Running in Singapore: routes in parks and nature reserves

Singapore offers several distinct environments for running. Visitors can choose between forest trails at MacRitchie Reservoir Park, a long coastal path at East Coast Park, or paved routes within the Singapore Botanic Gardens and Gardens by the Bay.

MacRitchie provides a network of trails with defined difficulty levels, while East Coast Park offers a 13km route suitable for distance running. The gardens provide accessible paths, but cycling and skating are not permitted in the Botanic Gardens.

MacRitchie Reservoir Park

This park contains Singapore's oldest reservoir and a 20km network of trails through a forest reserve. Runners can choose from routes like the 3km Prunus Trail, rated as easy, or the 10.3km route to the TreeTop Walk, which is rated moderate to difficult.

The nature reserve is open from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm daily. Visitors must stay on designated trails. Bicycles, skateboards, and dogs are not allowed in the reserve. Parking is available at the park.

Park description

a popular spot for nature lovers and water sports enthusiasts alike

Reservoir description and location

the oldest and biggest reservoir in Singapore, lying amidst the lush greenery of the surrounding Central Catchment Nature Reserve

Address

601 Island Club Road (Located close to Singapore Island Country Club, via Venus Drive)

MacRitchie trails network length

20km network of trails and boardwalks winds through over 2,000 hectares of forest

Route 1 (Prunus Trail) length

3km

Route 3 (TreeTop Walk) length

10.3km

Route 1 (Prunus Trail) difficulty

Easy

Route 3 (TreeTop Walk) difficulty

Moderate to difficult

Sources: Hiking and nature walks at Central Catchment Nature Reserve (nparks.gov.sg), Hello MacRitchie (nparks.gov.sg), Central Catchment Nature Reserve (nparks.gov.sg). Official pages, checked Oct 21, 2026.

East Coast Park

East Coast Park provides a 13km route with views of the sea. The park is open 24 hours, making it suitable for runs at any time. Its smooth pathways are shared with cyclists and inline skaters. The park is located on the Eastern Coastal Loop of the Park Connector Network.

Park theme and activities

Themed “Recreation for All”, this park has something for everyone. Enjoy diverse recreational, sporting and dining activities alongside views of the sea.

Location on Park Connector Network

Located on the Eastern Coastal Loop and Round Island Route of the Park Connector Network

Street location

Along East Coast Parkway and East Coast Park Service Road

Park length

13km

Park opening hours

Open 24 hours

Parking fees

Parking fees may apply

Parking availability

Car park locations are available

Nearby MRT station

Bedok MRT station

Source: East Coast Park (nparks.gov.sg). Official page, checked Oct 21, 2026.

Singapore Botanic Gardens

The Singapore Botanic Gardens are open from 5am to midnight daily, with free entry. Runners can use the paths within the gardens. The site is accessible via the Napier and Botanic Gardens MRT stations.

Note that cycling, scootering, and skateboarding are not permitted inside. If you bring a pet, it must be leashed and is not allowed in certain attractions like the National Orchid Garden. Parking is available with per-minute charges.

Address

1 Cluny Rd, Singapore 259569

Gardens opening hours

5am to 12mn daily

National Orchid Garden opening hours

8.30am to 7pm (Last Ticket sale & entry at 6pm)

Gardens entry fee

Free entry for everyone, everyday

National Orchid Garden entry fee (Children under 12)

Free

Parking details

Eight parking zones available, charged at $0.02 per minute. Car parks operate from 5am to 12mn daily (except Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden car park, closed Mondays). Overnight parking is not permitted.

Nearest MRT stations

Napier Station (Thomson East Coast Line), Botanic Gardens Station (Circle Line & Downtown Line)

Bus stops (Tanglin Entrance)

Bus stop along Holland and Napier Road (for Tanglin Entrance) served by buses 7, 75, 77, 105, 106, 123, 174, 174E, 502

Sources: Visitor Information (sbg.nparks.gov.sg), Singapore Botanic Gardens (nparks.gov.sg). Official pages, checked Oct 21, 2026.

Gardens by the Bay

Gardens by the Bay offers several outdoor areas for running with extended hours. The Bay East Garden is open 24 hours, while other outdoor gardens are open from 5:00 am to 2:00 am daily. Admission to the Supertree Grove area is free.

The gardens are accessible from Bayfront MRT station. Be aware that there may be a diversion for pedestrians on the Waterfront Promenade. Cyclists heading towards Marina Barrage are advised to use an alternate route around the garden's perimeter.

Name of place

Gardens by the Bay

Location

Singapore

Bay East Garden hours

Daily: 24 hours

Outdoor Gardens hours

Daily: 5.00am – 2.00am

Active Garden hours

Daily: 5.00am – 2.00am

Kingfisher Wetlands hours

Daily: 5.00am – 2.00am

Bay East Car Park hours

Daily: 5.00am – 2.00am

Supertree Grove admission

Free admission

Sources: Opening Hours & Closures (gardensbythebay.com.sg), Supertree Grove (gardensbythebay.com.sg). Official pages, checked Oct 21, 2026.

Before you go

• Confirm the opening and closing times before you go, as some attractions like the TreeTop Walk have specific hours and weekly closures.
• Understand the rules for wheeled transport: cycling is permitted at East Coast Park but not in the Botanic Gardens or MacRitchie Reserve.
• If driving, be aware that parking fees may apply and some car parks have specific operating hours.
• Pets are not permitted in the MacRitchie nature reserve and are restricted from certain areas within the Botanic Gardens.
• Stay on designated trails in nature reserves and do not touch wildlife in intertidal areas.
• Take precautions against box jellyfish if you plan to enter the water at East Coast Park.

More cities: City running and hiking guides.