SV Trailblazer
Routes

Bird Watchers

Sungei Buloh Wetlands

The Bird Watchers route is a fairly flat route that takes hikers through Singapore’s own wetland reserve and gives some sweeping views of our northern neighbor, Malaysia. A good chance of spotting local wildlife like monitor lizards and crocodiles for the keen eyed.

Route Details

  • Route Outline: Kranji Reservoir Park and Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve

  • Distance: 8.71 km

  • Type: Loop

  • Start/End Point: Kranji Car Park A

  • Average TB Pace: 13:16/km

  • Fastest TB Pace: 12:54/km (24/4/22 | TL: Adric O.)

    1. The route follows paved pathways throughout so boots or trainers can be used.

    2. Suggest long pants and sleeves during mosquito prone hours.

    1. As a fairly flat route, load can be adjusted to personal limits.

    2. Normal water requirements (0.5l per 30m). Note that there are water points at the start and end of the route.

    3. Mosquito repellent for hikes taking place during off-hours.

    4. Torches recommended for hikes occurring at dawn and night times.

    1. CAT1 Army Sector: 4 and 6

    2. Wild Animals. As a wetland reserve, there are wild animals present - noticeably crocodiles, monitor lizards, snakes and monkeys. Take necessary precautions.

    3. Heavy Rain and Flooding. This area has the potential to flood during and after adverse weather conditions.

    1. Kranji Car Park A. Mon-Sat 7am-7pm: $0.60/30m. Sun/PH: Free.

    1. The route has little in the way of elevation although there are some man-made towers that can be scaled.

    2. Pace can be consistent for this hike as it is nearly entirely paved. This can be useful for pace measurement or speed march training.

Route Notes

Fantastic Four

Bukit Batok and Bukit Timah Hill

Fantastic Four is a route that trains on elevation as it has four ascends for the hiker to contend with. This is sure to be a Trailblazer favourite as it panders to the love of stairs. Do note that this route does require a good level of fitness and shouldn’t be attempted by beginners.

Route Details

  • Route Outline: Bukit Batok - Bukit Timah Main Ascent - Seraya Loop - Cave Path - South View Path - Hindehede Nature Park - Lorong Sesuai - Bukit Batok Nature Park

  • Distance: 9.35 km

  • Type: Loop

  • Start/End Point: Bukit Batok Nature Park Car Park

  • Average TB Pace: n/a

  • Fastest TB Pace: n/a

    1. Boots are strongly advised for this route because of the steep ascents and unpaved trails.

    1. Load considerations should take into account multiple ascents and descents on slippery and unpaved pathways. Inexperienced hikers are advised to exercise caution with load on this hike.

    2. Water requirements are normal at 0.5l per 30m. While there are no water points along the route, there are water points at the main visitor centre.

    3. Torches advised for hikes taking place at dawn and dusk as there is no lighting along the pathways.

    1. CAT1 Army Sector: 7

    2. Hikers should note that there are multiple ascents and descents along this route. They should be in good physical condition and rest where necessary.

    3. Wet weather can create slippery conditions for ascent and descent and hikers should take extra caution under these conditions.

    1. Parking at Bukit Batok Nature Park is $0.60 per 30 mins.

    1. This route is intended to be hard and hikers should assess their own level of fitness for this hike.

    2. Team Leaders are advised to exercise extra caution on this hike and pay attention to hikers conditions.

    3. The order of the ascents are designed to mentally train the hikers - a steep ascent to the top of Bukit Timah Hill followed by two less than pleasant ascents. This is then followed by a march to a slow upward incline at Bukit Batok.

Route Notes

Frogger

Chestnut Nature Park and T15 Trail

Frogger is one of our more arduous routes which takes hikers through the trails at Chestnut Park and along the T15 trail to Mandai. The trails and the forest seem a lot less untamed to other locations such as MacRitchie, giving a feeling of hiking through the wild. A favourite for the more adventurous Trailblazers amongst us.

Route Details

  • Route Outline: Chestnut Nature Park Loop South - Loop North - Mandai T15 Loop

  • Distance: 13.01 km

  • Type: Loop

  • Start/End Point: Chestnut Park Reception

  • Average TB Pace: 13:52/km

  • Fastest TB Pace: 12:41/km (27/2/22 | GL: Alex V.)

