Night Cycling Singapore 101: The Best Routes For Peaceful Rides While Watching The City Come Alive After Dark
Cool weather, peaceful atmosphere. It’s no wonder why night cycling is the go-to for the city’s resident night owls and the occasional morning larks.
While night cycling in Singapore was mostly kept to the neighbourhood or nearby park, it has grown in recent years to be a staple recreational activity for those who try their utmost best to escape the tropical heat.
Part of this is mostly due to the development of well lit and strategically positioned park connectors, footpaths, and well connected roads. It’s also one of the best times for parents and those working in demanding positions to truly unwind after a long day.
The fact that night cycling has only grown in popularity also makes it a relatively safe activity since there will be other cyclists along the well lit paths as well. But now that we’re spoiled for choice when it comes to the best cycling routes in Singapore, where do we even begin?
Which is why we took it upon ourselves to test out cycling routes that are suitable for night cycling and pick only the top favourite cycling routes amongst our team members. Whether you’re seeking a scenic illuminated cityscape, or a lengthy peaceful ride with smooth trails, there’s definitely a dedicated cycling route for everyone.
Top 10 Night Cycling Routes In Singapore For The Best Cycling Experience After Hours
1. Round Island Route
Singapore’s longest cycling route is a real night adventure for the nocturnal creatures amongst us. It’s an incredibly extensive web of park connectors, urban landscapes, and coastal trails spanning approximately 150km that takes cyclists through the entire island for what is essentially a marathon to explore Singapore.
Cyclists can enjoy the illuminated skyline of Marina Bay, ride along the sea breeze of East Coast Park and West Coast Park, and enjoy the nighttime serenity of Punggol Waterway Park. While the views are stunning during the day, the cooler evening temperatures and lack of traffic makes it one of the most appealing routes for those seeking an adventure through Singapore after hours.
The trails of the Round Island Route itself aren’t difficult as the terrain is generally flat and well-maintained. What makes up the bulk of the challenge is the incredible distance, which can be physically demanding on a bike, and especially during nighttime.
To be fully prepared for the ride through the Round Island Route, it’s highly recommended to embark on the ride on a bicycle that fits your body proportions that is equipped with a comfortable saddle and bike light. Most cyclists who have conquered this route also advise wearing padded shorts to ease the soreness cyclists experience through hours of cycling.
That said, cyclists from the north who aren’t keen on going the full Round Island Route can always opt for scenic alternatives such as the Northern Explorer Loop (also known as the Khatib Loop).
Route Distance: 150km
Route Difficulty: Highly Challenging
2. Seletar Loop
The Seletar Loop situated in the northeastern part of Singapore is a local favourite amongst experienced cyclists that encircles the Seletar Aerospace Park. It’s a favourite for two reasons; the first being its scenic nature as it offers a mixture of industrial and natural beauty, and the second being the challenge it brings since the cycling path eventually converges with the main road.
Cyclists can enjoy the area’s calm atmosphere as they pass by colonial-era black-and-white houses and the fringes of Seletar Reservoir. But because the roads tend to be sparsely lit, you must come prepared with adequate lighting - so make sure your bike lights are working properly before you attempt the Seletar Loop!
That being said, it’s highly advisable not to attempt this road until you get a little more familiar with road cycling as you will have to deal with cycling alongside oncoming cars. The key skills that you’ll especially need here are anticipation and proper positioning while cycling. Which is why the Seletar Loop is also a frequent cycling route for cyclists who want to build their endurance and timing.
The terrain is mostly made up of flat tarmac surfaces with moderately hilly areas, which makes it still on the easier end with all things considered. The main challenges here are really the lower frequency of brightly lit roads and the fact that you’ll have to essentially share the road with vehicular traffic.
Route Distance: 12km
Route Difficulty: Moderately Challenging
3. Eastern Half Round Island Loop
If the Round Island Route is something you’d like to tackle but aren’t ready, you can always enjoy an evening cycling tour through the eastern half of the Round Island Route. This particular route forms a segment of the comprehensive Round Island Route (RIR) in that it stretches up to 75km, a more forgiving distance compared to the RIR’s extensive distance of 150km.
The eastern half of the RIR begins from Rower’s Bay Park in the north, moving on to cover the trails found along Sengkang Riverside Park, the coastal tracks of Pasir Ris Park and Changi Bay Park, and finally ends at Berlayer Creek near Labrador Park.
You’ll be in for a scenic ride that balances between green spaces, the individual landscapes of each park connector along the way, the nighttime coastal marvels of the seaside trails where you can also spot passing ships, and a chance to spot aeroplanes taking off via Changi.
