Top 13 Scenic Cycling Routes In Singapore To Explore

Top 13 Scenic Cycling Routes In Singapore To Explore In 2024

Looking For Exciting Rides On Your Trusty Bike? Then Gear Up Because We’re Taking You Through The Most Scenic Cycling Routes In Singapore For An Adventure To Remember!

Most of us know of Singapore’s dedicated cycling routes like the Central Urban Loop and Kent Ridge Mountain Bike Trail at Kent Ridge Park. But did you know that there are countless other scenic cycling routes in Singapore just waiting to be explored?

Whether you’re a beginner who is eager to explore new paths beyond pedalling within void decks and neighbourhood parks, an intermediate rider seeking thrilling terrains, or an advanced cyclist with a thirst for challenging adventures, there’s something for everyone in this little red dot we call home.

Imagine breezing through verdant rainforests, conquering rugged mountainous terrain, or cruising alongside the scenic coasts as the sun sets over the horizon. The garden city’s diverse landscapes serve as a stunning backdrop for both leisurely rides and adrenaline-pumping escapades.

Montigo Ace Bottles in various fun colours

So lace your cycling kicks, grab your trusty backpack, pack your essentials along with a refreshing thirst quencher in your thermoregulated Montigo Ace Bottle, and get your bicycle’s wheels checked and pumped.

We’re going to take you through the top scenic cycling routes in Singapore that will not only put your riding skills to the test, but also captivate your senses because these trails are more than just paths. They are gateways to the country’s hidden gems and breathtaking natural beauty.

Top 13 Scenic Cycling Routes In Singapore To Explore For An Adventure To Remember

Western Adventure Loop Little Guilin

1. Western Adventure Loop via Bukit Batok Nature Park

Situated in the western part of Singapore the exhilarating Western Adventure Loop. This particular 20 to 30km loop connects various parks that include the Bukit Batok Nature Park, Dairy Farm Nature Park, Choa Chu Kang Park, and Jurong Lake Park to name a few, to offer cyclists a moderately distanced scenic ride.

Cyclists can ride through various landscapes such as the serene quarry lake known as Little Guilin at Bukit Batok Nature Park, to the varied lush greenery of each park connector along the way. Expect to encounter natural forests, landscaped gardens, and opportunities to spot local wildlife such as the beautiful butterflies at the Pang Sua Park Connector’s butterfly gardens. And not forgetting the World War 2 memorial that rests at the Western Adventure Loop’s recommended starting ground on Bukit Batok Nature Park.

It’s a moderately challenging cycling route in Singapore that is suitable for recreational cyclists and families with teens. The trail includes some gentle slopes, rugged dirt trails, dedicated cycling paths, and paved park connectors, making it generally accessible to riders with basic cycling skills.

Route Distance: Up to 30km

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Nearest MRT Station: Bukit Batok MRT (North-South Line/Red Line)

Bukit Timah Nature Reserve

2. Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, a.k.a. Bukit Timah Mountain Bike Trail

Thrill-seekers who also want a taste of scenic wonder will absolutely love the Bukit Timah Mountain Bike Trail. This cycling route is located within the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve in Singapore’s central region and it is a relatively short but adrenaline-pumping ride that spans up to 6.5km.

It serves as one of Singapore’s last remaining primary rainforests where cyclists can enjoy zipping through lush greenery, take the chance to spot diverse wildlife during the occasional breaks, and challenge themselves through the nature reserve’s rocky paths and steep slopes.

But did you know that this particular trail also circles around the Bukit Timah Hill, which makes it one of Singapore’s naturally higher elevated cycling routes. The trail is considered a challenging one that is recommended only to experienced mountain bikers thanks to its technical sections with sharp turns, steep inclines, and uneven treks that call for advanced riding skills.

The Bukit Timah Mountain Bike Trail is also one of the main island’s more “natural” biking spots as the surface is predominantly natural - think off-road dirt paths, rocky stretches, the occasional overgrown tree roots, and muddy patches during wet periods.

That said, this trail gets incredibly popular during weekend mornings, so I’d advise making your way during late noon or on a weekday morning for uninterrupted rides (sometimes you’ll get the odd stray hiker on the bike path).

Route Distance: 6.5km

Difficulty Level: Challenging

Nearest MRT Station: Beauty World MRT (Downtown Line/Blue Line)

Cycling at East Coast Park. Photo by Soo Hin Yeoh.
Photo by Soo Hin Yeoh.

3. East Coast Park

East Coast Park is a fan favourite amongst leisure cyclists for years thanks to its expansive coastline and well-built cycling path. Its cycling path boasts a distance of up to 15km, making it suitable for both long and short rides, and cyclists of all ages and skill levels.

The cycling route promises panoramic views of the sea, sandy beaches and stretch miles, and a vibrant assortment of recreational activities that sees families and communities frequent East Coast Park during the weekends. Sometimes even during weekdays!

