Southern Ridges | Southern Region

The Southern Ridges is a scenic 10-kilometer (6-mile) hiking trail that spans across several parks and nature reserves in the southern part of Singapore. It connects key green spaces such as Mount Faber Park, Telok Blangah Hill Park, Labrador Nature Reserve, and Kent Ridge Park, offering visitors a tranquil escape into nature while enjoying panoramic views of the city, harbor, and Southern Islands. The Southern Ridges is one of the best places in Singapore for walking, hiking, and enjoying the outdoors, with a perfect blend of nature, history, and modern design.

Here’s a detailed look at the Southern Ridges:

1. Trail Overview

The Southern Ridges trail is a continuous path that links several parks and reserves across the southern ridges of Singapore. The trail is well-marked and designed to be easily accessible to pedestrians, making it a favorite for both locals and tourists. The route offers an immersive experience in nature, featuring a variety of landscapes, wildlife, and architectural landmarks along the way.

• Total Length: The Southern Ridges covers a distance of 10 kilometers (6 miles), which can typically be completed in 3 to 4 hours, depending on your pace and how many stops you make along the way.
• Terrain: The terrain is a combination of well-maintained trails, elevated boardwalks, and bridges, including steep climbs in some sections. It is generally suitable for hikers of all levels, although some parts may be more challenging for beginners.

2. Key Attractions Along the Southern Ridges

Mount Faber Park

• Description: Mount Faber Park is the starting point (or ending point, depending on the direction) of the Southern Ridges. As one of the oldest parks in Singapore, it offers panoramic views of the city, the harbor, and the Southern Islands.
• Highlights:
  • Faber Peak: The highest point in Mount Faber Park, offering expansive views of the coastline and Sentosa Island. Faber Peak is home to the Singapore Cable Car, which offers a unique ride between Mount Faber and Sentosa.
  • Mount Faber Trail: A scenic walk through the park, featuring lush greenery, gardens, and viewpoints.

Henderson Waves

• Description: One of the most iconic landmarks along the Southern Ridges, Henderson Waves is the highest pedestrian bridge in Singapore. It connects Mount Faber Park with Telok Blangah Hill Park.
• Design: The bridge features a wave-like structure with wooden ribs that create an undulating, flowing appearance. It stands 36 meters above the ground and offers stunning views of the city skyline and the surrounding parks.
• Features: The bridge includes sheltered seating areas underneath the wooden ribs, making it a relaxing stop for visitors to rest and enjoy the view.

Telok Blangah Hill Park

• Description: A peaceful park offering walking trails, lush vegetation, and beautiful views of the city and harbor. The park features a mix of tropical forest and manicured landscapes.
• Highlights:
  • Canopy Walk: A suspended walkway that allows visitors to walk high above the ground, giving them a unique view of the forest canopy and surrounding parks.
  • The Terrace Garden: A landscaped area featuring vibrant flower beds, sculptures, and plenty of open space for picnics or relaxing in nature.

Labrador Nature Reserve

• Description: A coastal park and nature reserve that is home to historical remnants from Singapore's defense during World War II. It is known for its natural beauty and rich biodiversity.
• Highlights:
  • Labrador Battery: A coastal defense site from WWII, featuring gun emplacements and bunkers that are preserved as part of the park’s historical heritage.
  • Berlayer Creek: A mangrove habitat where visitors can spot various species of birds, butterflies, and marine life. It is an excellent spot for birdwatching.
  • Coastal Promenade: A scenic waterfront path that provides beautiful views of the harbor and surrounding waters, ideal for a leisurely walk or cycle.

Kent Ridge Park

• Description: Located at the western end of the Southern Ridges, Kent Ridge Park is a nature reserve with a rich history, including being the site of significant battles during WWII.
• Highlights:
  • Kent Ridge Hill: Offers panoramic views of the southern coastline and the city, along with a historical insight into Singapore's wartime past.
  • Ridge View: A viewing platform offering spectacular views of the nearby parks and the city skyline. It’s an ideal spot to rest after completing the trail.

3. Nature and Wildlife

The Southern Ridges is home to a rich diversity of plant and animal life. Along the trail, visitors can encounter various species of tropical flora and fauna, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers.

• Flora: The Southern Ridges is covered with dense tropical rainforest and parkland, providing homes for a variety of plant species. You’ll find both cultivated gardens and natural forest areas along the trail.
• Fauna: The parks along the Southern Ridges are home to numerous species of birds, butterflies, and other wildlife. It’s common to spot birds like the yellow-vented bulbul, crimson sunbird, and hornbills, as well as various lizards and squirrels.

4. Unique Features of the Southern Ridges

Design and Architecture

The Southern Ridges is a mix of nature and modern design, with several architectural landmarks along the way.

• Suspended Walkways: The Canopy Walk in Telok Blangah Hill Park is an elevated walkway that allows visitors to walk above the forest floor. Additionally, the Henderson Waves bridge is a unique architectural feat that connects two major parks with its wave-like design.
• Rest Areas and Viewing Platforms: The trail is dotted with rest areas, viewing platforms, and benches, making it easy for visitors to stop, relax, and take in the natural beauty of the surroundings.

Eco-friendly Design

Many parts of the Southern Ridges trail are designed with sustainability in mind. The path is built to minimize the impact on the environment, with eco-friendly materials used in the construction of boardwalks, bridges, and other infrastructure. The trail is well-maintained, ensuring that visitors can enjoy a clean and safe experience.

5. Recreational Activities

The Southern Ridges is an excellent destination for a range of recreational activities, from hiking and walking to cycling and photography.

• Walking and Hiking: The Southern Ridges offers one of the best hiking experiences in Singapore, with varying difficulty levels, well-maintained paths, and stunning views.
• Cycling: Some sections of the trail are also suitable for cycling, particularly around the flatter areas of the parks.
• Photography: The diverse landscapes, historical sites, and architectural features make the Southern Ridges a photographer’s paradise. There are plenty of opportunities to capture beautiful natural vistas, wildlife, and panoramic views.

6. Accessibility

The Southern Ridges is easily accessible by public transport, and there are multiple entry points along the trail.

• Public Transport: The trail is accessible via several MRT stations, including HarbourFront MRT Station (on the Circle Line and North-East Line), which is located near the beginning of the trail. There are also bus services that connect various parks along the trail.
• Cycling and Walking Access: The trail is designed to be accessible by foot, with paved paths and boardwalks, and some areas are also suitable for cyclists.

7. Conclusion

The Southern Ridges offers a perfect blend of nature, history, and architecture, making it one of Singapore’s top outdoor attractions. Whether you’re looking to explore the historical landmarks, enjoy a scenic hike, or simply relax in nature, the Southern Ridges offers something for everyone. With its mix of lush greenery, coastal views, and unique architectural features, it provides a memorable experience for visitors of all ages and interests.