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The Only Guide You’ll Ever Need to Southern Ridges in Singapore
Surprising to most people, Singapore isn’t just an urban jungle filled with buildings and a bustling Dhoby Ghaut MRT station.
This modest-sized country is also packed with lush greenery, providing ample activities for outdoor adventures without traveling too far.
Enter Southern Ridges, an oasis for nature explorers that’s made up of Kent Ridge, Mount Faber, Telok Blangah Hill, and Labrador Nature Reserve.
But what exactly is there to do while you’re here? Aside from trekking, we explored various options to help you prepare for your visit.
To make things even more convenient for you, we’ve also included insider tips on where to stay and eat around the area!
What to Do in Southern Ridges Singapore
Go bird watching
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The Southern Ridges is a popular spot among locals for bird watching, which is no surprise considering it’s a nature wonderland.
You’ll be able to see the birds all around including at the Marang Trail, Telok Blangah Hill Park (especially the Forest Walk), Kent Ridge Park, and of course, The Singing Forest where one can find over 200 species of birds.
Expect to see the Common Tailorbird, the Dollarbird, the pink-necked green pigeon, and many more all over Southern Ridges.
Make sure to bring your binoculars and trusty prime lenses!
Take photos of the Henderson Waves Bridge
Henderson Waves is one of the popular attractions at Telok Blangah Hill Park that got its name because of its wave-shaped design.
It certainly adds allure to the already scenic surroundings, thanks to its cool architectural design. You can further enjoy this at night when it’s illuminated by LED lights.
Considered the tallest pedestrian bridge in the city, you can also walk along this trail to appreciate the surrounding area.
Appreciate a panoramic view of Singapore
A visit to Southern Ridges will take your appreciation for Singapore to new heights, literally.
Those who don’t mind a scenic trek will be surprised by a stunning treat atop Mount Faber. Here, you’ll get an unhindered view of southern Singapore, as well as other islands surrounding it.
It’s especially beautiful at night when you see the city lights twinkle as if they were stars.
While the path that leads to this gem can be a bit challenging, trust us that it will be worth it.
See the illumination at the Alexandra Arch
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The Alexandra Arch is another Southern Ridges favorite – a towering structure that spans 80 meters, bridging Floral Walk and Forest Walk for easier exploration.
While it’s an enchanting sight to behold any time of day, we find it even more spectacular at night when it’s illuminated, showcasing its full glory.
Discover different flowers at Berlayer Creek
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If you want an easy trail to explore, Berlayer Creek provides a relaxing stroll amidst lush greenery that serves as a habitat for a lot of species.
A lot of people have spotted birds here, as well as interesting insects, making it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and wildlife photographers alike.
Other than that, Berlayer Creek is also a popular location to discover different flowers, adding colorful hues to the lovely Southern Ridges.
Explore the garden displays at HortPark
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Spanning 9 hectares, HortPark is another Southern Ridges treasure where one can immerse themselves in the beauty of nature.
There are a multitude of garden displays just waiting to be explored including the plant introduction garden, the golden garden, and the prototype glasshouses.
What makes this park so unique is that it doesn’t only provide a place to unwind or offer picturesque landscapes, but it also educates visitors with exciting activities related to gardening.
Pitter Patter Potter Garden is highly recommended for curious kids who are especially excited about hands-on activities. Here, they can gain more knowledge about different ways seeds are spread and other interesting tidbits.
We recommend spending at least 2 hours exploring the garden displays, especially if you want to fully indulge in your surroundings.
Explore The Alkaff Mansion
Did you know that the Southern Ridges aren’t just a hub for nature explorers?
The Alkaff Mansion is a unique addition to the area with its European-inspired facade that adds a touch of elegance to the open green space.
While the mansion is popular as a wedding and private event venue, it also boasts other activities, making it worth exploring during your visit to the Southern Ridges.
Where to Stay in Singapore Near Southern Ridges
Hotel Faber Park
Address: 448 Telok Blangah Rd, Singapore 099593
Phone: +65 6371 3883
Pricing: $
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Hotel Faber Park is a stylish accommodation which is a mere 5-minute drive from the Southern Ridges.
Both urban and nature explorers alike will surely be captivated by its prime location, as it’s surrounded by wide green spaces, without straying too far away from the bustling city center, as well as the country’s several renowned attractions.
