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Singapore's Top 3 City Walks
Welcome to one of the most captivating cities in Asia – Singapore. This bustling metropolis has it all – from its iconic skyscrapers, lush green spaces, and a mix of different cultures that make it unique. If you’re a walking enthusiast, you’re in for a treat! Singapore offers a variety of city walks that will take you on a journey through the city’s most iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and diverse neighbourhoods.
In this blog, we’ll introduce you to Singapore’s top three city walks that will allow you to immerse yourself in the vibrant ambiance of the Lion City. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced walker, these walks cater to all levels of fitness and offer a rewarding way to explore the city.
Photo: Graham Hobster / Pixabay
City Walk 1 - Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade, Marina Bay
City Walk 2 - Chinatown Heritage Trail, Chinatown
City Walk 3 - Kampong Glam and Haji Lane, Kampong Glam
City Walk 1
Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade
Location
Marina Bay, approximately 2 km (1.2 miles) from the city center
Walk-Trail Length
Approximately 3.5 km (2.2 miles)
Walking-Time Duration
1-2 hours
Starting Location & Public Transport Accessibility
Start at Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort, accessible by MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) - Bayfront Station (CE1/DT16)
City Landmarks along the Walk
Marina Bay Sands, ArtScience Museum, Merlion Park, Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Financial Centre
Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade (Photo: Aline Ang / Pexels)
Marina Bay is one of the must-visit destinations for any traveler in Singapore. The Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade is the perfect place to start your walking journey.
Begin at Merlion Park, an iconic landmark in Singapore, to take a snapshot with the famous half-fish, half-lion statue, and the scenic Marina Bay backdrop.
Next, walk past the Esplanade Concert Hall and the Float before heading towards the Helix Bridge. This architectural marvel is a double helix bridge and offers excellent views of Marina Bay and its surrounding futuristic buildings.
As you cross over the Helix Bridge, you’ll be awestruck by the art-science museum standing in front of you. An exhibition of interesting creative arts and photo galleries is hosted in the museum, so be sure to check them out if you have some time.
Walking along the Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade will take you past a variety of landmarks, including the famous Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort, which has become synonymous with Singapore’s skyline globally.
A marvel of modern architecture, the shimmering and glittering resort is a sight not to be missed – and of course, you can also enjoy the resort’s shops or dine at one of its many restaurants.
After the Marina Sands Resort, continue walking across to the Marina Boulevard over to the Marina Bay Financial Centre and marvel at its imposing skyline. As you walk further along the promenade, you’ll reach Gardens by the Bay, where you can witness the Supertrees, the beautiful Flower Dome, and the Cloud Forest, a cooled greenhouse with the world’s tallest indoor waterfall.
City Walk 2
Chinatown Heritage Trail
Location
Chinatown, approximately 2 km (1.2 miles) from the city center
Walk-Trail Length
Approximately 2.5 km (1.6 miles)
Walking-Time Duration
1-2 hours
Starting Location & Public Transport Accessibility
Start at Pagoda Street, accessible by MRT - Chinatown Station (NE4/DT19)
City Landmarks along the Walk
Sri Mariamman Temple, Chinatown Complex, Thian Hock Keng Temple, Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum, Maxwell Food Centre
Chinatown Heritage Trail (Photo: Jason Goh / Pixabay)
Next on our list is Chinatown, a bustling neighbourhood that is steeped in history and has been transformed into a popular tourist spot. Begin your walk at the Chinatown Complex Food Centre, a foodie’s haven, where you can sample traditional local delights.
Take time to admire the colourful murals adorning the walls as you stroll along Pagoda street, which is lined with traditional shophouses selling souvenirs, clothing, and jewellry. As you turn left into Sago Lane, you’ll discover one of the oldest streets in Singapore, and you can observe the restored pre-war shophouses.
Immerse yourself in the cool calm atmosphere of the Sri Mariamman Temple, one of Singapore’s oldest Hindu temples, with its stunning depiction of various divine figures.
After the Sri Mariamman Temple, continue walking to the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum, home to a sacred relic of the Buddha. The exhibition of the temple is spread over four floors and houses many artifacts, including the Bodhi tree in which the Buddha sat when attaining enlightenment.
After the cultural experience, head to nearby Maxwell Food Centre to indulge in local hawker fare and satisfy your cravings for hunger.
Explore further through Ann Sian Hill Park on your way to the awe-inspiring Thian Hock Keng Temple. This picturesque Chinese temple is known for its intricate carvings, elaborate rooftop, and detailed murals, all dating back to the early 19th century. The temple is dedicated to the fertility goddess, Mazu, and offers a tranquil ambiance worthy of a visit.
City Walk 3
Kampong Glam and Haji Lane
Location
Kampong Glam, approximately 3 km (1.9 miles) from the city center
Walk-Trail Length
Approximately 1.5 km (0.9 miles)
Walking-Time Duration
1-2 hours
Starting Location & Public Transport Accessibility
Start at Sultan Mosque, accessible by MRT - Bugis Station (DT14/EW12)
City Landmarks along the Walk
Sultan Mosque, Haji Lane, Arab Street, Malay Heritage Centre, Kampong Glam Cafe
Kampong Glam (Photo: Bob Tan)
Our final destination takes you to Kampong Glam, the historic Malay-Arab quarter of Singapore – where you’ll experience a unique blend of cultures.
Our journey starts at Haji Lane, a colourful, narrow lane with trendy boutiques, quirky cafes, and colourful murals. We promise that the Lane’s aesthetic beauty will leave you enthralled. As you step out of Haji Lane, you’ll stumble upon vibrant Arab Street with its traditional Persian carpet, batik fabric shops, and Middle Eastern cuisine offering magical tastes for your taste buds to savour.
Then, a short walk from Arab street takes you to the Sultan Mosque. The mosque is an architectural gem that offers the perfect blend of Ottoman and Islamic architecture. You can’t afford to miss a visit to the mosque as it will leave you captivated by its beauty, particularly the gorgeous gold-coated dome.
The Malay Heritage Centre is an essential stop on our Kampong Glam journey. Dive deep into Malay culture and tradition by exploring its exhibits and galleries, depicting the history of the Malay community living in Singapore since the 19th century. The centre offers a glimpse of how the community lived during the earlier periods, their families, and origins.
Finding a traditional Malay restaurant is easy in Kampong Glam. You’ll discover that the rich Arabian heritage in Kampong Glam has influenced the country’s culinary scene. Take time to relax and enjoy in a cozy café while savouring traditional Malay dishes before ending the day.
Singapore’s top three city walks offer a unique and immersive way to experience the city’s alluring beauty. From the futuristic skyline of Marina Bay to the historic streets of Chinatown and the vibrant Malay-Arab quarter of Kampong Glam, these walks take you on a journey through diverse neighbourhoods and iconic landmarks.
By exploring Singapore on foot, you truly get a sense of the city’s rich history, cultural diversity, and breath-taking architecture. Each walk allows you to witness the juxtaposition of old and new, where traditional heritage buildings stand alongside modern skyscrapers, creating a distinctive landscape.
Immerse yourself in the vibrant ambiance as you stroll through these neighbourhoods, taking in the sights, sounds, and flavours that make Singapore so unique.
Photo: Ajay Sharda / Pixabay
From sampling local cuisine at bustling food centres to marveling at intricate temple architecture and exploring trendy boutiques, each walk offers a range of experiences to satisfy every traveler.
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