    1. As the trails are rough and not paved for most of the route, boots are strongly advised for safety.

    2. Long pants advised.

    1. The trails are not paved so it is advised to manage load correctly. New hikers or those new to the route are advised not to carry heavy loads. Even experienced hikers should exercise caution.

    2. Water requirements are normal at 0.5l per 30m. However, there are no water refill stations along the route so hikers should carry their water requirements as part of their load.

    3. Torches are required for hikes taking place at dawn or dusk as there is no lighting.

    4. Mosquito repellent for hikes taking place during mosquito prone hours.

    1. CAT1 Army Sector: 7, 13N and 10S

    2. Terrain. The terrain is rough and the pathways are not paved. Boots are strongly advised to avoid ankle rolling, especially with load.

    3. Mountain Bikers. The T15 path is used by mountain bikers. Single file is advised along this route with safety lights and good warning communication observed.

    4. Wild Animals. As the area is wild, there is more wildlife present - snakes and boars notably.

    5. Stay on public pathways. The area is a military training area so straying off established pathways is dangerous.

    1. Parking at Chestnut Park Car Park is free.

    2. The park’s car park is shut at 06.00. There should be enough parking space along Chestnut Avenue - either before or after the main entrance of Chestnut Park’s car park.

    1. This route is designed to be done early in the morning with a set off at 06.00. This is because the T15 trail is a designated mountain bike trail. However, hikes leaving very early will unlikely encounter much traffic on the route.

    2. Team Leaders and Group Leaders are advised to study the route carefully as there are limited to no medical facilities along the route.

Route Notes

Hard Corps History

Padang and Fort Canning Park

The Hard Corps History route is loaded with military points of interest and takes hikers through the CBD area. Hikers start at the Civilian War Memorial and proceed to the Padang with its various memorials and then onto Fort Canning with plenty of elevation. Of course, this isn’t a heritage tour so expect to see these fascinating sites as you briskly march past them.

Route Details

  • Route Outline: Beach Road - Marina Promenade - Padang - Fort Canning

  • Distance: 10.08 km

  • Type: Loop

  • Start/End Point: Civilian War Memorial

  • Average TB Pace: 12:54/km

  • Fastest TB Pace: 12:54/km (20/4/22 | TL: Nadim V.)

    1. The entire route is paved so boots or trainers can be worn. However, Fort Canning can be slippery when it has rained so boots are advised, especially with load.

    2. The route goes through the CBD area and depending on time of day, may be busy with public. Avoid wearing overly military attire.

    1. No load restrictions but be aware that this route takes place through the CBD and tourist area. Be mindful that large packs might be cumbersome and military styled packs may cause alarm.

    2. Water requirements are normal for this route. There are plenty of points to replenish water.

    3. No additional kit requirements for this route.

    1. CAT1 Army Sector: 14 and 15

    2. No specific safety concerns for this route.

    1. Raffles City Car Park. Mon-Fri 8am-6pm: $2.20 for 1st hour, $0.55 per 15min. Post 6pm: $3.00 per entry. Sat/Sun: $2.20 for 1st 2hr, $0.40 for next subsequent 15min from 8am to 7.59am the following day, $0.60 for next subsequent 15min after the 5th hr.

    1. Designed to be done as part of the Wednesday Walk series and in the evening. This routes is not exceptionally busy in the evening.

    2. Worth noting is that the urban nature of the route can lead to a reduction in pace.

Route Notes

The Hill

The Bukit Timah Hill is designed to take hikers along the base of the hill before embarking on an up-and-down route to the form up point at the base. Then it’s a direct march to the top of the hill with aggressive inclines and a stair-master workout before taking hikers back down to the bottom.

Route Details

  • Route Outline: Northern Perimeter Route - Catchment Path - Cave Path - Southern View Path - Main Road - Summit - Catchment Path

  • Distance: 6km

  • Type: Loop

  • Start/End Point: Dairy Farm Car Park B

  • Average TB Pace:

  • Fastest TB Pace:

    1. Boots are strongly advised for this route because of the steep ascents and unpaved trails.

    1. Load considerations should take into account multiple ascents and descents on slippery and unpaved pathways.

    2. Water requirements are normal at 0.5l per 30m. While there are no water points along the route, there are water points at the Dairy Farm Car Park and main visitor centre.

