Have two wheels, will ride? We've tracked down the best cycle routes, loops and trails on the Little Red Dot.
If there’s one thing we love to do as a family in Singapore, it’s heading out on bike rides with the kids. The exercise is a pretty big pro (especially if you’ve got a chunky toddler strapped on to the back!), but the fresh air, sunshine and good times keep us coming back for more. So, where are the best places to go cycling in Singapore, especially if you’ve got kids? We’ve compiled the best cycle routes and bike trails so you can tick them off your weekend to-do list with the family. Grab your helmets, slather on the sunscreen, and away we go! Oh, and don’t forget to read our safety guide on cycling with kids!
This guide for the best places to buy bikes for the family might come in handy, too if you need a new set of wheels!
Get cycling! 15 best family bike rides in Singapore
1. Central Area
Fancy a bike ride around the Central Business District? A six-kilometre cycling path, stretching from Clarke Quay to Bayfront and Tanjong Pagar, has recently launched. The Central Area cycling path is also connected to several MRT stations including Shenton Way, Marina Bay, and Gardens by the Bay, three newly-opened stations on the Thomson-East Coast line. This cycling path is also connected to popular family haunts such as Marina Barrage, and riders can even go down the Singapore River towards Alexandra and Queenstown.
2. Round Island Route (RIR)
The first phase of this route is open! It’s 75 kilometres and covers eastern Singapore – starting from Rower’s Bay at Seletar all the way down to Berlayer Creek at Labrador. Rower’s Bay is kid-friendly and includes a lookout pavilion, swales and a wetland. Plus, Seletar Aerospace Park is easily accessible. Venture into The Oval and explore the nearby black and white houses. As you continue cycling, you’ll pass some of Singapore’s best parks like Pasir Ris Park and East Coast Park. See if you can spot the white-bellied eagles and otters during your bike rides. Psst, there are shelters along the way where you can stop for a break.
3. Central Urban Loop
Cycling through the central region of Singapore will give the kiddos a glimpse of iconic housing estates like Toa Payoh and Whampoa. Need a pitstop to grab lunch? There are plenty of hawker centres in the neighbourhoods, so you can have a taste of local delights. The loop provides direct access to Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, another favourite park of ours. Keep an eye out for otters while you’re there! FYI, the entire route is linked up through the Park Connector so remember to stay in your lane and away from walkers and joggers.
4. Alexandra Park Connector
If you’re looking for an easy, leisurely, fam-friendly bike ride, you can consider this whole stretch. Start from Alexandra Canal Linear Park and cruise your way down the park connector. Get a stunning view of the various condominiums along the way and see if you can spot the otters! Make your final stop at Robertson Quay, where you can grab a coffee and snacks for the littlies. If you still have energy to burn (lucky you), continue on your journey towards Clarke Quay and Marina Bay Sands.
5. Eastern Coastal Loop
We love this cycling route as you get to take in so many of Singapore’s most iconic sights – there are plenty of photo opps! It’s also flat, so there are no thigh-burning inclines to incite meltdowns. Start the cycling loop at Tanjong Rhu Promenade, then hug the reservoir as you take in Marina Barrage and Gardens by the Bay. Finish up at Singapore Sports Hub and enjoy a nice cold beer for you and a cracking pizza for the tiddlies at Brewerkz. Alternatively, start here and end your family bike ride at East Coast Park.
6. East Coast Park
…Which leads us to here! Yes, it can get quite busy at weekends, but that’s because it’s so fab! We love heading east and enjoying leisurely bike rides with the sea breeze in our hair. The range of great kid-friendly restaurants and play areas (like Coastal Playgrove) doesn’t hurt when we need a rest, either! Also, there are bike rental options here to make things super easy for you, such as GoCycling.
7. Changi Airport Connector
When you’re done with East Coast Park and still rarin’ to cycle, head on down this 3.5-kilometre route towards Jewel Changi Airport and the terminals. Pose for some snapshots with the life-sized dinosaurs dotted along Changi Jurassic Mile before your pit stop at Hub & Spoke, where you can cool off with the pay-per-user shower facilities and grab a bite at the cafe. Otherwise, just pop into Jewel for some much-needed A/C!
