Scenic Running Trails Every Singaporean Should Know

Treadmills are overrated! Although you might get your daily workout in, it’s nothing compared to the feeling of the sun beating down on you and the wind in your face while you’re on a run.

There's no need to be busting out the moves in the gym or HIIT studio all the time. Sometimes an outdoor run can do wonders for the mind.

But if you’re one of those people who’s even afraid of the word “run”, maybe your eyes just haven’t been opened to the joy (and the perks!) of running outdoors.

Let’s jog your memory! Here are the perks:

• Running could be your new therapy! It helps to release powerful hormones that boost mood and combat depression. 
• You’ll be more motivated to stick to your workout if you run outdoors! A study found that people who ran outdoors reported increased energy and decreased feelings of depression and were more likely to repeat their workouts. 
• For all you workout buffs, there’s evidence that running outdoors is more challenging than running on a treadmill! Running in different conditions such as rain, wind, and hot and cold weather can improve your endurance.
• Running outdoors can also boost your uptake of vitamin D! Chances are that you’ll also get a nice tan.

What other reason could you need? Running outdoors is simply the perfect workout. We’ll just cut right to the chase and give you our picks for some of Singapore's most scenic running trails.

01. Singapore Botanical Gardens 

The Botanic Gardens is a convenient and scenic place for a good run. The Gardens, established back in 1859, is the home of the National Orchid Garden, which houses over 1,000 species and 2,000 hybrids of orchids.

Verdant nature trails and well-marked paths make this route perfect for joggers and nature lovers of all ages. Start at Botanic Gardens MRT, and run past the Eco Lake and Healing Garden.

The Gardens offer you a unique and educational running experience, perfect for the quiet and thoughtful flora lover with an hour to spare!

02. Punggol Waterway Park

Located in a quiet, tranquil area in the northeastern part of Singapore, this suburban waterfront park offers plenty of fun and boasts family fitness stations. Fitness enthusiasts can jog or even cycle on the well-maintained tracks along the promenade on both sides of the waterway.

The Punggol Promenade Riverside walk is perfect for evening runs and features fiber optic lights that illuminate after sunset. On the other hand, if you opt for a morning jog, you could try to spot the various kinds of birds along the Waterway.

03. Changi Beach Park

If you’re in love with the sand and the sun, head to Changi Park to jog by the beach! This gorgeous coastal park measures about 3.3 kilometres long, so there's ample space to burn some calories. Changi Beach Park stretches from Changi Point to Changi Ferry Terminal and overlooks Pulau Ubin.

After you’re done with jogging, you could even enjoy some solo seafront dining at a bistro in the park or the nearby Changi Village. Enjoy the gentle sea breeze and the sound of the rolling waves as you dine.

04. Bedok Reservoir

Another great park for the Eastsiders is the sprawling Bedok Reservoir. Located in the north of Bedok New Town, Bedok Reservoir Park is famous amongst joggers and water sports enthusiasts - and for a good reason! With more than 14,000 wetland plants along the reservoir, Bedok Reservoir Park features a diverse mix of flora and fauna.

Tranquil and quiet, a run around the park – one loop is 4 kilometres – will definitely clear your mind. There are a lot of picturesque spots in the park, like the floating boardwalks and waterside platforms to cool down after a workout as well for the full zen experience. 

05. Marina Bay

If you’re a full-time professional looking to break a sweat before heading to the office, there are several gorgeous running routes along the Marina Bay area, overlooking Singapore’s breathtaking skyline. You can take in the awe-inspiring architecture of Marina Bay Sands and Esplanade as you enjoy a run along the shoreline.

Although it’s not as rich in flora and fauna as some of our other options, it’s possibly the most central and convenient option for anyone who works downtown. While Singaporeans may take this area for granted, one of the most remarkable features of the Marina Bay area is how runner-friendly it is, despite being the heart of a commercial zone in the city.