Who’d have guessed that in the midst of a bustling city like Singapore, there would be so many natural parks and hiking trails just by our doorstep? For a reason, we’re known as the “Garden City.” Hiking is a terrific source of fitness in addition to being a pleasant and unique method to discover new areas in our city-state.
This simple yet effective sport, when combined with the natural beauty of the great outdoors, may provide a slew of health advantages to everyone, including the elderly. This encompasses anything from strengthening your cardiovascular health to lowering your risk of heart disease, improving your balance and core strength, and even reducing stress.
- Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, at 164 meters above sea level, is Singapore’s highest mountain and a popular hiking destination for both novice and expert hikers. Its diversified environment supports a wide range of animal and insect species, as well as local flora and fauna and rare tree species.
The hill is particularly notable for being the ultimate resting place of the British forces during the Japanese invasion. Visitors are spoiled for choice with four different walking pathways to select from or build your own trail here with this guide.
Distance: 1.2km (45mins – 1 Hour average walking time)
- Coney Island Walk
Unlike other, more established nature parks around the country, Coney Island Park offers tourists a primitive hiking experience. Wildlife enthusiasts should carry a camera on their trip since they are likely to see rare plant species, migrating birds, and a variety of ecosystems such as grasslands and mangrove swamps. Because most of the park is still undeveloped, carry lots of water with you, as there are no facilities along the way. Plan your journey with this guide here.
Distance: 3.6km (2 Hour average walking time)
- Northern Explorer Loop
The Northern Explorer Loop is an 11-kilometer track that passes through six park connections in the north, each with a unique topography. This route runs from Lower Seletar Park to Woodlands Waterfront, passing via Mandai Park Connector, Ulu Sembawang Park Connector, Woodlands (SLE) Park Connector, Admiralty Park, and Mandai Park.
It’s a great family activity because you’ll pass by playgrounds, water bodies, and other attractions. With so many pitstops along the way, check out this guide that brings you through a series of park connectors so you can explore different neighbourhoods and greeneries.
Distance: 11km (2-3 Hours average walking time)
- Coast-to-Coast (C2C) Trail
If you’re ready for a challenge, try the 36-kilometer Coast-to-Coast (C2C) Trail, which runs from Coney Island in the northeast to Jurong Lake Gardens in the west. The route, which is a difficult combination of roadside trails and park connections, passes through some of Singapore’s top parks and nature reserves, including Bukit Batok Nature Park, MacRitchie Reservoir, Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, and Singapore Botanic Gardens. Along the trip, look out and discover the quarry lakes, remnants of an old cemetery, and rustic woodlands. Check out the many points of interest you would find on your journey here!
Distance: 36km (10 – 12 Hours average walking time)
Taking care of your health should be one of your top priorities, whether you are young or young at heart. While some may remain skeptical of hiking’s suitability for seniors, there are several techniques to ensure one’s safety while on a trip.
Before you begin your trek, all you need to do is dress correctly, put on the proper footwear and equipment, pack enough water and remember to stretch.
This article was brought to you by Han. I pretend to be broke in order to stay wealthy, yet I’m not wealthy.
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