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From Rails to Trails What to See Along the Green Corridor

From Rails to Trails: What to See Along the Green Corridor 

| Last Updated: December 2023

Looking for the next trail to conquer in the Lion City? Then visit the Green Corridor!

This 24-kilometre trail packs a lot of adventure and scenery (and maybe a record-breaking step count) for avid walkers, and we’ll tell you what to expect and see along the way. 

Best Time to Go

The best time to visit the Green Corridor is in the early morning. Plan your hike to begin at around 6:00 am to 7:00 am. 

It becomes very hot in the afternoon, so the earlier you start, the earlier you’ll finish! 

This is especially important because there are very few shady areas along the trail. 

If you end up starting your hike a little later in the day, consider taking a few detours or shortcuts to nearby attractions like the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve or the Clementi Forest for a break. 

What is the Green Corridor?

The Green Corridor, also known as the Rail Corridor, is a 24-kilometre-long green passage that stretches across almost the whole of Singapore, from the Woodlands in the north and Tanjong Pajar in the south. 

The reason why it’s called the Rail Corridor is that it used to be a railway line connecting Singapore and Malaysia. 

It was part of the Keretapi Tanah Melayu railway network, but after the KTM ceased operations, the area was ceded to Singapore in 2011. 

The government had plans to turn the abandoned railway tracks into an outdoor landmark and trail for public recreational use. It was given its name because it cuts through parks, green spaces, and natural forests across Singapore. 

There were plans to develop the areas that passage went through with community gardens, cultural spaces, playgrounds, and other recreational amenities. 

This was one of the ways the government could preserve more greenery and natural forests as the city grew rapidly. 

The Three Main Sections

The Green Corridor is divided into three main sections: the Central Section, the Southern Section, and the Northern Section. 

Each section offers amenities and attractions and passes through important neighbourhoods in Singapore. 

The Central Section

The Central Section takes up over four kilometres of the railway and passes through most of Bukit Timah. The area has historical railway artefacts like old steel bridges and train tracks of the Bukit Timah Railway Station. 

The Bukit Timah Railway Station was built in the 1930s and was designated as a conservation site in 2011 by the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Singapore due to its immense historical significance. 

Much of the architecture and design are intact, with the building open to visitors 24/7. However, it’s important to note that the Green Corridor doesn’t light up at night, so tread carefully when venturing off to this part of the passage when the sun goes down. 

The 10 access points in the Central Section are

  • Hillview MRT
  • Hume Avenue
  • 9-Mile Platform
  • Singapore Quarry
  • Hindhede Walk
  • Bukit Drive 
  • Hindhede Drive
  • Jalan Anak Bukit
  • Mayfair Estate
  • Bukit Timah Railway Station

The Northern Section

The Northern Section stretches across the Woodlands and Bukit Timah. It’s around 10 kilometres long and traverses through a lot of Singapore’s wilderness. 

This section is far from any main road, so if you’re one to get completely immersed in nature, this section might become your favourite. 

Since the Northern Section is mostly countryside, you’ll be walking through grasslands just by the Pang Sua River. A portion of the section is closed to the public, and the stretch that’s open is just shy of 6 kilometres out of the 10. 

Overall, the Northern Section has 15 access points:

  • Kranji MRT Station
  • Opp Kranji War Memorial 
  • Opp Jalan Bumbong
  • Mandai PC
  • Sungei Kadut Ave
  • Pang sua (North Bank) PC
  • Stagmont Ring
  • Villa Verde PC
  • Choa Chu Kang Road
  • Opp The Linear Condominium
  • Opp Hazel Park Terrace
  • Gombak Drive
  • Opp Chestnut Drive
  • Opp CHIJ Our Lady Queen of Peace

The Southern Section

The Southern Section is approximately 10 kilometres long and offers a different scenery than the wilderness of the Northern Section and the heritage of the Central Section. 

Instead, hikers get a lovely stretch of jungle at the Clementi Forest, a little urbanity from Tiong Bahru, and a peek at some colonial houses at Wessex Estate. 

Since much of the Southern Section sits very close to a major highway, it won’t offer the most serene or quietest hike. But it offers a good escape from the city without travelling too far from the central business district. 

The Southern Section has 14 access points:

  • Holland Road
  • Greenleaf View
  • Holland Road
  • Jalan Jelita
  • Buona Vista MRT Station
  • North Buona Vista Drive
  • Biopolis Drive
  • Commonwealth Drive
  • Commonwealth Park
  • Queen’s Close
  • Gillman Flyover
  • Jalan Kilang Barat
  • Jalan Bukit Merah
  • Spooner Road

Where to Start

The most popular starting point when exploring the Green Corridor is near the Singapore General Hospital. 

You can take a bus and stop at the Melati Blk 2 Bus Stop. The Green Corridor is just a few metres away from there. 

If you want to start from the Northern Section, the starting point is just by the Kranji MRT Station. 

Of course, walking the whole 24-kilometre trail may be too much for some people, so if you want to skip a few sections and take a shortcut, you can start from the Buona Vista MRT station and walk the rest of the passage from there. 