Cyclists can enjoy the salty sea breeze, watch as locals enjoy kayaking by the coast, make use of the water sports facilities, and stop to enjoy a satay or sambal stingray meal at the resident hawker centre (East Coast Lagoon Food Village, anyone?). If you come in a group, you can even opt to host a little picnic or even a BBQ party by the East Coast Park BBQ pits!

East Coast Park’s cycling route is an overall easy, flat trail that makes it perfect for cyclists of all ages and their family members to enjoy. Expect fully paved and well-maintained paths that accommodate both cyclists and inline skaters comfortably. The only thing to take note of is how the East Coast Park can get incredibly crowded during the weekends, so plan your cycling session for weekday evenings if you want a smooth and peaceful ride.

Bonus Tip: East Coast Park is one of the best starting grounds for beginner cyclists as you can rent a bicycle from one of the many bike rental providers there before committing to your very own set of wheels!

Route Distance: 15km

Difficulty Level: Easy

Nearest MRT Station: Bayshore MRT (Thomson-East Coast Line/Brown Line)

Chestnut Nature Park observatory tower. Photo by Cindy T.
Photo by Cindy T.

4. Chestnut Nature Park

Chestnut Nature Park has a cute name and is a popular hiking spot for weekend hikers seeking to immerse themselves in nature. But as the largest nature park in Singapore, it comes at no surprise that there are exciting mountain biking trails found within. These trails are nothing to scoff at either as they collectively offer a generous 8.2km of riding paths.

The nature park boasts lush secondary forests, offering a cool and serene escape into nature where cyclists can enjoy its rich biodiversity. Think native flora and fauna like wild boars, monitor lizards, various mushroom species, and more.

The trails feature various terrains, from gentle slopes to rugged sections, predominantly natural dirt paths that are made up of either gravel, rocks, and the occasional set of overgrown tree roots, and scenic spots overlooking the forest canopy. It’s also worth making a pitstop at the Observation Tower to enjoy a scenic water break!

Each trail caters to mountain bikers of different skill levels. For instance, the Green Spot loop is perfect for beginners seeking to try out mountain biking thanks to its relatively flat and easy to navigate cycling route. While on the other hand, intermediate and advanced riders can head on over to the thrilling Blue Square sections with technical features like rock gardens and steep descents, or practise their stunts at the Pump Park.

Bonus Tip: Do ensure to pack insect repellent, avoid using foldable bikes and road bikes, and make sure your wheels are fully pumped before attempting to ride in Chestnut Nature Park!

Route Distance: 8.2km

Difficulty Level: Easy - Challenging

Nearest MRT Station: Bukit Panjang MRT (Downtown Line/Blue Line)

Marina Bay Loop cycling. Photo by Jiachen Lin.
Photo by Jiachen Lin.

5. Marina Bay Loop via Marina Bay Sands

If you’re looking for a laid-back cycling route that combines views of the glistening cityscape and little to no elevation, look no further than the Marina Bay Loop. This cycling route is one of the most highly recommended cycling routes in Singapore for both day and night time cycling sessions thanks to its easy yet incredibly scenic views.

It spans up to 11km via a smooth, flat route that is perfect for beginners, while intermediate and advanced cyclists who are more familiar with the path can enjoy a visual feast for the eyes. Think well-paved and carefully maintained paths with a scenic mixture of Singapore’s dazzling waterfront views and concrete jungle.

The Marina Bay Loop’s best starting point is near Marina Bay Sands, following which cyclists will ride past architectural marvels like the ArtScience Museum and iconic Helix Bridge. Then journey through the Merlion and watch as the supertrees come to life at night in Gardens by the Bay.

Bonus Tip: I highly recommend riding through the Marina Bay Loop during nighttime as the city comes alive spectacularly after sundown. Not to mention how it’s much cooler without the blistering humidity as well!

Route Distance: 11km

Difficulty Level: Easy

Nearest MRT Station: Bayfront MRT (Downtown Line/Blue Line and Circle Line/Orange Line)

Singapore Rail Corridor cycling. Photo by Joshua Tsu.
Photo by Joshua Tsu.

6. Singapore Round Island Loop

Getting bored of the usual cycling routes in Singapore? Then you’ll want to take up the challenge of the Singapore Round Island Loop, an extensive network of park connectors that encircle the entire island (talk about a cycling marathon!).

The Singapore Round Island Route covers approximately 150km, offering cyclists a chance to challenge the longest cycling route in Singapore. What awaits are diverse landscapes and attractions - tranquil views of the water along Rower’s Bay Park, East Coast Park, and Changi Bay Point, lush greenery of the Kranji Marshes, and urban waterfronts from spots like the Punggol Waterway Park.

