Southern Ridges, Singapore Travel Guide

Explore the Southern Ridges in Singapore: A scenic 10-kilometer trail connecting lush parks, historical sites, and offering panoramic views of the city and beyond.

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Southern Ridges

The Southern Ridges is a 10-kilometer stretch of green open spaces in Singapore, connecting parks and nature reserves. It offers a refreshing escape from the bustling city, featuring some of the best panoramic views of the city, harbour, and the Southern Islands. One of the highlights of the Southern Ridges is the Henderson Waves, a stunning wave-like bridge that sits 36 meters above Henderson Road. It's the highest pedestrian bridge in Singapore and provides an ideal spot for photography and bird watching. The walk through Southern Ridges also takes you through the lush forests of Mount Faber Park, Telok Blangah Hill Park, and the rich biodiversity of the HortPark. Each park has its unique charm, with scenic trails, themed gardens, and abundant wildlife. For history enthusiasts, the Southern Ridges is not only about nature. Along the way, you can explore the historical remnants of the Second World War and learn more about Singapore’s past through various informational boards and guided tours available in the parks.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Southern Ridges.

Wear comfortable walking shoes as the trails can be long and uneven in some areas.
Carry enough water, especially on hot and humid days, to stay hydrated during your walk.
Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the midday heat and enjoy a cooler walk.
Bring a camera or smartphone to capture the stunning views from Henderson Waves.
Check the weather forecast before heading out, as some trails can be slippery after rain.

Explore Southern Ridges: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Southern Ridges

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Best Attractions

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Changi City Point

Explore Changi City Point, a vibrant shopping mall in Singapore featuring diverse stores, delectable dining, and exciting entertainment options for all.

4.3

Clarke Quay Central

Explore Clarke Quay Central, Singapore's vibrant shopping mall offering an eclectic mix of retail, dining, and entertainment along the historic riverside.

4.3

Sentosa Merlion

Discover the iconic Sentosa Merlion, a majestic symbol of Singapore's rich heritage, offering breathtaking views and deep cultural insights.

4.5

MUSEUM OF ICE CREAM SINGAPORE

Experience the whimsical world of ice cream at Singapore's Museum of Ice Cream, where art meets flavor in a fun-filled adventure.

4.4

Best landmarks in Southern Ridges

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Telok Blangah Hill Park

Experience the tranquility of Telok Blangah Hill Park, a green paradise in Singapore with stunning views and beautiful walking trails.

4.6

Kent Ridge Park

Discover the beauty and history of Kent Ridge Park, an idyllic retreat for nature lovers and history buffs in the heart of Singapore.

4.6

Henderson Waves

Discover Henderson Waves, Singapore's architectural wonder connecting lush parks and offering breathtaking views of the Southern Ridges.

4.7

Bukit Chermin Boardwalk

Discover the tranquil beauty of Bukit Chermin Boardwalk, a scenic escape along the Straits View, ideal for leisurely walks and stunning sunset views.

4.6

Best restaurants in Southern Ridges

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Arbora @ Mount Faber Peak

Savor delightful cuisine amidst stunning views at Arbora @ Mount Faber Peak—Singapore's perfect dining destination for tourists seeking both taste and tranquility.

4.7

Dusk Restaurant & Bar

Experience exquisite dining at Dusk Restaurant & Bar with stunning views of Singapore's skyline atop Mount Faber Peak.

4.5

Guzman y Gomez - Mapletree Business City

Experience authentic Mexican cuisine at Guzman y Gomez - Mapletree Business City, where fast food meets vibrant flavors in Singapore.

4.8

Old Habits Cafe

Discover the vibrant flavors of Asia at Old Habits Cafe, where culinary creativity meets a cozy atmosphere in the heart of Singapore.

4.6

Best bars in Southern Ridges

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Hopscotch (Gillman Barracks)

Discover the vibrant culinary scene at Hopscotch in Gillman Barracks, where innovative grilled dishes meet creative cocktails in an artistic ambiance.

4.6

Handlebar

Experience Handlebar, Singapore's vibrant bar and grill, where culinary creativity meets a lively atmosphere for unforgettable dining.

4.4

1918 Heritage Bar at The Alkaff Mansion

Discover the charm of 1918 Heritage Bar at The Alkaff Mansion, where exquisite cocktails meet historical elegance in Singapore's vibrant nightlife.

4.6

Orh Gao Taproom Craft beer bar

Discover the best craft beers and delicious food at Orh Gao Taproom, Singapore's vibrant destination for beer lovers.