Additionally, the Telok Blangah MRT Station is within walking distance, ensuring convenience without requiring you to break a sweat.
Aside from the allure of its location, the spectacular rooms are also cozy and inviting, thanks to its modern and well-curated embellishments.
K2 Guesthouse
Address: 15 South Buona Vista Rd, Singapore 118146
Phone: +65 8887 1230
Pricing: $–$$
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K2 Guesthouse serves as a pleasant retreat with rooms that feel very much like home.
Considering it’s within walking distance to Kent Ridge Park, a verdant escape that’s part of the Southern Ridges, it’s an ideal accommodation for those looking to explore the Singaporean gem.
Visitors can choose from a wide variety of rooms, all of which are clean and simple.
If you’re a solo traveler looking for a low-budget stay and don’t mind sharing space with strangers, you can go for the hostel style that can accommodate 6 to 12 people.
Otherwise, the single superior suite might be more suitable for you.
For big groups, the deluxe family suite is the most ideal choice. This spacious lodging comes with a balcony and an additional bed if needed.
Where to Eat in Singapore Near Southern Ridges
Address: 39 Malan Rd, Gillman Barracks, Singapore 109442
Phone: +65 6694 0807
Pricing: $$$
Naked Finn is a delicious gem that serves delectable seafood plates. It’s an ideal choice for those who enjoy exploring off-the-beaten locations that not a lot of visitors venture into.
This lovely locale proves that taking the road less traveled can lead to fascinating discoveries.
Anyway, the American lobster roll truly takes the cake during our visit. This delectable concoction is made with a perfectly seasoned lobster with a hint of sweetness, nestled in a crunchy embrace of bread.
On the side are some truffle fries which also prove to be irresistible.
Oh, and did we mention this restaurant is within the vicinity of Southern Ridges? You don’t have to go far to indulge in tasty seafood dishes!
Sum Kee Food
Address: 2 Telok Blangah Street 31, Singapore 108942
Phone: +65 6737 3233
Pricing: $
A little outside the precinct of Southern Ridges is Sum Kee Food, a popular spot for mouthwatering Chinese delights.
We highly recommend exploring their plethora of signature dishes which includes the ultraman chicken, Spanish pork ribs, and our favorite – the pig trotter beehon, a hearty dish made with rice noodles.
Of course, we urge you to feel free to venture outside this category and try out other gems like the steamed ginger chicken, which we love for its aromatic taste and tender texture.
BurgerLabo
Address: 213 Henderson Rd, #01-10 Henderson Industrial Park, Singapore 159553
Phone: +65 6694 0940
Pricing: $
For a quick, filling bite, one can’t go wrong with the most classic choice – burgers.
Fortunately, if you find yourself exploring the verdant Southern Ridges, BurgerLabo, an under-the-radar find, is just within arms’ reach.
The lobster roll continues to be a popular choice among regulars because of its generous serving of lobster tucked in tender brioche bread.
We also immediately fell in love with the cod burger – a surprising turn of events for hardcore meat aficionados in our team. Like the lobster roll, the cod serving is also quite generous.
There’s also an additional flavorful punch in each bite, thanks to the tanginess of the aioli. Needless to say, we’ll be coming back for more!
Makko Teck Neo
Address: Blk 35 Telok Blangah Rise, #01-303, Singapore 090035
Phone: +65 6275 1330
Pricing: $$
For a delicious solution to your Nyonya Kueh and Peranakan cravings, Makko Teck Neo is a must-visit establishment.
They serve a lot of homey dishes including dry mee siam, Nyonya kueh chang, and one of the most popular ones – the ayam buah keluak with a savory and earthy flavor profile.
After eating a hearty meal full of tantalizing flavors, we recommend trying out their pineapple tarts – a decadent choice that guarantees a home run.
Eat 3 Bowls
Address: 80 Bendemeer Rd, #01-01, Singapore 339949
Phone: +65 9154 8191
Pricing: $
If you’re willing to drive for around 20 minutes from Southern Ridges, Eat 3 Bowls is a Taiwanese restaurant well worth the trip.
Braised pork rice is the ultimate standout dish, boasting rich and garlicky flavors.
Our favorite thing about it is the abundance of sauce. Mix it with the rice for an elevated experience.
And if you want to add braised Chinese cabbage and egg to your meal, we recommend ordering the braised pork rice set instead.
Additionally, their dishes are considerably more affordable compared to other establishments in the country.
