Hiking Trails In SG: Long-Distance Options To Prep For Marathons

Long-distance hiking trails in SG

Training for your next marathon or gearing up for an overseas hiking adventure? You don’t have to travel far to put your stamina to the test. There are plenty of long-distance hiking trails in SG that take you through lush forests, scenic coastlines, and winding nature paths, all while giving your legs a proper workout.

From the 36km Coast-to-Coast Trail to the greenery-filled Rail Corridor, these routes are great for building endurance and getting used to different terrains. So, lace up your hiking shoes and pack your water bottle – we’ve rounded up some long-distance trails, sorted by region, to help you prepare for that Mount Kinabalu hike.

Central

1. MacRitchie Nature Trail, Sime Track & Chempaerai Trail Loop

12.7km of a rainforest hike

hiking trails sg - macritchie nature trail, sime track & chempaerai trail loop
Image credit: Tommy Lee via AllTrails

If you prefer being surrounded by greenery instead of skyscrapers, the MacRitchie Nature Trail, Sime Track, and Chempaerai Trail Loop might be right up your alley. Located within MacRitchie Reservoir Park, this 12.7km route takes you through one of Singapore’s oldest rainforest areas.

hiking trails sg - macritchie nature trail, sime track & chempaerai trail loop 2
Image credit: Paul V via AllTrails

You’ll encounter a combination of wooden boardwalks overlooking the reservoir and earthy trails that wind through dense vegetation. Towering trees, ferns, and forest canopies provide plenty of greenery to admire as you make your way through the reserve.

Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife too. Long-tailed macaques, turtles, monkeys, squirrels, monitor lizards, and colourful kingfishers are among the creatures you might spot along the way. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the greater racket-tailed drongo, a bird known for its distinctive tail feathers.

Image adapted from: Austin Jennings, Edouard Clouet des Pesruches & Kayatoast User via AllTrails

Although the trails are generally well-maintained, the uneven forest paths and Singapore’s infamous humidity can make the journey more challenging, so come prepared. It’s also a good option for hikers looking to improve their endurance while getting accustomed to natural terrain.

How to get there: Take the MRT to Caldecott MRT Station and walk approximately 15-20 minutes towards MacRitchie Reservoir Park via Lornie Road. Alternatively, take bus 157. You can also access the trails near the Singapore Island Country Club entrance.

Check out the MacRitchie Nature Trail, Sime Track, and Chempaerai Trail Loop.

2. MacRitchie to Bukit Panjang

12.4km hike through forest trails & nature parks

For another nature-filled adventure, try the MacRitchie to Bukit Panjang trail. Spanning 12.4km, this route starts at MacRitchie Reservoir before taking you through forested paths, park connectors, and quieter stretches of Singapore’s central greenery.

Image adapted from: Kevin CT See via Facebook, Trip.com

The journey begins among dense secondary rainforest before connecting to the Central Catchment Park Connector network. Along the way, you’ll pass landmarks such as Terentang Hut before making your way towards the Bukit Timah area.

Zhenghua Nature Park.
Image credit: NParks

Eventually, the trail leads towards Zhenghua Nature Park, a peaceful green space that’s also a popular spot for birdwatching. It’s a nice change of scenery after navigating the more demanding forest sections earlier in the hike.

With a combination of dirt tracks, paved pathways, and longer walking stretches, this route offers a decent workout for those preparing for overseas hikes. Plus, you’ll get to explore several green spaces in a single outing.

How to get there: Alight at Caldecott MRT Station, take Exit A, and walk approximately 10-15 minutes towards MacRitchie Reservoir Park. Alternatively, take buses 52, 74, 130, 132, 157, 165, 166, 167, 852, or 855 to a nearby bus stop along Thomson Road or Lornie Road.

Check out the MacRitchie to Bukit Panjang Trail.

3. Coast-to-Coast Trail (Central)

36km route across Singapore

Image credit: Park Connector Network

If a regular weekend stroll no longer cuts it, challenge yourself to the Coast-to-Coast Trail (Central). Stretching an impressive 36km, this cross-island route connects Jurong Lake Gardens in the west to Coney Island Park in the northeast.

Image credit: Jurong Lake Gardens

The trail takes you through a variety of landscapes, from bustling residential estates to peaceful parks and nature reserves. Some highlights include Bukit Batok Nature Park, Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, Sengkang Floating Wetland, and Punggol Waterway Park.