    3. Torches advised for hikes taking place at dawn and dusk as there is no lighting along the pathways.

    4. Mosquito repellent advised for mosquito prone hours.

    1. CAT1 Army Sector: 7

    2. Hikers should note that there are multiple ascents and descents along this route. They should be in good physical condition and rest where necessary.

    3. Wet weather can create slippery conditions for ascent and descent and hikers should take extra caution under these conditions.

    1. Parking can be found at Dairy Farm Car Park B.

    1. This route was designed during the pandemic and there were a number of pathways shut (notably the northern side of the hill). Potentially, needs revision.

    2. This route is designed to avoid mountain bike routes and to be self-contained within the park.

Route Notes

Hill and Forest

Bukit Timah Hill and Clementi Forest

The Bukit Timah Hill and Clementi Forest is designed to help hikers appreciate the beauty of Singapore’s hills and forests. It starts with a brisk walk to the summit and then back down again, along the Rail Corridor, to the untamed Clementi Forest.

  • Route Outline: Bukit Timah Hill - Rail Corridor - Clementi Forest

  • Distance: 10km

  • Type: Loop

  • Start & End Point: Bukit Timah Nature Reserve Visitor Centre

  • Average TB Pace: 12:36/km

  • Fastest TB Pace: 11:30/km (6/2/22 | TL: Nadim V)

    1. Boots are strongly recommended. The trail is majority unpaved with some rocky parts to it.

    Long pants recommended.

    1. Load considerations should take into account multiple ascents and descents on slippery and unpaved pathways.

    2. Water requirements are normal at 0.5l per 30m. There are water points along the route.

    3. Torches advised for hikes taking place at dawn and dusk as there is no lighting along the pathways.

    4. Mosquito repellent advised for mosquito prone hours.

    1. CAT1 Army Sector: 7 and 8N

    2. Hikers should note that there are multiple ascents and descents along this route. They should be in good physical condition and rest where necessary.

    3. Wet weather can create slippery conditions for ascent and descent and hikers should take extra caution under these conditions.

    4. Portions of Clementi Forest are wild and not managed. This can lead to overgrown areas. Wild animals may be present - notably snakes. Likewise, overhead branches have been known to fall.

    1. For hikes setting off before 07.00, you cannot park at the Bukit Timah Hill Park Car Park as this only opens at 7am. Here are alternative locations to park.

    2. Bukit Timah Shopping Centre (Indoor Car Park)

    3. Street Parking outside Bukit Timah Shopping Centre. Coupon/Parking.sg - S0139: $0.60/30min.

    4. Cheong Chin Nam Road. Coupon/Parking.sg - C0011: $0.60/30min.

    1. This route is designed to provide hikers with a nice solid wake up in the morning (if setting off at 06.00).

    2. Clementi Forest has “off-trail” pathways but Team Leaders should exercise caution with hikers that are inexperience or incorrectly attired.

Route Notes

MacRitchie 8

MacRitchie Eastern & Southern Trails

The MacRitchie 8 is a basic route designed with both trail and boardwalk. This makes it ideal for breaking in new boots or easing back into hiking. The Figure 8 pattern allows people to remain close viable exit points rather than commit to the full MacRitchie loop.

Route Details

  • Route Outline: Nature - Petai - Prunus - Lornie - Champerai Trails

  • Distance: 9km

  • Type: Loop

  • Start Point/End Point: Mushroom Cafe

  • Average TB Pace: 12:33/km

  • Fastest TB Pace: 11:41/km (10/4/22 | GL: Alex M.)

    1. This route is mixture of trail and board walk. Boots are recommended when carrying load and for the trail portions.

    2. Long pants recommended.

    1. Normal load considerations apply and note should be given to the distance covered as the route is longer than most of the TB hiking routes.

    2. Water requirements are normal at 0.5l per 30 mins. Consideration should be given to carrying the entire load of water for the hike as there is only 1 aid station along the route.