4.4

Best nightclubs in Southern Ridges

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Zouk Singapore

Zouk Singapore: Where the city's nightlife meets world-class DJs and an electrifying atmosphere for unforgettable nights.

4.0

MARQUEE Singapore

Experience the thrill of nightlife at MARQUEE Singapore, featuring world-class DJs, stunning visuals, and a vibrant party atmosphere.

3.3

ALPHA NIGHTLIFE

Unleash your nightlife experience at Alpha Nightlife, Singapore's premier disco club, where music and excitement collide for unforgettable nights.

4.7

The Blackbird

Discover the vibrant sounds and cozy atmosphere of The Blackbird, Singapore's premier live music bar in Bukit Merah, where every night is a musical journey.

4.6

Best shops in Southern Ridges

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Southern Ridges

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Southern Ridges, a lush hiking paradise connecting Singapore's iconic parks with stunning views and rich biodiversity.

4.6

Depot Heights Shopping Centre

Discover the vibrant Depot Heights Shopping Centre in Bukit Merah, Singapore - a shopping paradise with diverse stores, dining options, and local charm.

3.7

Lovingly Signed - Baby Gifts Singapore

Explore Lovingly Signed in Singapore for exquisite baby gifts and personalized embroidery services that celebrate new arrivals with love.

5.0

Cat Socrates

Explore Cat Socrates in Singapore, a whimsical gift shop filled with unique cat-themed treasures and delightful souvenirs perfect for any feline enthusiast.

4.5

Explore Southern Ridges on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Southern Ridges, mapped for you.

Southern Ridges Essentials

The Southern Ridges in Singapore is easily accessible from various parts of the city. The nearest MRT stations are HarbourFront, Kent Ridge, and Labrador Park. From these stations, you can either walk or take a short bus ride to the starting points of the Southern Ridges trails. For those driving, there are parking facilities available at key entry points like Mount Faber Park and HortPark.
Public transportation is highly efficient and reliable in Singapore. You can use the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) system or buses to reach the Southern Ridges. Taxis and ride-hailing services like Grab are also readily available. If you prefer cycling, there are bike rental shops where you can rent a bicycle to explore the trails. Walking is another fantastic way to fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the area.
The official currency in Singapore is the Singapore Dollar (SGD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most establishments, including shops and restaurants around the Southern Ridges. There are also several ATMs available at the nearby shopping malls and MRT stations. It is advisable to carry some cash for smaller transactions, especially if you plan to buy from street vendors or smaller shops.
Singapore is considered one of the safest cities in the world, and the Southern Ridges is no exception. However, it is always good practice to stay vigilant and be aware of your surroundings. Avoid poorly lit areas at night and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists near the Southern Ridges, but standard precautions should always be observed.
In case of an emergency, dial 999 for police assistance or 995 for medical emergencies and fire services. There are also emergency call points along the trails in the Southern Ridges. It is advisable to carry a mobile phone with you at all times. For minor injuries or health issues, there are first aid stations at key points such as HortPark and Mount Faber Park. Make sure you have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.
Fashion: Do wear comfortable walking shoes and light, breathable clothing. Don't wear overly revealing attire. Religion: Do respect local customs and refrain from loud or disruptive behavior in serene areas. Public Transport: Do queue up in an orderly fashion and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'hello' or 'hi'. A simple nod or smile is also appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local snacks and beverages available at the nearby food stalls. Don't litter; use the bins provided.
To experience Southern Ridges like a local, start your walk early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the heat. Bring your own water bottle and snacks to enjoy during your hike. Engage with locals you meet along the way; they often have interesting stories and tips about the area. Don't miss the iconic Henderson Waves bridge for its stunning architecture and panoramic views. If you're interested in flora, take a guided tour at HortPark for an educational experience.

When is the best time to visit Southern Ridges?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Southern Ridges