While it’s vastly easier than the full RIR as it encompasses only half the distance, it is still not a trail to underestimate. The trail’s terrain is a mixture of well-maintained paved surfaces which include dedicated cycling paths and gentle inclines.
But since some of the sections involve sharing the path with pedestrians which may be a little tough to spot at night, it’s important that you maintain a safe speed, have your front and rear bike lights on, and wear reflective gear so night joggers can spot you from a safe distance. And even though it’s an easier cycle compared to the RIR, don’t forget to pack enough cool water in your Montigo Ace Bottle to stay hydrated and energised along the way!
Route Distance: Up to 80km
Route Difficulty: Moderate
4. Jurassic Mile
Dinosaur lovers rejoice! The Jurassic Mile park connector is one of the best night cycling routes in Singapore for those who love a good entertaining ride, especially if you’re a lover of these prehistoric species.
Jurassic Mile is a 24-hour family-friendly cycling route that features over 20 life-sized dinosaur sculptures from up to nine different species. While these majestic sculptures are a sight to behold during the day, they truly come alive at night with well-placed lighting that illuminate the towering replicas of tyrannosaurus, stegosaurus, and more.
It’s one of the easiest trails on our list with a route distance of only 1km, but it’s a pretty exciting one. As part of the Changi Airport Connector, cyclists seeking to put their pedals further to work can also opt to cycle to the connecting East Coast Park and back.
This easy route’s terrain is entirely flat with a short distance, making it an ideal choice for a leisurely ride for those who want a scenic ride just before they head off to bed. Having said that, it is a rather popular area, and even more so at night during the public holidays, so be prepared for possible crowds and ride at a mindful speed knowing that pedestrians are present.
Route Distance: 1km
Route Difficulty: Easy
5. Kranji Marshes Loop
The Kranji Marshes Loop is a bit of an oddity as cycling isn’t allowed within the marshes, but you can cycle through the surroundings. It doesn’t offer superb views during night time as the main attractions are the nature parks with its lush greenery, farmlands, and the freshwater marshland as you travel through Bras Basah, Bukit Timah, Mandai, Kranji, Lim Chu Kang, and Bukit Batok, to name a few.
But what makes the Kranji Marshes Loop one of the top night cycling routes in Singapore is how it’s best embarked on during the wee hours of the morning so you can enjoy the starlit sky before taking in the sunrise that casts its stunning golden glow over the farmlands. That’s right, that means starting your ride as early as 4am so that you will be in time to catch the sunrise midway through the ride.
This cycling route can be as short or lengthy as you want it to be, but it promises a challenge for fellow deviants seeking more than simple flat paths and a mind-numbing straightforward ride. Going the distance means enduring the occasional stretch of heavy inclines and up to 8 hours of cycling depending on your average speed.
Lighting is also limited with little to no other pedestrians around, so it’s definitely recommended only for experienced cyclists who are comfortable with extended rides.
Route Distance: 25km - 70km
Route Difficulty: Moderately Challenging
6. Central Urban Loop
Are you really a dedicated explorer on wheels if you have yet to fully explore Singapore’s heartlands…at night with your trusty bike? The Central Urban Loop is a fun and exciting one that spans approximately 36km, which takes you through the heartlands of Singapore through its numerous park connectors.
Most cyclists tackling this route typically start from Bishan before moving on to Ang Mo Kio via the Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, followed by Toa Payoh, the Kallang Riverside Park, and lastly, ending at the final pitstop in Punggol.
It’s one of the night cycling routes in Singapore that supper buddies enjoy tackling due to the myriad of hawker centres along the way. Cyclists can make a pitstop along one of the eateries and enjoy a hearty supper before riding on for the rest of the route.
The Central Urban Loop is a relatively comfortable ride as cyclists can expect smooth, paved surfaces throughout most of the cycling route. Street lighting is ample as well, especially in the parks and residential areas. But even so, cyclists should take precaution to always ensure their lights are equipped and in working condition despite the promise of well-lit pathways!
Route Distance: Up to 36km
Route Difficulty: Moderate
7. East Coast Park
One of Singapore’s most popular local destinations makes the list as a fantastic night cycling route thanks to its 15km long dedicated cycling path. The path meanders beside sandy beaches, lush greenery, and recreational areas that frequently see families enjoying a day by the beach throughout the week.