Image adapted from: NParks & Tripadvisor

One of the best things about this route is that you won’t be staring at the same scenery for hours. Expect a mix of forested trails, park connectors, waterfront paths, and urban stretches, with several checkpoints where you can stop for a breather.

Completing the entire route is no small feat, so this may be more suitable for experienced walkers and marathon trainees who want to work on their pacing, stamina, and ability to stay on their feet for extended periods.

Image credit: John Poh via Facebook

You don’t have to tackle the whole thing in one go, either. Start with a shorter section and gradually increase your distance as your fitness improves.

How to get there: There are several access points along the route. For the central sections, alight at Beauty World MRT Station for the Bukit Timah area, Botanic Gardens MRT Station for Adam Road, or Bishan MRT Station for Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park. You can also access the northeastern sections via Punggol MRT Station and the surrounding LRT network.

Check out the Coast-to-Coast Trail (Central) route.

East

4. Coastal Park Connector

Watch planes take off while walking 15km along the coast

Image credit: Park Connector Network

There’s something oddly satisfying about watching aeroplanes soar overhead, and the Coastal Park Connector lets you do just that while getting your steps in. This 15km route runs from Changi Beach Park Car Park 7 along Aviation Park Road and Tanah Merah Coast Road, before reaching East Coast Park.

Changi Beach Park.
Image credit: NParks

Unlike the forest trails in central Singapore, this route features mostly smooth, paved paths with sweeping views of the coastline. You’ll also get refreshing sea breezes along the way, which can make a long walk feel a little less exhausting.

A major highlight is the chance to spot aircraft taking off and landing near Changi Airport. Aviation enthusiasts can look out for planes around the airport-facing sections, adding a little entertainment to an otherwise straightforward endurance walk.

Changi Bay Point.
Image credit: the muk via Google Maps

The connector also tends to be quieter than the busier stretches of East Coast Park. If you’ve still got energy to spare, consider extending your adventure towards Changi Bay Park Connector and Changi Bay Point, where a 140m-long boardwalk offers views of the open sea.

Thanks to its relatively flat terrain, this route is a good starting point for marathon training. You can focus on maintaining a consistent walking or jogging pace without having to navigate steep slopes.

How to get there: Take bus 35 to a stop along Tanah Merah Coast Road. Alternatively, alight at Tanah Merah MRT Station or Bedok MRT Station and transfer to bus 35.

Find out more about the Coastal Park Connector.

5. East Coast Park (Zones A-H)

12.1km of flat coastal paths with uninterrupted sea views

Image credit: Rohan Alcorn via AllTrails

Most of us know East Coast Park as a go-to spot for cycling, picnics, and seaside barbecues. But with its long stretches of paved pathways, it’s also a solid training ground for those hoping to improve their long-distance walking endurance.

Image credit: NParks

The East Coast Park Zones A-H route covers approximately 12.1km along the coastline of the Singapore Strait. As you walk, you’ll be treated to views of sandy beaches, anchored container ships, and rows of coastal trees.

Image adapted from: @aventura.cite via Instagram, Tripadvisor

There are several landmarks worth looking out for along the way. Amber Beacon Tower is one of the park’s most recognisable structures, while Bougainvillaea Garden offers a colourful change of scenery with its flowering plants.
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Image adapted from: East Coast Park Castle Beach via Facebook, Zi Xin Wong via AllTrails

You’ll also come across coastal spots such as Castle Beach and Monsoon Point Break, where you can take a short break and admire the sea views. Just remember that some stretches are exposed to the sun, so sunscreen and plenty of water are essential.

Since the route is predominantly flat, it’s an ideal starting point for beginners hoping to build their stamina. Experienced runners can also use the continuous paths to practise maintaining a steady pace over longer distances.

How to get there: Alight at Marine Parade, Siglap, or Katong Park MRT Stations along the Thomson-East Coast Line and walk towards the nearest park entrance. Alternatively, take a connecting bus from Bedok MRT Station or Tanah Merah MRT Station. Bus services 10, 13, 15, 16, 31, 36, 43, 48, 134, 150, 197, and 401 serve various areas near the park.

Check out the East Coast Park (Zones A-H) Trail.