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Southern Ridges. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- Hello你好
  [Nǐ hǎo]
- Goodbye再见
  [Zài jiàn]
- Yes是的
  [Shì de]
- No不
  [Bù]
- Please/You're welcome请
  [Qǐng]
- Thank you谢谢
  [Xièxiè]
- Excuse me/Sorry对不起
  [Duìbùqǐ]
- How are you?你好吗？
  [Nǐ hǎo ma?]
- Fine. And you?很好。你呢？
  [Hěn hǎo. Nǐ ne?]
- Do you speak English?你会说英文吗？
  [Nǐ huì shuō yīngwén ma?]
- I don't understand我不懂
  [Wǒ bù dǒng]
- I'd like to see the menu, please请给我看菜单
  [Qǐng gěi wǒ kàn càidān]
- I don't eat meat我不吃肉
  [Wǒ bù chī ròu]
- Cheers!干杯！
  [Gān bēi!]
- I would like to pay, please请结账
  [Qǐng jiézhàng]
- Help!救命！
  [Jiùmìng!]
- Go away!走开！
  [Zǒu kāi!]
- Call the Police!叫警察！
  [Jiào jǐngchá!]
- Call a doctor!叫医生！
  [Jiào yīshēng!]
- I'm lost我迷路了
  [Wǒ mílùle]
- I'm ill我病了
  [Wǒ bìngle]
- I'd like to buy...我想买...
  [Wǒ xiǎng mǎi...]
- I'm just looking我只是看看
  [Wǒ zhǐshì kàn kàn]
- How much is it?多少钱？
  [Duōshǎo qián?]
- That's too expensive太贵了
  [Tài guìle]
- Can you lower the price?可以便宜点吗？
  [Kěyǐ piányi diǎn ma?]
- What time is it?现在几点？
  [Xiànzài jǐ diǎn?]
- It's one o'clock一点钟了
  [Yī diǎn zhōngle]
- Half past (10)十点半
  [Shí diǎn bàn]
- Morning早上
  [Zǎoshang]
- Afternoon下午
  [Xiàwǔ]
- Evening晚上
  [Wǎnshang]
- Yesterday昨天
  [Zuótiān]
- Today今天
  [Jīntiān]
- Tomorrow明天
  [Míngtiān]
- 1一
  [Yī]
- 2二
  [Èr]
- 3三
  [Sān]
- 4四
  [Sì]
- 5五
  [Wǔ]
- 6六
  [Liù]
- 7七
  [Qī]
- 8八
  [Bā]
- 9九
  [Jiǔ]
- 10十
  [Shí]
- Where's a/the...?...在哪里？
  [...Zài nǎlǐ?]
- What's the address?地址是什么？
  [Dìzhǐ shì shénme?]
- Can you show me (on the map)?你能给我看（地图上）吗？
  [Nǐ néng gěi wǒ kàn (dìtú shàng) ma?]
- When's the next (bus)?下一班（公交车）什么时候？
  [Xià yī bān (gōngjiāochē) shénme shíhòu?]
- A ticket (to ....)一张票（到...）
  [Yī zhāng piào (dào...)]

History of Southern Ridges

The Southern Ridges area has a rich history dating back to the early settlement of Singapore. During the British colonial period, the area was part of the larger expanse of forested land that stretched across the island. The British established military installations and fortifications in the area to protect the strategically important harbor and city of Singapore.
One of the most significant historical events in the Southern Ridges is the Battle of Bukit Chandu during World War II. In February 1942, the Malay Regiment made a valiant stand against the advancing Japanese forces at this site. Despite being outnumbered and outgunned, the regiment's bravery is remembered as a symbol of resistance and sacrifice. The Reflections at Bukit Chandu museum now commemorates this battle and the soldiers who fought there.
After World War II, Singapore underwent rapid urbanization and development. The Southern Ridges area, with its lush greenery and strategic location, became a prime site for residential and recreational development. The government initiated various projects to preserve the natural landscape while accommodating the growing population. This balance between development and conservation is a hallmark of modern Singapore.
In the early 21st century, the Singapore government launched an ambitious project to create a continuous green corridor linking several parks and nature reserves. The Southern Ridges Park Connector was officially opened in 2008, connecting Mount Faber Park, Telok Blangah Hill Park, HortPark, Kent Ridge Park, and Labrador Nature Reserve. The project aimed to provide recreational spaces for residents and visitors while preserving the area's natural heritage.
The Southern Ridges is home to a variety of cultural and natural attractions. Henderson Waves, an architecturally stunning pedestrian bridge, offers panoramic views of the city and the harbor. HortPark serves as a hub for gardening enthusiasts with its themed gardens and educational programs. Kent Ridge Park, with its rich biodiversity, provides a tranquil escape from the urban hustle. These attractions highlight the area's blend of natural beauty and cultural significance.
Conservation efforts in the Southern Ridges continue to be a priority for the Singapore government and various environmental organizations. Initiatives such as reforestation, habitat restoration, and wildlife monitoring are ongoing to ensure the area's ecological health. Public awareness campaigns and community involvement play a crucial role in maintaining the Southern Ridges as a green sanctuary amidst the urban landscape.