The entire loop connects various cultural, historical, and natural sites across the island. But there is definitely a tradeoff as this cycling route can be moderately challenging to highly challenging due to its length alone. Experienced cyclists comfortable with long-distance riding would find it to be a fun venture, but beginner to intermediate cyclists may find this to be a proper challenge.

Expect stretches of smooth pavements and well-maintained dedicated cycling tracks, while some sections may require cycling on shared walkways or careful navigation through road crossings and the occasional dirt trail.

Route Distance: 150km

Difficulty Level: Challenging

Bedok Reservoir cycling route. Photo by Paras Kapoor.
Photo by Paras Kapoor.

7. Eastern Half of the Singapore Round Island Loop

The Round Island Loop is definitely not for everyone, which brings us to the Eastern Half of the Round Island Loop. If you think it sounds a little less daunting then you’re right, because the Eastern Half is only a segment of Singapore’s comprehensive Round Island Route.

The Round Island Loop’s Eastern Half stretches from Rower’s Bay Park in the north to Berlayer Creek near Labrador Park in the south, covering approximately 75km. Even though it is only half of Singapore’s largest cycling loop, it still offers a substantial distance suitable for those who want to try their hand at long-distance rides.

Cyclists will be treated to scenic landscapes such as the Changi Bay Park’s coastal views, and the lush greenery and sea breeze along Pasir Ris Park and East Coast Park. It takes on a more sea-nic view compared to the entire island loop while still offering cyclists ample rest stops, lookout points, and recreational pit stops.

It is overall one of the more exciting moderately challenging cycling routes out there due to its length and scenery, making it ideal for intermediate cyclists who are looking to build up their endurance for longer rides. And since the terrain consists mostly of flat well-paved park connectors and dedicated cycling paths, this cycling route is fantastic for all types of bicycles.

Route Distance: 75km

Difficulty Level: Moderately Challenging

Sentosa Cycling Track. Photo by Vi Lim.
Photo by Vi Lim.

8. Sentosa Cycling Track

Promising cyclists a feast for the eyes, the Sentosa Cycling Track on Sentosa Island just off Singapore’s southern coast offers a moderate and leisurely ride around the island. 

The collective cycling routes of the Sentosa Cycling Track covers up to 12km while treating cyclists to a mix of natural and man-made attractions. Cyclists can explore beautiful beaches such as Siloso Beach, Palawan Beach, and Tanjong Beach, or cycle to one of the lookout points for a panoramic view of the South China Sea, or pass by attractions such as Fort Siloso and Resorts World Sentosa, and take a gander at the luxurious mansions of Sentosa Cove.

Sentosa’s cycling routes range from easy to moderate in terms of difficulty thanks to its paved and well-marked cycling paths. Couple that with designated lanes and the occasional gentle slopes to bump up the fun and you’ll have a tropical cycling route to leisurely ride through solo or with family.

Route Distance: Up to 12km

Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate

Nearest MRT Station: HarbourFront MRT (North-East Line/Purple Line, Circle Line/Orange Line)

Mount Faber Route. Photo by Jiachen Lin.
Photo by Jiachen Lin.

9. Mount Faber Loop

Cyclists seeking a short but challenging ride shouldn’t skip out on the Mount Faber Loop. This cycling route is situated in the central-southern part of Singapore and it spans from Mount Faber Park all the way to neighbouring areas like the Telok Blangah Hill Park.

While it’s a relatively short cycling route that covers only up to 5km from either the Lower Delta Rd or Morse Rd, don’t be fooled. What awaits cyclists are significant elevation changes, which makes it one of the toughest scenic cycling routes in Singapore.

That said, you will be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of Singapore’s skyline, the harbour, and the Southern Islands from its various vantage points. Not forgetting the cycling route’s key attractions, namely the Henderson Waves bridge which is Singapore’s highest pedestrian bridge and the surrounding lush forested areas, giving one a glimpse into the breathtaking combination of natural beauty and urban wonder.

The cycling route consists of steep inclines and descents along with sharp turns, so cyclists are in for an intensive ride. That is also the reason why the Mount Faber Loop is only recommended to experienced cyclists who are comfortable with uphill cycling and sharp cornering.

Route Distance: Up to 5km

Difficulty Level: Highly Challenging

10. Jurassic Mile @ Changi

Those looking for a family-friendly cycling route will love the Changi Airport Connector’s Jurassic Mile. Even though the cycling route here is a short one at only 1km for Jurassic Mile and 3.5km for the entire Changi Airport Connector, it is an incredibly engaging one for kids, families, and dinosaur enthusiasts.

Jurassic Mile is home to an outdoor display of over 20 life-sized dinosaur sculptures from nine different species which are cleverly placed along the cycling path. Cyclists can ride alongside towering replicas of the Tyrannosaurus, Velociraptors, Stegosaurus, and other prehistoric creatures, or make occasional stops along the way to discover more about these creatures through their respective informative panels for a fun and educational experience.

