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A Guide to Rail Corridor Central’s Must-See Landmarks & Hidden History
- History of Rail Corridor Central
- Things to Know
- How to Get There
- What to See and Do
- Go on a hike or a stroll
- Cycle
- Watch a glorious sunrise or sunset
- Visit the Bukit Timah Railway Station
- Cross the truss bridge
- Find Kampong heritage remnants
- Spot some wildlife
- Discover mysterious underpass murals
- Have brunch or coffee at 1932 Story Cafe
Rail Corridor Central is one of those enchanting places in Singapore that seamlessly intertwines history with nature. I love walking under its lush canopies and crossing the old railway bridge in peace.
If you’re up for a stroll, heritage landmark sighting, or a weekend adventure with the kids, come on over to this little slice of nostalgic trail that was once a bustling train route.
History of Rail Corridor Central
It’s not hard to picture the rumbling trains that once connected Singapore to Malaysia when you walk along Rail Corridor Central. This historic stretch was once part of the KTM Railway and has been transformed into a scenic heritage-meets-nature trail.
The KTM Railway ceased operations on July 11, 2011. After undergoing major restoration and enhancement works, Rail Corridor Central officially reopened in March 2021.
Today, it features improved trails, restored heritage landmarks like the Bukit Timah Railway Station, and eco-friendly upgrades.
Things to Know
Website
Location: Rail Corridor (between Upper Bukit Timah truss bridge and Bukit Timah railway station)
Hours: Daily, 7 AM–7 PM
Fees: Free entry
Accessibility: Wheelchair and stroller-friendly entry points, gentle slopes, paved paths, rest stops, ramps, but some uneven terrain might be unnavigable
Amenities: Toilets, rest areas, F&B outlets near entry points, water refilling stations, bicycle racks
Pet-friendly? Yes, but leash up and clean up
Rules and restrictions:
✔ Stay on designated paths
✔ Keep the space clean
✔ Respect wildlife
✔ Keep to the left and be mindful of joggers, cyclists, hikers
✖ No motorised vehicles
✖ No open fires or camping
✖ No smoking or vaping
✖ No unauthorised drones
How to Get There
By MRT: Take the Beauty World MRT (DT5) on the Downtown Line. From Exit A, walk along Bukit Timah Road towards the Bukit Timah Railway Station, one of the key entry points to the trail.
Alternatively, if you’re heading to the Upper Bukit Timah Truss Bridge, alight at the Hillview MRT (DT3) and walk along Upper Bukit Timah Road.
By bus: The closest bus stop to Rail Corridor Central is Opposite Beauty World Centre (Bus Stop 42089) served by buses 67, 75, 170, 171, 184, 852, and 961.
By car or taxi/drop-off: The best spots for drop-offs are Bukit Timah Railway Station near King Albert Park MRT or The Rail Mall on Upper Bukit Timah Road.
Parking is available at The Rail Mall and Beauty World Centre.
What to See and Do
Go on a hike or a stroll
Media from dennistanyh
What I love most about hiking along Rail Corridor Central is how the land changes as I go further, from open grasslands to shaded forest paths. Here and there, I can spy remnants of old railway tracks peeking through.
The trails are mostly flat and beginner-friendly, so it’s ideal for families going on a leisurely walk or long nature trail without feeling too strenuous.
Cycle
Media from slim_ventures_
Cycling is a great way to experience the trail because of the flat and easy terrain. Plus, the experience is just the right mix of urban and rural for me.
When I get tired of pedalling, I walk alongside my bike at a slower pace and soak in all the little details that make this trail unique.
If you don’t have a bike, shared bike rentals like Anywheel or SG Bike are easily available near the MRT stations along the routes.
Watch a glorious sunrise or sunset
Media from leeeeeong
It’s a magical experience to watch the sunrise at Rail Corridor Central with a loved one. That perfect moment before the city wakes up with only the sounds of nature and the occasional cyclist or jogger passing by is unforgettable.
Sunset, on the other hand, turns the trail golden, especially near the Upper Bukit Truss Bridge. The fading light casts long mysterious shadows over the metal beams while the sky puts on pink and orange hues.
Visit the Bukit Timah Railway Station
Media from janewm520
The entire area of Bukit Timah Railway Station looks and feels like a time capsule. Its restored station house and vintage railway signs have preserved Singapore’s train travel past in a postcard-perfect way.
Inside you’ll find the heritage gallery showcasing artefacts and stories from the station’s heyday. Outside, walking along the tracks makes the experience even more nostalgic.
Cross the truss bridge
Media from aehighfm_colinchin
Once part of the old railway line, the beautifully restored Upper Bukit Timah Truss Bridge now stands as a striking reminder of Singapore’s rail heritage. It’s become a favourite spot for prenuptial and fashion photo shoots.
Walk across it and step into history as you admire its towering black metal beams framing the sky. The view from the middle is my favourite, pure lush greenery on both sides with the occasional hiker or cyclist passing through.
Find Kampong heritage remnants
Media from supiratu
I was surprised to stumble upon old stone steps and abandoned pathways on the Rail Corridor. They may seem insignificant, but they are subtle traces of Kampong life that once thrived there.
Here and there, you might find weathered foundations or forgotten wells blending into the overgrown greenery. They were once part of a way of life that no longer exists.
Spot some wildlife
Media from mshappy12345
When nature reclaims what was once an industrial site, you’ll be sure to spot some pretty hardy wildlife in it. I’ve had curious kingfishers dart past during strolls, and the occasional monitor lizard locking eyes with me as it basked in the sun.
If you’re lucky, you might spot long-tailed macaques swinging through the trees or a shy pangolin rustling in the undergrowth (don’t feed or disturb them!).
Discover mysterious underpass murals
Media from mothershiponearth
It’s surprising to find colourful murals in a place where the National Arts Council doesn’t seem to have much influence or reach. The ones at the Rail Corridor seem to be unofficial yet well-made, not ones churned out by vandals or mischievous graffiti artists.
The murals are colourful depictions of birds and other flora and fauna found in the area. They add an unexpected splash of vibrancy and culture to the journey.
Have brunch or coffee at 1932 Story Cafe
Media from dettefood
After a long walk at Rail Corridor Central, nothing beats unwinding at the picturesque 1932 Story cafe tucked inside Bukit Timah Railway Station. It has vintage decor and old-world charm which sustains the nostalgic experience.
I love the simple kopi and kaya toast at this cafe, though heartier brunch offerings like eggs Benedict and rendang beef pie are must-tries, too.
