Best Family Hiking Trails To Explore In Singapore

MACRITCHIE RESERVOIR PARK - Off Lornie & Upper Thomson

Ask any avid hiker and chances are they would recommend a visit to MacRitchie Reservoir. Comprising a 20km network of walking trails and boardwalks, be surrounded by flora and fauna as you take a scenic stroll around the forest areas. A highlight is the 250m TreeTop Walk bridge that is perfect to soak in views and snap some photos. Just be extra careful of the cheeky monkeys!

Opening hours: 7am to 7pm (Daily)
TreeTop Walk Opening Hours:Weekdays: 9am to 5pm (Weekdays), 8:30am to 6pm (Weekends and Public Holidays)

MacRitchie Reservoir Park, www.nparks.gov.sg/gardens-parks-and-nature/parks-and-nature-reserves/central-catchment-nature-reserve

BUKIT TIMAH NATURE RESERVE - Upper Bukit Timah

Bukit Timah Nature Reserve is another popular spot for early risers and nature lovers. The different trails here include inclines of various difficulties, so you can plan out your route to cater to the elderly or kids if they’re tagging along. While you get those steps in, keep a keen eye out for unique insects, birds and squirrels to make the walk extra educational.

Opening hours: 7am to 7pm (Daily)

Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, www.nparks.gov.sg/gardens-parks-and-nature/parks-and-nature-reserves/bukit-timah-nature-reserve

BUKIT BATOK NATURE PARK: Bukit Batok

The views here are magnificent, what with the park’s high cliff walls and quarry pond! If you’re aiming for an easy afternoon, simply take a slow walk towards the quarry where you can enjoy the view while seated at the plaza nearby. It’s an easy activity for even toddlers, but if your family’s a more adventurous lot, perhaps you’d like to walk through their forest trail for a proper hike. Do note that the trail does contain steps and slight inclines which might be slightly challenging for younger children.

Open 24 hours

Bukit Batok Nature Park, Corner of Bukit Batok East Avenue 2 andBukit Batok East Ave 6, Singapore 659761 www.nparks.gov.sg/bukit-batok-nature-park

SUNGEI BULOH NATURE RESERVE: Off Kranji

As Singapore’s first ASEAN Heritage Park, Sungei Buloh Nature Reserve isn’t just filled with nature, it’s filled with history and culture too. It’s home to migratory birds especially during the months of September to March, so you can make it your mission to spot them during a visit. Other wildlife friends you and the little ones can try to spot include otters, monitor lizards, mudskippers and even crocodiles!

Opening hours: 7am to 7pm (Daily)

Sungei Buloh Nature Reserve, Off Kranji & Lim Chu Kang, www.nparks.gov.sg/gardens-parks-and-nature/parks-and-nature-reserves/sungei-buloh-wetland-reserve

CHESTNUT NATURE PARK: Off Bukit Panjang

If you’re looking for some peace and serenity, head to Chestnut Nature Park which is divided into two main areas: North and South. It’s one of the lesser known trails, so you won’t feel too overwhelmed with crowds here even during peak hours. The walk will take you about 2 to 3 hours and covers a total of 5.6km, so ensure you bring sufficient water and insect repellent too. Alternatively, there is a biking trail for those looking for something more high adrenaline.

Opening hours: 7am to 7pm (Daily)

Chestnut Nature Park, Chestnut Ave, Singapore 679514, www.nparks.gov.sg/gardens-parks-and-nature/parks-and-nature-reserves/chestnut-nature-park

CONEY ISLAND: Off Punggol

Connected along Punggol Park, Coney Island is a popular hiking and cycling area among all ages. Veer off the main track and venture into a thick, magical area filled with trees and mangroves. Besides walking, why not sit by the beachfront here for a midday picnic as a break? Fun fact – the island also emphasizes sustainability with fallen wood used as the signages!

Opening hours: 7am to 7pm (Daily)

Coney Island, www.nparks.gov.sg/gardens-parks-and-nature/parks-and-nature-reserves/coney-island-park

WINDSOR NATURE PARK: Upper Thomson

For something not too exhausting, Windsor Nature Park is your best bet. The trails here are beginner and kid-friendly, with the longest one being 2.2km that will take about 2 hours to complete. A part of the trek is under the canopy level too, giving you a closer look into rare plants and insects. The TreeTop walk is also popular with bird watchers and photography enthusiasts – take this chance to see them in action!

Opening hours: 7am to 7pm (Daily)

Windsor Nature Park, 30 Venus Dr, Singapore 573858, www.nparks.gov.sg/gardens-parks-and-nature/parks-and-nature-reserves/windsor-nature-park

KRANJI MARSHES: Kranji

If a short hike is on your agenda, make Kranji Marshes your next pit stop. The area might be small, only span 1km and can take just 30 minutes to finish, but don’t underestimate its size. There are over 170 species of birds and a Raptor Tower that you can climb for stunning views of Kranji Marshes and Kranji Reservoir. For a more in-depth 3km guided tour, contact them directly for more information.

Opening hours: 7am to 7pm (Daily)

Kranji Marshes, 11 Neo Tiew Lane 2, https://www.nparks.gov.sg/gardens-parks-and-nature/parks-and-nature-reserves/kranji-marshes

CHANGI POINT COASTAL WALK: Changi

Changi Point Coastal Walk might be a good choice for a stroll or hike If you don’t wish to stray too far from civilization, It’s a coastline boardwalk that’s surrounded by a mix of flora and fauna, and should pose no difficulty even to toddlers and younger kiddos. The place is as serene as other nature parks, yet this coastal walk is also pretty obviously close to amenities like chalets and sports clubs so you’ll definitely still feel like you’re well within the city!

