[UPDATED 1 February 2022] It’s incredible that even in a bustling city like Singapore, you can find plenty of amazing hiking places. Since we are still unable to travel, it’s time to add another hiking spot to your list - the Green Corridor! The trail has a great mix of nature, IG-worthy spots and history. Interested to uncover this hiking trail? Here’s everything you need to know about the Green Corridor trail in Singapore! Remember to check the crowds at parks in Singapore by using the NParks' safe distancing portals and avoid those that are crowded. If you're wondering if you can have a picnic or go hiking with the family, our guide on hiking in Phase 2 (Heightened Alert) will help you out.

The Green Corridor

Singapore’s Green Corridor (also known as the Rail Corridor) used to be part of Malaysia’s KTM railway line connecting Singapore and Malaysia. Even though the railway has ceased operations since 2011, parts of the 24-km route have been converted into a nature trail. The trail goes from Kranji to Bukit Panjang, Bukit Timah, Holland, Tanglin and finally ending at Alexandra. 

While the Green Corridor will only be fully completed in 2025, you can still explore the corridor through a mix of dirt paths, designated pavements and remnants of the railway tracks. Don’t forget to bring a bottle of Ice Mountain drinking water for your dose of everyday healthy hydration while hiking! Find it conveniently at a 7-Eleven near you.There are some parts where you have to go off course and walk alongside main roads due to renovation works. But it’s still worth a visit to unleash your adventurous spirit! The good news is that the bulk of the Green Corridor from Upp Bukit Timah to Bukit Timah Railway Station has just reopened not long ago. You can refer to the NParks website for more information on the closures and route diversions. As the Green Corridor is a long route, we recommend breaking it up into stages especially if you’re new to hiking or you intend to do a leisure hike. You can break your hike into two parts:

• Rail Corridor South: Old Bukit Timah Railway Station to Jalan Kilang Barat at Alexandra
• Rail Corridor North: Old Bukit Timah Railway Station to Kranji

But if you’re up for a challenge, then go ahead and conquer the whole Green Corridor in a day! It should take you around 4-6 hours to complete the whole route without stopping. 

What to see along the Green Corridor:

1. Old Bukit Timah Railway Station

Your visit to the Green Corridor won’t be complete without stopping by the Old Bukit Timah Railway Station! Stepping foot here would take you back in time as the station was built in 1903. It’s the only suburban train station left in Singapore which resembles traditional small-town railway stations found in the UK and Europe. Can you believe that trains were actually operating here from the early 20th century all the way till 2011? Here, you can take photos with the tracks or pose for a shot at the iconic railway station signboard ? Starting your hike at Bukit Timah Railway Station? Be sure to hydrate yourself with a bottle of Ice Mountain so you’ll feel refreshed throughout your hike! Find it exclusively at your nearest 7-Eleven.

2. Truss Bridges

Besides the Old Bukit Timah Railway Station, two truss bridges have also been conserved as heritage sites. These historic bridges are a rare sight in Singapore and you can find them along Bukit Timah Road (near the railway station) and near The Rail Mall. Good news! The bridge near Bukit Timah Railway Station has reopened last December after restoration works. Just recently, the truss bridge near The Rail Mall has also just reopened. Opened in 1932 as part of the KTM railway line, the bridge is perfect for an Instagram-worthy photo! 

3. Distance markers

One feature you should look out for while on your hike is distance markers which will remind you of the railway tracks. Back in the day, they signified how far the train has travelled from the start point of the whole railway line, which was Tanjong Pagar Railway Station. 

4. Clementi Forest

Just south of the Bukit Timah Railway Station around Holland Estate, the Green Corridor trail will pass by the Clementi Forest. The untouched forest is said to be the second-largest patch of wildlife habitat after Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and it’s rich in biodiversity too. This stretch of the Green Corridor is definitely a refreshing walk!As you admire and appreciate the lush greenery of the Clementi Forest, do remember that it’s important to preserve our nature spaces so that we can continue to enjoy more of it! When getting a drink for your hike, stock up on Ice Mountain in its new sustainable and recyclable paper packaging as it uses FSC™ certified paperboard sourced from responsibly managed forests and other controlled sources. It even has a bio-based cap made from sugar cane. 