Imagine cycling against the salty yet cool sea breeze while enjoying the tranquil atmosphere of the East Coast Park after the daytime crowds have dispersed. The coast especially comes alive at night with the gentle sound of waves along the shoreline, and sights of ships anchored offshore - especially those going squid fishing at night.
Not to mention how the park is also dotted with several dining spots. From fancy local seafood restaurants to casual yet classic hawker fare and cafes which remain open till late, nighttime cycle groups will have no shortage of options to keep late night hunger pangs away after cycling through East Coast Park.
East Coast Park’s terrain in general is also one of the easiest around, making it suitable for cyclists of all skill levels. It’s flat, the paths are wide, smooth, and well-maintained so one can either opt to speed through the coastal trail or enjoy a cool and leisure night ride. There is also adequate street lighting along the paths so visibility is thankfully not a challenge!
Knowing these, cyclists who find that 15km is still far too short can always opt to tackle the more extensive Eastern Coastal Loop which leads one all the way to Pasir Ris Park.
Route Distance: 15km
Route Difficulty: Easy
8. Rower’s Bay Park
Rower’s Bay Park is perhaps one of the most underrated yet well-loved night cycling routes in Singapore thanks to its combination of beautiful foliage, expansive wetland views, and lush greenery. Did you know that it’s also considered one of Singapore’s hidden gems?
This cycling route was initially intended as a rest stop in the midst of the Round Island Route’s lengthy 150km trail between the districts of Yishun in the north to Punggol in the northeastern part of the island.
It’s made up of mostly flat boardwalks and paved pathways which makes it easy for cyclists to cycle through as there are no unexpected obstacles or bumps along the terrain. So while it’s a short night cycling route at only 800m, it’s definitely one of the more scenic and tranquil ones for solo night riders to enjoy a quiet ride.
Route Distance: 800m
Route Difficulty: Easy
9. Coast-To-Coast Trail
Singapore’s iconic Coast-to-Coast trail was developed as a trail for walkers and hikers, but did you know that you can also complete this trail on your trusty bike?
This trail’s extensive nature led to it having its very own dedicated guide called the C2C (Central) Online Trail Guide. Doing the Coast-to-Coast trail back and forth takes approximately the entire day, at up to 8 hours. So even though we’re on the topic of night cycling, this is one particular trail that you may want to start earlier.
It’s not exactly recommended for beginners to attempt this trail due to its lengthy nature and multitude of different terrains. For instance, tackling this trail to and fro adds up to approximately 70km of night cycling. Unless you’re absolutely comfortable riding such a great distance, it’s best to attempt this one-way before returning via MRT, bus, or your choice of public transport.
The Coast-to-Coast trail’s general starting point begins at the Jurong Lake Gardens, which then takes you through Bukit Batok Nature Park, the stunning Hindhede Nature Park, Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park connector, Luxus Hills Park, and more. It also takes you through waterways such as Sengkang Floating Wetland, the Punggol Waterway Park, Coney Island Park, and lastly, Rower’s Bay Park for a truly scenic and tranquil finish to a real cycling adventure.
One amazing thing about the Coast-to-Coast trail is how there are countless eateries along the way you can stop at. But do be aware of how some cyclists have reported that cutting through the checkpoints may cause you to only drive through mostly unshaded housing estates and urban areas over vast greenery.
Most cyclists who have attempted the Coast-to-Coast trail also advise renting a bike instead of bringing your own as you can then drop it off at the final checkpoint easily without backtracking for the whole 70km. That said, it also depends on the time you intend to complete the ride!
Route Distance: 36km - 70km
Route Difficulty: Moderate
10. Marina Bay Loop via Marina Bay Sands
In all honesty, if you’re looking for scenic nighttime views over a vigorous workout, you might just want to skip the rest and head over to the Marina Bay Loop. The Marina Bay Loop via Marina Bay Sands is perhaps the most laid-back cycling route that offers cyclists a stunningly scenic view as the city centre truly comes to life with brilliant lights in various colours.
The cycling trail here stretches up to 11km, and that’s exactly 11km of smooth, flat ground that is perfect for cyclists of all skill levels and ages to enjoy. Veteran cyclists who are familiar with the path will also enjoy a feast for the eyes since the ground is relatively predictable with no strange obstacles or bumps on the road.
We highly recommend starting your cycle near Marina Bay Sands as this starting point will take you through Singapore’s architectural wonders such as the ArtScience Museum, the Helix Bridge, views of the illuminated Esplanade, the Marina Barrage, and the Gardens by the Bay.
Route Distance: 11km
Route Difficulty: Easy
