Cycling Routes In Singapore
Whether you’re two-tired of pedalling on the spot in spin classes or simply fancy a change of scenery, Singapore’s extensive Park Connector Network (PCN) has over 300KM worth of routes for cyclists to explore.
If mapping your trip on two wheels sounds too tedious, we’ve narrowed down nine cycling routes and sorted them according to difficulty for you – from beginner-friendly paths at East Coast Park to Tour De France–level biking trails.
– Beginner –
1. Changi Jurassic Mile – Dinosaur-themed park connector
East Coast Park is one of the OGs when it comes to cycling locations. The surrounding greenery and sandy beaches make for great scenery, but they might just have to take a backseat with the dinosaurs in town.
Image credit: @65birdy
Spanning 3.5KM between East Coast Park and Changi Airport, the Changi Airport Connector consists of a 1KM stretch known as the Changi Jurassic Mile that’s lined with numerous life-sized dinosaurs – some are as tall as 5M!
Grab your cameras, strike some creative poses and start snapping away.
Image credit: @angtl1968
With over 20 different types of dinos like the T-Rex and velociraptors present, this area is basically Jurassic Park come to life. Plus, the entire route is made up of flat ground so it’ll be a smooth journey for all riders regardless of ability.
Terrain: Cycling path
Total distance: 3.5KM
2. Northeastern Riverine Loop – Waterfront cycling trail
If long-distance cycling sounds like your kind of fun, give the Northeastern Riverine Loop a try the next time you and your kakis head out for a ride.
The 26KM loop links four parks around Punggol and Sengkang, such as Punggol Waterway Park and Sengkang Riverside Park. It also follows the natural coastline of Punggol Beach and the riverbanks of Sungei Serangoon and Sungei Punggol, so expect picturesque waterfront views along the way.
Image credit: @yoon_flor
If you can’t handle the entire route at once, you can always make a detour or pit stop in either of the parks for a picnic or water break.
Terrain: Cycling path | Road
Total distance: ~12.6KM one-way
3. Marina Bay Loop – Scenic views of Singapore’s CBD
Image credit: @sgroadbike
If you’re in Singapore and haven’t cycled, jogged or walked around Marina Bay at least once, can you really say you live on the little red dot?
Spanning 11.5KM, the Marina Bay Loop is an easy cycling route that runs past iconic landmarks such as Marina Bay Sands and the Helix Bridge, making it ideal for photo ops. On top of that, it’s also easily accessible and suitable for night cycling with its brightly-lit streets. Perhaps this could be a fuss-free late-night date idea – fitspo couples, we’re looking at you.
Terrain: Road
Total distance: 11.5KM
– Intermediate –
4. Mandai Loop – Route passing by Singapore Zoo
Image credit: Run Different SG
Joining the list of long distance cycling routes is the Mandai Loop that’s a whopping 35-40KM. This ride around Singapore’s Central Catchment Nature Reserve includes a nature-immersive journey through Thompson Nature Park, Macritchie Reservoir and Dairy Farm Nature Park.
Do take note that this loop comes with some challenging climbs. Though, if you’re already adept with gear-changing, pedaling through these slopes can be completed in as little as two or three hours.
If you’ve got time and energy to spare, you can consider parking your bikes and paying the Singapore Zoo and Night Safari a visit.
Terrain: Road | Sloping hill
Total distance: 35-40KM
5. Chestnut Nature Park – One of the largest mountain bike trails in SG
Image credit: NParks
At Chestnut Nature Park, there are several mountain biking trails with varying levels of difficulty. Intermediate riders embarking on one of the moderately-difficult trails can expect to encounter steep slopes, uneven surfaces and narrow tracks along the way.
Those who are not as confident in their biking abilities can practice their skills at the Chestnut Pump Track located onsite. It is Singapore’s first pump track featuring an undulating course that lets riders advance their techniques on roller coaster-like dips and turns.
A pump track is a circuit of bumps and turns designed for riders to navigate using up and down body momentum instead of pedaling
With four track sections catering to different skill levels, this makes an interesting activity for you to jio your adrenaline junkie friends along to try.
Terrain: Off-road
Total distance: 8.2KM
6. Seletar-Thomson Route – Pass by Seletar Airport
Seletar is pretty ulu and far from everything else. But on the bright side, cyclists won’t have to navigate through crowds of pedestrians or worry about riding amid heavy traffic. The Seletar-Thomson Route cuts through the scenic Lower Seletar Reservoir and rows of cafes along Upper Thomson. Better yet, the trail passes by Seletar Airport so you can keep your eyes peeled for the occasional planes taking off into the skies.
And if you aren’t sick of parks or water bodies just yet, you can always take a detour to Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, Yishun Dam and Thomson Nature Park along the way.
Terrain: Road | Sloping hill
Total distance: 28KM
– Advanced –
7. Singapore Round Island Loop – Cycle along Singapore’s perimeter
Image credit: treknology3
Those feeling up to par with the man, the myth and the legend Lance Armstrong himself (sans steroids, of course) might want to tackle the 150KM Singapore Round Island Route.
As its moniker suggests, the entire journey takes you round the perimeter of Singapore, covering locations from Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve to Coney Island.
The Eagle Point Boardwalk at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
Image credit: @aly.pl
Don’t skip leg day when training for this because you’ll need all the quad strength and endurance you can get to embark on this trail. You’ll also want to set aside a full day to complete this trip round Singapore as the total distance may require anywhere between 10-14 hours.
As you’ll also be on main roads for certain portions of the route, make sure you put on your helmets and have your lights on for added safety.
Terrain: Road | Sloping hill | Cycling Path
Total distance: 150KM
8. Mount Faber Loop – Cycle up Singapore’s second-highest peak
Image credit: @drsamuelloh
Don’t let the mere 3KM distance of this route fool you, because ascending the Mount Faber Loop will give spin classes a run for their money. The elevation and steepness of the windy slopes make the climb up to Mount Faber Peak a challenging one.
Image credit: @pasnormalstudiossingapore
But once you make it to the top, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Sentosa, the harbour and the Singapore skyline. Grab those photos while you’re at it because pics or it didn’t happen, amirite?
Terrain: Road | Sloping hill
Total distance: 3KM
9. Bukit Timah Mountain Biking Trail – Oldest MTB trail in Singapore
Image credit: @yongthekian
Having opened in 1997, Bukit Timah Mountain Biking Trail is the oldest mountain biking trail in Singapore. Recommended for advanced bikers only, this rocky trail snakes around the outline of Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, with flourishing flora and fauna and majestic granite quarries along its route.
Image credit: @wan.for.all
If you’re ready to take on this 7KM challenge, make sure to pack some snacks along as you’ll pass by a nice clearing along the way, which makes for a great mid-ride picnic spot.
Terrain: Off-road
Total distance: 7KM
Cycling routes to try this weekend
Between scenic mountain biking terrains and noob-level trails, these cycling routes in Singapore could be interesting for you and your loved ones to explore over the weekend. Of course, do plan ahead and conduct further research before embarking on your adventure to ensure maximum safety.
For more cycling guides, check out:
- Lesser-known cycling routes
- Long distance cycling routes
- Scenic cycling trails
- Rugged cycling trails
Cover image adapted from (L-R): @annyeh14, @dewynne15, @yongthekian
