Although Singapore might be known for its glitzy skyline and cosmopolitan vibes, it has its fair share of greenery and nature too! If you like being out in nature, running is a great way to relieve stress, get fit, and even explore Singapore.
We’ve got our expert expat runners to give us all the tips on the best jogging routes in the city so you can start your day or weekend – on the right track. Image Credit: Bedok Reservoir parkrun Facebook Page
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The Southern Ridges
Image Credit: The Southern Ridges Website
Connecting three parks: Mount Faber Park, Telok Blangah Hill Park and Kent Ridge Park, and covering a distance approximately 10 km, The Southern Ridges is a great trail if you’re more of an experienced runner. There are quite a few uphill segments, so it can be challenging but it’s worth it! Don’t miss jogging along the Forest Walk where you get to run through the treetops, and make sure you bring a camera if you’re running the Marang Trail during sunrise.
Bukit Batok Nature Park
Image Credit: Bukit Batok Nature Park Website
Bukit Batok Nature Park was built on what was once an old quarry, and is home to some gorgeous landscapes and sky-high look out points for an awe-inspiring view. Take a stroll along the footpaths, or branch out and run on the park’s uneven terrain. The trail is only about 5 km, so it’s better suited for a short run. While you’re there, you can also check out the World War II memorial, and climb the look-out points for a bit of a challenge.
A. Cnr Bukit Batok East Avenue 2, Bukit Batok East Ave 6, and, Singapore 659761
Singapore Sports Hub
Video Credit: Ruby SG - Singapore Sports Hub: Haven for Sports Enthusiasts
Singapore’s largest semi-indoor space that’s open to the public and free to use, houses an 888-meter sports track, 100Plus Promenade, that’s open 24 hours a day – so you don’t have any excuse for missing your run! While it is a loop, you’ll still get a chance to take in Singapore’s skyline, and take advantage of the facilities like the food court, and free lockers. However, the Sports Hub is a popular concert destination, so make sure you check the calendar to avoid showing up during a concert as you’ll get bumped and jostled around by the crowd.
Changi Beach Park
Image Credit: Changi Beach Park Website
Jog along one of the oldest coastal parks in Singapore at Changi Beach Park. The park covers a distance of 3.3 km from Changi Ferry Terminal to Changi Point and offers runners a great view of the coast. After your run, you can jump in the beach to cool down. Make it a fun family day out, and utilize the barbeque pits or dine in at the sea-facing bistro.
Sembawang Park
Image Credit: Sembawang Park Website
While Sembawang Park might be a bit of a trip if you’re not living in the north, it’s definitely a must-visit location for most runners. Enjoy the seaside views overlooking Johor, and relax into your stride with the tranquility of it all. Pay a visit to the Beaulieu House, the Sembawang Jetty, and check out what’s left of the 1920’s Seletar Pier. Grab a bite at one of the many eateries located along the park connector, if you get a bit peckish.
Coney Island
Image Credit: Coney Island Park Website
This ecologically sustainable park is home to coastal forests, grasslands, mangroves, and casuarina woodlands. Bird watchers will have a meal of spotting one of the 80 species of birds that call Coney Island home. Run along the 2.4 km-long park connector route, or opt for a bit a of a more challenging terrain along the 2 km-long beach route. Don’t forget to keep your eye out for the elusive Brahman Bull.
Punggol Waterway Park
Image Credit: Punggol Waterway Park Website
Located along Sentul Crescent, Punggol Waterway Park is segmented into four different themes: Nature Cove, Recreation Zone, Heritage Zone and Green Gallery. Joggers can run along the tracks on both sides of the promenade, and enjoy the rising sun at Sunrise Point. You can also take advantage of their shower facilities and the restaurants at the end of the waterway. Since it is an open space, we wouldn’t recommend a late morning or afternoon run, as it gets quite hot. You’d also miss out on the fiberoptic features at night.
Dairy Farm Nature Park
Image Credit: Dairy Farm Nature Park Facebook Photos
This 63-hectare park is home to the Wallace Education Centre and the Wallace Trail, named after Alfred Wallace to honor his contributions to natural science. Since Dairy Farm is connected to Bukit Timah Nature Reserve you can start your run there, and end at Hillview MRT for a 6.5 km route. Don’t forget to stock up on water when attempting this run so you don’t get dehydrated. This route is also popular with mountain bikers, so keep an eye out for them zipping by.
Marina Bay Waterfront
Video Credit: Explore More - Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade, Singapore
You might be surprised by the number of runners you’ll find at along the promenade. Not just for sightseeing, jog along the Marina Bay Waterfront and enjoy taking in Singapore’s skyline, while getting a peek at Helix Bridge and the Merlion. If you’re a morning person skip over to Gardens by the Bay or, run along the Singapore River all the way from Boat Quay to Robertson Quay (if you’re feeling ambitious).
The Green Corridor
Image Credit: We support The Green Corridor in Singapore Facebook Page
The Green Corridor offers up a 10.5 km stretch that’s full of greenery and woodlands, and, most importantly, is traffic free. Home to the famous Green Corridor Run, this route is made up of gravel, grass, and pavement on a fairly flat surface. Since the surface is quite uneven, we wouldn’t recommend night jogs here.
