Cycling a bike in Singapore is definitely having a moment. Head outside at practically any time of the day and you’ll see cyclists of all ages giving it some pedal power. Some are serious, determined and lycra-clad (ANZA Cycling, we mean you!); others are more relaxed, taking in the scenic views on a bike ride more slowly with children, or maybe a dog-in-a-basket in tow.
Indeed, sales of bicycles in Singapore have been buoyant since the start of the pandemic, with shops reporting 20 per cent to 50 per cent increases in sales to people keen to enjoy some form of socially distanced exercise. While this has made many of Singapore’s Park Connector Route’s (PCN’s) busier than usual, it had also led to the opening of new and exciting places to explore on two wheels. Read below for some of our favourite Singapore cycling routes for scenery, discovery, family fun and more. Most of these trails offer bikes-for-hire at the start of the route, or if you’re lucky enough to have a foldie, off you go!
Changi Bay Park Connector
Escape the concrete and embrace the sea breeze on this part of the newly opened Changi Park Connector which forms part of the eastern corridor of the Round-Island-Route between Changi Beach Park and East Coast Park. At 15km, this bike ride runs along Aviation Park Road and Tanah Merah Coast Road, and alongside the future Changi Airport Runway 3 and Terminal 5. Enjoy scenic coastal views, a cool boardwalk and lookout pavilion at Changi Bay Point, and two 80 metre cycling bridges which look out over the waterfront, providing super scenic views (and a pretty stop for a rest!).
Closest MRT: Changi. From there, head to Changi Beach Park Car Park 7
Khatib Loop
If you’re a fan of cycling through landed property estates while nosing inside pretty houses, this trail’s for you. The 16km trail begins at Khatib MRT station. From here, cycle to Simpang Kiri Park Connector until you reach Singapore Naval Base and the famous Beaulieu House in Sembawang Park. Continue on and you’ll spot more black and white colonial bungalows, as well as a small bunker along Gibraltar Crescent. Tired legs? Stop off at Sembawang Hot Spring for a bit of a soak.
Nearest MRT: Khatib
Eastern Coastal Loop
Connecting East Coast Park to Pasir Ris Park, the Eastern Coastal Loop is a lovely 17.5km cycle offering plenty of pretty terrain (rainforest, wetland and coast) and stop-offs refreshments. We recommend starting at Pasir Ris Town Park where you can rent bicycles. Head for Tampines Eco green, a sanctuary for flora and fauna, and on to Bedok Reservoir Park where you’ll find Bedok Food Centre, the home of famous Ye Lai Xiang Cheng Tng stall – just look for the longest queue! Pass Bedok Jetty and cycle onto East Coast Park which comes with a welcome breeze from the water in the evenings. At Changi Beach Park, Changi Village Hawker Centre is famous for its nasi lemak (coconut rice dish) and Goreng Pisang (banana fritters). Little Island Brewery Co. is also a winner for finger food and a feeling of freedom.
Nearest MRT: Bedok
Northern Eastern Riverine Loop
We’re big fans of this 26km bike ride which takes you through the heartlands of Buangkok, Sengkang and Punggol, to Punggol Beach, and the Lorong Halus Wetland. Ideal for nature lovers, you cycle next to water for a large part of this bike ride which can feel incredibly soothing. Start at Punggol Park, ride along, and cross the Sungei Pinang footbridge to view the scarlet-coloured Coral Plant. Then off you go along Punggol Promenade towards the Lorong Halus Wetland (the size of 18 football fields!). Afterwards, follow the route to Punggol Waterway Park, a perfectly groomed area of winding reservoirs and suspension bridges ending at Punggol Waterway Point which will be waiting for you with food, drink and shopping options!
Nearest MRT: Buangkok. Walk for 10 minutes to Punggol Park and start at the Serangoon Park Connector
Northern Explorer Loop
Uncover Singapore’s Northernmost region by cycling the 11km through Woodlands, Yishun, and Sembawang. Witness lush forests, wave at Malaysia from Woodlands Waterfront, and stop for Instagram pics at one of Singapore’s longest coastal jetties. Set off at Lower Seletar Reservoir Park, and cycle through the Mandai Park Connector (beware the long-tailed Macaques). From here you’ll hit the Ulu Sembawang Park Connector where the route gets tougher with some off-roading. End at Admiralty Park with its forest, freshwater swamp, mangrove and grassland.
Nearest MRT Station: Khatib. Take a 5-minute walk to Yishun Park Connector
Western Adventure Loop
Prep for 12km of off-the-beaten-track conditions. Begin at Choa Chu Kang Park and cycle through the scenic Pang Sua Park Connector. Pass by the more rugged Zhenghua Nature Park and on to the Dairy Farm Nature Park and Bukit Batok Nature Park, the home of stunning Little Guilin, an old and majestic quarry, and the perfect pit-stop for a pre-packed picnic (or Deliveroo drop-off!). Complete your ride at Jurong Lake Gardens, the newest of Singapore’s national gardens, and home to lush greenery and a sense of space.
Nearest MRT: Do the 10min walk from Choa Chu Kang to the Choa Chu Kang Park Connector
Changi Airport Connector
The Changi Airport Connector is a cute 3.5-km stretch and also the home of the Changi Jurassic Mile. Yes, more than 20 different pre-historic creatures from nine different species stretch over one kilometre of this route offering an entirely different view entirely to flora and fauna. Expect T-Rex, raptors and ginormous dino eggs at the sidelines as you speed past. Kids love this bike ride!
Nearest MRT: Changi. Follow on-ground signs towards Terminal 2, then onwards to HUB & SPOKE where bicycles are available to rent if needed
Eastern Coastal Loop City Extension
The epitome of city cycling, this extension of the Eastern Coastal Loop from the East Coast Coast whisks you around Singapore’s most famous landmarks such as the Supertrees of Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Sands and the Singapore Flyer. Start in the evening to catch the sunset over the Singapore skyline, and stop off for refreshments overlooking the twinkly harbour at Dallas Restaurant & Bar – ANZA members receive a 15% off their bill, so don’t be shy!