8. West Coast Park
Another one of our favourite parks for kids! West Coast Park is a good option for cycling with the family. Spot boats along the waterfront, then head back into the heart of the park and enjoy the plentiful trails. Need a bite to eat? Kith Cafe isn’t far away, and we reckon it’s a great family-friendly place. West Coast Park also has bike rental facilities – and you can even take a go-kart or four-person bike (above) for a spin!
9. Western Adventure Loop
Explore the wild side of Singapore by going on bike rides with the fam down this loop! Starting from Choa Chu Kang Park, this 12-kilometre route will take you down various parks and greenways of the west. Keep a lookout for 50 bird species as you ride along the Bukit Panjang Park Connector. The adventure ends at Bukit Batok Nature Park, where you can soak in the greenery and take a quiet walk after all that cycling. Psst, there may be some rough terrain so take extra care and precaution. If you have time (and energy!), continue on towards either Jurong Lake Gardens or Pandan Reservoir.
10. Northern Explorer Loop
Live up north? Then you’ll want to take on the Northern Explorer Loop – all 25 kilometres of it if you really fancy a challenge! For an easy bike ride with the kids, though, we say head to Woodlands Waterfront Park, which is full of family-friendly cycling and jogging tracks. You’re also right next to Admiralty Park, too – a must-see for its slide-packed playground!
11. Punggol Waterway Park
In our humble opinion, this is one of the best places for a bike ride in Singapore with the kids. The tracks are well looked after, there are gorgeous views to take in, and there are also awesome play areas when the little ones get restless. Punggol is a great place to spend the weekend too! Looking to hire bikes? Check out bicycle rentals from Bikes Stop.
12. Bedok Reservoir Park
Here’s a good spot if your kiddo is new to cycling. The track around Bedok Reservoir Park, which spans around four kilometres, is a mixture of pavement and pebble paths. Press pause on the cycling if you want a break and just enjoy the tranquillity of the park. Have a picnic, let the kiddies have a run with a frisbee, or just soak in the view across the reservoir.
13. Kranji
We’ve sung the Kranji countryside’s praises for its awesome farms for kids. But did you know it’s also one of the best places for family bike rides in Singapore? Spend your weekend leisurely riding through the greenery, making sure to visit Bollywood Veggies for a pitstop. There’s also the Kranji War Memorial for history buffs. Sungei Buloh Wetlands Reserve is also in the area if you really want to make a day of it!
14. Pulau Ubin
We’re big fans of this rustic little island, and for good reason. It’s the perfect place for a big ol’ dose of nature and a more relaxed kinda day. Once you’re off the boat, make a beeline for Pulau Ubin village, where you’ll find bike rental shops. There are cycling trails and bike tracks that are nice and flat (i.e. kid-friendly for young cyclists), while the Ketam Trail is ideal for mountain bikers. When you’re done for the day and back on the mainland, don’t forget to refuel at The Coastal Settlement. Oh, and don’t forget the bug spray! If you’re a fan of the rustic, Coney Island is another option.
15. Sentosa
The great thing about cycling around Sentosa is that you can make your bike route as easy or as difficult as you like. We love a chilled coastal cruise past Siloso Beach, but if you’ve got older kids, we’re all for busting a lung and tackling some monster hills. Taking your own wheels? The cycling trails start at the Sentosa Boardwalk beside Vivocity on a dedicated track to the left of the pedestrian boardwalk. There’s a pretty steep slope to wheel your bike down when you get to the underpass, which can be a little tricky if you have a toddler seat.
Alternatively, you can hire scooters at the Gogreen ticketing counter at Beach Station (beside Gelatissimo). A word of advice: there aren’t any tandems or adult bikes with child seats available to hire.
Ready to get cycling? See you on a Singapore bike ride soon!
