[Updated: 18 June 2021]
With the cool weather in Singapore these days, it’s the best time to go on a hike or enjoy a cycling trip. For your next weekend workout, we’ve got an idea ? Why not challenge yourself to a long-distance hike on Singapore’s Coast-to-Coast Trail (C2C Trail)? We’ve got you covered with this all-in-one guide to the Coast-to-Coast trail - from what to look out for to useful tips and halal food nearby!
The Coast-to-Coast Trail
The 36km C2C Trail starts from Jurong Lake Gardens and stretches all the way to Coney Island (or a detour to Rower’s Bay Park at Seletar). With 10 checkpoints along the whole trail, the good news is that you don’t have to cover it all in one day.
Credit: NParks
The 10 checkpoints are:
- CP1 - Jurong Lake Gardens
- CP2 - Bukit Batok Nature Park
- CP3 - Hindhede Drive
- CP4 - Adam Road
- CP5 - Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park
- CP6 - Luxus Hills Park
- CP7 - Sengkang Floating Wetland
- CP8 - Punggol Waterway Park
- CP9 - Coney Island
- CP10 - Lower Seletar Reservoir (Rower’s Bay Park) (Detour from CP7)
Set yourself a target to cover a few checkpoints and just pick up from where you left off on another day or two. Our readers told us that the C2C trail is suitable for all fitness levels and you don’t have to be super fit as long as you have great company to motivate each other. But of course, if you want to challenge yourself, go ahead and cover the whole trail in one day ? It will take you around 11-12 hours to complete the trail by walking (including eating and rest stops).
As the route is long, remember to bring along Cocomax 100% Coconut Water. It’s a natural isotonic and contains 5 essential electrolytes to keep you hydrated throughout the C2C trail. It makes a great alternative to isotonic beverages.
Credit: Dewi Illyana
At each checkpoint, you’ll see this signboard and that’s when you know you’re on the right track!
Credit: Dewi Illyana
Along the trail, you’ll also see this “Coast-to-Coast” trail signboard but do note that this doesn’t indicate a checkpoint. To help you navigate your way, download and save the C2C Online Trail Guide on your mobile phone. If you’re on the right track, you’ll most likely see Park Connector (PCN) markings on the paths. Some sections of the C2C trail are closed, so do check the NParks website in advance.
Our readers also told us that you shouldn’t be afraid to take a detour from the route but just follow the Online Trail Guide, complete the checkpoints accordingly and you’ll be fine!
Should you hike or cycle?
If you’re looking to exercise at a more leisurely pace and want to really explore new areas of Singapore, hiking is the way to go. Plus, hiking is great if you’re with your loved ones or if you want to clock those steps ?
Credit: @hafiz.pls on Instagram
But if walking is not your thing, the good news is that you can cycle the Coast-to-Coast trail too. Head over to the GoCycling bicycle rental shop near Jurong Lake Gardens and Chinese Gardens MRT Station. You can rent your bicycle at this kiosk and return it at any one of the other GoCyling outlets around Singapore. The hourly rate is $8 and the journey will take you less than 6 hours. GoCycling has a discounted rate of “rent 2 hours, get 1 hour free” so you can expect to pay about $32. Do note that at some parts of the trail, you'll have to be prepared to carry your bicycle on overhead bridges.
#HHWT Tip: We recommend getting a lock for $2 so you can park your bicycle anywhere and go for pit stops along the way.
What to see along the Coast-to-Coast Trail:
One thing you have to know is that while the Coast-to-Coast Trail connects various parks and gardens in Singapore, the route will only skirt around them. So, if you’d like to explore the parks more in-depth, you’ll have to factor in more time. Here’s what you can look forward to:
1. Jurong Lake Gardens
As you start your journey at Jurong Lake Gardens, you’ll be greeted with magnificent views of Jurong Lake. Whether you’re cycling or taking a stroll on the boardwalks, the gardens are a perfect place to grab some fresh air and enjoy serenity away from the bustling city. Be sure to get close to nature at the Rasau boardwalk or snap an IG-worthy picture of the lone tree if you aren’t in a hurry! Find out more things to do at Jurong Lake Gardens in our article.
