Thrill-seekers, you will love the west part of Singapore as you get to cruise through the rugged terrains, scale Singapore’s highest peak, explore the huge wetland reserve, admire the charms of pagodas, be lost in thoughts watching the sunset at west coast and be mesmerised by colourful flowering trees.
Here are the 5 best Singapore’s running routes in the west that bring out the wild, adrenaline-seeking explorer in you.
1. Bukit Timah Nature Reserve – Dairy Farm Nature Park – Singapore Quarry
Bukit Timah Nature Reserve is one of the richest and most diverse ecological systems. With a total area of 163 hectares, this reserve is home to 40% of Singapore’s native flora and fauna, as well as Singapore’s highest hill, Bukit Timah Hill, which stands at 163 metres. Bukit Timah Nature Reserve is connected to Dairy Farm Nature Park, which is home to nature trails and Wallace Education Centre, and Singapore Quarry, which has been transformed into a wetland habitat with a viewing platform.
Start point: Beauty World MRT
Finish point: Hillview MRT
Distance: 6.5km
Running Route: Beauty World MRT -> Bukit Timah Nature Reserve Visitor Centre -> Bukit Timah Hill (Summit) -> Dairy Farm Hut -> Dairy Farm Nature Park -> Singapore Quarry -> Hillview MRT.
2. West Coast Park
West Coast Park is a popular “Play Centre in the West” amongst residents living in West Coast, Clementi, Jurong, Pasir Panjang as well as students of NUS, Singapore Polytechnic. This 50-hectare park runs parallel to West Coast Highway. Runners will be treated to the tranquil Marsh Garden, waterfront views at Seafront Promenade, obstacle courses at Adventure Playground, gym equipment at fitness corner, relaxing feel at the pond, and dog run turf.
Start point: McDonald’s
Finish point: McDonald’s
Distance: 5km
Running Route: McDonald’s -> Marsh Garden -> Promenade Look-out Point -> Jetty Look-out Deck -> Pond -> Dog Run -> McDonald’s.
3. Jurong Lake Gardens
Surrounded by Jurong Lake, the park is a great place for runners to escape the hustle and bustle city of Singapore. The Chinese Garden adopted the northern Chinese imperial style of architecture and landscape, while the Japanese Garden showcases a landscape style originating from the Muromachi and Momoyama periods of Japanese history. Do not miss the seven-storey pagoda and Garyuchi pond the next time you run at Jurong Lake Gardens.
Start point: Chinese Garden MRT
Finish point: Lakeside MRT
Distance: 4.5km
Running Route: Chinese Garden MRT -> Chinese Garden -> Japanese Garden -> Lakeside MRT.
4. Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve is more than just a slice of rustic Singapore. It is home to some of the world’s rarest mangroves and wetland wildlife. Throughout the year, you can discover its native inhabitants such as mudskippers, crabs, shellfish, water snakes, birds, spiders, monitor lizards and otters along the many trails in the reserve. During the migratory season from September to March, diverse flocks of shorebirds or waders, including plovers and sandpipers, can be observed in the reserve along with resident birds such as herons, kingfishers and sunbirds. Be careful during your run through as several crocodiles were often spotted along the trails.
Start point: Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve Visitor Centre
Finish point: Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve Wetland Centre
Distance: 4.5km
Running Route: Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve Visitor Centre -> Forest Trail -> Coastal Trail -> Mangrove Boardwalk -> Migratory Bird Trail.
5. Ulu Pandan Park Connector & Pandan Reservoir
Runners running along Ulu Pandan Park Connector can catch the sights of the remnants of the cast iron railway track bridge built by British Colonial near Clementi Avenue 4, natural stream that has been transformed from the previous concrete drain, colourful flowering trees and various bird species perching on the river bank. At Pandan Reservoir, enjoy the stillness of the reservoir, the laughter of kayakers, the sight of calm anglers, and the determination of fellow runners as you run the 6-km loop around the reservoir.
Start point: Jurong East MRT
Finish point: Dover MRT
Distance: 14.5km
Running Route: Jurong East MRT -> Boon Lay Way -> Sungei Pandan / Ulu Pandan Park Connector -> Pandan Reservoir -> Sungei Ulu Pandan / Ulu Pandan Park Connector -> Dover MRT.
Have you run in the western part of Singapore before? Where is your favourite running route in the west?
Looking for more places to run in Singapore? Read more about the best running routes in the East, North, South and Central.
