Ready to embark on a green adventure through Singapore’s revitalised Rail Corridor? With the Rail Corridor now stretching from lush sanctuaries in the north to dynamic community nodes in the south, every step leads to a new discovery.
Along this 24km-long green passage, you’ll find everything from rich heritage at the Bukit Timah Railway Station to lush stretches near Clementi Forest, offering a refreshing retreat in the heart of the city. The corridor is divided into three main stretches – North (10km), South (10km) and Central (4km) – and each offer different landscapes and levels of difficulty to cater to every type of outdoor or nature enthusiast.
Exciting developments are also on the horizon, including the upcoming node under Queensway Viaduct set for completion in 2027, the restoration of the historic Tanjong Pagar Railway Station and the transformation of the former Bukit Timah Fire Station into a bustling community hub by mid-2025. Each of these projects promises to enhance the Rail Corridor’s appeal, weaving even more cultural and recreational opportunities.
So put on your sneakers or get on your bicycle and set off on an exploration of this sprawling urban oasis. Whether you’re an ardent nature lover or just looking for a family-friendly outdoor activity, the Rail Corridor promises a treasure trove of fun experiences.
SOUTHERN STRETCH
In 2016, over 30,000 people turned up to say farewell to the Tanjong Pagar Railway Station, marking the end of an era for a key terminus of the Rail Corridor. With the station closed for renovations, the story of the Rail Corridor continues to unfold along its approximately 10km southern stretch.
1. Clementi Forest
Away from the hustle near the highways, the path meanders through the serene Clementi Forest, a jungle escape replete with towering trees.
This section offers a slice of adventure, with its muddy trails and fallen trees providing a rugged escape for those looking to venture off the beaten path. It’s a true hidden gem, largely untouched and perfect for those seeking a bit of wilderness.
2. Buona Vista Community Node
Sitting cosily at the crossroads of North Buona Vista Road and Commonwealth Avenue, this 1.6ha marvel is the new hotspot in town.
A world of activities await here. Flex your muscles or find your zen in the sprawling 900sqm “plug-and-play” area under the North Buona Vista Link viaduct. Kids will love the whimsical playground peppered with biophilic designs that blur the lines between nature and play.
This new community node is not just a pretty space. It also features a 500sqm lawn doubling as an outdoor event haven, ready to host anything from yoga sessions to starlit movie nights. Stroll along paths lined with vegetated, shallow water-filled ditches that mimic the historical marshland landscapes of the Rail Corridor, and keep your eyes peeled for critically endangered plants such as Lepironia articulata and the sleek narrow-leaf cattail.
Perfectly positioned near The Metropolis and the upcoming Elementum, and a stone’s throw from Buona Vista MRT interchange, the Buona Vista node is a gateway to greenery, heritage and boundless fun for everyone!
GETTING THERE
By bus: Take 74, 91, 95, 100, 105, 106, 111, 147, 185, 191, 196, 198 or 200 and alight opposite Blk 43
By MRT: Exit at Buona Vista MRT Station. From there, head towards Exit D and enter the node via accesses near The Metropolis.
3. Holland Green Linear Park
Your journey continues as you approach the serene stretches of Holland Green Linear Park, which links the Rail Corridor with the future Ulu Pandan West Nature Park.
Traverse across the Bukit Timah Diversion Canal, where the park’s man-made waterfall awaits. Across from the water’s cascade, the expansive green field offers a scenic picnic spot or a chance to capture that Insta-worthy sunset shot.
Leaving the lush Holland Green behind, the trail leads directly to the historical Old Bukit Timah Railway Station, marking the transition from the southern to the central section of the Rail Corridor.
GETTING THERE
By bus: Take 165, 75, 61, 7 or 156 and alight at Ulu Pandan Road
By MRT: Exit at Dover MRT Station. From there, head towards Ulu Pandan Road. Alternatively, alight at King Albert Park MRT and head towards Bukit Timah Road.
CENTRAL STRETCH
The central stretch of the Rail Corridor is perfect for anyone looking for a scenic and straightforward route. It is known as the most walkable part of the trail. This accessible 4km section extends from Bukit Timah Railway Station on Bukit Timah Road to Hillview Road near Hillview MRT.
Having reopened in 2021 after extensive renovations, this central stretch is rich with historical features like steel bridges and preserved railway tracks. Be sure to check out the pathway between the Bukit Timah Truss Bridge and Upper Bukit Timah Truss Bridge. It was previously closed for enhancements and now provides a smooth and inviting walkway for visitors.
4. Old Bukit Timah Railway Station
Immerse yourself in the nostalgic charm of the Bukit Timah Railway Station, a historical gem right in the heart of the Rail Corridor. Once owned by Malaysia and returned to Singapore in 2011, this conserved station is more than just a transit spot; it’s a portal to the past.
