8 best cycling routes in Singapore

Beginner or advanced cyclist, or just sick of the same old route?

Text: Hui Yi Phua

If you’re not the owner of a bike and a self-confessed cyclist these days then who even are you?! Bikes were flying off the racks during the circuit breaker periods, with bike-sharing companies also reporting an increase in ridership. Indeed, many of us took every opportunity possible to get out and about on two trusty wheels, embracing 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 expand the network to 750km by 2025 and tripling it by 2030. Here, we’ve compiled some of our favourite cycling routes for every level of cyclists:

1.    Eastern Coastal Loop

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.

4.    Kranji Marshes Loop

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.

5.    Chestnut Nature Park

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.

6.    Rail Corridor

The newly revamped Rail Corridor (also known as the Green Corridor) spans 24km from Tanjong Pagar Railway Station to Woodlands Train Checkpoint. It is a trail filled with historical artefacts and lush greenery. Some of the highlights of this corridor are Bukit Timah Railway Station and the Bukit Timah Road truss bridge. Due to the rough terrain and narrow paths, cyclists are advised to be extra careful when they ride along the Rail Corridor.

7.    Northern Explorer Loop

If you’re a nature lover looking for a short and moderately-difficult ride, this route is for you. Throughout the 11km trail, cyclists will get to navigate through the wild and wonderful side of northern Singapore. The hour-long ride breezes past scenic places like Lower Seletar Reservoir Park, and rustic landscapes like Ulu Sembawang Park Connector. These places house a rich biodiversity that includes the endangered Harlequin butterfly and the large Grey Heron so keep your eyes peeled!

8.    Tuas Lamp Post 1

This sticker-covered lamp post located at the southern-most part of Singapore is nothing short of a landmark. You can start at West Coast Park and travel 62km to reach this icon. It is a challenging route and far from the nearest amenity, so be sure to bring along sufficient supplies for this ride. From here, you can also cycle 12km to Raffles Marina Lighthouse, where you’ll be able to witness beautiful sunsets over Johor Strait.

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