stations at each main park. Most major rest points—like the Terrace Garden and HortPark—have shaded seating and picnic spots.

Wildlife and Plant Life—Discovering Biodiversity in Singapore’s Green Corridor

Tranquil lakeside scene along Singapore’s Southern Ridges, featuring a paved walkway bordered by manicured hedges on the left and a calm, reflective lake at center. Floating platforms and white buoys dot the water, while dense forest lines the far shore under a bright blue sky. The image evokes a peaceful pause in the hike—where nature, water, and quiet design converge to offer rest and reflection.

The Southern Ridges is a crucial part of Singapore’s “green lung,” serving as a corridor for animal and insect species moving between city nature parks and central catchment nature reserve areas like MacRitchie Reservoir Park. Expect to meet macaques, squirrels, flying lemurs, and colorful butterflies. For birders, rare hornbills, kingfishers, and sunbirds are common sightings—especially near the Forest Walk and Wallace Trail stretches. Don’t overlook the variety of native flora and fruit trees dotting the route, or the beautiful mangrove swamps and wetland reserve zones you can spot from the higher elevation lookouts.

Food and Rest Stops—Sustenance Along the Ridges

For hungry hikers, rest stops are conveniently situated along the trail. At Mount Faber’s summit, Arbora Hilltop Garden & Bistro serves hot meals and fresh coffee with a skyline view. HortPark’s garden café is a favorite for healthy breakfasts and light lunches in a tranquil setting. Terrace Garden is an ideal picnic or snack break location. Just off the trail, both Seah Im Food Centre and Pasir Panjang Food Centre are renowned for local hawker favorites—a treat for nature lovers after a day’s hike. Those keen to continue exploring can head to Jurong Lake Gardens, Fort Canning Park, or the Singapore Botanic Gardens for even more dining and green spaces.

Transportation—Getting To and From Singapore’s Southern Ridges

  • MRT Stations: HarbourFront MRT is the best start point for the Marang Trail and Mount Faber. If ending at Kent Ridge Park, Kent Ridge MRT is your closest station. Several other parks and nature reserves—like Dairy Farm Nature Park and Bukit Timah Nature Reserve—are also well-served by public transit.
  • Bus and Parking: Buses run regularly to all parks, with parking options at Mount Faber, Telok Blangah Green, HortPark, and Kent Ridge Park.
  • Planning Your Route: For one-way hikes, start at HarbourFront and finish at Kent Ridge Park or vice versa; return via MRT or bus. For the ultimate biking adventure, include Chestnut Nature Park, one of Singapore’s largest nature parks designed for mountain bikers. Consult official NParks maps for the latest info on short hikes, easy trails, and the Coast to Coast trail system.

Suggested Itineraries—Designing Your Perfect Outdoor Adventure

  • 2-Hour Must-See Tour: Start at HarbourFront, hike up Marang Trail through Mount Faber Park, cross Henderson Waves, stroll the Forest Walk, and finish at Alexandra Arch—a compact way to sample Singapore’s best hiking trails.
  • Half-Day or Full-Day Trek: Traverse the full Southern Ridges route, connecting all major parks, for the ultimate exposure to city and nature. Continue through the Western Adventure Loop or detour to Bukit Timah Hill for a challenging climb.
  • Evening and Sunset Walk: Begin at Kent Ridge Park, time your walk for sunset at Henderson Waves, then end with dinner overlooking the city lights.
  • Family and Easy Trails Option: Focus on HortPark, Alexandra Arch, and the Canopy Walk—ideal for kids and those seeking education and leisure walks in a garden setting. Pair a morning walk here with a trip to the Singapore Botanic Gardens or a detour along the MacRitchie Nature Trail.

Photography Spots—Capture Singapore’s Greenest Sights

Panoramic view of Singapore’s Southern Ridges where dense tropical greenery meets a sprawling urban skyline. In the foreground, a forest canopy stretches across the frame, while high-rise residential blocks rise in a grid-like formation beyond. The clear sky and scattered clouds add vibrancy, underscoring the contrast—and coexistence—between nature and city life along the Ridges.

Bring your camera for the Southern Ridges’ best photo ops! Lookout points atop Mount Faber and the panoramic Terrace Garden provide unbeatable Singapore skyline and Marina Bay views. Henderson Waves’ curving design shines at sunrise or sunset. Capture the undulating greenery of the Canopy Walk and Forest Walk, and don’t miss scenic shots of botanical diversity and rare wildlife at HortPark’s educational gardens and wetland habitats.

Conclusion—Southern Ridges and Beyond: Singapore’s Nature Trails Await

Elevated pedestrian walkway weaving through dense tropical forest in Singapore’s Southern Ridges, supported by slender metal pillars and surrounded by vibrant greenery. The structure blends into the natural canopy, offering hikers a serene, above-ground path that minimizes environmental impact while immersing them in the jungle’s textures and sounds.

The Southern Ridges stands as a testament to the city’s commitment to integrating lush greenery within a modern cityscape, seamlessly connecting visitors to a diverse ecosystem rivaled only by Singapore’s largest nature parks. Whether you’re seeking a short walk, leisurely stroll, or a day hike through wetland reserves and conservation areas, Southern Ridges offers something for every outdoor enthusiast. So go at your own pace, breathe in the fresh air, and discover why Singapore hiking trails are among the most beautiful and accessible in all of Southeast Asia. Lace up your shoes and make the most of Singapore’s rich tapestry of nature reserves, from the Southern Ridges to Bukit Timah, Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, and beyond!

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