Cruising through the Marina Bay Sands.
IF you find yourself with a couple of hours to spare in Singapore, the Marina Bay area offers a perfect opportunity for a leisurely bike ride.
Whether you bring your own bike or rent one from a nearby park, this simple 15km route is free from vehicular traffic and ideal for cyclists.
The shared path is suitable for runners, walkers and cyclists, and if you’re coming from midtown, you can easily access it via Kallang Riverside Park.
This route is particularly popular among leisure cyclists, and if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even follow Singapore’s Park Connector Network (PCN) as far as Changi.
But for now, let’s focus on the beauty of Marina Bay.
If you time your ride just right, you’ll be treated to stunning nightscapes featuring iconic landmarks like Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay and the Singapore Flyer.
Starting at Kallang Riverside Park, the route connects to a PCN path beneath Nicoll Highway, allowing cyclists to cross over to Marina Bay Sands.
Night at the Bay, with the sprawling Central Business District skyline in the background.
Along the way, there are plenty of viewpoints where you can stop and snap photos of the breathtaking downtown skyline.
For the best experience, start your ride as early as 5am when the roads are quiet and the city is just beginning to wake up.
Equip your bike with front and rear lights, as some sections of the path can be dimly lit.
Singapore’s PCN prides itself on well-paved paths free of potholes, so your ride will be smooth and enjoyable.
Once you hit the Marina Bay Sands bike path, you can loop towards Marina Barrage; if you prefer a more scenic detour, head towards the Esplanade Theatres.
For a quintessential Singapore experience, make your way to the Merlion, a popular tourist destination.
Even as early as 6.30am, tourists gather here, hoping to catch a glimpse of the sunrise over the Singapore Flyer.
As dawn breaks, the area comes alive with people patiently awaiting the perfect shot of the sun rising on the horizon.
From the Merlion, a path leads you to the banks of the Singapore River, where you’ll find yourself near the Central Business District, home to many of Singapore’s financial institutions.
If you decide to explore further along the river, Clarke Quay and Boat Quay are just a short ride away.
Rolling along the Kallang River Park bike path in the wee hours.
However, keep in mind that there are no dedicated cycling paths on the main roads, so stay alert for traffic and pedestrians.
If you’re looking for a shorter ride, West Coast Park offers a charming alternative.
Located near Pasir Panjang Road, this small loop is perfect for a quick spin.
You can even rent a bike from a shop within the park.
One unique feature of this area is the abundance of jungle fowl, or “ayam hutan”, that roam freely. Spotting these birds is almost guaranteed, as they’re often seen foraging near the West Coast.
The cycling path at West Coast Park may be short, but it has its own charm.
You’ll pass a small fishing encampment overlooking a pier, where coastal fishermen sort their catch to be sold at local wet markets.
The loop continues towards a parking area with a fast food restaurant; at the park’s east end, you’ll find a designated dog run.
If you’re planning to bring your bike from Malaysia to ride Singapore’s PCN paths, don’t forget to declare it at the Malaysian Customs checkpoint.
Simply fill out a form detailing the make and model of your bike as well as the number of bikes you’re bringing.
You’ll need to return the form via Woodlands or Tuas when re-entering Malaysia.
Lastly, be sure to follow Singapore’s traffic rules. If cycling in a group, keep the number of cyclists to 10 or fewer, as exceeding this limit could result in a fine from the Land Transport Authority.
With its well-maintained paths, scenic views and convenient routes, Marina Bay and Singapore’s PCN offer a cyclist’s paradise, perfect for both locals and visitors.
So grab your bike, plan your route and enjoy the ride!
