The best running routes in Singapore

Singapore’s oldest and most popular nature park is a haven for joggers, families and weekend strollers. To get into the rainforest proper, the MacRitchie Trails around the reservoir offer easy boardwalk treks and ambitious hikes, ranging from three to 11 kilometres in length. A highlight is the HSBC TreeTop Walk, a suspension bridge positioned 25 metres above the forest floor, which connects the two highest points in the reserve and offers splendid panoramic views. 

The 3.5-kilometre Changi Airport Connector allows you to hop, skip, and jump to Jewel Changi Airport from East Coast Park, or any other neighbouring parts of the Park Connector Network (PCN). It’s also home to the Changi Jurassic Mile, a giant permanent outdoor display of life-sized dinosaurs, as well as Hub & Spoke Café, which serves a variety of nosh, including toast and kopi, eggs Benedict, and bubble tea. This is also where you can rent bicycles from a neighbouring GoCycling kiosk at Terminal 2, and cool off with a pay-per-use shower after a sweat session.

Rower's Bay Park at Lower Seletar Reservoir is named for the reservoir's popularity with kayaking and dragon-boating enthusiasts. But the waterside views are also great for a satisfying outdoor run. Run along the boardwalk by the wetlands, and you might even catch a glimpse of the native wildlife in the area. Near that is Punggol Barat Island, a peaceful and beautiful spot popular with outdoor runners and cyclists. Head on a little further, and you'll reach Punggol Waterway Park and Waterway Point, a good pit stop for you to refuel at.

Enjoy a light jog as you take in the sprawling greenery formed by open grasslands, freshwater wetlands, and a secondary rainforest at Tampines Eco Green – you’d never guess that they wrap around one of the most populous neighbourhoods in Singapore. Take on the walking trail within the sanctuary to uncover its rich biodiversity, featuring many species of birds, butterflies, dragonflies and spiders. Or, head a little further to Tampines Boulevard Park and check out the nature playgrounds.

Straightforward and shaded by plenty of trees, the route around the five-hectare pond at Punggol Park is ideal for a run, whether you're training for IPPT or simply trying to get some cardio in. Plus, there are plenty of spots to take a breather if you need to take a break midway.

The serene Bukit Batok Nature Park was developed on an abandoned quarry in 1988. There are lookout points that afford stunning views of the quarry, along with footpaths that allow you to jog through the lush foliage. For a short and manageable run less than five kilometres long, look no further than Little Guilin, one of the most beautiful quarries in Singapore, where you can soak in the sights of the cliffs that look straight out of a movie.

Beat the crowds at East Coast Park by opting for its sister park: Changi Beach Park. While the coastal park measures at a modest 3.3 kilometres long, there's ample space to run and even cycle. Continue along Changi Coast Road and you might be lucky enough to catch an airplane taking off or landing at the nearby Changi Airport landing strip. Further torch those calories by following the path that leads you to East Coast Park.

For a sheltered alternative, lace up for the Singapore Sports Hub. Head to the 100Plus Promenade, a semi-indoor running track that surrounds the National Stadium. Rain or shine, you can do as many loops as you want here without worrying about being subject to weather conditions. Tip: Check if there are any concerts or other events happening at the National Stadium beforehand to avoid any human traffic on the track.

Making your way to this side of Singapore is quite an adventure in itself if you don't live in the north-east. But good thing you don't need a ferry to get to Coney Island – just a pair of trusty walking shoes will do. This ecologically sustainable park uses timber from fallen trees for all its signs, benches, and even the boardwalk over the mangrove swamp. Everything on this rustic island, including its hidden beaches, has been kept as is, so don't be surprised if you see some wildlife out and about. 

Located in a quiet, tranquil area in the northeastern part of Singapore, this suburban waterfront park offers plenty of fun and fitness stations for families. Perfect for evening runs, the Punggol Promenade Riverside Walk features fiber optic lights that illuminate the way after sunset. Alternatively, catch the golden sunrise at the Sunrise Bridge. Continue to admire the stunning views of the park from the Rope Bridge and Kelong Bridge.

Another alternative to East Coast Park for east-siders is the sprawling Bedok Reservoir Park. A four-kilometre loop around this tranquil park will do wonders to clear your mind. Once done, cool down and relax at the plenty of picturesque spots here, including the floating boardwalks and waterside platforms.

If you're looking for a quick but scenic run, head to Hindhede Nature Park located next to Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. It has easy trails, well-defined footpaths, and several exercise pits where you can elevate your workout with some reps. Lush and serene, this is also an excellent spot for wildlife watching as it is home to inhabitants like the banded woodpecker, clouded monitor lizard and plaintain squirrel. The main highlight, of course, is the picturesque Hindhede Quarry, located at the end of the park. 

The iconic pedestrian bridge itself is probably not conducive for a full run, but the entire Southern Ridges trail surrounding it spans three parks – Mount Faber, Telok Blangah Hill and Kent Ridge – offering some blessed relief from the city. The trail is quite an uphill battle at times, but it rewards runners with lush views of the surrounding greenery at the top.

If views of greenery are what you're looking for, Gardens by the Bay is the most obvious choice. Already laid out with trails for visitors to follow, the entire park offers plenty of ground for a good workout with a side of exploration. Wind down the run by the coastline, where you might even spot the famous Singapore otters in the waters. 

The Singapore Botanic Gardens is a convenient and scenic place for a good run, teeming with a variety of plant life spanning across a massive 74 hectares. Established back in 1859, it's home to a tropical rainforest, the Ginger Garden, and the National Orchid Garden, which houses over 1,000 species and 2,000 hybrids of orchids. Don't miss out on the multiple dining options here too, with some popular examples being Bee's Knees at The Garage and Halia.

With a variety of waterfront landmarks as well as clearly-marked paths, the Marina Bay area has become an ideal stretch for professionals to clock in some miles and take a breather from the stresses of work life. Take in the awe-inspiring architecture of Marina Bay Sands and Esplanade as you enjoy a run along an actual shoreline. It’s the best of both worlds.

Located just off Orchard Road, Fort Canning Park is probably one of the most convenient places for city dwellers to get out of fast-paced city living to enjoy some refreshing greenery. With the park located on a hill, the trail here is largely uphill, which could be somewhat of a challenge. But once you get to the top, you’ll be rewarded with beautiful views all around. You'll also come across the famed spiral staircase in this park, a popular backdrop for countless Instagram posts and even wedding shoots.

East Coast Park has always been a fan favourite. The park stretches from the east end of Marina Bay and goes all the way to Changi, with the East Bay Parkway running parallel to it the whole way. Several bus services stop here, so it's pretty accessible even if you don’t live close by.