East Coast Park
Image Credit: East Coast Park Website
Most experienced runners will be familiar with the East Coast Park route. The 15 km, mostly pavement track is perfect if you’re training for a half or full marathon, as it features in a few marathon events and offers up a stunning view of the coastline. If you’re commuting by car, we’d suggest you park in carpark B1 or Parkland Green carpark, since you’ll have access to shower facilities at $0.50 there.
A. E Coast Park Service Rd, Singapore
W. www.nparks.gov.sg/gardens-parks-and-nature/parks-and-nature-reserves/east-coast-park
Labrador Nature Reserve
Image Credit: Labrador Nature Reserve Website
Labrador Nature Reserve offers up the perfect vantage point to get a panoramic view of the sea, and a closer look at cliff-side vegetation. During the 2.5 km run you can spot some war relics, with informative history plaques, and take a look at the Dragon’s Tooth. The track covers grass, tarmac, and pavement over a fairly flat surface, so if you’re looking for an easier, more interesting, route this might be right up your alley.
Fort Canning Park
Image Credit: Fort Canning Park Website
A hilltop landmark that has witnessed many of Singapore’s historical milestones, Fort Canning Park has become a popular running spot if you want to challenge yourself, and indulge in a bit of strengthening – thanks to the many stairs and slopes on the trail. If you’d prefer a longer run, and really want to push yourself, try combining the run at Gardens by the Bay with Fort Canning Park for about a 5 km route.
Kallang Riverside Park
Image Credit: Kallang Riverside Park Website
Head to Kallang Riverside Park if you’re looking for a lovely waterfront jog. You can run or cycle along the tracks that loop along the Kallang River. On the way, you can spot the Singapore Flyer and the F1 Pit Building, as well as dragon boats and kayaks out on the water. While jogging along the 6 km route, keep an eye out for the little egrets and grey herons.
Gardens by the Bay
Image Credit: Gardens by the Bay Facebook Page
One of Singapore’s most popular running spots, Gardens by the Bay you can enjoy the greenery while indulging in a traffic free run. Jog through the open gardens, and take in the sights of the Marina Bay Sands, The Flyer and the domes at Gardens by the Bay. Depending on where you start your run, you can opt for an 8 km or an 11 km route, or you can take the Helix bridge and make it a loop if you’re training for a marathon.
A. 18 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018953
E. feedback@gardensbythebay.com.sg
MacRitchie Reservoir Park
Image Credit: Macritchie Reservoir Park Facebook Page
While MacRitchie may have more of a reputation for water sports, it is also one of Singapore’s most popular trail running destinations. The challenge of running on pavement, trail, and boardwalk, is one that experienced joggers won’t want to miss. MacRitchie Reservoir also has great amenities like lockers, and free showers, so you can head out to work after a refreshing morning run.
Keppel Bay
Image Credit: Keppel Land Facebook Page
Take a look at how the other half lives during the 3 km run around Keppal Bay, featuring waterfront residences, and luxury yachts! This track is mostly grass and pavement, so it’s suitable if you’re new to jogging or if you’re looking for an easier run. You’ll also get the chance to check out the Keppel Bay Bridge during this scenic run, we’d suggest visiting during sunset for best results.
Bedok Reservoir Park
Image Credit: Bedok Reservoir parkrun Facebook Page
This converted sand quarry is a popular spot for fitness enthusiasts and runners in Singapore. The 4.3 km route around the lake at Bedok Reservoir comprises both paved, and packed gravel paths which makes for an enjoyable run. Nature lovers can also enjoy bird watching, and tracking down one of the 14,000 wetland plants at Bedok Reservoir Park.
W. www.nparks.gov.sg/gardens-parks-and-nature/parks-and-nature-reserves/bedok-reservoir-park
Tampines Eco Green
Image Credit: Tampines Eco Green Facebook Photos
Ever since it opened in 2011, nature lovers have thronged to this eco-friendly park filled with a wide variety of flora and fauna. At 36.5 hectares, Tampines Eco Green is a great spot to indulge in trail running! You can try running the marsh trail or the forest trail, with both totalling around 4.5 km. The grass surface makes it the perfect route if you’re carrying a knee injury, or just feel like taking it a bit easier on your limbs.
Bishan Ang Mo Kio Park
Image Credit: Bishan - Ang Mo Kio Park Website
Located smack dab in central Singapore, Bishan Ang Mo Kio Park is one of the city’s largest urban parks with its naturalized river, and grassy knolls. Runners can choose to run the Pond Gardens Track or the River Plain track at 3 km and 3.3 km respectively. The tracks are a mix of tarmac and concrete, which can get a bit muddy after the rain – so keep that mind when planning a jog here.
A. 1384 Ang Mo Kio Ave 1, Singapore
W. www.nparks.gov.sg/gardens-parks-and-nature/parks-and-nature-reserves/bishan---ang-mo-kio-park
