The best mountain biking trails in Singapore

Take a walk – or rather, bike – on the wild side of Singapore via the 20-kilometre Western Adventure Loop. Start off slow from the lush, green space of Choa Chu Kang Park before picking up speed as you wheel through the parks and greenway. For a proper challenge, take on the rugged terrain of Zhenghua Park where pockets of vegetation are deliberately left wild to add to the park's rural charm. Then head for the 75-hectare Dairy Farm Nature Park, located in a rustic environment complete with hiking and biking trails. Traverse the hilly terrain before taking a break to soak up the stunning views of the nearby quarry and lake near the south-western end of the park.

Located in the Northern region of Singapore, Mandai is home to Singapore Zoo, Night Safari, and River Safari. And right next door is where you can start your two-wheeled adventure. Also known as T15 to mountain bike enthusiasts, the 12-kilometre-long route goes through the lush forest and open clearings. While the slopes and tracks are relatively smooth, expect to work those leg muscles at a number of hilly runs, making it a great for beginner and intermediate-level riders. Look out for rare bird species such as the bulbul and munia making rounds above too.

Take a ride on the wild side at the southwest end of Pulau Ubin. The area boasts lush greenery and abundant wildlife, drawing nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts to explore the many wonders of the granite island. The challenging trails are designed based on the International Mountain Bicycling Association's Trail Difficulty System, so don't expect a walk – or rather, a cycle – in the park. Expect obstacles such as boulders, logs, steep climbs, drop-offs, sharp corners and narrow routes in the ten-kilometre track.

Affectionately known as BT, this 1.64-square-kilometre nature reserve is renowned for having one of the richest and most diverse ecosystems in the world. But gear up for its biking trail – it's extremely rugged. Exert more pedal power as you manoeuver through the 6.5-kilometre route which is covered with rocky terrain, sharp descents, long climbs, muddy corners, and knotty roots. It definitely tests the rider's stamina and endurance – great for intermediate-level riders and pros. As Bukit Timah is also home to wildlife, expect to encounter long-tailed macaques, Malayan pangolins, among others.

Split into North and South regions, Chestnut Nature Park covers 81-hectares, making it Singapore’s largest nature park. Clearly marked out here, the mountain biking trail features winding slopes and a pump track where bikers can practise their stunts. Keep it rolling at the circuit which comes with rollers and berms. It's split into four zones that range from easy to hard. Challenge yourself further at the Double Black Diamond route that features tricky rock gardens and terrain. The nature park also has hidden streams and lakes along the trek, as well as squirrels and endangered bird species such as the straw-headed bulbul, the banded woodpecker, and the orange-bellied flowerpecker.

Got a need for speed? Go full throttle at the Kent Ridge MTB Trail where there's a short two-kilometre but technical single-track mountain biking trail that's relatively quiet on most days. Despite the smooth-flowing layout, the downhill course starts with a steep climb before encountering sharp, winding corners, drop-offs, and berms of various sizes. It makes an ace spot to practise your grip, balance and control. After, take a breather and check out the Reflections Bukit Chandu museum, located at one end of the Canopy Walk for some interesting nuggets about World War II.

Good thing you don't even need a ferry to get to the island, just a bike – and good walking shoes – will do. This ecologically sustainable park uses timber from fallen trees for all the signages, benches and boardwalk over the mangrove swamp, while sand, stones and gravel make up most of its bumpy terrain. Suitable for rookies, the tracks aren't as challenging for you to attempt your first jumps. Its free-to-roam tracks also make a good practice ground to work on your riding and freestyle skills. Everything on the island is kept rustic and as it is, so expect hidden beaches and some wildlife out and about too.