Southern Ridges & Henderson Waves

The Southern Ridges are a chain of green hills along Singapore's southern edge, joined by bridges and boardwalks into roughly 10 kilometres of walking routes. The trail links Mount Faber Park, Telok Blangah Hill Park, HortPark and Kent Ridge Park, and it offers a rare chance to walk for hours through forest and parkland without leaving the city, with views over the harbour, the southern islands and the high-rise estates below.

The best-known section is Henderson Waves, Singapore's highest pedestrian bridge, which stands 36 metres above Henderson Road and connects Mount Faber with Telok Blangah Hill. Its deck is shaded by curving timber ribs that rise and fall like waves, with small alcoves where you can sit, and it is lit after dark. Further west, the Forest Walk is an elevated steel walkway that runs through the canopy of secondary forest at Telok Blangah Hill, and Alexandra Arch, a leaf-shaped bridge over Alexandra Road, leads on towards HortPark, a garden of themed plots and greenhouses. Kent Ridge Park, at the western end, has a canopy walk and quieter trails.

A popular half-day route starts at Mount Faber, crosses Henderson Waves, follows the Forest Walk and ends at HortPark, about five kilometres in all. You can join or leave the trail at several points, so it is easy to tailor the distance to your fitness and the weather. Start early in the morning or in the late afternoon to avoid the midday heat, carry plenty of water and wear proper walking shoes, as there are hills and steps. Long-tailed macaques live in the forest, so keep food out of sight and do not feed them.

The walk suits active couples, families with older children and solo walkers who want a break from the city. The main bridges and boardwalks are well built, though some sections include stairs and slopes, so check routes in advance if you are using a wheelchair or pushing a buggy. The parks are free and open throughout the day.

HarbourFront MRT station is close to the Mount Faber end, where you can also take the cable car up the hill or across to Sentosa. At the western end, Labrador Park and Kent Ridge stations serve Kent Ridge Park, and HortPark is a short bus or taxi ride from either. Finish with food at the hawker centres in the Telok Blangah estates or at VivoCity next to HarbourFront.