If you’re always ready to take on anything and everything, put on your explorer hats and try the Northern Explorer Loop to get acquainted with the wild side of Singapore! 🤠
With multiple parks, waterfronts and heartlands along the route, the Northern Explorer Loop is suitable for both leisure cyclists as well as cycling enthusiasts. There are surely plenty of things for everyone to see - be it nature, sea and the beautiful wildlife of Singapore!🕊
Northern Explorer Route
Difficulty: Moderate-Hard
Distance: 11km
Duration (Cycling): 2-3hr
Lower Seletar Reservoir Park -> Mandai Park Connector -> Ulu Sembawang Park Connector -> Woodlands (SLE) Park Connector -> Admiralty Park -> Woodlands Waterfront
(Find the custom map with all the pinned locations at the bottom!)
1. Lower Seletar Reservoir Park
To get to Lower Seletar Reservoir Park, start your journey from Khatib MRT by unlocking an SG Bike bicycle (Download SG Bike app here) at the bicycle parking bay located near Exit D. Hop on your preferred SG Bike bicycle thereafter and cycle northeast towards Lower Seletar Reservoir Park.
Escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy the gentle breezes as you cycle through the park. It is also the home of water sports in Singapore, so do make sure to keep your eyes peeled for the occasional kayak/dragon-boater 🛶!
Tip: Try to kickstart your cycling journey early so that you can catch some breath-taking morning views 🌅!
2. Mandai Park Connector
Take your time as you soak in the sights of Lower Seletar Reservoir Park before finally moving on to Mandai Park Connector. Here, it is time to open your eyes as you look for residents of the nature reserve, like the commonly seen Long-tailed Macaques 🐒!
Tip: Bring along your camera! 📸 This is one of the rare few places in Singapore where you can hardly spot a building along the horizon, which makes it the perfect place for your next TikTok video or Insta-worthy shot!
3. Ulu Sembawang Park Connector
Slip into relaxation as you ride through this rustic stretch surrounded by wilderness. You might ask, “What’s the beauty of this park connector?” Definitely, it’s hilly terrain and off-road conditions! What’s more, you’ll get to catch magical-looking sunrise 🌅 in the background when you head there in the early mornings! 😌
Fun fact: Try spotting a variety of fruit trees 🌳🍉🍊🍋 from Singapore Kampong days there!
4. Woodlands (SLE) Park Connector
Upon crossing the Seletar Expressway, you’ll find yourself reaching the Woodlands Park Connector. Hydrate yourself with the drinking fountains there 🚰, and take a short break under the “green-roof” shelters 🌱 along the park connector while you admire the beauty of the nearby nature reserve.
Psst! Keep a lookout for Shoebutton Ardisia (Ardisia elliptica) there —the host plant for the endangered Harlequin butterfly (Taxila haquinus haquinus). It’s a light-pink flower with berry looking fruits 🫐 🌸
5. Admiralty Park
Known for its fun-filled slides and large playgrounds, there is more than meets the eye at Admiralty Park. Filled with trees, ponds, and even a mangrove section, Admiralty Park embodies serenity. Take a sit on one of the benches and enjoy the breeze, or push further on to complete our Northern Explorer Loop!
6. Woodlands Waterfront
Finally, our last stop. From the jetty, you have a clear unobstructed view of our neighbours, Malaysia (more specifically Johor Bahru)! Take a slow cycle around the park as you find your perfect picnic spot, or cycle back down to Woodlands MRT for a good lunch! You deserve it after such a good trip! 🚲👍🏼
As the route takes you through multiple locations with a few sections that are open and sunny, here’s a list of items to consider bringing along 📝:
SG Bike Adventure Checklist
Phone 📱
Wallet (Including some cash) 💵
Backpack 🎒
Water Bottle🚰
Sunglasses 🕶
Hat 👒
Appropriate Attire & Shoes 👕👟
The northern explorer loop definitely takes you on one of the most scenic and adventurous routes in Singapore. Good luck and have fun our fellow SG Bike adventurers! 😍 🚴♀️
Click here for NParks Northern Explorer Loop's Guide.
For more cycling routes in Singapore, check out our guides here: Cycling Guides SG Bike
Custom map with pinned locations (Northern Explorer Loop)