The Southern Ridges Trail is a 10-kilometre hiking route in southern Singapore. One of the most picturesque natural walks of the Lion City, the Southern Ridges Trail offers stunning views of the skyline waterfront and a stroll across fascinating natural and architectural marvels. Spread across four havens of exotic flowering plants and tropical animals – Mount Faber Park, Telok Blangah Hill Park, HortPark, and Kent Ridge Park, Southern Ridges also consists of the country’s highest pedestrian bridge, suspended at a height of 36 metres across two hills.
A walk along the Southern Ridges trail is a safe and inexpensive way to escape the city’s hustle and bustle and enjoy the pristine jungle. Most of the trail is paved and cemented, making it one of the easiest hikes around - perfect for families with children, couples, nature enthusiasts, photographers, and solo travellers. The winding pathways present a unique mélange of Singapore’s futuristic buildings and untouched greenery – picture-perfect moments aplenty!
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The Southern Ridges Trail
Marang Trail This 800-metre long section marks the beginning of the trail. Extending from Marang Road to the foothills of Mount Faber, this gorgeous winding path takes visitors through dense foliage ringing with the chirps of birds. With an elevation of 70 metres, one can expect a few steps and inclines.
Faber Trail Beginning at the foothills of Mount Faber, this trail takes hikers to the summit of the hill for unmatched views of the harbour, waterfront, Sentosa Island, and the stunning Singapore skyline. Extending for a length of 1 kilometre, this uphill climb is comfortable to manoeuvre in pleasant weather. Faber Point at the summit is home to Singapore’s third and smallest merlion. One can also opt for a taxi or cable car ride to the top.
Henderson Waves This is a must-visit architectural marvel along the Southern Ridges trail, which connects Mount Faber Park to Telok Blangah Hill Park. At a height of 36 metres above Henderson Road, this wavy bridge swirls above the canopy, giving visitors a breathtaking view of the forest and the skyscrapers beyond. The bridge has seating areas too, spread along the white ribs that line the deck. The 275-metre long stretch is fully light at night, giving it an ethereal look amongst the trees.
Henderson Waves along the Southern Ridges Trail (Source) Hilltop Walk This 1-kilometre walk through Telok Blangah Hill Park is picturesque and pleasant, giving hikers gorgeous views of the Southern Islands and the forests. The Terrace Garden is an ideal rest spot.
Forest Walk Another entrance to the Southern Ridges walking trail, Forest Walk is a compact walkway cutting through the forest canopy, offering hikers an elevated view of the dense tropical vegetation. Try spotting the distinct buildings through the trees for an interesting juxtaposition of nature and technology!
Elevated walkway of Forest Walk illuminated at night (Source) Alexandra Arch Overlooking the hipster-favourite Gillman Village, Alexandra Arch is an 80-metre long bridge that leads to the entrance of HortPark. This arched bridge is designed to resemble a leaf opening up to the sun, making it a fluid and artful addition to the greenery around. Lit at night with colour-changing LEDs, this spectacular walkway is a work of art indeed.
Flora Walk This 300-ft walk frames the entrance to HortPark. Lined with colourful flowering plants and succulents, this offers a pleasing and leisurely stroll towards the end of the hike.
Canopy Walk Snaking through the Adinandra Belukar secondary forest is the Canopy Walk, an elevated way at Kent Ridge Park that offers not only stunning views but the best biodiversity in the area. Birdwatchers can hope to spot mynahs, sunbirds and thrushes here. This 300-metre long walkway ends at Bukit Chandu, the site of Singapore’s last battle in World War II. A museum also stands testament to this historical event.
The Canopy Walk (Source) HortPark Short for Horticultural Park, this huge garden is artfully planned and organized to showcase some of the world’s most beautiful flowers and trees. Lined with futuristic vertical gardens, HortPark is tastefully laid out as a calm green space in the midst of the concrete jungle. The greenhouses within are designed to emulate different climate zones, housing plants from all around the world.
Southern Ridges Lighting Hours
For Alexandra Arch: 7:00 PM - 12:00 AM, For Henderson Waves: 7:00 PM - 7:00 AM, For Forest Walk: 7:00 PM - 12:00 AM, 5:00 AM - 7:00 AM, On bridges: 7:00 PM - 7:00 AM
How To Reach Southern Ridges
There are many access points along the 10-kilometre stretch of the Southern Ridges Walk. Hikers have the option to access public transportation at any given location if the hike gets too arduous or sunny. Most visitors prefer to hike from west to east, beginning at Marang and ending at HortPark and Kent Ridge.
MRT: Take the North-East line to HarbourFront MRT Station and use Exit D to start the hike at Marang Trail. Visitors can also take a taxi to the peak of Mount Faber here. Exit B at Kent Ridge MRT Station from the Purple Line leads visitors to Kent Ridge Park, towards the end of the trail. Clementi MRT Station leads hikers to West Coast Park, from where the trail continues to the Kent Ridge Heritage Trail. Labrador MRT Station (from the North-East line or Purple Line) leads to Forest Walk and Labrador Park, right next to Alexandra Arch.
Taxi: Opt for taxis instead of the expensive cable car to reach the peak of Mount Faber or HortPark. Prices start from SGD 5.
Bus: Bus numbers 197, 61, 97, 100, and 166 plies to the various access points of the trail, including HarbourFront MRT, Kent Ridge MRT, and Clementi. Follow the signs to the trail entrance from the bus stations.