5. Wessex Estate

One of the hidden gems along the Green Corridor is none other than the Wessex Estate! Go back in time and explore the black-and-white colonial houses that are sprawled out around the area. The charming estate is perfect for a photo opportunity! The houses here were built in the 1940s for non-commissioned British officers and soldiers when Singapore was still under colonial rule. Today, they are a mix of residential properties, art studios and event spaces. 

6. Masjid Hang Jebat

Credit: Masjid Hang Jebat on FacebookBuilt in the 1950s, Masjid Hang Jebat is one of the few kampong mosques left in Singapore today. The mosque is located right beside where the old railway track used to stand. Once frequented by Malay Regiment soldiers, now you can stop over at the mosque for your prayers while on the hike! 

Essential tips for hiking the Green Corridor

• Bring along plenty of water. For your convenience, stock up on some Ice Mountain drinking water. With its compact size, it’s convenient to bring around and there’s a cap too so you can easily carry it in your bag when you hike. Get it conveniently at a 7-Eleven near you!
• 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 walk on dirt paths and pass by forests. 
• Bring some snacks so that you can refuel and replenish your energy along the way.
• Wear comfortable shoes - this is very important especially when you’re doing long-distance hiking!

Halal food options along the Green Corridor:

As the Green Corridor is long, there are a few halal eateries that you can find, especially in the Bukit Timah area, Tanglin Halt and Alexandra. As you go on your hike, take a break at one of these halal eateries:

Bukit Timah area

Credit: Springleaf Prata Place on FacebookSpringleaf Prata Place Halal status: Halal-certified Cuisine: Indian Opening hours: Daily; 8AM-12AM Address: 396 Upper Bukit Timah Rd, Singapore 678048 (The Rail Mall) Website|Facebook|InstagramAl-Azhar RestaurantHalal status: Muslim-ownedCuisine: Indian/Malay/Western/ThaiOpening hours: Open daily; 8AM-1AMAddress: 11 Cheong Chin Nam Rd, Singapore 599736Website | Facebook | InstagramTime For ThaiHalal status: Halal-certifiedCuisine: ThaiOpening hours: Open daily; 11AM-1AMAddress: 15 Cheong Chin Nam Rd, Singapore 599739Website | Facebook | InstagramTenderfresh ClassicHalal status: Halal-certifiedCuisine: Western/LocalOpening hours: Sun-Thu; 11.30AM-11.30PM, Fri-Sat; 11.30AM-12.45AMAddress: 9 Cheong Chin Nam Rd, Singapore 599734Website | Facebook | Instagram

Tanglin Halt/Alexandra area

Edmond Chicken RiceHalal Status: Halal-certifiedCuisine: Chinese (Chicken Rice)Opening hours: Daily; 10AM-6PMAddress: 48A Tanglin Halt Rd, #01-028, Singapore 148813FacebookTanglin Halt Roti PrataHalal status: Muslim-owned Cuisine: Indian (Prata, Nasi Kandar) Opening hours: Wed-Mon; 6.30AM-3PM (closed on Tue) Address: #01-365, Blk 49 Tanglin Halt Rd, Singapore 142049 Contact: +6597943124 Ashes BurnnitHalal Status: Muslim-ownedCuisine: Western (Burgers)Opening hours: Daily; 11.30AM-8.30PMAddress: 120 Bukit Merah Lane 1, #01-61, Singapore 150120 (Alexandra Village Food Centre) Facebook |InstagramSo, if you’re looking for a challenge, go on a hike along Singapore’s Green Corridor! Besides getting your dose of nature, you’ll also get to explore part of Singapore’s history, uncover railway tracks and hidden gems. Stay refreshed throughout your hike with Ice Mountain in its new recyclable and sustainable paper packaging, which you can get at selected 7-Eleven stores! Time to go green with a beverage that’s not only good for you but the environment too.This article is brought to you by F&N Ice Mountain.