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Nature trails for hiking in Singapore

by | Oct 25, 2024 | Lifestyle & Wellness, Wellness

Take a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life by basking in what the nature spots in Singapore have to offer. From parks, reservoirs to hiking trails, sunny Singapore has a myriad of hiking options. There is sure to be something for everyone. 

For caregivers and seniors, hiking together can be a great form of bonding and at the same time is an opportunity for getting in some exercise. Hiking could be a low impact activity that is easy on the joints and is relatively safe for seniors to partake in. Here, we shortlist the top hiking trails that you and your family and add to your bucket list to visit.

 

Punggol Waterway Park 

For those living in the North East, Punggol waterway park would be no stranger to many. It is one of four parks that is linked by the North Eastern Riverine Loop of the Park Connector Network. What we like about this as a hiking trail is that there are different trails of varying difficulty levels for hikers. For beginners, Punggol waterway trail is considered an easy route which roughly takes an hour to complete the 4km hike. 

For those who want more of a challenge, head to Coney island to experience trails stretching across mangroves, coastal forests, grasslands and casuarina woodlands. However for seniors, do take note that the terrain is more bumpy and might be more challenging. 

For more advanced hikers, the Punggol waterway loop and and the promenade nature trail are longer routes which can provide more of a challenge. 

 

Changi Bay Park Connector 

Not too far away is the Changi park connector which is part of the Round Island Route’s eastern corridor. This 3.6km trail linking Changi beach to the East Coast park connector is definitely a place worth visiting and one can head to the 2.2km-long Changi Boardwalk to see sea stars and crabs during low tides. 

After that, reward yourself with the famed Changi Nasi Lemak!

 

Lower Peirce Reservoir Park

Lower Peirce Reservoir Park is Singapore’s second-oldest reservoir, built by impounding the upper reaches of the Kallang River and was commissioned in 1912.

A rather beginners friendly trail – Lower Peirce Reservoir features a 900m boardwalk that brings you as close to nature as possible to flora and fauna. This is a relatively simple walk, suitable for seniors who are not confident of walking longer distances and this walking trail is rather cool as it is largely shaded by forest canopy.

 

Chestnut Nature Park

Located close to Bukit Panjang, Chestnut Nature Park is another popular option for seniors with varying levels of fitness. What we find special about this nature park is the separate trails for hiking and mountain biking which makes it conducive for both hikers and bikers to enjoy the park safely.

Chestnut Nature Park (North) has a 3.5km hiking trail which consists of flatter terrains. Furthermore, the tall trees form a canopy which provides relief from the sun. 

For more advanced hikers, Chestnut Nature Park (South) has a more challenging 2.1km hiking trail which has steeper and more rocky terrains. 

 

The Southern Ridges

One of our favourite trails is the 10km trail at Southern Ridges, home to diverse flora and teeming wildlife. Expect to catch a glimpse of a myriad of avian species, from red-whiskered bulbuls to banded bay cuckoos.

You’ll walk across a bridge 36-metres above the road connecting two hilltops. One cannot miss out Henderson Waves, a 274-metre-long pedestrian bridge that connects Mount Faber Park to Telok Blangah Hill Park.

For seniors who are able to climb stairs, do check out the Marang trail (0.35km) which will take you up an elevation of 70m and has to be one of the most challenging parts of the hike if you opt for this trail. 

Overall, the southern ridges is a rather manageable hike with mainly flat terrains and sufficient rest spots, suitable for seniors who are looking for a moderately difficult hike.

 

Rail Corridor

The 24 km long Rail Corridor leads to several nature parks around Bukit Timah such as the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, Dairy farm Nature Park and also Chestnut Nature Park. Check out the iconic Upper Bukit Timah Truss bridge where you can take Instagram worthy pictures at the old railway.

The rocky terrain at the Truss bridge might be a deterrent for some but the views are absolutely worth it. For seniors who are not comfortable with walking on rocky paths, consider venturing out to the other nature parks nearby.

 

Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve

In 2003, Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve became Singapore’s first ASEAN Heritage Park, 202ha of mangroves, mudflats, ponds and forests. Expect to catch resident birds such as herons, kingfishers and sunbirds at the wetland reserve. 

Here’s a list of upcoming events such as Croc and Friends at Main Bridge where you can learn all about the Estuarine Crocodiles that bask in the Reserve. 

 

Conclusion 

Hiking is a great and low impact way to get in some physical activity. While hiking at these trails, do remember to follow park rules and stay on track to ensure your safety. 

About Growing Needs

About Growing Needs

Growing Needs grew out of our own encounters with caring for our aging parents and reflecting on the Growing Needs that we ourselves would face as we advance in years. We hope to build a community that will learn, share and contribute towards caring for the growing needs of our loved ones.

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