Are you feeling bored of the hustle and bustle of the city of Singapore? it's time to explore this one of the few nature tourism spot in Singapore, called the Green Corridor, one of the few green tourism establishments that you should not miss.
The Green Corridor is more frequently visited by local residents. it's still very rare to find foreign tourists traveling to enjoy this piece of greenery in the concrete jungle that is Singapore.
A local favorite, the Green Corridor is a 23 kilometers long railway line from Tanjong Pagar to Woodlands.
Parts of these paths have been turned into nature trails. The trail starts from Kranji to Bukit Panjang, Bukit Timah, Holland Village, Tanglin and finally ends at Alexandra. Explore these corridors traversing fields, sidewalks, and even railroad remnants.
The railway line, which was closed in July 2011, has now become one of the residents' favorite destinations for trekking and hiking due to the scenery along the railroad tracks with trees and weeds along the tracks creating an enjoyable and interesting sight that can be enjoyed along the way.
Since the Green Corridor is a long route, we recommend dividing it into increments especially if you are new to hiking or want to take a relaxing hike.
You can divide the hike into two parts, the first being the South Rail Corridor, you can follow the line along the Old Bukit Timah Railway Station to Jalan Kilang Barat in Alexandra. Furthermore, for the second route, you can go through the North Rail Corridor, which starts from the Old Bukit Timah Train to Kranji.
But if you are up to the challenge, go ahead and conquer the entire Green Corridor in one day! It will take you about 4-6 hours to complete the entire route without stopping.
So what else we could expect from this trail? Let's scroll down this page!
Image Credit: EquatorialSky2, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
It is incomplete if we visit Green Corridor without stopping by at the old Bukit Timah Railway Station. Walking here will take you back in time as this station was built in 1903. It is the only suburban train station left in Singapore. It resembles a traditional small-town train station that can be found in England and Europe.
The beauty of the old Bukit Timah train station is still well preserved, even though it has not been used for a long time. The buildings, railway signs, and railroad tracks are still intact, so this station looks interesting to explore.
At this station, you can take photos with old train tracks or pose on the train station signboards. you can also take spots in some of the iconic parts of the train equipment. Believe me, your Instagram feed will look marvelous!
You want to start climbing at the Bukit Timah Railway Station. Make sure to prepare a bottle of fresh drink to keep yourself hydrated and avoid dehydration. When you're all prep and ready, start off by climbing towards Bukit Timah.
Bukit Timah is a fairly quiet hike. You can climb with the help of holding on to rocks and tree roots, it can be said that it is quite challenging, it might take some agility and stamina to get to the top of the hill.
Bukit Timah is Singapore's highest natural peak. Bukit Timah Summit has a height of 163 meters above sea level. As you climb there, an information board congratulates you. “You have reached the top of Singapore's highest natural point at 163.8 meters. The first people to reach the summit was Singapore's Resident Councillor John Prince and his contractors in June 1827. "
At that time, John Prince took five hours to climb this route from the south. A time when you can hear the sound of tigers roaring in Bukit Timah at dusk. In 1843, the hiking trail to the Bukit Timah Summit began to be built.
Image Credit: Zairon, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
This tourist spot is able to offer a different experience for travelers visiting Singapore.
Bukit Timah Nature Reserve is a small nature reserve on the slopes of Bukit Timah. The nature reserve area is located about 12 kilometers from the Downtown Core, which is the central business district in Singapore.
Although the nature reserve area in Bukit Timah has a relatively small area, this area is considered to be one of the most productive natural areas with hundreds of species of flora and fauna. Currently, this nature reserve area is also one of the largest primary rainforest areas in Singapore. The protected forest itself has officially become a part of the ASEAN Heritage Park since 2011.
The Bukit Timah Nature Reserve area is one of the most popular destinations for those of you who like tourist spots in touch with nature. There are a number of exciting activities that can be done and enjoyed while in the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve area. Among them, you can go hiking, mountain biking, get closer to a variety of flora and fauna and you can see a very beautiful granite lake.
Image Credit: Singapore Tourism Board
Founded in the early 1900s by the Dutch community in Singapore, Holland Village was once home to British Army personnel and their families. Those of you who are looking to enjoy the atmosphere of a plantation, colonial houses, and greenhouses must-visit Holland Village. This European-influenced heritage can still be seen in the rows of ancient shophouses and buildings here.
The district is named after the British architect Hugh Holland. Over the years, Holland Village has earned a reputation as a gathering place for creative people and as a birthplace for local artists, musicians, and entrepreneurs.
The heart of Holland Village is located along Lorong Mambong, which exudes a charming European charm, and is also an array of open-air cafes, restaurants, and popular lifestyle outlets.
Image Credit: Hillview1., CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Two truss bridges are the next destination. This bridge has been preserved as a historical heritage site.
This historic bridge is a rare sight in Singapore and can be found along the Bukit Timah Road which is still close to the King Albert Park MRT station and The Rail Mall.
The truss bridge near the Bukit Timah Railway Station has been reopened to the public after previously undergoing repairs. Here's a tip, this place is a popular spot for some Insta-worthy photos!
One very interesting feature that you should pay attention to when trekking is the distance marker, a device that is installed and reminds you of ancient railroad tracks.
The distance marker is intentionally installed on the edge of the train line and has the purpose of being a boundary marking the train stop before entering the station, this sign is visible at Tanjong Pagar Railway Station. Over time, the function and form of markers began to change and develop.
Just south of the Bukit Timah Railway Station around Holland Estate, the Green Corridor line will pass through the Clementi Forest.
This untouched forest is said to be the second-largest wildlife habitat after the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and is also rich in biodiversity. This stretch of the Green Corridor is definitely a refreshing and enjoyable journey.
As you admire and appreciate the lush greenery of Clementi Forest, remember that it is important to conserve our natural space so that we can continue to enjoy it more.
One of the most beautiful places hidden along the Green Corridor is the Wessex Estate, like going back in time, you'll be treated to exploring the black-and-white colonial-style houses scattered around the area.
The houses here were built in the 1940s for British officers and soldiers when Singapore was still under colonial rule. Today, they are a mix of residential properties, art studios, and event spaces.
Image Credit: Hang Jebat Mosque on Facebook
It was built around the 1950s, the Hang Jebat Mosque is one of the few village mosques remaining in Singapore today. This mosque is located right beside where the old railroad tracks stand.
Starting as a surau for the soldiers of the Malay Regiment and Muslim workers at the Wessex Estate, Hang Jebat Mosque is a great place for you to stop, rest and pray while on a hike.
Going on an adventure in new nature tourism areas surely offers new excitement of the experience. Like the Green Corridor area, for example, tours with natural nuances and ancient-style buildings are an unforgettable part for you.
Wanna visit the Green Corridor? Let's give it a shot then!