6. East Coast Park to Changi

31.4km endurance walk alongside the airport

Image credit: Tommy Lee via AllTrails

Ready to take your training up a notch? The East Coast Park to Changi trail stretches a whopping 31.4km, making it one of the longest routes on this list. Think of it as a serious test of your endurance, minus the mountainous terrain.

Starting at East Coast Park, the route follows Singapore’s eastern coastline, with sandy beaches and sea views accompanying you during the earlier sections. From there, you’ll continue towards the Changi Coastal Park Connector, which runs alongside the perimeter of Changi Airport.

Image credit: Kay Thwe Ye Min soe via AllTrails

As you approach the airport, keep an eye out for aeroplanes flying overhead. It’s not every day you get to watch aircraft approaching the runway while clocking in kilometres on foot.

Most of the route consists of flat, paved pathways, which makes it suitable for practising long-distance pacing. However, the sheer distance means you’ll still need a decent level of fitness to complete the entire journey comfortably.

Do note that cyclists also frequent parts of the connector, so keep to the appropriate side of shared paths. With over 30km to cover, it’s also worth planning your rest stops and water supply before setting off.

How to get there: Begin at East Coast Park, accessible from Marine Parade, Siglap, or Katong Park MRT Stations. You can also take a connecting bus from Bedok MRT Station or Tanah Merah MRT Station.

Check out the East Coast Park to Changi Trail.

7. Marina Bay Sands to Simei

Walk from iconic city landmarks to heartlands in the East

Image credit: Chek Seng Ow via AllTrails

A long-distance hike doesn’t always have to involve trekking through a forest. The Marina Bay Sands (MBS) to Simei route proves that Singapore’s urban landscape can be just as interesting to explore on foot.

Image adapted from: Marina Bay Sands & Deedee via Facebook

Beginning at MBS, this 19km journey takes you past some of Singapore’s most recognisable attractions. You’ll walk through the scenic surroundings of Gardens by the Bay and Marina Barrage, where waterfront views provide a picturesque backdrop for your workout.

Image credit: Jiarong C via AllTrails

It’s also a great way to experience different sides of Singapore in a single walk, from the glitzy Marina Bay district to the quieter heartlands in the East. The predominantly paved paths also make it easier to maintain a consistent pace.

At 19km, this route is a good middle ground for those who’ve already mastered shorter walks but aren’t quite ready to tackle a 30km adventure.

How to get there: Alight at Bayfront MRT Station and take Exit B towards Gardens by the Bay, or Exits C and D towards Marina Bay Sands. Alternatively, take buses 97, 97e, 106, 133, 502, 502A, 518, or 518A to the Marina Bay Sands area.

Check out the Marina Bay Sands to Simei Trail.

8. Chek Jawa Wetlands via Jalan Durian

Explore 6 unique habitats on Pulau Ubin

Image credit: Netflix Plus via AllTrails

For a hiking adventure slightly further from home, hop on a bumboat to Pulau Ubin. The Chek Jawa Wetlands via Jalan Durian trail covers approximately 9.3km, taking you through the island’s rustic roads and natural landscapes.

Located on Pulau Ubin’s eastern tip, Chek Jawa Wetlands is home to 6 distinct habitats, including mangrove forests, coastal forests, and intertidal flats. It’s a refreshing change from the concrete pavements and manicured parks on the mainland.

Once you reach the wetlands, explore the Mangrove Loop, which winds through lush mangrove vegetation, or the Coastal Loop, a boardwalk extending over the water. Both offer opportunities to appreciate the island’s diverse ecosystems.

Don’t miss the 20m-tall Jejawi Tower, where you can enjoy elevated views of the surrounding greenery. If you time your visit around low tide, you might also spot fiddler crabs, mudskippers, and sea stars along the exposed tidal flats.

Although this route is shorter than some of the others on our list, the combination of island roads, natural paths, and boardwalks makes it useful for getting accustomed to different walking surfaces before an overseas nature hike.

Image credit: Traveloka

How to get there: Take the MRT to Tanah Merah MRT Station, then board bus 2 towards Changi Village. Walk approximately 5 minutes to Changi Point Ferry Terminal, where you can take a 15-minute bumboat ride to Pulau Ubin for approximately $4/person, one-way.

