5 cycling routes in Singapore to beat the crowds
With spin studios temporarily closed again, bike your way around these less-busy parts of our island for some cardio action!
Text: Tiff H
If you’re not the owner of a bike and a self-confessed cyclist these days then who even are you? With bikes flying off the racks during the circuit breaker period last year, bike-sharing companies reported an increase in ridership. Now is the time to get out and about and again embrace the abundance of nature right here in our Garden City to dispel any feelings of cabin fever.
Arguably the best way to explore our own backyard is by bike — you get your dose of low impact aerobic exercise, an environmentally-friendly scenic tour of the Little Red Dot and quads of steel to boot. Various studies have also shown that cycling results in a host of benefits including boosting your mood, weight management and improvement in balance and posture.
While Singapore has still a way to go before reaching the heights of Amsterdam, known as the bicycle capital of the world, what we do have is over 440km of cycling paths, with plans to expanding the network to 750km by 2025 and tripling it by 2030. Here, we’ve compiled some of our favourite cycling routes that come with fewer crowds and more focusing on your RPM.
This hour long cycling route connects some of the most iconic locations in Singapore, including Gardens by the Bay, Marina Barrage and East Coast Park. Over the 8km you’ll be able to admire the Marina Bay Financial District skyline, the lush green of Youth Olympic Park and the Supertrees at Gardens by the Bay. Head for this cycle route at dawn or opt for a night cycle to avoid crowds. You can rent bikes at Lifestyle Bike, Coastline Leisure or GoCycling.
2. Pulau Ubin
Be transported back in time to 1960s Singapore as you embark on a cycling trip to Pulau Ubin. Exploring the island by bike means that you’ll be able to cover most of it within half a day. Head east towards Chek Jawa Wetland, which boasts one of Singapore’s richest ecosystems. Those who want a bit more of a challenge can try the off-road cycling routes; Ketam Mountain Bike Park has over 10km of trails. For social distancing at its best, head over to the island on a weekday. You can hire a bike on the island at 25 Pulau Ubin Bicycle Rental to spare you carting your own one over. Take a bumboat from Changi Point Ferry Terminal, which will speed you straight to Pulau Ubin jetty in 10 minutes.
3. Coney Island
For those looking for a leisurely ride, Coney Island offers a 2.4km stretch through untouched nature. Just off the North-Eastern coast of Punggol, the park’s rustic terrain might make cycling bumpy at times but all the more reason to slow down and enjoy the experience. Make a stop every once in a while to spot wildlife — with approximately 80 species of birds that call Coney Island home, it won’t be very hard! The island is connected to the main land at Punggol and Pasir Ris Coast Industrial Park.
Be charmed by the rustic nature of Kranji Marshes, a 56.8-hectare freshwater marshland. The 51.1km route features an elevation gain of 568 metres, and is home to over 170 species of birds, 54 types of butterflies, and 33 types of dragonflies, in one of the most biodiverse areas of the entire country. If you have some spare time, head to the Kranji War Memorial or stop by Bollywood Veggies for lunch.
Found along the western edge of the Central Catchment Nature Reserve, Chestnut Nature Park is Singapore’s largest nature park. One for adrenaline junkies, Chestnut Nature Park’s cycling routes are dedicated to mountain bikers. The 8.2 km mountain biking trail offers varying levels of difficulty ranging from easy, moderately difficult, very difficult and extremely difficult.
