Staying active in a bustling metropolis like Singapore is not the easiest feat. Between overpriced gym memberships or a post-work run, I’d like to choose… neither. Luckily, my newly-discovered infatuation for cycling has put an end to this conundrum.
Having a soft breeze blowing through my hair as I pedal past a blur of lush greenery is a truly great way to relax from the hustle-bustle of a busy week, all while getting my weekly dose of physical activity in. If you’re interested in cycling but don’t know where to start, this is going to be the perfect guide for you. From the best cycling routes in Singapore, to tips and logistics, this article will cover it all.
01 • East Coast Park to Marina Barrage
Starting easy, we have the East Coast Park(ECP) to Marina Barrage route. The relatively flat terrain and long unwinding roads make this trail an ideal beginners route. Coupled with the lovely sea breeze and stunning beach views as you cycle through the park, it’s quickly become one of my favourite weekend get-aways.
The route is 14km long and takes around an hour to complete. You will ride past several eateries and toilets, so rest breaks are very accessible if you want to go at a more leisurely pace. If you don't have your own bicycle, you can find bike-sharing rental and return areas in both ECP and Marina Bay. If you prefer to rent a bike from one of East Coast Park’s bike rental stores, do note that you have to either cycle or drive back to return the vehicle.
02 • Punggol Park Connector
Solidifying Singapore’s title as a “Garden City”, NParks rolled out the Park Connector Network (PCN) initiative, providing ample natural landscape for active living. The North Eastern Riverine Loop connects 4 beautiful parks and makes for an ideal cycling route.
This 26km long route takes you through expansive wetlands, dazzling blue lakes, vibrant green foliage, and many more breathtaking sights. It’s a perfect spot for a family day out. Let your kids cycle wild and free around the winding roads while you soak in the calming ambience of nature. There are multiple bike rental stores in the punggol area such as GoCycling ($10/hr) or the affordable Bike Stop ($8/hr, $4/every subsequent hr) at SAFRA. Convenient, fun, and healthy, it’s truly one of the best ways to spend your weekend.
03 • West Coast Park Connector
If you have about an hour to spare, the West Coast Park Connector is a great casual, short, and easy cycling route. This park connector starts at Pandan Reservoir, going through West Coast Park, and leading up to Clementi Woods Park.
The wide and flat roads along this path ensure a smooth and comfortable ride. Sheltered from the biting glare of the sun on a hot afternoon by the dense row of trees, it’s a lovely route if you’re looking for a chill lazy afternoon activity. Similar to other routes, you can find bike-sharing or bike rental stores within the vicinity of the area.
04 • Istana Main Gate to Sentosa Gateway
If you want more of a challenge, the next few routes are for you! Starting at the Farrer Park MRT station, this cycling route takes you through various landmarks through the heart of the city before ending at Sentosa. You can marvel at the majestic cityscape of the Marina Bay area and immerse yourself in the bustling energy of the central area.
There are uphill roads and you’ll be met with a variety of road conditions so I’d recommend this for intermediate cyclists. Covering a distance of 52km, completing this track is no small feat! If you do attempt this, make sure you are physically and mentally well-prepared.
05 • Coney Island Park
Get your fill of nature on the trails of Coney Island Park. Home to glittering shores, dense thickets of mangroves, teeming biodiversity, and rustic green landscapes, this secluded island is a lovely escape from the chaos of city life. Their rugged terrains can be a challenge to navigate on a bicycle making this route more suitable for intermediate cyclists.
You can reach this island from the west entrance at Punggol Point Walk or the east entrance near Lorong Halus Westlands. There are bike rental stores in the parks just outside Coney Island, making it really convenient for you to cycle in.
💡Pro tip: Do make sure you’ve brought your own water and snacks as you will likely not find any provisions on the island.
06 • Mandai Loop
Starting at Khatib MRT, this park connector route brings you to Upper Seletar Reservoir Park. You can expect a view of wild forested landscapes and scenic reservoirs on this cycling trip. Riding past popular Mandai Parks such as the Singapore Zoo, Night Safari, and River Safari, you might be able to spot some animals from afar with some luck! Keep your eyes peeled for monitor lizards basking in the sun and migratory birds along the water's edge.
💡Pro tip: If you find yourself on the Mandai boardwalk, try to catch a glimpse of giraffe heads poking out from behind a thicket of foliage from across the reservoir.
Much of the track is a mixed-trail and not designed specifically for cycling, so do ensure you keep a look-out for hikers and joggers. I’d recommend this trail for cyclists who are experienced and relatively advanced as it’s not all smooth-paved roads. Bike-sharing platforms such as Anywheel may be your best and most convenient option here so do look up the rental and return areas beforehand.
07 • Pulau Ubin
Sometimes, there's nothing quite as comforting as the nonchalance of nature. Trees swaying unbothered in the wind and birds chirping away without a care in the world. That’s why when life gets overwhelming, I always find myself back at this remote island, leaving my troubles at the dock as I cycle deep into the arms of nature.
Pulau Ubin is an island situated at the North-East of Singapore, just off the coast of the mainland. Being largely undeveloped, the rich and vibrant natural heritage of the island is preserved, making it an interesting place to explore. There are many beautiful routes to cycle through here, but the untouched gravel roads can make it a strenuous and challenging ride, suitable for more advanced bikers. Bike rental stores can be found near the entrance of the island. Do check that the gears and brakes are fully functional before you rent the bikes.
08 • Round Island Route
You can think of this as the final boss of the park connector networks. It’s not been fully built yet, the Round Island Route already spans over 75km, covering the Eastern half of Singapore. It connects 6 parks — Rower’s Bay, Sengkang Riverside Park, Pasir Ris Park, Changi Beach Park, East Coast Park, and Berlayer Creek. The distance may go on forever, but each stretch of the journey will be well worth your effort. Whether it’s dazzling coastal views or picturesque city skyline, this journey will let you experience it all.
Rent a bike from any bike-sharing platform to get started. At a continuous pace, this could take 5-6 hours. With rest stops along the way, it could take much longer, so make sure you’re well-stocked with water and snacks for the long journey ahead. Once it is fully built, the Round Island Route will be 150km long including the Western half. So if you’ve successfully finished this half, you can attempt this route again once it's fully completed. 😉
09 • Tuas Lamp Post 1
This may not be a route per se, but it definitely deserves a place on this list. The Tuas Lamp Post 1 has become a huge cycling attraction, being the only lamp post in Singapore which is legal to paste stickers. The cycling community in Singapore, to some effect, has deemed it a "pilgrimage" destination, leaving their mark on this iconic lamp post in the form of stickers.
Situated in an industrial area some distance away from the city, cycling is one of the most ideal forms of transportation to the area. It’s roughly 10km away from the closest MRT station, Tuas West Road, and there aren’t many rest stops along the way so plan ahead. If you're up for the challenge, reaching this landmark is a badge of honor for any local cyclist.
💡Pro tip: Make sure you bring some stickers along!
And here you have a comprehensive guide to some of the most exciting cycling routes in Singapore! Make sure to wear protective gear, and stay hydrated at all times. While there are plenty of restrooms and eateries around Singapore, plan your route to accommodate nature’s call and your hunger pangs. 🤤
Happy cycling and see you on the road!
Amanda 💙
(Featured photo adapted from: Livelo Bike Rental, CNA, City Hall, National Parks Board )
