Everyone who thinks of Singapore immediately envisions the impressive skyline, the futuristic Supertrees, and the bustling activity of a modern global metropolis. However, what impressed me most during my travels is the city’s unique symbiosis with the surrounding nature. In the city center, you will find spacious parks on every corner, and even the modern buildings stand out due to their lushly greened facades. But that is by far not all: just half an hour away from the dense city center, you can explore untouched nature and go hiking. If you want to experience a real tropical rainforest in Singapore or simply need a break from the hustle and bustle of the big city, then hiking on the Tree Top Walk in Singapore is another highlight for you.
Getting There and the Start of the Tree Top Walk
Your adventure in the thick green begins surprisingly uncomplicated with public transport. For hiking in Singapore, it’s best to take the subway to Bright Hill station. From there, it’s only about a 10-minute walk to the Windsor Nature Park Car Park, where the actual hiking trails begin.
From the parking lot, you can simply follow the excellent signage to the Tree Top Walk. The path initially leads you via the idyllic Venus Link and then continues along the Peirce Track, which takes you directly to the actual starting point of the Tree Top Walk. On this first section, you will also pass a Ranger Station. There is a public restroom and a drinking water fountain here. However, there are no shops to buy drinks – so bring your own water bottle and take another opportunity here to refill it with fresh water for free.
At Eye Level with the Rainforest in Singapore: Hiking across the Suspension Bridges
The undisputed highlight of this short hike in Singapore awaits you at the actual Tree Top Walk. Here, you hike quite a bit on free-floating suspension bridges right between the tree canopies. Standing above the dense canopy of leaves offers a wonderful view of the surrounding, untouched natural landscape.
Since the areas around the hiking trails are protected wilderness, the chances are extremely good that you will encounter many native animals along the way. In addition to numerous colorful bird species, it is primarily the monkeys that line the path. Anyone who has traveled to other regions of Southeast Asia is often not particularly thrilled by the cheeky macaques. However, the monkeys in Singapore were comparatively reserved during our visit. They observe the passing hikers with interest and calmness rather than aggressively plundering backpacks.
The Return Route with a Wide View: Jelutong Tower and MacRitchie Nature Trail
After you have crossed the Tree Top Walk, the path continues through the forest via the Petaling Boardwalk. At the end of this wooden boardwalk, a short detour to the Jelutong Tower is well worth it. The observation tower is only about 500 meters away from the exit of the boardwalk. You can climb the tower for free and will be rewarded at the top with a fantastic panoramic view over the rainforest.
For the subsequent return route, you have two options. You can either choose the same path back to the starting point or follow the signs to the MacRitchie Nature Trail. We decided on the second option and can absolutely recommend this loop trail. At the end of the MacRitchie Nature Trail, you finally reach the MacRitchie Reservoir Park. If you still haven’t had enough adventure after the kilometers on foot, you can spontaneously rent a kayak here and paddle a round on the mirror-smooth lake. Getting back to the city center is then very convenient via the nearby subway stations Marymount or Caldecott.
The shortest route from the Windsor Nature Park Car Park to the Tree Top Walk and back the same way is about 7 to 8 kilometers. With our chosen detour via the Jelutong Tower and the somewhat longer return route on the MacRitchie Nature Trail, we ended up with a total of around 10 to 11 kilometers.
Practical Tips for Hiking in the Jungle of Singapore
To make sure hiking in Singapore is a complete success, there are a few things to keep in mind. Pay close attention to the official opening hours of the Tree Top Walk. Especially in the early evening, the suspension bridge closes punctually. If you arrive too late, you cannot continue the hike and will have to turn back empty-handed via the same path. You can find current and official information on the opening hours on the official website of National Parks Singapore (external link).
The paths are well-maintained throughout, and heavy hiking boots are definitely not necessary. Nevertheless, you should opt for sturdy, closed-toe shoes that can get a bit dirty in the humid forest climate. Also, remember to bring sufficient sun protection and spray yourself with mosquito repellent beforehand, as there are a lot of mosquitoes in the dense forest.
Caution is also advised when dealing with the animal inhabitants. In my case, the monkeys were all absolutely peaceful, but to avoid provoking any conflicts, you should avoid carrying open snacks around. In particular, do not bring plastic bags onto the hiking trail, as the animals immediately associate them with food.
Admission to the Tree Top Walk as well as the Jelutong Tower is completely free. It is therefore not necessary to reserve tickets or anything similar in advance.
My Conclusion on the Hike: A Worthwhile Change of Pace in Singapore
On my travels so far, I have rarely had the opportunity to hike in real tropical deserts or forests. Accordingly, my last stay in Singapore was perfectly suited to catch up on this experience in an uncomplicated way. The Tree Top Walk and the subsequent MacRitchie Nature Trail were the ideal combination for us to experience the jungle up close and to get a successful change of pace from urban city life. If you want to experience Singapore from its greenest and most natural side, you should by no means leave this excursion out of your travel planning!