Little Known Cycling Routes

Since the Covid-19 global pandemic, there has been an increase in the number of people who picked up cycling. As a result, it is common to see more people using Park Connectors (PCN) in the evenings and over the weekends. Especially for popular cycling spots like East Coast Park and the Marina Bay Loop.


With more people starting to pick up cycling as a form of exercise, there are bound to be more cyclists riding along heavily populated routes. In light of safe distancing regulations, it may not be the best option to cycle along heavily populated routes. You will not be able to truly take in the scenery, but instead be busy avoiding oncoming cyclists. If you are bored of the usual cycling routes, here are a list of little-known cycling routes and interesting locations that you may not have heard before. Read on for some cycling routes where you can go on a local adventure in your next bike trip.

1. Rower’s Bay Park

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Rower’s Bay Park is considered a hidden gem to some people. It is located at a fair distance away from the nearest residential areas, right next to the Yishun Dam. This scenic location is part of the first phase of the 150KM Round Island Route (RIR) that was completed. Intended to be a rest stop, Rower’s Bay Park features a load of amenities, including a boardwalk and a wetland along its edges.

Rower’s Bay Park is a beautiful place that is away from Singapore’s concrete jungle. The area is filled with many flora and fauna that provide for each other. Some of the native wildlife that can be found includes the Grey Heron and Copper-Cheeked Frog.

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The views at Rower’s Bay Park are simply breath-taking, especially during sunrise and sunsets since it looks out onto Lower Seletar Reservoir. On top of cycling, some people may also fish, jog and even have picnics there. If you are looking for a place to dine at after visiting Rower’s Bay Park, you can also visit nearby cafés like Seok Seng 1954 Bicycle Café!

Visiting Rower’s Bay Park is a good way to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city life in Singapore.

 2. Jurong Lake Garden

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Jurong Lake Garden is the third national garden in Singapore, consisting of three zones. The first zone, which opened in April 2019, is Lakeside Garden. The other two zones, Chinese Garden and Japanese Garden, will gradually open from 2021 onwards. With over 90-hectares of space, there are a lot of areas to cycle around in Jurong Lake Garden.

Jurong Lake Garden features a ton of amenities, including an ActiveSG Park, water play stations for kids, Singapore’s largest allotment garden, and more. The area has been planned alongside extensive feedback and consultations from the community.

There is a light bike trail built for cyclists to try. As it is not too heavy-duty, the Birdy GT can be used to cycle over the light trail. This is a good place for people who are looking to get into trail riding but are afraid to try out harsher places like Mandai T15 Trail.

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Jurong Lake Garden harbours multiple photogenic ‘Instagramable’ aesthetic spots. These include a Lalang Field, Grass Mounds, and many more. There is even a tree sculpture made from recycled iron reinforcement bars called ‘The Lone Tree’. The iron reinforcement bars were salvaged from the park’s old pathways. It pays homage to the industrial origins of Jurong.

Jurong Lake Gardens is filled with scenic landscapes for all to enjoy. On top of the large areas that you can cycle at Jurong Lake Garden, there are a multitude of activities that you and your family can enjoy there. It will be the perfect place for people to get together and exercise to their heart’s content!

3. Kranji Heritage Trail

Launched in 2011, the Kranji Heritage Trail covers 14 historical and agricultural locations, bridging the past and the present. As you cycle along this trail, you will get to learn about the rich history of the Kranji, Neo Tiew, Lim Chu Kang and Choa Chu Kang enclaves.

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Spreading over a distance of about 20KM, there are many places to visit as you cycle along the Kranji Heritage Trail. It covers many historical locations, including the Kranji War Memorial. It is the biggest war memorial in Asia with 25,000 names inscribed on the memorial walls and 4,500 graves. The Kranji War Memorial is an honourable place that pays tribute to the people who gave their lives in the fight for Singapore during WWII.

Retrieved from https://www.sfa.gov.sg/fromSGtoSG/farms/farm/Detail/hay-dairies

There are also a number of interesting farms that can be found in the area, such as the famous Jurong Frog Farm, Hay Dairies, Bollywood Veggies, and more! These farms offer various educational and fun activities for everyone.

When heading on a journey in the Kranji Heritage Trail, you will get a diversified exposure to the unique life of the region. Being one of the last places in Singapore that is generally untouched by rapid developments, visiting the Kranji Heritage Trail can serve as a good break from all the busy city life.

4. Northern Explorer Loop

The Northern Explorer Loop is great for a short and serene ride. It is recommended for nature lovers who want to admire the wildlife, as well as the local mangroves and swamps. You can choose to travel the shorter 11KM route or the full 25KM route that loops around the region.

This loop links four major estates together – Woodlands, Admiralty, Sembawang and Yishun. The shorter route begins at Lower Seletar Reservoir Park, which is located near Yishun. From there, you will travel upwards and end at Woodlands Waterfront Park, cycling past various park connectors along the way.

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If you reach Woodlands Waterfront Park in the evening, you will get to enjoy the remarkable sunset (if the weather permits)! It will be a great way to end the trip as you behold the sea view at one of Singapore’s longest coastal jetties.

For those who are more adventurous, you can choose to complete the full route. This will lead you to three more locations that you can visit after Woodlands Waterfront Park, which are the Khatib Bongsu Park Connector, Yishun Park and Sembawang Park.

With 52 species of birds, 35 species of butterflies and 15 species of dragonflies among the flora and fauna residing there, the Northern Explorer Loop will be a journey of exploration for those who embark on it.

These are 4 little-known cycling spots that you can explore on your next bike trip. They allow riders to bask in various pockets of lush greeneries around the garden city. The wide variety of flora and fauna found at the respective locations are definitely a sight for sore eyes! If you like to go on a local adventure, these are the cycling routes you should not miss!