Chestnut Nature Park Singapore
Looking for an adrenaline-pumping outdoor adventure or a serene nature escape in Singapore? Head to Chestnut Nature Park, the country’s largest nature park, offering a thrilling mix of mountain biking trails, hiking routes, and biodiversity hotspots. Spanning 81 hectares, this park is split into two zones—Chestnut North and South—each with its own trail network and outdoor experiences.
Location & Getting There
Park Name: Chestnut Nature Park
Location: Bukit Panjang / Central Catchment Nature Reserve Fringe
Address: Chestnut Avenue, Singapore 679514
Nearest MRT: Pending MRT (DTL) + Bus 700/966 to Chestnut Avenue
Opening Hours & Entry Fee
- Opening Hours: Daily from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Free admission
Tip: Plan your visit in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat.
Mountain Biking Trails at Chestnut Nature Park
Chestnut Nature Park is Singapore’s first official mountain biking trail network, with dedicated dirt tracks catering to all skill levels.
Northern Loop
- Total Trail Distance: ~8.2 km
- Difficulty Levels: Easy to Extremely Difficult
- Highlights:
- Pump Track (great for kids and beginners)
- Chestnut Bike Park with technical features like drop-offs and jumps
- Mandai Track 15 connection for easy access from Mandai Road
Southern Loop
- Trail Difficulty: Moderate to Extremely Difficult
- Highlights:
- More technical terrain with sharp descents and rocky sections
- Perfect for experienced riders
Remember: Helmets are mandatory and pads are strongly recommended for advanced trails.
Hiking Trails & Nature Activities
For non-cyclists, Chestnut Nature Park also features well-marked walking and hiking paths.
Northern Hiking Trail (~3.5 km)
- A scenic route through secondary forest, great for birdwatching and photography.
Southern Hiking Trail (~2.1 km)
- Split into the Sunbird, Munia, and Drongo trails; more peaceful and suitable for families.
Observation Tower
- Climb this 7-storey lookout tower for panoramic views of the surrounding forest canopy.
Wildlife & Biodiversity
Nature lovers can spot:
- Straw-headed Bulbul
- Colugos (Flying Lemurs)
- Long-tailed macaques
- Colorful butterflies and forest-dwelling reptiles
The park is part of the ecological buffer zone for Central Catchment Reserve.
Facilities
- Toilets and drinking fountains at Chestnut Point
- Sheltered rest huts
- Bike rental and repair services
- Vending machines
- Free limited car parking (closes at 7:00 PM)
Things to Do at Chestnut Nature Park
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Mountain Biking | North & South loops, pump track, bike park |
| Hiking | Family-friendly and scenic forest trails |
| Birdwatching | Endangered and native species sightings |
| Nature Photography | Canopy views, flora, and fauna |
| Tower Climbing | Observation deck for panoramic forest views |
Official Website
For maps, guidelines, and trail updates, visit the Chestnut Nature Park page on NParks.gov.sg.
Final Thoughts
Chestnut Nature Park is Singapore’s go-to spot for both thrill-seeking mountain bikers and nature-loving families. Whether you’re navigating the technical terrain of the southern loop or enjoying a peaceful walk along the sun-dappled trails, Chestnut offers a nature experience that’s rugged, real, and refreshingly wild—all within reach of the city.