Halal food nearby:
Fusion Spoon
Halal status: Fusion Spoon is currently in the process of their halal certification. We reached out to them and they have assured us that all their ingredients are halal-certified. Do dine at your own discretion.
Cuisine: Western and Asian Fusion
Opening hours: Mon-Fri; 10AM-10PM, Sat-Sun/PH; 7AM-10PM
Address: 102 Yuan Ching Rd, Singapore 618663
P.S. Planning to head out with your family this holidays? Check out these 8 outdoor activities that are perfect to do with your family in Singapore!
2. Bukit Batok Nature Park
Credit: NParks
After making your way through the Jurong housing estate, you’ll arrive at the Bukit Batok Nature Park, which is built around an old quarry! If you’d like, you can take a walk in the park and admire the scenic views of the granite cliffs or challenge yourself to the hilly terrain.
Halal food nearby:
By the time you reach Checkpoint 3 (Hindhede Drive), it’ll already be around 2 hours into your trail. If you need a quick bite or rest, head over to the stretch of halal eateries below:
Al-Azhar Restaurant
Halal status: Muslim-owned
Cuisine: Indian/Malay/Western/Thai
Opening hours: Open daily; 12PM-11.30PM
Address: 11 Cheong Chin Nam Rd, Singapore 59973
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Time For Thai
Halal status: Halal-certified
Cuisine: Thai
Opening hours: Open daily; 11AM-3PM
Address: 15 Cheong Chin Nam Rd, Singapore 599739
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Tenderfresh Classic
Halal status: Halal-certified
Cuisine: Western/Local
Opening hours: Sun-Thu; 11.30AM-11.30PM, Fri-Sat; 11.30AM-12.45AM
Address: 9 Cheong Chin Nam Rd, Singapore 599734
Website | Facebook | Instagram
3. Lornie Nature Corridor
Credit: NParks on Facebook
After passing through Bukit Timah Road, you’ll arrive at Checkpoint 4, Adam Road. From here, it’s time to explore the newly opened Lornie Nature Corridor! Start from Kheam Hock Park and go on the 2km trail which brings you along the Central Catchment Reserve till Macritchie Nature Reserve. While walking here, you’ll be able to soak in the lush greenery of the nature reserve ? Do note that there is no shade at the Lornie Nature Corridor, so be prepared to walk in the heat.
If you’ve made it from Jurong to Lornie on the same day, you’ll probably feel fatigued at this point. That’s why it’s important to cool off from the heat with Cocomax 100% Coconut Water! Packed with 5 essential electrolytes, Cocomax 100% Coconut Water is able to hydrate better than water and replenish lost nutrients. You will feel recharged for the next leg of the trail!
Halal food nearby:
Check out these halal food stalls at Adam Road Food Centre:Selera Rasa Nasi Lemak, Adam Chicken Rice, Adam's Nasi Lemak, Warong Pak Sapari, Ibrahim Mee Stall, Zaiton Satay, Siti Nur Liyana Nasi Lemak, and Pondok Satay.
Halal Status: Muslim-owned. Do check with the stall owners before dining.
4. Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park
Credit: NParks on Facebook
As one of the largest urban parks in central Singapore, the Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park is a picturesque spot for you to take a break! The main highlight here is its meandering river and Pond Gardens which will be a feast for your eyes ? As the park is Checkpoint 5 on the C2C trail, we recommend taking some time here to take a relaxing stroll and take in the sights and sounds.
As you take a break here, enjoy a refreshing bottle of Cocomax 100% Coconut Water to energise yourself! Each bottle contains the goodness of 2 coconuts and with no added sugar or preservatives, you will be able to enjoy the natural sweetness of coconut water straight from the bottle. After drinking this, you’ll be ready to continue the next leg of your hike!
