The Southern Ridges is one of Singapore's best-loved walks, a chain of hill parks, bridges and forest paths with harbour views. The full trail is about 10km, which sounds like a lot. The good news is that you can enjoy it in short, easy pieces.
This guide breaks the trail into bite-sized segments, so you can pick one that suits your energy, your children or your grandparents. It is free, and most of the trail is open round the clock.
As with any outdoor walk, conditions change. NParks has listed a few closures and maintenance works recently, so please check its website before you head out.
Southern Ridges at a Glance
According to CtrlShift, a Singapore government site, the Southern Ridges links Mount Faber Park, Telok Blangah Hill Park and Kent Ridge Park, with HortPark in between. Two pedestrian bridges, Henderson Waves and Alexandra Arch, were built to connect the hill parks, and some areas that were once off-limits were opened up as a result.
Henderson Waves rises 36 metres above Henderson Road and is Singapore's highest pedestrian bridge. Its seven curved ribs create sheltered alcoves where you can sit and rest.
NParks offers a route from Mount Faber to Kent Ridge of about 10km, taking 3 to 5 hours and rated moderate to challenging. For most families, short segments are far more comfortable.
Segment 1: Henderson Waves and Telok Blangah Hill (1 to 1.5 hours)
Credit: InSingapura.com (AI-assisted)
This is the most popular short walk. Telok Blangah Hill Park is a 34-hectare park, open 24 hours, with a Terrace Garden that has 360-degree views and a 274-metre Henderson Waves bridge. NParks' route guide describes the bridge walk as about 10 minutes and easy, and says the bridge is wheelchair-friendly.
- Start: Telok Blangah MRT (Circle Line), then walk uphill for about 10 to 20 minutes, according to guides. HarbourFront MRT is the closest for Mount Faber.
- Lighting: NParks' guide says LED lights run from 7pm to 7am, while other guides say until 2am. Check before planning a late evening walk.
- Good to know: the park listing says it has no wheelchair access, and the approaches include stairs and slopes. Fussy Mama suggests a baby carrier for under-twos.
The park has three free carparks. Tripadvisor reviewers describe it as quieter on weekday mornings.
Segment 2: Forest Walk and Alexandra Arch (about 1 hour)
The Forest Walk is a 1.3km elevated walkway through the secondary forest of Telok Blangah Hill, at eye level with the canopy. NParks rates the elevated section as easy and step-free, and the earth trail as moderate. Alexandra Arch, which crosses Alexandra Road, is a short 80-metre bridge with colour-changing lights in the evening.
Please note that NParks says some sections of the Forest Walk are unlit from 7pm to 7am until 30 November 2026, due to maintenance. Earlier slope repair works have been reported, so check the latest notices. Bring a torch if you walk at dusk.
Segment 3: HortPark (about 2 hours)
Credit: InSingapura.com (AI-assisted)
HortPark is a 23-hectare garden with themed areas, a water garden, a lawn and a greenhouse, and NParks suggests about two hours to explore it. Fussy Mama calls it the most pram-friendly base, with the best toilets and seating.
NParks also lists free self-guided walks here, such as a bee trail (0.5km, about 40 minutes), a butterfly garden trail (0.5km, about 30 minutes) and a Streets of Singapore walking trail (1km, about 30 minutes). Guided group tours cost S$7 per person and need advance registration.
Segment 4: Kent Ridge Canopy Walk
At the western end, Kent Ridge Park's Canopy Walk is a short elevated boardwalk of about 280 metres through the forest canopy, according to NLB. NParks rates it as easy and about 10 minutes, and says the boardwalk suits wheelchairs and strollers.
The walk links to Reflections at Bukit Chandu, a World War II interpretive centre at 31-K Pepys Road run by NHB. Opening hours are not listed on Roots.gov.sg, so check before visiting.
Tips, Safety and Closures
Credit: InSingapura.com (AI-assisted)
Go early or late: Singapore Spirit suggests 7 to 10am, and others suggest late afternoon.
Bring at least a litre of water, as there are long gaps without drinks.
Do not feed the monkeys and keep food sealed, as NParks advises.
Avoid elevated walkways if lightning is forecast.
Wear shoes with grip, and bring an umbrella for afternoon showers.
Closures to check before you go, according to NParks and Fussy Mama:
- Some Forest Walk sections are unlit from 7pm to 7am until 30 November 2026.
- A footpath below the Therapeutic Garden is closed until 31 March 2028.
- The Mount Faber Loop footpath between Henderson Waves and the cable car station is reported as closed.
- Mount Faber's Car Park D is reported closed until about December 2026.
Check NParks' website for the latest notices. A short, well-planned segment is often the best way to enjoy the Southern Ridges.