    3. Torches. Hikes taking place at dawn and dusk require torches as there is no lighting along most of the route.

    1. CAT1 Army Sector: 13S

    2. Runners/hikers. Pathways are narrow and shared in parts of the route and good warning communication must be exercised, particularly at dawn and dusk when runners like to train.

    3. Wildlife warning for snakes.

    1. MacRitchie Reservoir Car Park. $0.0167/min.

    1. This route was designed as a beginner course as it introduces rough trail gradually to new hikers.

    2. The hiker remains in the same general location for much of the route so aid is available where needed.

    3. Multiple loops of “eight” can be under taken for extra training.

Route Notes

Mt Faber Duo

Mt Faber and Southern Ridges

The Mt. Faber Duo take hikers up the Marang Trail to the top of Mount Faber, back down again along part of the Southern Ridges, then cutting into the Rail Corridor and back up Mount Faber. A shorter walk at 8.5km but designed to test the hiker's mental resilience as much as anything - climbing up a hill once, then descending knowing that you'll only have to come back up it again in a short while. Fight for the high ground!

Route Details

  • Route Outline: Marang Trail - Faber - Henderson Wave - Rail Corridor - Faber

  • Distance: 8km

  • Type: Loop

  • Start Point/End Point: Marang Road Car Park

  • Average TB Pace: 13:35/km

  • Fastest TB Pace: 12:32/km (20/2/22 | GL: Alex M.)

    1. Boots recommended to provide necessary stability for ascents and descents, especially with load.

    2. Long pants recommended.

    1. Load should be carefully considered as there are two ascents on this route. New or unfamiliar hikers should consider a lighter load.

    2. Water requirements should be normal. There are two water points along the way to replenish water but they appear in the first third of the route.

    3. Safety lights are advised for the Rail Corridor sections at night as there is little to no lighting.

    1. CAT1 Army Sector: 14

    2. Steep ascents. Hikers should exercise caution along the steep ascents. The first ascent is done at the start while the second ascent is done at the end, when hikers are tired. Personal responsibility on pace should be in play.

    3. Cyclists on Rail Corridor. There are a lot of cyclists along the Rail Corridor which is a shared use track. Safety lights and good warning communication should be used.

    1. Marang Road Car Park.

    1. This route was designed to have steep ascents to better train for BT as there is a certain level of good cardio required ascending/descending.

    2. It was to simulate the scenario of taking the hill, losing it, and having to march to another egress point for another ascent.

    3. Pace tends to drop with the ascents but noticeably too on the flat Rail Corridor. Team Leaders are advised to keep the pace up and monitor.

Route Notes

MacRitchie Loop

MacRitchie Eastern & Southern Trails

The MacRitichie Loop is where it all began for the SV Trailblazers and also affectionately referred to as “Old Faithful”. A straight circuit of the MacRitchie reservoir makes it an ideal location to get lost in wildlife and nature. Featuring mostly trail, it serves as a great training ground for hikers.

Route Details

  • Route Outline: Nature - Terentang - Sime Track - Golf Link - Jering - Chemperai

  • Distance: 11km

  • Type: Loop

  • Start Point/End Point: Mushroom Cafe

  • Average TB Pace: 12:36/km

  • Fastest TB Pace: 11:30/km (6/2/22 | TL: Nadim V)

    1. Boots are strongly recommended. The trail is majority unpaved with some rocky parts to it.

    2. Long pants recommended.

    1. Normal load considerations apply and note should be given to the distance covered as the route is longer than most of the TB hiking routes.

    2. Water requirements are normal at 0.5l per 30 mins. Consideration should be given to carrying the entire load of water for the hike as there is only 1 aid station along the route.

    3. Torches. Hikes taking place at dawn and dusk require torches as there is no lighting along most of the route.

    1. CAT1 Army Sector: 13S

    2. Runners/hikers. Pathways are narrow and shared in parts of the route and good warning communication must be exercised, particularly at dawn and dusk when runners like to train.

    3. Wildlife warning for snakes.

    1. CAT1 Army Sector:

    2. MacRitchie Reservoir Car Park. $0.0167/min.

    1. This was the original Trailblazer hiking route used for training. The intention was to train for distance and load. There is no real hardcore ascents on this route.

