5 Alternate Places to Run and Sightsee in Singapore

Ever wake up early on a weekend morning and wonder where to run? The neighbourhood park (again?) Or good old East Coast Park for that long run?

Singapore has no shortage of easy-to-reach running spots—think Marina Bay, Punggol Waterway, MacRitchie Reservoir, Bedok Reservoir, and of course East Coast Park. But sometimes, it’s nice to change things up. After all, McDonald’s is great… but every now and then, you want a Shake Shack. 😉

Here are five alternative places to run if you’re craving new scenery, fresher air, or just fewer crowds.

1) Instead of East Coast Park, try Changi Beach & Changi Bay Point

Just a stone’s throw away (okay, a very strong throw) from East Coast Park is the picturesque Changi Beach and Changi Bay Point. Starting from Changi Cove and running along the Changi Boardwalk, you can make your way all the way to Changi Bay Point—and if your legs (and willpower) allow, even back to East Coast Park via Tanah Merah Coast Road.

Along the way, enjoy the calming seascape and keep an eye out for sea eagles circling overhead.

Photo by Tekko

Continue past the SAF Ferry Terminal and through the wooded park to reach the breezy Changi Bay Point. Affectionately known as the “Jeju of Singapore,” this 3.6 km stretch offers panoramic views of the Singapore Strait. On a clear day, you can even see Indonesia and Malaysia.

Photo by Tekko

End your run back at Changi Beach with a well-earned teh halia and nasi lemak.

2) Instead of MacRitchie Reservoir, go wild at Dairy Farm & Bukit Timah Nature Park

Tired of the crowds at MacRitchie? Head over to Dairy Farm and Bukit Timah Nature Park for something more rugged and technical.

Start your run at Dairy Farm Carpark B, head towards the challenging Wallace Trail, then loop back towards Singapore Quarry. Take a short photo break—you’ve earned it.

Photo by Tekko

Next, connect to the Green Corridor via Rifle Range Road and cruise along the wide Pipeline Trail before returning via Belukar Trail to Dairy Farm Carpark B.

Photo by Tekko

Cap off your adventure with butter kaya toast and kopi at Rail Mall. Trail run + breakfast = happiness.

3) Instead of Bishan–Ang Mo Kio Park, tackle the hills at Peirce Reservoir

Bishan–Ang Mo Kio Park is lovely, but it can feel a little small—and with ongoing construction, not always the most relaxing run. For a quieter and more challenging option, head to Lower Peirce Reservoir Park.

Start along the boardwalk before hitting Old Upper Thomson Road. Continue on to Upper Peirce Reservoir and test yourself on the rolling hills. If you’re there early enough, you might even experience the famous “Air Con Road” vibes—Singapore’s closest thing to Genting Highlands.

Photo by Tekko

On the way back, explore the trails at Thomson Nature Park. With a bit of luck, you might spot the endangered Raffles’ Banded Langur. Bonus points if you run in the late afternoon you can catch the sunset at Lower Peirce Reservoir.

Photo by Tekko

Reward yourself with prata and teh tarik at Casuarina Road.

4) Instead of Marina Bay, head west to Jurong Lake Gardens

For runners in the west, Jurong Lake Gardens is a gem that deserves more love. Spanning three beautifully connected parks—Lakeside Garden, Chinese Garden, and Japanese Garden—you can easily clock up to 10 km in one run.

Enjoy views of the elegant bridge leading to Chinese Garden, or soak in the sight of the pagoda as you run through the gardens.

Photo by Tekko

Photo by Tekko

Best of all? No squeezing through massive crowds like at Marina Bay or East Coast Park.

Post-run, cool down and refuel at one of the cafés in the park—air-conditioning included.

5) Instead of Punggol Waterway, try Seletar Aerospace Park

Let’s be honest—Punggol Waterway can get really crowded. And don’t even get me started on the Tour de France wannabes on bicycles.

Seletar Aerospace Park may be a little less accessible and slightly hotter, but the trade-off is worth it: wide open roads, park connectors, and plenty of breathing space.

Run around the area to admire the charming black-and-white houses and heritage buildings of the former Seletar Camp.