Why jog outdoors? What better way to improve one’s cardiovascular health, increase endurance, and help with weight loss while experiencing the scenic nature?
Moreover, jogging can be enjoyed in a social setting or by yourself. Need some tips on where to jog? Here are 7 popular jogging routes in Singapore:
1. East Coast Park
Family friendly and home to numerous running events held across the year, East Coast Park is the quintessential sports haunt for locals residing in the east. The park has a wide pavement that splits between cyclists and runners, making it a safer route for everyone (especially at night). Seasoned runners training for marathons will appreciate the total distance of the track (at approx. 21km) from end to end offers scenic coastal views and a variety of activities such as cycling and inline skating.
2. Marina Bay District
What’s not to love about the infamous Marina Bay skyline? It offers scenic views of the city skyline, alongside Gardens by the Bay and the iconic Marina Bay Sands. Especially cool in the late evenings, this route is popular with working professionals looking for a break from an entire day of looking at the computer. Take on the urban jungle and run beside famous landmarks such as the Art Science Museum, Helix Bridge, The Float @ Marina Bay and the iconic Esplanade.
3. MacRitchie Reservoir Park
Singapore’s oldest reservoir is loved by runners not only for its sheer size but for its tranquil views and rich biodiversity. With a mixture of trails, boardwalks and steps, MacRitchie reservoir is great for runners of all levels. While the area is remote, the reservoir also includes a few amenities for visitors like toilets, lockers, water coolers and even showers. Running along the trail covers a total of 10 kilometres in a loop, with shorter five kilometres routes available as well. So do plan ahead and stick to the trails as some parts do go through forested areas.
4. Punggol Waterway Park & Coney Island
Enjoy the cool breeze and take advantage of the tranquility of Punggol park with a relaxing run on the boardwalk that outlines the river. Punggol park is also part of a bigger network of tracks, allowing you to continue your route into Coney Island and out, offering scenic views of the water which also means that you are able to cover at least six kilometres in total. Do remember to bring along a water bottle and some light snacks as this route can be quite challenging to find amenities along the way.
5. The Southern Ridges
We suggest starting on the Marang Trail at Mount Faber Park, and immerse yourself in forested terrain that’s filled with Saga and Angsana trees along a 10 kilometre trail that connects several parks and offers scenic views of the city.
Your jog will take you upslope to Mount Faber Hill, where you’ll be treated to views of the Southern Islands, with cruise ships dotting the horizon. If you plan to linger a little longer, take a break at the Jewel Box’s Arbora and Dusk, and fuel up with a quick snack before moving on.
Be sure to stop by the iconic 274 metres-long Henderson Waves—the tallest pedestrian bridge in Singapore that is known for its iconic, wave-like structure, and is a popular haunt of local photographers.
Slow down to a jog when you reach the elevated Forest Walk of Telok Blangah Hill Park, before exiting at the Alexandra Arch.
Keep a look out for the Berlayer Creek signage, and you’ll be on the right track to Labrador Nature Reserve. During the last stretch of your jog, you’ll pass by scenic landmarks such as the Dragon’s Teeth Gate and the Red Beacon, so be sure to have your smartphone or camera ready.
6. Bedok Reservoir
Another popular recreational site for locals staying in the east, the route along Bedok reservoir covers approximately five kilometres and offers a mixture of pavement and gravel. It is considered one of the most convenient running routes because it is easily accessible by public transport and near residential areas in Bedok. It is a mix of forested areas as well as views of the reservoir.
7. Singapore Botanic Gardens
With its status as Singapore’s oldest garden and the country’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Singapore Botanic Gardens is at the top of our list to visit regardless whether you’re going for a jog or not. Verdant nature trails and well-marked paths make this route suitable for joggers and nature lovers of all ages.
Experience the National Orchid Garden — home to over 1,000 orchid species. After the Ginger Garden, another pit-stop can be made at the Bandstand, which features the garden’s iconic white pavilion.
Proceed to Swan Lake, where you can next take a break to admire the still water against the greenery of the park. If you’re feeling peckish, grab a bite at The Halia, before continuing towards the end point at Tanglin Gate.
Conclusion
Jogging is a great way to improve cardiovascular fitness, increase endurance, and burn calories while exploring these scenic routes. Hopefully, you can build up your stamina and then create your own preferred jogging routes!
Jogging is also a low-impact form of exercise, which makes it easy on the joints, making it a good option for people of all ages and fitness levels. It can be done outdoors in parks, on trails, or on a track, or it can be done indoors on a treadmill.
To get the most benefits from jogging, it is important to wear comfortable and supportive shoes, and to start with a slow pace and gradually increase the intensity over time. It’s also important to stay hydrated, and to warm up and cool down properly before and after jogging.
Images: Envato, National Parks Board, Trip Advisor, Flickr, JustRunLah.com
