The Singapore Southern Ridges are a collection of parks along the hills of southern Singapore. This attraction is often overlooked by many but it’s such an immersive and photo worthy outing.
Before you embark on your hiking adventure, be sure to bring bug spray, umbrella, plenty of water, and sunscreen. There are restrooms and water fountains along the way. Do not bring food that is not discreetly put away in a backpack; the monkeys will be aggressive if you bring any food, especially in plastic bags.
The Singapore Southern Ridges stretch across 10+ km/6.2+ miles. The best part is, that the Singapore Souther Ridges are completely free (unless you chose to use the Mount Faber Cable Car). You can spend an entire day exploring the parks within the Singapore Southern Ridges, although you can also make it a half day outing if you’re just looking to hit up the highlights.
There is a table of contents for you to take advantage of:
Highlights of Popular Attractions
Dining at the Singapore Southern Ridges
Getting To the Singapore Southern Ridges & Accessibility
Park Overview & Map
The Singapore Southern Ridges are a collection of parks that stretch along the southern end of Singapore, closer to Sentosa Island. There are five parks that actually make up the Singapore Southern Ridges, with these being (east to west)…please note that the Labrador Nature Reserve is not connected to the rest of the park(s).
- Mount Faber Park
- Telok Blangah Hill Park
- HortPark
- Kent Ridge Park
- The Labrador Nature Reserve
See the map(s) below for your viewing pleasure:
For a detailed Singapore Southern Ridges map and outline of attractions, view this NParks Map.
Highlights of Popular Attractions
Within each park of the Singapore Southern Ridges, there are a number of attractions. I know that some are more avid hikers than others, and I totally understand wanting to only see a few of the main highlights. You can actually drive to many of the attractions instead of hiking to them. Click here for the directions. Each set of attractions is organized by park below, most highlights are located at Mount Faber & Telok Blangag Hill Parks.
Mount Faber Park
- Marang Trail (45 Marang Road) is a steep and paved walking path up to Faber Peak; it is located right across from VivoCity/HarbourFront Malls along Marang Road
- Faber Peak is a lookout point near the top of Mount Faber where you can take in the breeze and the breathtaking views of Sentosa Island; Faber Deck and Marina Deck are additional lookout points and located downhill along Mount Faber Road. If you head west, you will find the Mount Faber Cable car station, and just past it, you’ll find the Rainbow Staircase and Poland Bells of Happiness which are both known Instagram photo spots.
- Faber Point is even more uphill from Faber Peak; you will find a Merlion statue and a wider view of the city and the jungle. Underneath Faber Point are a series of historical memorial engravings. If you wish to explore off trail, the Keppel Hill Reservoir and Bunker are located down the hillside and are quite the adventure.
- The Henderson Waves are one of the most recognizable attractions at the Singapore Southern Ridges. This inclined wooden pedestrian bridge connects Mount Faber Park to Telok Blangah Hill Park and stretches a near 274 metres/899 feet. This bridge has ample seating the enjoy the views of Reflections at Keppel Bay. It illuminates at night as well.
Telok Blangah Hill Park
- After you cross the Henderson Waves, you can continue your journey through the Sembcorp Forest of Giant Trees, a garden of nearly extinct trees. Further west you will encounter the AlKaff Mansion known for its stunning terrace and man-made waterfall. The Therapeutic Garden and Stream Garden are also nearby.
- Telok Blangah Hill Park Garden Terrace is a hilltop oasis filled with flowers and classical staircases, great for anyone to take some pictures and enjoy the scenery. The top of the hill features picnic tables and pavilions.
- Heading eastward, you can choose to walk along the Forest Walk and Singing Forest, a raised walk way where you can stroll among the tree canopy and observe wildlife. The views here are truly breathtaking.
- You will complete your journey at the Alexandra Arch, a large pedestrian bridge that overlooks the Interlace Condominiums and marks the end of your 4km/2.5 mile hike through the Singapore Southern Ridges (well, really only about half of them).
HortPark
- The HortPark Floral Walk adorns the entrance while the rest of the park is really just a series of petite gardens to include the Vertical Garden, the Golden Garden, the Silver Garden, the Balinese Garden, the Plant Introduction Garden, Flora Fancy, the Pitter Patter Potter Garden, the Edible Garden, the OSSEA Orchid Garden, the Native & Cultural Gardens, the HortPark Therapeutic Garden, the Herbs & Spices Garden, the Community in Bloom Garden, and the Nature Playgarden.
Kent Ridge Park
- Home to another Canopy Walk, Kent Ridge Park is the site of a former WWII battle, hence the nearby Reflections at Bukit Chandu Museum. This park is largely for hiking and exercise, only featuring a historic land marker in honor of the battle as well as the Pasir Panjang Plant Nursery.
