A perfect getaway without leaving Singapore: Mount Faber and Southern Ridges Hike

One of my favorite parks and getaways within Singapore is a walk from Mount Faber at the Southern Tip of the island, with gorgeous views from the top and a great walk through the park. On a weekday, you are as likely to see monkeys as fellow humans on the walkway through the forest and, depending on your endurance, you can continue walking through a string of park along the Southern Ridges for up to 10km, spending several hours outdoors surrounded by nature – an experience most people wouldn’t expect in one of the busiest cities in Asia!

There are lots of options for you along the way, from easy to more demanding, and I’ll suggest a “middle of the road” walk with links and suggestions to plan the right outing for you! I’d start at the HarbourFront MRT station. From here you can take a nice ride with the gondola up the hill and start with great views over the Keppel Bay Marina and the iconic Reflections residences, our home during my time in Singapore! Or, you can opt to hike up the hill along the clearly marked path. From the top of Mount Faber you can enjoy some more beautiful views across the island city or enjoy a lunch break at one of the restaurants, also with nice views.

SIN MtFaberView1SIN MtFaber HendersonWaveBridgeWhile many people leave it at that – and it is certainly a nice visit – you’d miss out on a great, beautifully maintained park and walk through the national park. If you continue through the park, you’ll soon reach Henderson Waves, a wavelike pedestrian bridge across Henderson Street. Ok, so the name is not very creative, but the structure is beautiful and you get to take some great architectural shots as well as nature photographs along the way. Past the bridge, you enter Telok Blangah Hill park, which includes my favorite part of the walk, the Forest Walk. It’s an elevated walkway with great views of the forest canopy, the bird life and even some monkeys who might share the walkway with you! To increase your SIN MtFaber AlexandriaArchchances of seeing wildlife, I’d go on a weekday when there are few visitors! The forest walk ends at the Alexandra Arch, another stunning pedestrian bridge. Here, you have a few choices to continue: You can end your walk and take the MRT train from Labrador Station back to HarbourFront (2 stops) – and treat yourself to some food at one of the many restaurants at VivoCity (including my favorite, Brotzeit) or some shopping.

Or, you can cross the street and look for signs for Berlayer Creek / Bukit Chermin Boardwalk. You’ll continue along a small, greenish creek to the ocean and can walk along the wooden boardwalk lining the coastline back to HarbourFront. You’ll have nice views of The Reflections residences and the Keppel Bay Marina along the way. Keep in mind that you will be exposed to the sun most of the walk along the water and it’ll be very hot!
SIN MtFaber ReflectionsIf you still have a lot of energy, you can continue your walk through the Hort Park and the Kent Ridge Park for a total of close to 10km of walking. From the end-point, you can take the MRT train back to HarbourFront again and enjoy some well deserved food and drink!
SIN MtFaber KeppelBayMarinaWhatever you choose, the walk makes for a great day-trip in the city and will give you a very different perspective on this busy city with its bustling malls and busy streets! Whenever you “just need to getaway”, but can’t really leave Singapore, this is a great getaway inside the city for a taste of peace and nature – I hope you enjoy it as much as I did! For more details on the park, sights, different walks and a detailed map, check here!

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