Singapore is an amazing mix of urban landscapes and lush greenery. Citizens enjoy the comforts of modern technology and infrastructure, accentuated by the beauty of nature. As such, people love to spend time outdoors to experience all that Singapore has to offer.
One great activity you can do in Singapore is running. Running is free and accessible to everyone. It’s a terrific workout that will get your heart racing and help you get into shape quickly. Athletes from almost all sports benefit from running. Whether you play football, train Muay Thai, train BJJ, play basketball, or train boxing, running is great at getting you in shape for competition. All you need are a good pair of running shoes, and comfortable running clothes, and you’re good to go.
There is a multitude of parks in Singapore that are free and open to the public. Running trails feature well-maintained paved tracks built specifically for those who love to jog or walk.
The views are absolutely breathtaking, with diverse flora and fauna set upon a backdrop of high-rise buildings. You may even run into a monkey or two. Locals have enjoyed Singapore’s incredible parks for years. They are perfect hangout spots for individuals and families alike.
If you’re new to Singapore and love to run, you should definitely check out the parks on this list. Here are a few places you will want to see and experience for yourself.
Today, Evolve Daily shares the five best Singapore parks for running.
1) East Coast Park
Run by the beach at East Coast Park (Image via Rob McGregor).
On top of our list is the idyllic beachside locale that is East Coast Park. It is one of the biggest parks in Singapore that is frequented by runners and campers across the nation and is often the site for many big marathons. This famous park has an estimated area of 460 hectares, stretching from Marine Parade all the way to Tampines.
Nestled at the southeastern coast of Singapore, the park boasts of different amenities for its visitors, such as camping spots, barbecue pits, and even bicycle rentals. The park is also a famous venue for big company events so it can get pretty crowded, especially during the weekend.
You can also bike at East Coast Park (Image via jh_tan84).
There are a few great places to eat as well, in addition to the popular East Coast Lagoon hawker that serves your favorite local seafood dishes and satay. It’s something you can definitely look forward to at the end of your run.
While the park can be pretty busy most weekends, it is a great option for people who enjoy long runs accompanied by a beautiful seaside view.
2) Fort Canning Park
Fort Canning Park is in the middle of Singapore (Image via Marco Verch).
Formerly known as Bukit Larangan or “Forbidden Hill”, Fort Canning Park is conveniently located in the middle of the bustling shopping district that is Orchard Road. The historic Fort Canning Hill also offers its visitors some of the best views of the city. The verdant park is surrounded by quaint gazebos, lush greenery, and even artifacts dating back to Singapore’s pre and post-colonization period. History buffs can surely get the most out of this park.
The hilltop park is frequented by the elite athletes of the Evolve Fight Team who love to run in the park occasionally as part of their training regimen.
There are some beautiful historic buildings in Fort Canning Park (Image via Matt Kieffer).
Running in Fort Canning Park can be considered somewhat easy. But if you want to add a degree of difficulty to your route, you can try running up the many flights of stairs found around the park. With an elevation of 48 meters (156 feet), you’ll truly get an intense workout.
3) Macritchie Reservoir Park
MacRitchie Reservoir Park is known for its lush greenery (Image via Qingwu Zhou).
Macritchie Reservoir Park is famous for its nature trails. The park is teeming with various types of plants and vegetation, as well as animal wildlife, making it a top destination for nature lovers of all ages. While most people prefer to hike here, there are also a lot of avid runners who frequent the reservoir to breathe in the fresh air.
Located in the heart of Singapore, the park boasts of many different sites and amenities such as the famous suspension bridge, the Treetop Walk, which stands 250 meters connecting the two highest points in the park, a golf course, and trails along a man-made reservoir.
Run by the water at MacRitchie Reservoir Park (Image via Qingwu Zhou).
The park also features an 11-kilometer walking and running trail that goes around the park, perfect for joggers who enjoy cross-country runs. There are directional signages available at different junctures, so you won’t ever get lost.
Macritchie Reservoir Park isn’t just good for running too, it’s also great for families who fancy a picnic.
4) West Coast Park
West Coast Park has a great running loop (Image via Bob T).
Not to be outdone by the East Coast folks, people who reside in the west often frequent West Coast Park, which has a great 5k loop that gives its visitors stunning seaside views, that are as great as any in the country. It is considered the signature running trail on the western side of Singapore.
West Coast Park has plenty to offer, even if it’s just a fraction of the size of its counterpart. There are many facilities found inside the park, such as shelters, playgrounds, toilets and baths, and a variety of recreational facilities. There are enough available food and amenities for when you need a quick refreshment. The park also has a wildlife marsh, connected by a boardwalk.
If you love seaside views, quiet and not so crowded outdoor spaces, then West Coast Park is definitely for you. You will find this charming park just south of the National University of Singapore.
5) The Southern Ridges
The Henderson Waves bridge is iconic (Image via Zairon).
Relatively new compared to the parks which are mentioned above, the picturesque and modern Southern Ridges connects six different parks, namely Mount Faber Park, Telok Blangah Hill Park, Hort Park, Kent Ridge Park, and Labrador Nature Reserve.
Inside the park, you can see the architectural wonder of the Henderson Waves, a bridge that stands 36 meters above ground and connects Mount Faber and Telok Blangah Park. This beautiful structure is the site of many photoshoots and is featured prominently on Instagram. The Henderson Waves alone is already 274 meters long, but the entire Southern Ridges cover approximately 10 kilometers.
It also promises stunning panoramic cityscape views and a view of the Southern Islands and the harbor. Marang Trail is also one of the paved running routes that lead you to Mount Faber Park, and it’s just a stone’s throw away from the HarbourFront MRT station. The Forest Walk is an elevated walkway that gives you treetop views, also great for birdwatching and some nature appreciation.
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