From Pulau Ubin Main Jetty, head east along Jalan Ubin before turning onto Jalan Durian. Continue towards Punai Hut, then proceed on foot to Chek Jawa Wetlands Visitor Centre and its boardwalks.

Check out the Chek Jawa Wetlands via Jalan Durian Trail.

North-East

9. Punggol Waterway Loop

5 scenic bridges along a waterfront trail

Image credit: NParks

If you’re just getting started with long-distance walking, the Punggol Waterway Loop is a good place to begin. Spanning 10.5km, this route takes you around Punggol Waterway Park and its surrounding park connectors, with plenty of waterfront views to keep things interesting.

Image credit: Park Connector Network

The trail follows both sides of the man-made waterway, passing landscaped gardens, open green spaces, and residential areas. Its smooth, paved pathways also make it a popular route among joggers, cyclists, and casual walkers.

Image credit: Jeffrey Chan via Facebook

One of the highlights is crossing the 5 distinctive bridges along the waterway. Among them is Jewel Bridge, a picturesque spot that’s worth stopping at for a quick photo.

Since the terrain is mostly flat, you won’t have to worry about steep climbs or rocky paths. Instead, you can focus on building your walking endurance and maintaining a comfortable pace throughout the route.

Image credit: NParks

The 10.5km distance also makes this a manageable challenge for beginners. Once you’re comfortable completing the loop, you can gradually progress to longer routes elsewhere in Singapore.

How to get there: Take the North East Line to Punggol MRT Station and exit via Exit A through Waterway Point to reach the park. Alternatively, take bus 84 or 382 and alight at the Before Punggol Drive bus stop along Sentul Crescent.

Check out the Punggol Waterway Loop.

North

10. Pipeline Trail

Up to 28km along Singapore’s water pipelines

Image credit: Tripadvisor

For something a little more adventurous, check out the Pipeline Trail, an unconventional route that follows Singapore’s water pipeline corridors. Unlike the polished pathways found in most public parks, parts of this trail offer a more rugged hiking experience.

The main route begins near Woodlands Street 41 and heads south past Mandai Road, the Kranji Expressway, Zhenghua Park, and Chestnut Nature Park. From there, hikers can continue towards Rifle Range Road and Beauty World MRT Station.

Image credit: Knots via Google Maps

There are several variations to choose from depending on how far you’re prepared to walk. Shorter routes, such as the Marsiling to Hillview stretch, cover approximately 10km, making them a more manageable introduction to the trail.

Image credit: NParks

For a bigger challenge, experienced hikers can attempt the extended route towards Pearl’s Hill City Park near Chinatown. Depending on the path and detours taken, the total distance can reach approximately 22km to 28km.

Expect a combination of grassy tracks, uneven ground, and quieter green corridors along the way. Some sections can be muddy or overgrown, so proper hiking footwear is recommended. Stick to publicly accessible paths, and avoid restricted pipeline areas.

Image credit: @cykiclee via Instagram

How to get there: For the northern starting point, alight at Marsiling MRT Station and walk towards Woodlands Street 41. You can also access sections of the route near Zhenghua Park, Dairy Farm, or Rifle Range Road, using Hillview MRT Station or Beauty World MRT Station.

Check out the Pipeline Trail.

11. Woodlands to Mandai to Bukit Timah

A 15.4km hike from the heartlands to the nature reserves

Image credit: Lee Garrick via AllTrails

Starting from Singapore’s northern heartlands, the Woodlands to Mandai to Bukit Timah trail takes you on a 15.4km journey towards some of the island’s best-known green spaces.

The route begins near Woodlands MRT Station before heading south through the Mandai area. Along the way, you’ll pass through the wider Mandai wildlife precinct, which is home to attractions such as the Singapore Zoo and Night Safari.

As you continue towards Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, the surroundings become increasingly green. Expect a mixture of residential pathways, reservoir scenery, and stretches near the Central Catchment Nature Reserve.

Image credit: NParks

Some sections are quieter than Singapore’s more popular recreational trails, making this a nice option if you prefer a peaceful workout. However, you may encounter mountain bikers along shared paths, so stay alert to your surroundings.

With its combination of urban and natural landscapes, this route is suitable for those looking to practise walking continuously over longer distances without tackling particularly steep terrain.

