I spent three Sunday evening to explore the Southern Ridges & the Hortpark in Singapore, spent about 1.5 hour each time. If you like to enjoy a panoramic view of the verdant greenery in these parks, this is the unique outdoor experience for you. The parks are HortPark, Kent Ridges, Mount Faber and Telok Blangah Hill all located at the southwest part of Singapore.
The Interlace Condo
A very stunning design of condo called The Interlace can be seen before entering the Alexandria Arch. What make the building unique is the apartments stacked in a hexagonal arrangement and had won top prize of World Architecture Festival!
1. Alexandra Arch & Henderson Waves
Alexandra Arc – Opened leaf shape
First Sunday evening, I explored the Alexandra Arch. It is a bridge spanning Alexandra Road and connects the Forest Walk of the Southern Ridges Walk to the Hilltop Walk. The bridge tilted arch like an opened leaf which was completed in 2008 and are part of government’s plan to enhance the Southern Ridges as a recreational destination.
Forest Walk
Forest Walk offers a bird’s-eye view of the forest as the bridge was built quite high up! Come join me for the jog.
Preston Road Singapore
Some old colonial house in black and white, I just wonder if the houses are open for business or residential so went to have a closer look.
Henderson Waves
Henderson Road and Alexandra Road respectively, the two pedestrian bridges have striking designs that make them easy landmarks. Personally I find Henderson Waves is more unique and pretty as compared to Alexandra Arch.
Henderson Waves is also the highest pedestrian bridge in Singapore, connecting Mount Faber Park to Telok Blangah Hill Park. The bridge is At 36 metres above Henderson Road.
What makes this pedestrian bridge unique is its stunning wave-like structure made up of seven undulating curved steel ribs that alternately go above and below its deck. The curved ribs form function as shelters with seats within, making them great place to hang out.
When I was there in the Sunday evening, I saw many people sit on the Balau wood bridge, relaxing and enjoying the panoramic view of the city, harbor and the Southern Islands.
There are lights turn on at the bridges when the sky turn dark so you don’t have to be worry as you are still able to find your way back.
When the sky turn dark, the bridge has a different look, it actually became more attractive with all the light up.
2. Telok Blangah Hill Park & Mount Faber
My second Sunday evening walk was exploring the Telok Blangah Hill Park & Mount Faber.
Alkaff Mansion
I started my walk from Alkaff Mansion, there is a open space car park nearby.
The old mansion in white is now closed for business. It was empty and look a bit creepy in the evening when I was there. Built in 1918, the mansion is once the holiday home of Alkaff family, a rich Arab descendant and recently used as an Italian restaurant.
Sembcorp Forest of Giants
The forest has a collection of more than 600 trees that were planted to raise awareness for reforestation. There is a washroom nearby, water cooler and soft drinks vending machine if you need a break.
Reflection at Kepple Bay Condo
On the way to Mount Faber you can spot The Reflection at Keppel Bay, the waterfront condo from the jungle walk.
More view of Singapore Housing HDB line up the whole place.
Faber Peak
When I was there on the Sunday evening, a couple were having their wedding there. This is also the place to catch the cable car to Sentosa.
- Click here to book ticket for Cable Car Ride!
- Click here to book ticket for Cable Car Dining expeirnce!
Mount Faber Park is one of the best tourist spot to catch the panoramic view of the city, harbor and the southern islands. The hilltop was crowded with Chinese tourists all rushing to check out the view of Singapore Island.
Merlion at Lookout point in Mount Faber
Do you know many merlion statue in Singapore? The answer is 7. The largest, considered the King of Merlion is located at Sentosa, two (mama and baby) at Merlion Park near Fullerton Hotel and one is here in Mount Faber. The other three you could explore yourself 🙂
Sunset at Mount Faber
Mount Faber is covered by a secondary rain forest. The vegetation on the slope helps to stabilize the terrain besides beautifying the park. It was a great outdoor activities, especially to climb all the way up from Henderson Waves to this 105 m high hill. Luckily I was on time to catch the beautiful sunset at the peak of Mount Faber.
3. HortPark
My third Sunday evening was to explore Floral Walk and the HortPark. Here, you can learn more about interesting plants and gardening with different Theme Gardens.
Floral Walk
Floral walk is the welcoming gateway before entering the HortPark. There aren’t many flowers at the Floral Walk, if you are expecting many flowers, you may get disappointed.
Hortlawn
Hortlawn is my top favorite in the Hortpark. Simply love the zen feeling especially looking down at the well trimmed lawn. You would feel the tranquility and serenity. Great place to meditate if you can. I can’t as my mind is like a monkey, can’t stay still for 5 seconds.
Hortlawn is also the popular garden venue to have wedding. In case you are going to get marry, come book this venue 🙂
Silver Garden
In Silver Garden, you would find many silver artwork displayed around. Not sure what they are, all in silver color.
Spotted few mysterious objects in silver color in the green dominated landscape in Silver Garden.
