There are so many places to go hiking in Singapore. The Southern Ridges are a group of interconnected parks and green areas in southern Singapore.
This area includes several parks, such as Mount Faber Park, Telok Blangah Hill Park, HortPark, Kent Ridge Park, and Labrador Nature Reserve.
The Southern Ridges are known for their scenic trails, bridges, panoramic views of the city, and lush nature.
It is a popular hiking destination and a place to escape from Singapore’s urban life.
Hiking in Singapore From Southern Ridges to Labrador Park
Map: Where do we start?
The walk starts at the Harbor Front tube station exit D and ends at the car park near the Tamarind Hill restaurant, where we took a taxi.
The walk is long, with a distance of just over 18 km.
The tour lasts about 4 and a half hours and includes a break for a drink at Alkaff Mansion.
This is a self-guided itinerary. On the map above in “Details,” you can download the route in KML or GPX and use it in Maps.me or another application.
You can use it without the Internet while you walk. If you want to use Google Maps, you have to search for each address.
Start of the walk
A few meters from the Harbor Front metro station, exit D is where the route starts.
The stairs between trees and palm trees immediately fill us with serenity.
From here, we headed to Marang Trail.
Marang Trail
Walking along the trail, you’re immersed in the serene secondary jungle, with birdsong accompanying you.
You’ll see impressive trees like the 40-meter Angsana. The Saga tree’s red seeds resemble Huayruro seeds from Latin America, which are believed to protect against negative energy and bring good luck. Let’s collect some while we go hiking in Singapore
The top of Mount Faber Park
Mount Faber is named in honor of Captain Charles Edward Faber, who built a road to the summit in 1845 to establish a signal post for ships.
Mount Faber offers spectacular panoramic views of southern Singapore and the Southern Islands as long as it is clear.
You can use telescopes to see better. However, as you can see in my photos, I wasn’t very lucky because it was cloudy.
Faber Point Merlion
We walk until we reach the square where the Merlion statue is located.
The Merlion is an iconic statue of Singapore.
It has the body of a fish and the head of a lion, symbolizing the fusion of maritime history and the city’s fierce spirit.
Henderson Waves
Henderson Waves is the highest pedestrian bridge in Singapore.
Its undulating shape was designed to represent the waves of the sea and blend harmoniously with the natural environment of the nearby parks.
It is a must-see place for those Hiking in Singapore.
The bridge lights up at night and is even more beautiful!
The Alkaff Mansion
Built-in 1918, the Alkaff Mansion was owned by one of Singapore’s wealthiest families. It is surrounded by gardens and features a charming café, perfect for a break.
Its elegant history and design make it a popular wedding venue, with many couples choosing this dreamlike location for their receptions each year.
Forest Walk
Forest Walk has two trails: the Elevated Walkway and the Earth Trail. The Elevated Walkway, accessible by a metal bridge, allows you to walk at treetop height.
Here, you can observe dragonflies and butterflies and, with luck, spot the pink-necked green pigeon.
This section was closed during our walk, so we detoured, took an alternative route, and headed to the terraces of Telok Blangah Hill Park.
The Terraces of Telok Blangah Hill Park
The Terrace Garden in Telok Blangah Hill Park is one of the favorite places for wedding photo shoots; it comprises several semi-circular terraces at the top of the park.
You can enjoy a stunning 360-degree panoramic view of Singapore from this point.
Detour to Depot Road
Unfortunately, we must continue our journey along Depot Road, a busy avenue. The good thing is that several sections are covered, and we can protect ourselves from the strong sun, which is typical of Singapore.
As a reference, we had coffee on the way to Mad Roasters Coffee on Depot Road.
Hort Park
Hort Park is a plant lover’s delight. There are more than forty gardens and areas where you can sit and rest.
You can also have a coffee and fill your bottle with water here, as there are drinking fountains and toilets.
From here, we walked to Kent Ridge Park
Kent Ridge Park
Kent Ridge Park, a 47-hectare park near the National University of Singapore, offers quiet, lush trails and few visitors. Entry requires climbing several stairs.
The well-defined paths are ideal for jogging, especially early or late in the day. You’ll occasionally encounter families, dogs, and sports enthusiasts in this serene setting.