Fresh off a two-year restoration, the station now houses a heritage gallery where you can learn all about its rich history. You can engage with original train operation equipment like track switching levers and a meticulously replicated signals diagram, all of which bring the vibrant history of the station to life.
As you soak up the echoes of the past, don’t miss the stunning views of the Bukit Timah Truss Bridge, another iconic landmark.
GETTING THERE
By bus: Take 67, 74, 77, 151, 154, 157, 170, 174, 852, 961, 961M or 970 and alight at King Albert Park MRT Station
By MRT: Exit at King Albert Park MRT. From there, head towards Exit A and proceed to walk along Bukit Timah Road to reach the Rail Corridor entrance.
5. Hindhede Nature Park
Right next to the grand Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, Hindhede Nature Park offers a family-friendly retreat with easy walking trails that are great for leisurely jaunts, curious kids and budding hikers.
As you wander, keep your eyes peeled for playful plantain squirrels, the dramatic swoop of the Greater Racket-tailed Drongo and the striking Banded Woodpecker. Little adventurers can conquer climbing frames, swing into fun on the ziplines and more at the park’s vibrant playground located mid-trail, about halfway to the lookout point.
A highlight of the nature park is the scenic Hindhede Quarry, located at the end of the park. Its stunning rock cliffs and tranquil waters make it a popular photo spot.
GETTING THERE
By MRT: Exit at Beauty World MRT
6. Dairy Farm Nature Park and Singapore Quarry
Just a stone’s throw north of Hindhede Nature Park is Dairy Farm Nature Park. Once bustling withdairy cows, this park now brims with rich biodiversity. Whether you’re hiking, biking or indulging in educational endeavours at the Wallace Education Centre, there’s something here for every nature enthusiast.
At the Wallace Education Centre, you can also engage with interactive exhibits about nature’s marvels, celebrating Alfred Russel Wallace, a key figure in the development of natural selection theories.
Don’t miss the Singapore Quarry, a transformed granite quarry that is now a peaceful lake. Follow the historic trail and stroll over to the picturesque Singapore Quarry Bridge. Its scenic cliffs and waterside views offer a picturesque escape, making it a fantastic spot for some family fun or a serene solo retreat. Ideal for birdwatching, spot the Stork-billed Kingfishers or dragonflies zipping over tranquil waters.
Getting To Dairy Farm Nature Park
By MRT: Exit at Hillview MRT Station
Getting To Singapore Quarry
Singapore Quarry is located in Dairy Farm Nature Park. The quarry is about a 30-minute walk from the park.
7. Upper Bukit Timah Truss Bridge
Right next to the Rail Mall is the Upper Bukit Timah Truss Bridge. Built in 1932, the bridge is more than just a pathway that stands as a testament to past engineering. After a recent spruce-up, this bridge is now a prime spot for photographers and selfie-seekers alike. From cyclists whizzing by to hikers taking a breather, it’s a hub of activity framed by the lush greenery of the central stretch of the Rail Corridor.
Linking directly to the start of the Green Corridor hiking trail, the bridge offers a scenic starting point for your adventure or a picturesque pause in your journey. Whether you’re starting here or are making your way up from the southern stretch, grab a refreshing drink from one of the nearby cafes at Rail Mall and toast to trails yet to be trekked!
GETTING THERE
By bus: Take 67, 75, 170, 171, 178, 184, 961 or 961C
By MRT: Exit at Hillview MRT Station
NORTHERN STRETCH
Buckle up for an invigorating journey through the Rail Corridor (North), a refreshing 10km stretch from Hillview MRT to Kranji MRT. This northern trail offers a revamped experience that boasts an enhanced trail which stitches together over 21km of lush, uninterrupted north-south connectivity.
Explore this northern stretch through 12 newly minted access paths, ending conveniently at the new Kranji node. This part of the corridor has been thoughtfully transformed, now featuring state-of-the-art amenities that cater to nature lovers, fitness enthusiasts and community gatherings.
8. Kranji Node
If you’ve trekked or pedalled from the Upper Bukit Timah Truss Bridge all the way up, congratulations! You’ve reached the Kranji node, a gem tucked away right across from Kranji MRT station.
Step into the sprawling new 2,000sqm events field, a fresh hub for community fun. This area is ringed by a charming 250m nature trail, a perfect prelude or wind-down pathway surrounded by lush native flora. As you wander through the nature trail, expect to see towering Geronggang trees and brush past aromatic Malayan Eaglewood trees.
Be sure not to miss the new bridge and lookout deck along Hillview, which offer stunning views draped in green and a seamless connection that weaves the old railway charm into modern trek-friendly paths.
GETTING THERE
By bus: Take 160, 170, 170X, 178, 925, 925M, 960 or 961 and alight opposite Kranji MRT Station
By MRT: Exit at Kranji MRT Station and cross the pedestrian overhead bridge
*This article has been edited and adapted with permission from Now Boarding by Changi Airport’s “Guide to Singapore’s Rail Corridor: Your gateway to urban exploration”
