By The Diary desk · Last verified 4 October 2026
The Southern Ridges is a free chain of green hilltops linking Mount Faber Park, Telok Blangah Hill Park, HortPark and Kent Ridge Park, with a branch to Labrador Nature Reserve. NParks’ main route, from Mount Faber to Kent Ridge, is about 10km and takes three to five hours at walking pace. The star is Henderson Waves, a 274m wave-shaped timber bridge that NParks calls the tallest pedestrian bridge in Singapore, lit by LEDs from 7pm to 2am daily. You can do the whole thing or just a short section: the Henderson Waves stretch, the Forest Walk (1.3km, about 35 minutes) and the Kent Ridge Canopy Walk (280m, about 10 minutes) all work as bite-sized outings.
It is one of the city’s happiest walks: forest canopy, sea views over the port, and a bridge that looks like a ribbon in the sky. Here is how to plan it.
Quick facts
- Cost: free; it is a series of public parks.
- Full route (Mount Faber to Kent Ridge): about 10km, three to five hours.
- Henderson Waves: 274m long, Singapore’s tallest pedestrian bridge, lit 7pm to 2am daily.
- Start: HarbourFront MRT for Mount Faber; finish near Kent Ridge, Haw Par Villa or Pasir Panjang MRT.
- Labrador Park MRT serves the Labrador Nature Reserve branch.
- NParks closed parts of Telok Blangah Hill’s Forest Walk for slope repairs, with completion expected by 31 July 2026; check its notices for the latest.
What are the sections, and how long does each take?
The table follows the main route from east to west. Times for the named walkways are NParks’ own estimates; allow extra for photo stops and the climbs between parks.
| Section | What it is | Length and time |
|---|---|---|
| Mount Faber Park | Hilltop park with harbour views; start from HarbourFront | Steep climb from the MRT |
| Henderson Waves | Wave-form bridge linking Mount Faber and Telok Blangah Hill | 274m; a few minutes to cross |
| Forest Walk (Telok Blangah Hill) | Step-free elevated walkway through secondary forest, with an earth trail below | 1.3km; about 35 minutes |
| Alexandra Arch | Curved bridge over Alexandra Road towards HortPark | 80m; about 2 minutes |
| HortPark | Gardening hub with themed gardens | Allow 30 minutes or more |
| Canopy Walk (Kent Ridge Park) | Wheelchair-friendly boardwalk | 280m; about 10 minutes |
The alternative NParks route heads from Mount Faber to Labrador Nature Reserve on the coast, and also takes three to five hours with stops.
Which route should you choose?
- Short and scenic (about an hour): walk up from HarbourFront to Mount Faber, cross Henderson Waves, and come back down to Henderson Road for a bus.
- Half-day classic (three to five hours): the full Mount Faber to Kent Ridge route, finishing at Kent Ridge or Haw Par Villa MRT.
- Family-friendly: start at HortPark, cross Alexandra Arch, and add the Kent Ridge Canopy Walk, which is wheelchair accessible.
- Evening stroll: visit Henderson Waves after 7pm, when the LED lights come on, and pair it with dinner nearby.
When is the best time to go?
Go early in the morning for the full route, because much of it is exposed and climbs are steep in the midday heat. Late afternoon is lovely for the Henderson Waves section, finishing as the lights come on at 7pm. Avoid thunderstorms on the high, open bridges; our weather by month guide shows the wettest months. Bring water, sun protection and comfortable shoes, and check NParks’ park pages for any closures before you set out.
The WahLiao Verdict
For a first visit, walk the full Mount Faber to Kent Ridge route on a weekend morning, starting from HarbourFront at about 7.30am, and treat yourself to a cold drink at the end. Short on time or energy? The Henderson Waves loop at dusk gives you the best of the Southern Ridges in about an hour, for free, with the lights as your reward.
Questions people ask
Is the Southern Ridges free?
Yes. The parks, bridges and walkways are public and free to use. You only pay if you choose a paid extra nearby, such as the cable car at Mount Faber.
How long is the Southern Ridges walk?
NParks puts its main Mount Faber to Kent Ridge route at about 10km, taking three to five hours. You can break it into shorter sections.
When are the Henderson Waves lights on?
NParks says the bridge is lit with LED lights from 7pm to 2am daily.
Is it suitable for wheelchairs or prams?
Parts are. NParks describes the Kent Ridge Canopy Walk as wheelchair accessible and the Forest Walk’s elevated walkway as step-free, but the climbs between parks include stairs and steep slopes, so plan a section rather than the whole route.
Sources: NParks, Henderson Waves; NParks, HortPark and Southern Ridges DIY walk; NParks, Forest Walk repair notice. The Diary explains; it does not advise.
Read next: Park Connectors in Singapore: The Routes, the Paths and the Rules · Getting Into Sentosa: Boardwalk, Monorail, Bus, Car or Cable Car · Back to The Diary
For what’s worth it this week, with the bill shown, read The WahLiao Week.
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