Kent Ridge Pond
We found ourselves at a small pond after walking along the Kent Ridge trails and down some stairs.
The Kent Ridge Park Pond is a quiet corner and is more frequented by dragonflies than people.
It is surrounded by the park’s exuberant vegetation. Sometimes, you can spot-monitor lizards and turtles.
Canopy Walk
This 280-meter elevated walkway will take us to the height of the treetops.
Breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the panoramic views from the top! The path is surrounded by wild orchids, carnivorous plants, and trees endemic to Southeast Asia.
From here, we went down towards Hort Park and headed to Alexandra Arch.
Alexandra Arch
Alexandra Arch is also known as the “Gateway to Nature” as it links Forest Walk and Floral Walk. It resembles an open leaf passing over Alexandra Road. At night, LED lights illuminate it, changing color.
Alexandra Garden Trail
Although this passage runs next to Alexandra Road, it is a surprisingly pleasant path.
The passage is covered most of the time, and thanks to a large dividing wall, the cars’ noise is attenuated.
This section connects us with Labrador Park, which is our next stop.
Labrador Park
Labrador Park was founded by the British in the 1880s as a strategic military defense site.
It is a park, a place to play sports, hike, and enjoy nature, and an interesting ecosystem that unites mangroves and the sea’s salt water.
Labrador is derived from “Labrador Villa,” the residence of prominent ship merchant George John Mansfield, built-in 1881.
Belayer Creek Boardwalk
This is a pleasant walk under the shade among the mangroves, ideal for observing wildlife such as monkeys, squirrels, and lizards.
It is a popular place among bird watchers and photographers.
There are numerous viewpoints and rest areas to breathe and enjoy the surroundings.
Bukit Chermin Boardwalk
The Bukit Chermin Boardwalk meanders over the water from Labrador Park to Keppel Bay Marina, offering relaxing views of the sea and luxury yachts.
It is ideal for walking. With a fresh atmosphere and sea breeze, it is perfect for enjoying with the family, walking with pets, or exercising.
The Admiral’s House
Walking along the Bukit Cherman walkway, you’ll see a house hidden in the greenery.
This “Black and white” house, built in 1915 for the China Squadron’s commanding officer, offers views towards Keppel Harbour. The Singapore Land Authority protects colonial-era black and white houses, and some are available for rent.
Dragon’s Teeth Gate
The Dragon’s Tooth Gate is a symbolic replica of the ancient Batu Belayar (sailing rock), which guided ancient ships to the port of Keppel.
It was destroyed by the British to expand the port; this replica erected by the Government of Singapore tells the story through information panels.
Berlayer Beacon
The iconic Berlayer Red Lighthouse in Labrador Park is a historic landmark that guided ships into Keppel Harbor. Its red structure contrasts beautifully with Tanjong Rimau, making it perfect for photos and seaside sunsets.
It’s also ideal for kite flying in a windy headland at the park’s southern end.
The old entrance to the Fort
We pass through a passage between two large walls.
The “cut brick wall” dates back to 1886 and served as the entrance to Pasir Panjang Fort (also known as Labrador Battery), where ammunition and garrison supplies were transported from a nearby wharf.
Tribute to the artillerymen of the Labrador Battery
In the 1940s, the Labrador Battery was one of a series of coastal batteries intended to defend Singapore from attacks during World War II.
It is a good place to understand how Singapore’s maritime defense was established.
It is a historical place in a quiet place away from the city where you can see how the British built artillery defenses.
End of this itinerary
We headed towards the car park near the Tamarind Hill restaurant and took a taxi (Grab).
I hope you enjoyed this extensive hike from Southern Ridges to Labrador Park, which is full of surprises in the nature and history of Singapore.
Tips for doing this hike
It is preferable to start early to avoid the sun and heat.
Bring enough water to stay hydrated during the walk; Singapore is always very hot.
You can fill your water bottle at Hort Park, there are bathrooms there too.
Bring a cap or hat to protect yourself from the sun, as areas along the route lack shade.
Parts of the route, such as Forest Walk, are often under renovation; alternative routes exist.
This article shows you Hiking in Singapore From Southern Ridges to Labrador Park
You might also like: