Instagram-worthy hike in Singapore from Stadium to Marina Bay Sands
Instagram-worthy hike in Singapore from Stadium to Marina Bay Sands
Perhaps one of my favourite and most scenic hikes in Singapore, this extension from the Eastern Coastal Loop towards the bay area brings you through the key places of attraction in Singapore starting from Singapore Sports Hub to Tanjong Rhu, then to Promenade Lane and the Bay East Garden before connecting you to Marina Barrage, Gardens by the Bay and Marina Bay Sands. You can even continue on to the Helix Bridge and the colourful floating platform.
I don’t think there’s an official name for this route but it is so popular among us locals. You’ll have your fair share of Singapore’s Instagram-worthy places along this route and best of all, it will take you no more than 2 hours to complete this trail on foot.
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Best hike for the photogenic, Instagram-worthy spots in Singapore
Here’s the route for one of the most beautiful hikes in Singapore:
For locals who have done little hiking in Singapore, I’ll recommend doing the Marang Trail instead since that takes you away from the usual bustling city life but if you’re visiting Singapore, then this is probably a better route. As you can see, it really connects all the landmarks of Singapore!
We usually start from Stadium station (circle line) and end at Marina Bay Sands. The entire trail is pretty flat and has minimal slopes and stairs, making it perfect for cyclists as well, bringing me to my next point – while it’s an incredibly beautiful route, you will need to be cautious of the throngs of cyclists. There’s usually one side for the pedestrians at all times so make sure you stick to the correct side!
Tanjong Rhu suspension bridge
After you exit from Stadium station, head towards Singapore Indoor Stadium. Take care not to mix up the Sports Hub (dome-like) and the Indoor Stadium. Round towards the back of the indoor stadium via the left side and head towards the Tanjong Rhu suspension bridge. The bridge will take you across Geylang River to Tanjong Rhu Promenade.
Singapore Sports Hub and Golden Mile Complex
From across the river, you can take in views of the unique half-dome structure of the Singapore Sports Hub. Not far away from the Sports Hub, is also the iconic terraced architecture of the Golden Mile complex. The Golden Mile complex is one of my favourite architecture in Singapore because it just has so much character in its seemingly haphazard way of stacking each storey above another.
Continue walking along the Tanjong Rhu promenade with the condominiums and apartments on your left. There’s also a lookout tower that you can climb to a (slightly) higher vantage point to take in the view.
Benjamin Sheares Bridge with beautiful views of Singapore Flyer
The Tanjong Rhu promenade ends after a left turn just below the Benjamin Sheares Bridge. I’ve heard that you can actually climb up the stairs to the bridge and walk across to the central business district alongside traffic but we prefer to continue walking down the Promenade Lane within the Bay East Garden. Right about this point, you will get an incredible view of the bridge and the Singapore Flyer.
Bay East Garden
A waterfront garden overlooking the bay area, the garden has pockets of spaces that are meticulously maintained and designed, making it a popular location for photoshoots. It helps that from the garden, you can also see the iconic Supertrees and domes of Gardens by the Bay, and the distinct silhouette of Marina Bay Sands.
Marina Barrage
At the end of the Bay East Garden, you will be able to cross the Marina Barrage dam towards Gardens by the Bay. While you’re crossing the dam, look out to your left for the ocean. Sunrise here is incredibly beautiful with the sun painting the sky and the waters a deep orange.
Marina Barrage was built in 2008 with the purpose of water storage and flood control but the Barrage itself has also turned into a popular lifestyle destination for locals. From above, the barrage looks like a swirl, and from its elevation, its grassed roof starts from the ground and gently slopes up, ending with a spacious area for families and friends on the top of the structure. You will see them holding picnics or flying kites.
Gardens by the Bay
Continue walking along Marina Bay with Gardens by the Bay to your left. There will be a couple of good photo spots for you to capture the Singapore flyer and the city skyline. You will also pass by two major highlights of the gardens – Cloud Forest and the Flower Dome, which are housed in these peculiarly shaped domes that look right out of your sci-fi movies (though I think the entire bay area looks pretty much this style too). I think they essentially act as giant greenhouses.