Open 24 hours

Changi Point Coastal Walk, 6 Changi Village Rd, Singapore 509907, www.nparks.gov.sg/changi-point-coastal-walk

THOMSON NATURE PARK: Upper Thomson

Be spoilt for choice of hiking options at Thomson Nature Parks, since there are 5 routes to choose from that span around 3.8km. No matter which you pick, get excited to spot plenty of greenery, calming streams and even rare wildlife like the Sunda pangolin and Malayan porcupine which will surely excite the little ones. If you’re lucky, you’ll also pass by remains of an old village house and old street signs to feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

Opening hours: 7am to 7pm (Daily)

Thomson Nature Park, Upper Thomson Rd, www.nparks.gov.sg/gardens-parks-and-nature/parks-and-nature-reserves/thomson-nature-park

PULAU UBIN: Off Changi

There’s so much you can explore at Pulau Ubin. The journey to this little island takes a bit longer considering the only route there is by boat — but it’s no doubt worth the effort. For something light and easy, take a one-hour long walk through the Sensory Trail Garden that’s filled with different herbs, spices and fruits. A hike up Puaka Hill will give you a pretty good view of the island from the top, but the path is a tad bit steep so we’d recommend keeping toddlers off this trail.

Opening hours: 7am to 7pm (daily)

Pulau Ubin, www.nparks.gov.sg/pulau-ubin-and-chek-jawa

COAST TO COAST TRAIL: East to West Coast of Singapore

Who says hiking trails have to be limited to parks and reservoirs? Get the best of both Mother Nature and urbanization with the Coast To Coast trail, which has been conveniently mapped out by Nparks. From Coney Island, start your 36km journey towards your endpoint of Jurong Lake Gardens, passing sights like the Botanic Gardens along the way. The entire trek will take around 7 hours, but you can cut off halfway when you and the family deserve a break! It might be a stretch for toddlers and young kids, but you can bring your teens along if they’re game!

Open 24 hours

Coast To Coast Trail, www.nparks.gov.sg/gardens-parks-and-nature/parks-and-nature-reserves/coast-to-coast

JURONG LAKE GARDENS: Yuan Ching

If you’re looking to go on a leisurely stroll with your tot in tow, Jurong Lake Gardens is perfect because of how easy the trail is. The area’s mostly flat, and you can enjoy the lovely scenery as you and your  family make your way through Rasau Walk, a 300m boardwalk that meanders through a restored freshwater swamp. There’s also a nature playgarden in the vicinity that you and your kiddos can drop by before the end of the outing.

Open 24 hours

Jurong Lake Gardens, Yuan Ching Rd, www.nparks.gov.sg/juronglakegardens

MOUNT FABER PARK: Off Bukit Merah

As part of the Southern Ridges, Mount Faber Park’s view at the top is definitely worth the climb, even though it’s not one of the most challenging trails around. Once you eventually hit the peak of Faber Point, reward yourself with a meal at Arbora Hilltop Garden & Bistro next to the panoramic views of Harbourfront and Sentosa island. You can even take a shortcut to Sentosa by sitting on a cable car that will take you directly.

Opening hours: 7am to 7pm (Daily)

Mount Faber Park, Junction of Kampong Bahru Road and, Telok Blangah Rd, Singapore 099448, www.nparks.gov.sg/gardens-parks-and-nature/parks-and-nature-reserves/mount-faber-park

DAIRY FARM NATURE PARK: Off Bukit Batok

Besides the usual hiking and biking trails, you can also find recreational activities and amenities at the Dairy Farm Nature Park. One example is their Wallace Education Center, which houses an education gallery where visitors can learn about biodiversity within our region. It’s great for kids who have a keen interest in nature, and the family can also attempt the Dairy Loop trail up to Bukit Timah Summit if everyone’s up for it! The hike to the summit is slightly intense with numerous steps, so remember to fill your water bottles and bring them along to regularly hydrate!

Open 24 hours

Dairy Farm Nature Park, 100 Dairy Farm Rd, Singapore 679057, www.nparks.gov.sg/dairy-farm-nature-park

HAMPSTEAD WETLANDS PARK: Off Seletar

A green sanctuary that’s less frequented compared to other nature parks in Singapore, the Hampstead Wetlands Park is a conducive environment for plants, birds and other wildlife that inhabit freshwater ecosystems to thrive. Bring the family here for a relaxing walk in this serene environment, while at the same time looking out for wildlife in the trees and water. There are no inclines throughout the trail here, so even the youngest of kiddos will feel okay on this easy hike.

Opening hours: 7am to 7pm (Daily)

Hampstead Wetlands Park, 1 Baker St, Singapore 799977, www.nparks.gov.sg/hampstead-wetlands-park

WANT MORE? Check out more family hiking trails in Singapore:

Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park – www.nparks.gov.sg/gardens-parks-and-nature/parks-and-nature-reserves/bishan---ang-mo-kio-park

Hindhede Nature Park – www.nparks.gov.sg/gardens-parks-and-nature/parks-and-nature-reserves/hindhede-nature-park

Labrador Nature Reserve – www.nparks.gov.sg/gardens-parks-and-nature/parks-and-nature-reserves/labrador-nature-reserve

The Learning Forest – www.nparks.gov.sg/sbg/our-gardens/tyersall-entrance/the-learning-forest

The Rail Corridor – www.nparks.gov.sg/railcorridor/rail-corridor