How to get there: Take the North-South Line to Woodlands MRT Station and begin your walk from the surrounding area, following the route south towards Mandai and Bukit Timah.

Check out the Woodlands to Mandai to Bukit Timah Trail.

South

12. Southern Ridges

Long–distance trail connecting 5 parks

If you’re preparing to hike Mount Kinabalu, the Southern Ridges deserves a spot on your training itinerary. This 10km trail connects 5 green spaces across southern Singapore, with a combination of uphill paths, forested walkways, and scenic viewpoints.

Image adapted from: NParks

The route links Mount Faber Park, Telok Blangah Hill Park, HortPark, Kent Ridge Park, and Labrador Nature Reserve. Each park is roughly 1km to 2km from the next, giving you plenty of opportunities to explore different landscapes along the way.

Unlike Singapore’s flatter coastal routes, the Southern Ridges feature several inclines and staircases that’ll give your legs an extra workout. You’ll also encounter elevated walkways that offer lovely views of the surrounding greenery.

There are 2 popular routes you can follow:

Route A: Mount Faber Park → Telok Blangah Hill Park → HortPark → Kent Ridge Park. This route features 10 attractions along the way.

Route B: Mount Faber Park → Telok Blangah Hill Park → Labrador Nature Reserve. This route includes 16 attractions to discover.

Image adapted from: NParks

Both routes offer a good mix of sightseeing and exercise, making the Southern Ridges a worthwhile option for hikers who want to practise handling changes in elevation.

How to get there: Alight at HarbourFront MRT Station, take Exit D, and head towards the Marang Trail entrance. Alternatively, access other sections via Labrador Park MRT Station or Pasir Panjang MRT Station. Drivers can park at Seah Im public carpark or Marang Road carpark.

Find out more about the Southern Ridges.

West

13. Rail Corridor

24km trail along a former railway line

Image credit: NParks

History buffs and nature lovers, this one’s for you. The Rail Corridor is a 24km green route that follows the former Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) railway line, which once connected Singapore to Malaysia.

Image credit: Trip.com

Stretching from Woodlands towards Tanjong Pagar, the corridor offers a scenic journey through lush vegetation, quiet green spaces, and remnants of Singapore’s railway heritage.

You’ll come across landmarks such as the conserved Bukit Timah Railway Station and the iconic black steel truss bridges. They’re a reminder of the railway’s past, and also make for some pretty cool photo opportunities.

The route is relatively flat, but you’ll encounter different walking surfaces depending on which section you explore. There are 2 main types of trails along the corridor:

Porous Bound Aggregate (PBA) Trail: Found along the southern stretch from Rifle Range Road towards Tanjong Pagar, this surface consists of gravel and crushed stone held together by a permeable binder. It’s designed to allow rainwater to drain through, reducing puddles after rainfall.

Grass and Gravel Trail: Extending northwards from Rifle Range Road towards Kranji, this section has a more natural feel, with grassy and gravelly paths surrounded by dense vegetation.

Image credit: NParks

The combination of different surfaces makes the Rail Corridor particularly useful for hikers preparing for overseas adventures. Plus, with 24km to cover, there’s plenty of distance to practise pacing and endurance.

If you’re not ready to tackle the entire route, start with a shorter stretch around Rail Corridor Central before gradually working your way up to the full distance.

How to get there: For Rail Corridor North, alight at Kranji MRT Station, take Exit C, and cross the overhead bridge. Alternatively, take buses 160, 170, 170X, 178, 925, 925M, 960, 961, or 961M to the bus stop opposite Kranji MRT Station.

For Rail Corridor Central, alight at Hillview MRT Station, take Exit B, and head towards Hillview Bridge near Rail Mall. You can also alight at King Albert Park MRT Station and walk approximately 5 minutes towards the corridor.

Find out more about the Rail Corridor.

Get your steps in with these long-distance hiking trails in SG

Every great hiking adventure starts with a little preparation, and there’s no better time to start building your endurance than now. Remember to pace yourself, stay hydrated, and gradually increase your walking distance instead of pushing yourself too hard from the get-go.

After all, conquering a challenging hike isn’t just about reaching the finish line, but also enjoying the journey along the way.

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Cover image adapted from: Jeffrey Chan via Facebook, NParks, The Smart Local, Park Connector Network

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