Another shortcut is at Hillview MRT, which cuts the hike to just 7.5 kilometres. You’ll be able to hike through some of the most historic parts of the Green Corridor from there. 

Things to See Along the Green Corridor

1. The Bukit Timah Railway Station

Address: #1 Railway Station, Singapore 599938

As mentioned above, the Bukit Timah Railway Station is a central site to the Green Corridor. The area was once owned by Malaysia and later returned to Singapore after the railway that connects the two countries ceased operations in 2011. 

The location underwent extensive conservation and renovation work before it was opened to the public. Visitors can now embark on a journey through its rich history by exploring the heritage gallery located within the station’s historic building. 

A café now occupies the former staff quarters. Additionally, two new gardens, along with a community area and event lawn, enhance the site’s overall appeal, merging history, recreation, and nature.

2. The Bukit Timah Truss Bridge

Address: Rifle Range Rd, Singapore

The 1932 Bukit Timah Truss Bridge, a historical treasure in Singapore’s transportation history, connected Singapore and Malaysia during the colonial era as part of the KTM railway network. 

Distinguished by its rare Baltimore truss design, this steel structure exudes a unique charm. 

Preserved and restored in 2015 for its historical and architectural value, it’s now a favourite spot for photographers and nature enthusiasts to capture stunning sunrise and sunset views.

3. Upper Bukit Timah Truss Bridge

Address: Upper Bukit Timah Rd, Rail Corridor Central, Singapore

Decided to take the shortcut by entering the Green Corridor from Hillview MRT Station? Start your hike by visiting the Upper Bukit Timah Truss Bridge! 

Plus, if you’re already near the Rail Mall area, this bridge sits adjacent to it. 

The Upper Bukit Timah Truss Bridge has a storied history dating back to 1932. It holds the distinction of being the sole Pratt truss bridge in Singapore. 

What sets this bridge apart from its twin, the Bukit Timah Truss Bridge, is the aforementioned design. It’s characterized by a single tension diagonal in each panel, a compression vertical with parallel chords, and an inclined end post. 

4. Hindhede Bridge and Underpass

Address: Hindhede Dr, Singapore

The Hindhede Bridge and Underpass is a 3.6-metre-wide structure situated parallel to Hindhede Drive. Its primary purpose is to provide hikers with a safe and convenient route to access the Bukit Timah Reserve. 

The bridge is a little run down, which was why when the area was gazetted for conservation in the mid-2010s, a safer and more pedestrian-friendly underpass was constructed.

5. Clementi Forest

Address: Clementi Forest, Singapore

Clementi Forest, spanning around 85 hectares in the heart of West Singapore’s residential areas, is a hidden gem. Accessible from the Green Corridor’s Southern Section, this hiking trail offers a true wilderness experience within the city.

Sturdy hiking boots are advisable due to muddy terrain and undulating paths. Along the trail, keep an eye out for abandoned railway tracks, local wildlife, lush streams, and a man-made waterfall. 

6. The Rail Mall

Address: Upper Bukit Timah Rd, #380 Fuyong Estate, Singapore 678040

Contact Details: +6565070180

Website

The Rail Mall comprises a variety of shops and restaurants, making it an excellent starting or ending point for your exploration of the Green Corridor. 

Whether you’re kickstarting your morning with a coffee or indulging in freshly steamed buns, there are plenty of options to tantalise your taste buds. 

Try the delectable chicken rice, and as the day draws to a close, treat yourself to delightful Italian dishes or local delicacies like murtabak. It’s also a good place to quench your thirst and enjoy pints of craft beer with fellow hikers.

7. The Wessex Estate

Address: 4 Woking Rd, Singapore 138703 

Along the Southern Section of the Green Corridor, you’ll come across a dark and large underpass tunnel. Once you reach the other end of it, you’ll find glimpses of the Wessex Estate and colonial houses through the trees. 

These walk-up apartments and semi-detached houses, originating from the 1940s, were originally allocated to non-commissioned British officers and soldiers, but they now primarily serve as residential dwellings. 

Moreover, a small and vibrant artistic community has found refuge within these historic walls, utilizing some of the buildings as studios.

8. Kranji Node

Address: Woodlands Rd, Singapore

You can start your hike along the Green Corridor at Kranji MRT Station and take a short detour to Kranji Node. 

Known as Rail Corridor (North), this recent addition offers an uninterrupted stretch of trails and paths, connecting Kranji MRT station to Spooner Road. It introduces 30 fresh access points to the passage.

With the opening of this extension, hikers have access to Kranji Node, a 250-metre rustic nature trail, perfect for those seeking a serene outdoor experience. Next to the node, there’s a generous 2,000-square-meter green space designed for public use.

Reminders

  • Bring a torch with you.

There is no lighting along some parts of the trail. Make sure to bring a torch with you in case your hike takes longer to finish than expected.

  • Don’t go over the 10km/h speed limit when cycling.

Be mindful of the other visitors around you if you decide to cycle your way through the trail. It can get crowded at some access points on the trail, so slow down or keep your distance from other hikers. 

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