The Labrador Nature Reserve
- The Labrador Nature Reserve is a waterfront park that is also full of history. In fact, it features, old parts of a fort, tunnels, a pill box, cannons, and more. With the various docks, lookout points, and coastal pathways, you can even catch a glimpse of Fort Siloso from here!
Wildlife
The Singapore Southern Ridges are full of wildlife, so if you love to spot monkeys or go birdwatching, this is one place to do it.
Some stunning birds to look out for include the Brown-throated Sunbird, the Brahminy Kite, the Common Iora, the Greater Racket-tailed Drongo, teh Dollarbird, Pink-necked Green Pigeon, the White-throated Kingfisher, and the Straw-headed Bulbul. Many of these bird species can be spotted in the Singing Forest canopy walk inside the Telok Blangah Hill Park.
Long-tailed macaques, squirrels, snakes, monitor lizards, and butterflies also call the Southern Ridges their home.
Dining at the Singapore Southern Ridges
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Dining options at the Singapore Southern Ridges are few and far between. It is best to fill up at VivoCity (Food Republic) or Seah Im Food Centre before embarking on your journey, as well as packing some snacks. You could always to the 10km/6.2 mile journey in reverse and start with a full belly at Kent Ridge Park, heading west into civilization where you will have more options, especially once you come out of the Marang Trail at the end.
The Mount Faber Cable Car Station features Arbora Hilltop Garden and Bistro, though nearby vending machines at Lepak Place offer hot meals, drinks, and ice cream. The alternative pre-booking option would be Cable Car Dining through Mount Faber Leisure (mostly dinner options only).
At Telok Blangah Hill Park you can have a meal at the AlKaff Mansion, while you can enjoy lunch at Canopy HortPark or Vineyard (also at HortPark). Alternatively there is the Alexandra Village Food Centre north of the Interlace upon exiting the Telok Blangah Hill Park. There are no options within Kent Ridge Park or at the Labrador Nature Reserve with the exception of the ARC (Alexandra Retail Centre) north of Labrador Nature Reserve. If may find some dining options once you formerly exit Kent Ridge Park and walk around the industrial park.
Getting To the Singapore Southern Ridges & Accessibility
Feel free to use the following guide to best plan out your journey across the Singapore Southern Ridges:
- Getting up to Mount Faber can only be done in three ways; via Cable Car from Sentosa Island or Harbour Front Mall, by private vehicle/Grab, or by hiking up using the Marang Trail. The trail is reachable by MRT CC29/NE1 or bus lines 10, 30, 57, 61, 65, 80, 97, 100, 123M, 131, 143, 145, 166, and 855 (HarbourFront Stn/Vivocity or Opp VivoCity). The Marang Trail is steep and features a lot of steps. ♿🤷
- For the Henderson Waves, take a taxi/Grab to Mount Faber Loop or bus lines 124, 131, 145, 176, and 273 (Bef/Aft Telok Blangah Hts) to Henderson Road where you can briefly walk up to this iconic attraction (stairs). The Henderson Waves are wheelchair accessible if you enter from Mount Faber Loop via private vehicle. Please note the bridge is difficult to maneuver since it is inclined, same for the trails that lead into Telok Blangah Hill Park. ♿🤷
- To quickly access Telok Blangah Hill Park/AlKaff Mansion by foot, you can take one of the same bus lines that run along the Henderson Waves and enter the park via Telok Blangah Green ~ taking a private vehicle is another option. The Forest Walk and Singing Forest as well as the Alexandra Arch are all wheelchair and stroller accessible! ♿✅
- To reach Alexandra Arch & HortPark, take lines 51, 61, 93, 97, 100, 120, 166, or 963 to Aft Hortpark Stop, or take lines 51, 57, 61, 93, 97, 100, 120, 166, 175, or 963 to Bed Telok Blangah Park Stop. The closest MRT stop is Labrador Park (CC27) but this is quite the walk to the arch (1 km/o.6 miles). Of course, taking a taxi or a Grab is always an option. ♿✅
- Kent Ridge Park is the westernmost park and most difficult to reach using public transport and most unaccessible out of all parks. Access Kent Ridge Park by bus via line 92 to (Opp) The Rutherford or by vehicle on Science Drive, Pepys Road, or Vigilante Drive from which you can also take lines 200 or 200A to (Opp) Natl Leadership Inst. Though most of its paths are paved, there are a number of small staircases around the park that would deem this park not wheelchair friendly, at least not in its entirety.♿❌
- The Labrador Nature Reserve can be accessed via Labrador Villa Road/Port Road or via MRT (CC27) as do bus lines 10, 30, 51, 143, 175, 176, and 188 (Labrador Pk Stn). This park is mostly flat and even with paved paths, great for wheelchair users. Be aware that some attractions contain small “shortcuts” that include steps. ♿🤷
Conclusion & Final Thoughts
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Thank you for taking the time to read through my blog post on the Singapore Southern Ridges. If you love to hike, then Singapore has no shortage of amazing places to immerse yourself in wilderness.