You will need to purchase tickets to enter the domes. Cloud Forest is an ethereal vertical forest while the Flower Dome congregates gorgeous floral species around the world. As a local, I’m ashamed to say I’ve never entered either but will definitely make a trip soon. #SingapoRediscovers
Marina Bay Sands
You know you are pretty much done with this route once you catch sight of Marina Bay Sands. One of the best-known projects of architect Moshe Safdie, Marina Bay Sands has an unmistakable silhouette which comprises 3 towers with a ship-like skypark that sits atop and connects all 3 towers. I must admit the design took a while to get used to, but today, it is one of the most recognisable landmarks of Singapore. I often joke that it’s not quite worth it to stay in Marina Bay Sands because then you cannot get a view of the bay area with the hotel in it.
Helix Bridge
You could end your hike here or continue across the helix bridge towards the floating platform; the float with its colourful seats also a sight of its own.
The helix bridge is yet another engineering marvel. Resembling the DNA strand, the metal beams and columns circle around the deck of the bridge. My only grouse – the design really doesn’t protect you from the elements. From the bridge, you get yet another angle of the bay area, looking across to skyscrapers and other distinctive buildings in Singapore including the Esplanade and Fullerton Hotel.
We usually cross the bridge to head towards Suntec City or Marina Square as they have cheaper food options compared to the Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands.
And that summed up the hike! We took our time, stopping for pictures now and then, and took only about 90 minutes to complete the entire route. If you’re looking for longer trails, you can also read up more on the 36-km Coast-to-Coast trail that cuts across Singapore.
Although I’m much more of a mountain hiker than a city hiker, I found this blog so interesting! I’ve heard the architectural work in Singapore is just incredible, and what a great way to see it but to walk in the outdoor air. Will definitely give these hikes a try when I make it back over to Asia!
I visited Singapore a few years back but only stayed for 2 days so would love to return and do this walk, it looks great. Your photos are incredible, you must have a great camera – can I ask what make it is please. I like the fact this walk crosses bridges, through green areas and then through the famous sights of Marina Bay and the Supertrees. Next time this will be on my list of things to do in Singapore!
It’s a canon 70d. 🙂
These hikes look absolutely gorgeous and I appreciate the inclusion of the map. I absolutely love the highlights of architecture along the way, the stunning gardens and the beautiful skyline. I enjoy a city hike when I travel so this is right up my alley.
And it’s an easy walk too!
I love pictographic blogs and this is surely one of them. The places you mentioned to visit in Singapore are totally Instagram-worthy. I am in love with them already. Will surely visit them when there and will click some great pictures.
Hope you have the chance in the future!
I want to visit Singapore so much, but the flight from California is not easy and holds me back from booking a ticket. This makes me want to suffer through it even more! The view of the skyline from Bay East Garden is spectacular. I has always thought I would want to stay in the Marina Bay Sands, but you have a great point about not having a view with the icon in it. Thank you for this walking route, it’s perfect
Hope you get the chance to try it out!
I like how most of the attractions in Singapore are within walking distance of each other. As someone who loves long walks, that’s a godsend to me. But I haven’t been to all of the places you mentioned here. I’ll be sure to follow the route you recommend on my next visit.
Yes, it’s super easy to walk from one attraction to the next!
I’ve never been to that side of the bay. Those views are great. I’ll have to remember it next time I’m in Singapore. Great map!! Wow, Bay East Garden has the best views of Marina Bay Sands and the Gardens.
The views are gorgeous!
I feel like the Helix Bridge and the Marina Bay Sands are synonymous with Singapore. You also outlined some other great landmarks and instagram-worthy attractions to add to an itinerary. Also I had no idea the Helix Bridge was meant to resemble a strand of DNA! I learned something new!
Hope you get the chance to try this out!
I haven’t been to Singapore yet. But it’s on my list. So for sure, when I visit, I will hike from Stadium to Marina Bay Sands. The views are fabulous. Tanjong Rhu promenade and Views Of Singapore Flyer are fantastic. I love the architecture of the bridges, especially the Helix Bridge. I want to take this hike also in the evening to take some night photos.
Hey Eunice! How long is the estimated distance for this walk?
Less than 2 hours at a super leisurely pace! 🙂