Cycling Through Singapore’s Green Corridors

Oct 22

After being cooped up indoors, it’s the perfect time to unwind, de-stress and experience Singapore’s best sights. There’s no better way to do that than by bicycle.

Imagine the wind blowing through your hair as you zip through old colonial buildings, modern skyscrapers and green corridors. Picture yourself steering from one scenic sight to another as you navigate from the city center’s concrete jungle to pockets of green oasis on the Park Connector Network (PCN). Don't own a bike? No problem. There’s an abundance of bikes-for-hire around the island and near cycling trails.

Within the city center, you can enjoy spectacular views of the Marina Bay Sands Complex. You can start your ride near Nicoll Highway then follow the Kallang Basin towards the Singapore Flyer, the Marina Bay Boardwalk, the Art Science Museum, and so much more. There are a lot of quaint streets and hidden gems within the city waiting to be explored. Also, theres always that option to take a pit stop to catch your breath, get a good mug of coffee, a big fresh plate of brekky and a bit of photo ops.

The PCN is a walking/ cycling trail system that connects Singapore’s best parks. It currently has six loops. Stretching over 300 kms of paved roads, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy nature on a continuous path along rivers and canals while enjoying easy access to bustling hawker centers that are peppered throughout the island.

*Bishan Park. Image: Ramboll Studio Dreiseitl Singapore*

Central Urban Loop

Cycle your way through the iconic HDB estates of Bishan and Potong Pasir into wide open spaces of picturesque parks. This trail of 36 kilometers link Bishan, Ang Mo Kio, Toa Payoh and Whampoa. Here you can enjoy the scenic view of the Kallang River amidst the backdrop of HDBs in Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park. Another park not to be missed is the Punggol Waterway Park. Nestled in 4.2 km waterway, it boasts open green spaces and soothing waters.

*Punggol Waterway. Image: NParks Singapore*

Eastern Coastal Loop

The Eastern Coastal Loop boasts 17.5 kilometres of paved roads, which connects Pasir Ris Park to East Coast Park. Here you can enjoy views around Pasir Ris Town Park, Tampines Eco Green, Bedok Reservoir Park, the Bedok Jetty in East Coast Park, and Changi Beach Park. If you’re looking for some refreshments, you can make a pit stop at Bedok Food Centre.

*East Coast Park. Image: NParks Singapore*

*Changi Beach Park. Image: NParks Singapore*

*Bedok Reservoir Park. Image: NParks Singapore*

*Pasir Ris Park. Image: NParks Singapore*

Northern Explorer Loop

Off the beaten path, the Northern Explorer Loop connects 11 parks and nature sites in a continuous path of 25 kilometers, which includes Woodlands Town Garden, Admiralty Park, the Woodlands Waterfront, Sembawang, Woodlands and Yishun. Here you can zip through one of Singapore’s most beautifully manicured gardens, to open grasslands along the river Sungei Cina, to a sprawling coastal parks and rich vegetation.

*Woodlands Town Garden. Image: Reggie Gan at flickr.com*

*Admiralty Park. Image: NParks Singapore*

Northern Eastern Riverine Loop

The 26-km route of the Northern Eastern Riverine Loop opens to waterways and reservoirs, which connects Punggol Park, Punggol Waterway Park, Punggol Point Park and Sengkang Riverside Park. Here you can enjoy the natural coastline of Punggol Beach and the riverbanks of Sungei Punggol and Sungei Serangoon. Like the other trails, there’s plenty of wildlife to take in such as birds and sea otters.

*Punggol Waterway Park. Image: NParks Singapore*

*Jewel Bridge Punggol. Image: spintheday at flickr.com*

Southern Ridges

Cycle up to Singapore’s hilly parks where you can enjoy panoramic views of lush greenery and waterways. The Southern Ridge Trail is one of the most challenging trails in Singapore where you will need to bike uphill. In this 10-km path you will zip through Mount Faber, Telok Blangah Hill, Kent Ridge and Labrador Nature Reserve. If you need a breather, dismount and enjoy the view in Henderson Waves.

*Telok Blangah Hill. Image: NParks Singapore*

*Labrador Nature Reserve. Image: NParks Singapore*

Western Adventure Loop

If you’re looking for a dose of thrill and adventure, then the 20-km Western Adventure Loop is for you! Cycle through green corridors, nature reserves and eight parks in the western part of the island. Enjoy picturesque views of Zhengua Park, Dairy Farm Nature Park and Bukit Batok Nature Park.

*Bukit Batok Nature Park. Image: NParks Singapore*

*Dairy Nature Farm. Image: NParks Singapore*

Some basic tips before you hop on your bike: wear clothes suitable for Singapore’s mostly hot and humid weather, put on a properly fitted helmet, check and double-check your bike (even if it’s a rented one), carry a bottle of water for hydration and slather on sunscreen and moisturiser. Last but not the least, bike with a buddy, it’s not only more fun but also you can both look out for each other.

Tisha | ws

Useful info: Park Connector Network | PCN Bike Maps | Rules & Road Conduct

Tisha Reyes