Distance: 15 km
Singapore isn’t all hawker centres and shopping malls – it’s time to explore the Lion City’s jungly side with an all-day hike that’ll take you through its most spectacular nature reserves, pic-pretty neighbourhoods and glorious botanical gardens, with several stops along the way to rest and recharge. Pull those hiking boots on and trek this way!
A. Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
It ain’t exactly Everest, but you’ve got nature, birds and bees a plenty at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, home to Singapore’s highest hill. With 163 hectares of rainforest to unleash your inner Tarzan (or Jane), start at the Visitor’s Centre and head to Bukit Timah Hill for a heart-pumping, bum-burning climb that’s short but brutal, at about 20-45 minutes.
En route, you’ll spy gorgeous greenery, flying squirrels and cheeky long-tailed macaques (no bananas in your backpack, please). Get in and out, or extend your hike with the clearly marked trails that loop around the expanse of jungle. Open daily from 7am to 7pm, go early and avoid weekend mornings if you can.
177 Hindhede Drive, Bukit Timah Vhf Station, 7am-7pm daily, nparks.gov.sg
B. Rifle Range Road
From within Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, trot up to Rifle Range Road and then down Jalan Kampung Chantek into one of Singapore’s prettiest (and fanciest) nabes. Stroll slowly to admire the villas and colonial bungalows, and head left onto Swiss Club Link and Swiss Club Road before making your way up Turf Club Road towards the golf and Saddle Club. This will take at least an hour.
Rifle Range Road
C. Rider’s Cafe
Amidst the stables, you’ll find a charming little open-air cafe with decent-ish food.You’re ravenous by now and sitting pretty amidst the horses so it’s time to indulge in some simple, hearty fare – think salads and burgers to fuel up.
Riders Cafe at Bukit Timah Saddle Club, 51 Fairways Drive, +65 6466 9819, 8am-9pm Tuesday to Sunday, riderscafe.sg
D. Cluny Road
Now that you’ve had some time to recharge and cool down, take a leisurely hour-long walk to the Botanical Gardens. You’ll want to avoid walking along the busy Dunearn Rd, and instead take the charming residential backstreets as far as you can.
Head down to Eng Neo Avenue and then Vanda Road towards Greenwood, a cute little nabey strip with fishmongers, a wine shop and an Italian trattoria. Keep going down to Watten Estate Road where you’ll come out onto Dunearn for the final stretch to the Cluny Road entrance of the beautiful Botanic Gardens.
Singapore Botanic Gardens, 1 Cluny Road, 5am-12am daily, nparks.gov.sg/sbg
E. Singapore Botanic Gardens & National Orchid Garden
A perennial fave, the glorious gardens are always a pleasure; whether you want to stop and smell the roses or burn some rubber on those Nikes. From the Cluny side to the Nassim Gate bordering on Orchard Rd, it’s an easy walk for your last leg.
En route, you’ll pass flora and fauna a plenty, but budding horticulturists could pop into the National Orchid Garden to gaze at varieties of the national bloom amidst three hectares of greenery. (Note there is a small entry fee.)
National Orchid Garden at Singapore Botanic Gardens, 1 Cluny Road, 8.30am-7pm daily, nparks.gov.sg
ManulifeMOVE has no association with any of the landmarks, dining venues, galleries or retailers included within this walking guide, selected by LUXE, and disclaims any liability as to the accuracy, adequacy or reliability of any information contained herein.
Photo Credit: Singapore Botanic Gardens
