In search of running routes? Even among our office skyscrapers and high-rise HDB flats, there are countless pockets of surprises that bring us close to nature. Here’s our list of the 10 Best Places to Run in Singapore.
1. Best Nature Getaway – Macritchie Reservoir
The moment you step inside Macritchie’s trail, the hustle and bustle of the city is completely blocked out as you immerse in its lush, green jungle. Its terrain varies – the initial soil trail among tall trees lead to a wooden boardwalk by the reservoir. Then, it turns into a rocky path along a luxurious, manicured golf course. You are sure to spot plenty of monkeys on the way!
If you want to experience walking on a freestanding suspension bridge among the nature park’s canopies, the TreeTop walk is worth a detour.
For an arm workout instead, Macritchie also offers rental of kayaks.
One loop: 11km
Google maps here.
2. Most Surprises Along the Way – Southern Ridges
Coniferous trees overlooking the sea. Suspended walkways zigzagging through tree tops. Panaromic views of the city skyline. This is a long, undulating route but we absolutely love it because the sceneries along the way are just breathtaking.
The Southern Ridges connect the hills of Kent Ridge Park, Telok Blangah Hill Park, HortPark and Mount Faber Park. There are various entry points to choose from. If you want to enjoy the entire trail, Kent Ridge MRT is an accessible place to start.
One-way from Kent Ridge MRT to Harbourfront MRT: 8km
Google maps here.
3. Most Spectacular Night Run – Gardens by the Bay + Marina Bay
A popular route among joggers working in CBD. Despite running it during countless lunch breaks and after work, the city skyline never fails to impress each time.
Time your run to catch the MBS light show daily at 8pm and 9.30pm
When there are events held at SportsHub (like SEA Games 2015 closing), you may catch a first-class view of the fireworks along the Kallang basin
Small loop around Marina Bay: 5km
Big loop including Gardens By The Bay, Marina Barrage and Singapore SportsHub: 15km
Google maps here.
4. Most Happening – Sentosa
Dodge tourists to avoid being a photo bomber as you run pass Resorts World Sentosa and Universal Studios. Say hi to beach hunks, bikini babes and the Merlion. Rub sweaty shoulders with the rich and famous joggers of the Sentosa Cove neighbourhood.
Loop around Sentosa: 14km
Google maps here.
5. Best for Beginners – East Coast Park
Singapore’s longest park. There are plenty of toilets, vending machines and food stops along the way (if you need a rest). There is the beach with sea breeze against your cheeks. Plus, it’s a straight route – start anywhere and you won’t get lost.
Two-way: 14km
Google maps here.
6. Best Blend of Nature and History – Labrador Park
Labrador Park is truly an eclectic mix of nature and history because you get to run amongst the mangroves, forest and beachfront – all while appreciating relics of Singapore’s past. No kidding, these include an actual cannon that defended our coastline in WWII and a symbolic replica of the Long Ya Men (or Dragon’s Teeth Gate) that used to stand at the gateway to Keppel Harbour.
The Long Ya Men was said to help Zheng He in navigating the waters around Singapore during his seven maritime voyages to the west between 1405 and 1433 AD.
Cross the bridge towards Keppel Island and end at Harbourfront MRT
One-way from Labrador MRT – Harbourfront MRT: 6km
Google maps here.
7. Most Rustic – The Green Corridor
The Green Corridor is 26km if you run from Woodlands Train Checkpoint to the Tanjong Pagar Railway Station. There is a certain charm to this place; each trip feels like an adventurous exploration with its beaten path surrounded by tall grasses and certain parts of preserved railway tracks (which has been around since 1903!).
Although we’ve ran and cycled parts of it, we haven’t done the full route (yet). If you want to catch a glimpse of the corridor, it’s an 8km run from Commonwealth MRT southwards, ending at Rail Mall past the iconic black metal bridge.
Partial one-way: 8km
Full Green Corridor route: 26km
Google maps here.
8. Heartland Favourites – Bedok Reservoir
Besides East Coast Park, Bedok Reservoir is a great alternative for those living in the East to enjoy a breezy run with a view.
One loop around Bedok Reservoir: 4km
Two-way from Simei MRT: 13km
Google maps here.
9. The Ditch
For Westies, the Ditch gives an enjoyable, cooling run along Pandan River with plenty of lush greenery along the way. The route is well-lit which makes for a great night run as well.
Two-way from Dover MRT: 11km
Google maps here.
10. Punggol Waterway
Even though Punggol Waterway is built with several man-made structures, it exudes a certain rawness in its beauty. Cross a beautiful metal bridge over its rivers, enjoy huge spaces of greenery and spot Malaysia, Pulau Ubin or Coney Island as you jog along our northern coastline.
Loop from Punggol MRT: 14km
Google maps here.
Where are your favourite running routes? Let us know if we’ve missed out any gems!
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This article was originally published on http://ladyexplorer.com/2015/08/07/running-trails-singapore/ and written by Pei Xun, an aspiring travel blogger who is either in her office heels or Salomon runners. She is fuelled by annual marathons, quarterly getaways, monthly KPIs and daily coffee. Follow her adventures on Instagram @explorerwoo.