It’s an incredibly easy trail thanks to its overall flat surface, which makes it suitable for cyclists of all ages and bicycles of all kinds. So if you’re looking for a weekend ride with little family members, this is definitely one scenic and fun cycling route you won’t want to miss out on!

Bonus Tip: Did you know that you can even rent bicycles from the HUB & SPOKE pit stop just outside Changi Airport’s Terminal 2? 

Route Distance: 1km to 3.5km

Difficulty Level: Easy

Nearest MRT Station: Changi Airport MRT (East-West Line/Green Line)

Field near Kranji Station. Photo by Zheng Yuan Lee.
Photo by Zheng Yuan Lee.

11. Kranji Marshes Loop

Cycling isn’t allowed within the Kranji Marshes, but did you know that you can explore the surrounding Kranji Countryside area on your bicycle? 

The Kranji Marshes Loop is a popular cycling route around this region that covers up to 25km from the starting point of Kranji Road all the way to Lim Chu Kang. That said, there is an alternative route within the loop that spans all the way up to 70km for cyclists seeking the full experience, which starts from the Kranji MRT Station.

This particular cycling route offers cyclists a rustic escape into nature with lush greenery, farmlands, and freshwater marshland. Think scenic views of the marshes, the chance to spot various bird species from outside the reserve, and the opportunity to make a pitstop at the surrounding farms and landmarks such as the Kranji War Memorial, Bollywood Farms and Singapore’s only goat farm, the Hay Dairies Goat Farm.

It’s a tranquil cycling route that takes cyclists away from the city’s hustle and bustle while spoiling them with extra fun activities to choose from. The Kranji Marshes Loop’s terrain is mostly flat with some gentle slopes and the occasional gravel paths, whereas the cycling trail consists of mostly paved roads and park connectors, making it an easy to moderately challenging ride.

Route Distance: 25km - 70km

Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate

Nearest MRT Station: Kranji MRT (North-South Line/Red Line)

Sembawang Hot Springs

12. Northern Explorer Loop, a.k.a. Khatib Loop

The Northern Explorer Loop, also known as the Khatib Loop, was perhaps one of the best kept secret scenic cycling routes in Singapore by the local cyclist community. This particular loop refers to a cycling route around the Khatib area in northern Singapore near Yishun. 

This cycling route was not an officially designated loop for a number of years, leading cyclists to create their own secret circuits using the area’s park connector network. Now the official Northern Explorer Loop covers between 10-15km for cyclists to enjoy a casual moderate-distance ride.

Be prepared to cycle through various parks and reservoirs such as the Lower Seletar Reservoir Park, Yishun Park, and the scenic waterfront along the reservoir. Cyclists will be treated to serene views as they cycle by the water, landscaped gardens, and lush greenery, and some may even make pit stops to utilise the fitness corners, playgrounds, and rest spots for a water break or two, making it ideal for family outings.

And before we forget…did you know that there is a not-quite hidden hot springs spot along the way? It’s definitely worth a stop to soak your tired legs at the Sembawang Hot Springs Park!

The Northern Explorer Loop is one of the easier cycling routes in Singapore with mostly flat terrain. Which is why beginner cyclists, older folk, and families looking for a relaxed cycling experience will definitely enjoy the ride here!

Route Distance: 25km - 70km

Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate

Nearest MRT Station: Kranji MRT (North-South Line/Red Line)

Rower's Bay night cycling. Photo by Ben Lee.
Photo by Ben Lee.

13. Rower’s Bay Park

Enter a realm where nature meets simple tranquillity at Rower’s Bay Park. The park’s refreshing yet relaxing cycling trail thanks to its combination of lush greenery, beautiful foliage, and expansive wetland view makes this spot one of the most popular scenic cycling trails in Singapore (and a hidden gem too!).

It is situated in northern Singapore and serves as part of the Round Island Route for those wishing to extend their ride into a longer adventure. That said, not all of us are here for that so thankfully the Rower’s Bay Park trail is a short one for beginner and leisure cyclists to enjoy at only 800m.

A cycling trip through the well-paved paths of Rower’s Bay means being surrounded by picturesque views of the reservoir, immersing oneself in lush greenery, enjoying quiet boardwalks, and the chance to walk on a floating pontoon to pause and take in the sights.

Which is why it is no surprise as to why this cycling route is popular amongst nature lovers as there are reported sightings of herons, kingfishers, and more local wildlife that make their home here.

On top of that, the cycling trail here is flat and well-paved, making it easy to cycle through so that cyclists can soak up the garden city’s beauty without intensive effort, but only a peaceful ride.

Route Distance: 800m

Difficulty Level: Easy

Nearest MRT Station: Khatib MRT (North-South Line/Red Line)