Edible Garden
You would find more of herbs and spices at this garden and next to it there is a children playground. If you are coming with kids, you can let them play at the playground and adults can smell the herbs and taste the spices if you dare.
Orchid Garden
Therapeutic Garden
This is Singapore’s first therapeutic garden in a public park. The garden is design for improving mental well-being. Feeling depression or too stress? Come visit Therapeutic Garden in Hortpark 🙂
Even I am not a garden enthusiast but I still love this place, especially with so many themed gardens to explore.
It is a very peaceful environment and with nice jogging track. If you are lucky you can spot monkeys and birds too.
Canopy Walk
Canopy Walk is a 300-metre trail which links Kent Ridge Park to Reflections at Bukit Chandu – once known as Opium Hill. I was hoping to find some animals coming by to say hello to me.
Opium Hill
Finally reach Opium Hill at the other end, say bye bye to my colorful balloons!
How to get there?
Labrador Park MRT
Walking 10-15 mins from Exit A
Southern Ridges Walk Singapore – Summary
- Alexandra Arch & Henderson Waves
- Telok Blangah Hill Park & Mount Faber
- HortPark
32 comments
Wow! Singapore again! The whole place is beautiful and as one who loves taking adventure walks, I’d actually spend most of the time there. But even so, Henderson Waves would be my first spot!
Dear Dalene,
Henderson Waves mimics the undulating shape of a wave. The length of the bridge is 274m and built in densewood, very pretty especially during evening.
The Henderson Waves walkaway looks so nice! I haven’t been to Singapore yet and I am not a fan of jogging but I can imagine how pleasant it is to stroll on it and admire the architecture of the city from it. The Canopy walk looks inviting as well.
Dear Joanna,
Southern Ridges in Singapore is the ideal location for joggers as this place is surrounded by nature! The view from the bridge is pretty amazing as you get to see one of the coolest neighborhood in Singapore.
That edible garden sounds amazing. I can would enjoy smelling all the herbs.
Dear Tara,
The hearb garden is very small and cute place to explore, you get to learn different kind of herbs and how they look like.
What lovely photos! I wouldn’t mind checking this out one day. I’d be all about that canopy walk.
Dear Amber,
The canopy walk is one of the highlight of several long hiking routes, also the first of its kind in Singapore.
Cute pictures! I been in Singapore for so many years but I’ve never really visited here before, thanks for sharing!
Dear Olivia,
Glad you have visited Singapore and I am hope you come back again very soon.
Amazing! You went to a lot of great places and wish I could go there someday too. I’d love to try the cable car, bet the view is fantastic.
Dear Angele,
You are right, the view from the cable car is stunning especially if you do it at night. You also get to see the whole Singapore skyline.
What an amazing place !! I also love your pictures !! thank you for making me discover this ! 🙂
Singapore is beautiful.. I loved the places the pictures and the way you wrote. I just want to visit orchid garden. It’s beautiful..
Dear Queen,
The Orchid is Singapore National flower so you see it in many places in Singapore. Upon arriving at the Changi Singapore international airport, you will be greeted with rows of orchid decoration.
What a beautiful place. I’m becoming a big fan of travel blog posts, like this one, so that I can get a glimpse of places I didn’t even know existed.
Wow what a beautiful place to visit, so many outdoor activities to enjoy. I love your photos they are amazing.
Singapore really looks great. It is interesting they have a huge place as a park and wow you even spent 1.5 hours in each places. I will put this as one of the places to visit if ever we go to Singapore.
Singapore is one of my dream bucket list that I really want to visit nice photos of you! great vacation!
Dear Amay,
It is not my vacation at all, I am a local here, just doing my run here.
Such pretty pictures. The bridge looks amazing especially at night and the silver gardens look gorgeous. Never been to Singapore but it looks like a beautiful place to visit.
Dear Ashley,
Alexandra Arch designed like an opened leaf is one of the iconic bridge in Singapore. You are right, when the bridge is lit up at night with changing LED lights, it get even better 🙂
I am dying of visiting Singapore! I have seen so many photos and read so many amazing posts! What a beautiful place for a stroll or a run!
Dear Corinne,
Singapore is a small city and a good 4 to 5 days to explore Singapore and should be able to cover most of the important attractions.
You pics are all amazing. You really gave us a great walking adventure of Singapore. I would love to visit some of the sights there.
You shared a great adventure with us. I felt like I was there walking with you. in Singapore! Great pics!
Dear Baiste,
I hope you visit one day and try out the nature forest in Singapore way. You will find our forest are a little difference! 🙂
Great photos! That condo is wild!
Dear Emily,
If you are talking about the condo of Reflection at Kepple Bay, that is one of the best in town as it is one of the award winning architecture. For upper class & there is a marina nearby to station the yacth too! Great seaview!
Omg wow this is such a great work of architecture. I love architecture so i’m awed by the interlapping design.
Wow looks awesome. Especially loved the canopy walk. Would love to visit some day.
Oh! It’s so nice that singapore hv such a beautiful place, close to nature.. full of flora and fauna…