GOOD TRIPS
4 Lesser-Known Gems Of Hiking Trails In Singapore
Singapore is a fascinating country with a rich history and culture. While most don’t think of Singapore as an outdoor adventurer’s playground, nothing could be further from the truth. Strap on those hiking boots and hit the road! You’ll be pleasantly surprised by what you might find. Have fun and stay safe out there!
Many think of Singapore as a concrete jungle, a technologically-advanced city-of-the-future where the population work like minions to keep the economy going.
Nothing could be further from the truth. Behind the 50-storey skyscrapers and snazzy clubs lie a multitude of outdoor activities that the adventurous can enjoy.
We Singaporeans certainly know how to play! From kayaking and windsurfing to rock climbing and hiking, there is a plethora of fun outdoor stuff to do just waiting for you.
For the avid hiker, sure, you have the MacRitchie Reservoir, the Rail Corridor, and the ever-present Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. Do you really wanna pass 50 people on your hike though?
Fret not! There are many hidden short and long hikes in Singapore that are not well known to the public. Some of these trails are used by hikers and nature lovers, while others are used by cyclists and runners.
If you want some alone time, to be at one with nature and enjoy the tropical jungle in all its glory, here are some ideas for your next hike in Singapore. DON’T tell anyone!
The Clementi Forest Trail
Since a local nature enthusiast uploaded stunning videos of his off-the-beaten-path walk, capturing the Clementi forest’s early morning grandeur in all its breathtaking glory, interest in this stunning chunk of land hasn’t faded.
This hidden gem, located off the Green Corridor, presents a sight of raw, luxuriant flora that you would have believed extinct in contemporary urban Singapore.
There are no paved paths in this area because it is still underdeveloped. You’ll have to hike over fallen trees, trek through the wet ground, wander on uneven ground, and beat your way through knee-high greenery on this nature walk.
It’s usual for hikers to slip and fall while hiking through the Clementi forest, so make sure you’re fully outfitted with good hiking shoes or boots, long pants, and for the uber-cautious, pack a basic first aid kit with compression bandages and band-aids.
Also, bring a headlamp or this Aplo lamp so if you ever get stuck after dark, stick the lamp on your backpack and you’ll still have constant illumination.
Further into the forest, you’ll come across the abandoned ancient Jurong railway track that will take you through a wrecked train tunnel.
This trail, while short, is intense and isn’t for the faint-hearted. You’ll be unlikely to run into anyone else along the trail.
To Get There:
Arrive at the bus station along Clementi Road outside Ngee Ann Polytechnic. Follow the semi-trodden route into the Clementi forest by walking towards the canal behind the bus station.
The Clementi Forest Trail is spread over three kilometres and takes approximately two hours to hike. You’ll have the opportunity to take Instagram-worthy photos of the lovely morning mist blending among the Jurassic Park-like forests.
Pipeline Trail
The Pipeline Trail got its name because it follows the water pipelines that run from Bt Timah to Woodlands and then to JB.
While the water pipes are largely underground, there are five open sections along the route where you get to test your balancing skills and actually walk on the pipes.
Start your hike on Rifle Range Road and work your way north. There are two sections of water pipes along the trail, but there are three more beyond Zhenghua Park.
The trail is mostly linear, with only minor elevation changes, making it suitable for folks of all levels. However, it is 22 kilometers long and will take approximately six to eight hours, so a reasonable level of fitness is necessary.
To Get There:
The entrance is on Dunearn Road. Continue walking through Temasek Club until you reach the T-junction of Rifle Range Road and Jalan Kampung Chantek.
The route markings are visible once you go over the metal fence onto the grass patch.
‘Avatar’ Trees at Bukit Brown Cemetery
Cemetery hike?! Really?!
Don’t worry, if you go during the day, there’s nothing creepy about the walk. Instead, a gorgeous landscape of greenery and incredibly tall trees will have you gaping.
There are no other words that describe the gigantic towering trees that stand guard in the midst of Bukit Brown Cemetery.
Because of these massive trees, this is one of the absolute favourite hiking trails for regular hikers.
The whole trail length is not exceptionally long, stretching a mere 2.2 km. It can easily be covered in an hour.
The first part of the hike before reaching the trees is a rocky trail that may get muddier if there has been recent rain. Despite this, it is a simple, beautiful trail that suits hikers of all levels.
After passing through the impressive, enormous trees, you will arrive at Bukit Brown Cemetery, and the energetic can proceed on to the Bukit Brown Heritage Trail.
Kay Siang Bunkers
The remains of three storage bunkers in Queenstown’s forested region can be found along Kay Siang Road. They were constructed in the 1940s and were used for cargo and weapon storage by the British Military.
They are located next to the now-demolished Buller Camp, which accommodated Australian and Indian Prisoners during the Japanese invasion.
The first bunker, known as the Kay Siang Bunker, is accessible via Kay Siang Road and is only a one-minute walk into the bush.
Despite the fact that it is a short walk, the ground can be treacherous and muddy. The first bunker is undoubtedly the most impressive of the trio because, while only the exterior is intact, vines and roots have taken over a large portion of it.
The second bunker is only a few feet away from the first, and it is completely intact but vacant.
The third bunker can be found by following a well-routed trail to the right of the second bunker.
It is actually closer to Margaret Drive, directly across from MINDS. The third one resembles a house rather than a bunker due to its larger size.
This could be where the soldiers lived. Even if the roofs are all collapsed, the building walls are still standing strong.
The hike itself isn’t very long, approximately 30 minutes at most, although some portions of the hike can be challenging due to gradients and muddy trails
Interested by this article?
Spruce Up Your Home With My Selection, Part 1
}
Scroll to top