    2. Cardio will not necessarily get a work out unless this is worked into the hike.

    3. A lot of people on this route and high chance of recognition. Exercise necessary reputation management.

Route Notes

Tourist Walk

Western Sentosa Trails

The Tourist Walk is so named as it takes hikers along one of Singapore’s most iconic tourist spots - Sentosa. The route goes along very establish and safe pathways. Parts are “jungle” but mostly hikers will be there for the view.

Route Details

  • Route Outline: Sentosa Board - Palawan Beach - Siloso Beach - Imbiah Trail - Siloso Road

  • Distance: 10.55 km

  • Type: Loop

  • Start Point/End Point: Sentosa Boardwalk @ VivoCity

  • Average TB Pace: None recorded

  • Fastest TB Pace: None recorded

    1. Boots are recommended for training purposes.

    2. No special attire requirements.

    1. Load consideration are normal. There are a few ascents but none too taxing.

    2. Water requirements are normal at 0.5l per 30 mins. There are plenty of places to refill on water.

    3. Mosquito repellent.

    1. CAT1 Army Sector: 14

    2. No particular safety concerns along this route.

    1. VivoCity Car Park. Closest to the GV Cinema side and then walk up the ramp to the start point.

    1. Team Leaders will need to be creative to exploit the training potential for this route as it is a fairly safe one.

    2. The beach side route can be done along the sand for an extra level of “fun”.

    3. The route can be used to train up speed marching.

Route Notes

Walk the Dog

Labrador Park & Telok Blangah

Walk the Dog is a route that takes hikers up to the Earth Trail and back down via Berlayer Creek to Bukit Chermin. It then takes a “leisurely” stroll through Labrador Park for a nice coastal view of Singapore. An easy one for the SVs - just like walking the dog!

Route Outline: Labrador Park - Earth Trail - Forest Sky Walk - Berlayer Creek - Boardwalk - Labrador Park

  • Distance: 9km

  • Type: Loop

  • Start Point/End Point: Labrador Car Park 1

  • Average TB Pace: 12:52/km

  • Fastest TB Pace: 12:51/km (6/4/22 | TL: Nadim V.)

    1. Boots recommended for ascending with load.

    2. Long pants recommended.

    1. Load considerations normal but bear in mind there is one steep ascent.

    2. Water considerations normal at 0.5l per 30 mins. Water points along the way.

    3. Mosquito repellent during mosquito prone hours.

    1. CAT1 Army Sector: 14

    2. Steep ascent. Hikers are expected to exercise personal prudence and caution with the ascend.

    3. Torches. Along the Earth Trail there are part of the pathway where there is no lighting. Note for hikes leaving at dawn or dusk.

    4. Mosquito repellent for mosquito prone hours.

    1. Labrador Car Park 1. This is closest to the start point. Parking is free.

    1. This route is a good training route that throws in a small ascent to give some cardio work.

Route Notes

Waterway Wander

Punggol and Coney Island

The Waterway path along Punggol area is a relatively flat route. we can enjoy the beauty of different bridge designs, connecting modern life with water landscape. Walking through the famous Coney island, we can have the breath of sea and view of Pulau Ubin from far too.

Route Outline: Waterway Promenade Viewing Deck - Lor Halus Red Bridge - Serangoon East Dam - Coney island - Punggol Point Jetty - Jewel Bridge - Viewing Deck

    1. This route mainly boardwalks, which sneakers is fine, yet boots are recommended;

    2. Long pants are recommended due to some rural areas and along the waterbody.

    3. Not recommend to have red shirt in case of wildlife such as wild boar around Lorong Halus & Coney Island.

    1. Load considerations normal.

    2. Water considerations normal at 0.5l per 30 mins. Water points along the way.

    3. Mosquito repellent during mosquito prone hours.

    4. 3. No special requirements, umbrella or sticks can be considered.

    1. CAT1 Army Sector: 16N

    2. Cyclists along the route.

    3. Wildlife wild boar & wild dogs.

    4. Mosquito repellent for mosquito prone hours.

    1. Waterway point or hdb around the area.

    1. This route is introduced to accommodate residents at the northeast for a morning brisk walk with loads. This route is pretty flat, so a faster pace is expected. Additional workout may be implemented during breaks.

Route Notes