The best bike trails to try this weekend

SINGAPORE — Cycling is cost-saving, eco-friendly and a great form of moderate exercise, It’s a way to relax and let loose, and even a strategic way to help Pokemon Go addicts “hatch eggs”.

TODAY spoke to cycling enthusiast Dean Koh, Coast Cycles’ Tony Tan and LoveCyclingSG’s co-founder Francis Chu about the bike trails you can try.

SHORT TRAILS (1km to 5km)

Chestnut Nature Park South

Distance: 1.6km

Cycling time: 10 to 15 minutes

Difficulty level: Moderate

Located at the eastern end of Chestnut Avenue, Chestnut Nature Park has two areas — South and North. The South was opened to the public in early April, while the North area will open by the end of this year. The South biking trail is 1.6km long and forms a small loop. It takes only 10 to 15 minutes to go around, thus cyclists are encouraged to go for as many rounds as they would like, in accordance with their pace and preference. Bicycle rental is also available.

Siglap Park Connector

Distance: 5km

Cycling time: 30 minutes

Difficulty level: Easy

Begin your day with breakfast at the East Coast Lagoon Food Village, before heading to the Siglap Park Connector situated at C4 of East Coast Park. Bicycle rentals are available there and at Telok Kurau Park. Siglap Park Connector runs partly along Siglap Canal and several housing estates. It also interlinks East Coast Park, Bedok Reservoir Park, Bedok Town Park and Telok Kurau Park.

MEDIUM TRAILS (6km to 10km)

Eastern Coastal Loop

Length: 8.3km

Cycling time: 1 hour

Difficulty level: Easy

Start your journey from Tanjong Rhu Promenade, (located opposite Singapore Sports Hub and next to Gardens by the Bay, Bay East), and cycle towards East Coast Park. If you do not have your own bicycle, it is also possible to rent one and start from East Coast Park Area C4 instead. From there, cycle towards Gardens by the Bay (Bay East), where there are plenty of photo opportunities. Enjoy the beautiful conservatories at Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Sands and Singapore Flyer, and even check out the F1 track. Grab a bite at the famous Satay by the Bay if you’re feeling peckish from the ride. The route allows you to cycle past Singapore Sports Hub and end your journey back at Tanjong Rhu Promenade.

Pulau Ubin – Ketam Trail

Distance: 10km

Cycling time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Difficulty level: Moderate

If you enjoy fresh air and adore the simple 1970s kampung life, and want to take a short break from the fast-paced city life, this trail is for you. Just a 10-minute bumboat-ride away, Pulau Ubin is indeed a quiet and peaceful nature reserve. There lies the international-standard Ketam Mountain Bike Park, which features a 10km off-road trail, suitable for all riders who yearn for a little adventure. The well-designed trail is said to offer a good speed. During your ride, expect to encounter wild boars, monkeys, rare birds and, if you are lucky, monitor lizards. End your day with delicious seafood and cold drinks at First Stop Restaurant before taking the bumboat back 
to town.

Cyclists are encouraged to bring their own bicycles, at an additional charge (about S$4) to the bumboat operator. For those who do not want to lug their bicycles across, bicycle rental is available (per day S$6 to S$12).

LONG TRAILS (10km and above)

Choa Chu Kang to Bukit Batok Nature Park

Distance: 12km

Cycling time: 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes

Difficulty level: Moderate

Warm up at Choa Chu Kang Park, which is situated a stone’s throw away from Choa Chu Kang MRT Station, and head towards Pang Sua Park Connector. You will pass by Zhenghua Park; do keep a look out because this is where you can spot a variety of birds such as parakeets and woodpeckers, sea eagles and sunbirds. The trail’s difficulty level will start increasing, but the consolation and motivation are that the Bukit Batok Nature Park is not too far away from there on. Treat yourself to coffee-shop delights around the neighbourhood upon completing your journey.

North Eastern Riverine Loop

Distance: 26km

Cycling time:

2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours

Difficulty level: Easy

Suitable for long-distance lovers and beginner riders, the trail starts at the Serangoon Park Connector at Punggol Park. There is a bicycle kiosk situated here where you can conveniently rent a bicycle to start your estimated two-hour-long journey. Rental prices range from S$8 to S$10 an hour. From scenic sunsets to Instagram-worthy spots, the North Eastern Riverine Loop has a lot to offer. Riding on this trail will take you through Sungei Serangoon Park Connector, Punggol Promenade Riverside Walk, Lorong Halus Wetland, Punggol Promenade Nature Walk, Punggol Promenade Punggol Point Walk, Punggol Park Connector, Sengkang Riverside Park, Buangkok Park Connector and Punggol waterway Park. If you are into photography, you may stop over at Punggol Point, Lorong Halus Bridge, Sunrise bridge, and Jewel bridge. The scenery is mesmerising, especially during sunset.