Explore Singapore: Accela’s Guide to the Green Corridor
Also known as the Rail Corridor, the 24km flat and scenic route takes you from the southern part of Singapore at Tanjong Pagar to the north of the island at Kranji. This used to be the old railway route that runs from Tanjong Pagar to Malaysia. Now, the route is divided into three main sections - the Southern, the Central and the Northern. If you are up for an easy hike or ride outdoors and looking to surround yourself with lush greenery, the Green Corridor is perfect for you - read on for a guide to the route from our resident runner, Communications Manager Caron Chan!
(above: Communications Manager Caron Chan)
I traverse the Green Corridor twice a month simply because it has become one of my favourite running routes. It is pretty pleasant as the paths are restored well from its former railway tracks, and you get the best of what nature has to offer at any time of the day. Just remember to bring water for hydration, mosquito patches if you tend to attract them, and slap on your sunscreen to protect your skin.
From where I live, I start nearer to the Central section of the Green Corridor, somewhere near Wessex Estate and Portsdown Road. I enjoy the path leading to Bukit Timah as the route takes me through the Clementi Forest and the Old Bukit Timah Railway Station. Near the Buona Vista stretch, you’ll get to an underpass with vibrant and colourful renderings of graffiti artwork. Take a moment here to take some photos and appreciate the artistic creations before you move along!
(Above: Urban Art Collective)
The scenery gets better from here as you take in both the sights and sounds up north. If you are a fan of flora and fauna, then you are in luck! Whip out your camera and capture new fuzzy, silky, and puckered native blooms with fun flowering textures in the free wildflower garden.
Just over 1.5 km further from Buona Vista, you’ll reach the old Bukit Timah Railway Station. It is currently undergoing renovations but is slated to be completed soon with a heritage gallery, toilets and bicycle racks. I’ll be looking forward to that when it opens! And as you take the path slightly further up, you’ll spot the old railway bridge, Hindhede Crossing, an Instagram-worthy spot for your next photo.
(Above: Old Bukit Timah Railway Station)
As the path is not lit and it gets darker in the evenings, be prepared to hike with friends and bring a head-lamp if you wish to complete the entire 24 km stretch from end to end. Stay attentive to your surroundings and remember to keep left at all times and share the path.