#HHWT Tip: Do note that there are lots of construction and roadworks going on around the Marymount and Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park area.
Halal food nearby:
McDonald's Bishan Park
Halal Status: Halal-certified
Opening hours: Open daily; 7AM-12AM
Address: 1378 Ang Mo Kio Ave 1, Singapore 569981
5. Sengkang Floating Wetland
Credit: Dewi Illyana on Facebook
After making your way through the Ang Mo Kio housing estate, you’ll find yourself at the start of the Northeast Riverine Loop Park Connector! You’ll pass by Kampong Lorong Buangkok, mainland Singapore’s last kampong and reach the beautiful Sengkang Floating Wetland at Sengkang Riverside Park. Being Singapore’s largest man-made wetland, you’ll be greeted with a variety of wildlife by the riverbank including mangrove birds, otters and more! Not to mention that the area is super Instagrammable too ☺️
#HHWT Tip: If you plan to end your trail at Rower’s Bay Park in Seletar (Checkpoint 10) instead, you can break away from the main C2C trail at the Sengkang Floating Wetlands.
Halal food nearby: Check out our halal food guide to Hougang, Sengkang and Punggol.
While on the C2C trail, continue to recharge your batteries with Cocomax 100% Coconut Water! Not only will you enjoy the best source of vitamins and minerals in each bottle, you can also taste the refreshing and nutty aroma of the coconut water. It is as good as drinking straight from the fruit itself! Enjoy this delicious and refreshing drink while taking in the sights of the C2C trail.
6. Punggol Waterway & Coney Island
Congratulations! You’ve made it to the final stretch of the C2C trail! As you hike or cycle through the Punggol Waterway which cuts through Punggol Town, you can admire the breathtaking view of the promenade. From the waterway, it’s easy to get to Coney Island following the clearly marked signboards. Though the C2C trail ends at the Coney Island’s West entrance, we recommend that you enter the island and soak in its rustic ambience! Wander along the unpaved trails and snap plenty of pictures with the backdrop of casuarina trees. Definitely a great way to celebrate the end of your C2C trail ?
Halal food nearby:
Kampong Chai Chee Restaurant
Halal Status: Muslim-Owned
Cuisine: Seafood
Opening Hours: Open daily; 1PM - 11PM
Address: 3 Punggol Point Road, #02-02 The Punggol Settlement, Singapore 828694
Essential tips for hiking the Coast-to-Coast Trail
- Don’t forget to drink up during your workout! For a healthier alternative to sweetened drinks, refresh yourself with Cocomax 100% Coconut Water. With its natural and 100% pure coconut water, it’s just the healthy and delicious drink you need.
- Put on some sunblock and wear a cap especially for those hot and humid days!
- Don’t forget your insect repellent as there are parts where you have to go past nature reserves.
- Start your trail early in the morning.
- Bring some snacks or energy bars so that you can refuel and replenish your energy along the way.
- Wear comfortable shoes as you’ll be doing long-distance walking.
- Take plenty of stops along the way so that you won’t be burnt out at the end of your exercise.
- Take your time to enjoy the trail. If you need to, you can break it up into 2 or 3 days or even more!
Whether you choose to hike or cycle along the Coast-to-Coast trail, you’ll definitely be able to strike off another nature activity off your to-do list in Singapore! Make sure you stock up on Cocomax 100% Coconut Water during your exercise as it will keep you refreshed and hydrated throughout your day. With natural sweetness and essential nutrients all packed in a bottle, it's as good as drinking fresh coconut water. Your journey through the C2C trail will definitely be a more enjoyable experience ?
P.S. Cocomax is available at all major supermarkets, convenience stores, pharmacies and e-commerce marketplace. Find out more about Cocomax 100% Coconut Water on their Facebook and Instagram.
This article is brought to you by Cocomax.
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