SINGAPORE — In a country as well-connected by public transport as Singapore, getting from one end of the island to another should be relatively easy. A group of walking enthusiasts, however, recently chose to do things the hard way by challenging themselves to a cross-country trek from Tuas to Changi.

The impressive feat was documented in a TikTok video by a man named Greg who was one of 13 participants in the group.

In his video, Greg, who is from the United States, recounted the long journey that began at 9pm on March 8. He explained that the group had chosen to carry out most of the walk at night when the weather would be cooler.

After gathering at Tuas Link MRT Station, they began their journey to the east, covering about 8.5km before making a pit stop at a petrol station in Boon Lay for a break and some snacks. 

They then continued through Pandan Reservoir before stopping at the Springleaf Prata Place restaurant at NEWest Mall for some Indian fare. By this time, it was past 2am and three members of the group chose to retire for the night. 

Not to be discouraged, the remaining 10 people powered on, passing through Holland Road and Dempsey Hill before reaching Orchard Road at around 5.15am. With practically no businesses open yet, the usually bustling shopping district appeared to be a ghost town.

Reflecting on what he saw, Greg wrote in the video’s caption that "it was quite interesting watching the city go to sleep and wake up". On Orchard Road, there were people still returning home from clubbing and also people starting their morning runs, "a true mix of lifestyles”, he said.

The group members were, at this point, at the halfway mark since they had already covered a distance of about 30km. However, six more people decided to drop out due to blisters and fatigue, leaving just two men and two women.

As the sun began to rise, the remaining four "survivors" pressed on through Bencoolen, Rochor Road and Geylang. They managed to travel another 10km before taking another break at Aljunied MRT Station.

Speaking in the video, Greg said: “We’ve gone about 40 plus kilometres. The legs are burning, I’m tired and delirious but here we go.” 

The group continued through MacPherson, Kaki Bukit, Bedok Reservoir and Tampines before finally reaching Changi Village at around 12.30pm the next day. 

Then, 15 hours, 64km and about 74,000 steps later, the quartet “crossed the finish line” at Little Island Brewing Co where they celebrated their accomplishment with well-deserved drinks.

Greg wrote: “Proud of the final four of us who made it all the way through, a true test of mental and physical strength. I think next time we will try north to south.”

‘ENOUGH EXERCISE FOR THE NEXT TWO YEARS’

As of Thursday (March 21) afternoon, the TikTok video has received more than 520,000 views, 33,000 likes and 1,000 comments in just four days. 

Many viewers congratulated Greg and his friends on completing their challenge, dubbing the feat “crazy” and “amazing”.

Some people suggested other routes for future walks such as along the Coast-to-Coast Trail or from Singapore to Malaysia.

The Coast-to-Coast Trail is a 36km trail that spans across Singapore, linking up parks and park connectors from Jurong Lake Gardens in the west, the new Lornie Nature Corridor near the centre, and to Coney Island Park in the northeast. 

Other TikTok viewers also expressed interest in joining the walking group.

One top comment read: “My sisters (and I) fight about who’s going to throw the rubbish outside the house. Yet, here you (are) walking from Tuas to Changi.”

Another person said: “It’s crazy knowing that you can explore an entire country just by walking and under 24 hours.”

Some people admitted that they would not be able to do the same: “I have only walked from Tampines to Bedok Reservoir (before), and I thought I (would) die.”

Another joked: “My brother was watching this TikTok (video) with me and he said that (would be) enough exercise for the next two years.”

However, it seems like not everyone was equally impressed.

One viewer pointed out: “Most male Singaporeans who served two years mandatory National Service in the army under combat (units) will consider your walk light. But (I) salute you.”

Most national servicemen here are required to take part in a 24km route march towards the end of their basic military training. This route march is also routine in operational combat units, with commandos required to complete a rigorous 72km to earn the coveted red beret.

TODAY has reached out to Greg for comment.