There are a plethora of paths, parks and Park Connector Networks (PCNs) for cyclists to explore around Singapore. However, if you’re a seasoned cyclist, chances are you’d have already done so and are on the hunt for other bicycle routes in Singapore that will challenge and push you to newer heights.
Grab your foldable bicycles, tighten your laces, and gear up for some heart-pumping action. Here are the top six intermediate cycling routes in Singapore that are guaranteed to make you break out a sweat.
Ready, set, and go!
Experience the best that nature has to offer at the Southern Ridges Loop. This cycling route in Singapore will bring cyclists through Mount Faber Park, Telok Blangah Hill Park, Hort Park, Kent Ridge Park, and all the way to Labrador Nature Reservoir.
Begin your journey from Harbourfront station exit, just outside Marang Road. Switch to your lower gears and start pedaling hard in Mount Faber Park to reach Faber Peak. Look out for the nearby Poland’s Bells of Happiness. It is believed that the bells will grant the ringers peace and happiness.
Thereafter, head towards Henderson Waves, one of the best spots in Singapore to enjoy panoramic views of the city.
Over at Telok Blangah Hill Park, you’ll have to make your way on foot. It’s a good time to slow down and enjoy the greenery and biodiversity flourishing all around.
The next destination to aim for is Hort Park. It is well-known for its 10 themed gardens, with each garden having a curated selection of plant species. Next, cycle on towards Kent Ridge Park.
Steeped in history, Kent Ridge Park is where the historic Battle of Pasir Panjang was fought during World War II. The war museum nearby, Reflections at Bukit Chandu, offers us a chance to relive the fierce battle and discover Singapore’s turbulent past.
Finally, end off your cycling adventure at Labrador Nature Reserve, where there are plenty of sights to see –from mangroves to the WWII machine gun post.
Located on an island, Sentosa has the allure of the sun, sand, and sea.
Start your journey from Sentosa Boardwalk outside VivoCity and cycle into the island. The quiet roads here make an ideal training ground for cyclists looking to hone their road safety skills.
Cycle up the hill, which is located on the right at the entrance roundabout. You’ll reach Fort Siloso, where the various World War Two barracks, pillboxes and artillery are located.
Descend down the hill and stop by the different beaches – Palawan Beach, Siloso Beach, or Tanjong Beach — for a picnic on the fine grain sand, along the stretch of calm water. If picnicking by the beach is not to your tastes, there are many trendy eateries for you to grab a bite from, particularly the stretch from Siloso Beach to Palawan Beach.
Once you’re done resting and recharging, it’s time to hit the slopes again and head to Sentosa Cove. The luxurious, sprawling houses and rolling slopes there will definitely set the mood as well as get your heart and feet racing.
Cool off at the end by taking a leisure cycle around Quayside Isle, while soaking in the dazzling views and seaside breeze.
The Western Adventure Loop connects eight parks in the West such as Bukit Batok Town Park, Bukit Batok Nature Park, Bukit Dairy Farm Nature Park, Jurong Lake Park, and Zhenghua Park.
Begin at Bukit Batok Nature Park – this serene park was once an abandoned quarry in 1988. Keep an eye out for designated lookout points that offer you stunning views of the quarry.
Head on towards Bukit Batok Town Park (Little Guilin) via the park connectors. At a glance, the granite rock-cliffs resemble the scenic sights found in Guilin, China. This is how the colloquial name “Little Guilin” is given to the park.
Cycle through the Choa Chu Kang neighbourhood via the park connectors till you reach the next park— Zhenghua Park. The rolling landscape of this park is a perfect place for cyclists to enjoy the ride.
Finally, end your adventure at either Dairy Farm Nature Park or Bukti Timah Nature Reserve.
Idyllic, rustic, scenic.
A place where poultry farms once used to exist, the North-East side of Singapore has transformed into one that is filled with various parks, facilities, and cycling routes.
This North Eastern Riverine cycling loop follows the natural coastline of Punggol Beach for a great time of fun under the sun. Other than the beginner’s route Punggol Waterway Park (3.3km – 5.6km), it includes the remaining three parks in the region: Punggol Park, Punggol Point Park, and Sengkang Riverside Park.
Begin as usual at Punggol Waterway Park. Instead of heading towards Lorong Halus Bridge, cycle in the direction of Punggol Promenade Punggol Point Walk. With many amenities such as a sand-filled playground and plaza, this promenade is a perfect place for a relaxing seaside cycle.
Continue cycling downwards till you reach Sungei Serangoon Park Connector. Look out for bioswales over here. They are shallow troughs of vegetation that filter rainwater and are excellent flood control measures. You’re close to Punggol Park, a familiar, cosy recreational place for families who live nearby. Enjoy the scenic lake that spans 5 hectares in the middle of the park.
Continue on till you reach your next destination— Sengkang Riverside Park. Over here, there is a constructed wetland that collects and filters rainwater through its aquatic plants. Many mangrove birds are drawn to the wetlands here— something that will delight avid birdwatchers.
Much more than just the heartlands, the Central Urban Loop cuts through different housing estates in Bishan, Ang Mo Kio, Toa Payoh, and Whampoa, as well as the various park connectors. In this route, cyclists can enjoy the best of both worlds— concrete cycling paths weaving through wooded areas.
Begin your cycling adventure from Ang Mo Kio station and cycle towards Ang Mo Kio Town Garden West. There is the iconic staircase with 120 steps up to the top of a hill where you can have a bird’s eye view of the entire garden.
Continue on towards Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, one the largest urban parks in Singapore. The views here are undoubtedly one of the best – the scenic river sparkling against the majestic rows of Housing Development Board (HDB) flats.
The next destination will be Kallang Park Connector, which winds through memorable old housing estates like Bishan, Toa Payoh, Potong Pasir, and Bendemeer.
Continue on and you’ll reach Punggol Park.
The Northern Explorer route may be a quiet and unassuming route compared to the other more popular cycling trails in Singapore, but it’s still one of the best hidden gems on our little red dot for cyclists to enjoy.
Revel in the cool breeze and feel closer to nature in this wild and wonderful side of Northern Singapore, which covers a whopping total of 11 parks and nature sites.
From Khatib MRT station, cycle towards Yishun Park Connector into Lower Seletar Reservoir Park, a wonderful oasis away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Make your way through the Mandai Park Connector, Ulu Sembawang Park Connector, and Woodlands (SLE) Park Connector into Admiralty Park. The terrain here will be hilly so be prepared to get your blood pumping and quads training hard.
Continue towards Woodlands Waterfront, a coastal park where you can hear the calming sounds of waves crashing right next to you as you cycle. Head to Yishun Park and Sembawang Park via the Khatib Bongsu Park Connector.
Soak in the laidback atmosphere as well as play in the sun and sand on Sembawang Beach – one of the few natural sandy beaches remaining in Singapore.
Many individuals believe that performance-based bicycles are often large and bulky. However, this is not the case with foldable bicycles where you can get the best of both worlds— a combination of performance and portability.
When exploring these intermediate cycling trails in Singapore, it is best to invest in a strong foldable bicycle with a higher speed range to cover the longer distances and steeper inclines quickly. This saves you both time and energy.
