Kent Ridge Park : From HortPark To Kent Ridge MRT

This feels like something I keep forgetting to do but today I did it. I finally visited Kent Ridge Park and finished up my Southern Ridge walk. This walk started from Marang Trail to HortPark which I did back in 2021 (MY GOD) and now I finally did a HortPark to Kent Ridge MRT station walk.

Marang Trail to HortPark. A Scenic 4km walk.

About Kent Ridge Park

Kent Ridge Park is a beautiful place to unwind and reconnect with nature in Singapore. It’s located along the southern ridges of Singapore, offering both historical significance and lush greenery. Here’s a bit more about the park:

Key Features:

Scenic Views:
Kent Ridge Park offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding areas, including the sea and nearby islands. There’s a great lookout point at the top of the hill where you can enjoy the view of Pasir Panjang port and the ships on the horizon.
Historical Significance:
The park is a historical site from World War II, where one of the last battles for Singapore took place. You can visit Reflections at Bukit Chandu, a museum that commemorates the bravery of soldiers during the Battle of Pasir Panjang.
Canopy Walk:
One of the park’s highlights is the Canopy Walk, a 280-meter-long elevated boardwalk that links Kent Ridge Park to HortPark. It allows you to walk among the treetops, offering a different perspective on the lush forest below.
Nature and Wildlife:
The park is home to a variety of plant species, birds, and even squirrels. If you enjoy birdwatching, keep an eye out for species like the kingfisher, sunbird, or white-bellied sea eagle.
Walking and Cycling Trails:
There are several trails throughout the park, some of which are more leisurely, while others offer a bit of a workout with steep inclines. You can choose between paved paths or nature trails, depending on your preference.
Fitness Stations:
If you’re into outdoor exercises, there are fitness stations along the trails. You can combine a nature walk with some strength training at these spots.
Peace and Quiet:
Kent Ridge Park is usually less crowded compared to other parks in Singapore, making it a perfect place if you’re seeking some solitude or quiet reflection.

Starting the Walk from HortPark

Obviously since my walk from Marang Trail ended at HortPark, let me resume this last leg of the Southern Ridges.

As you can see from this Kent Ridge Park map, the park is at the left end of the Souther Ridges Walk. Click on the map to download a PDF file of the Kent Ridge Park map.

Anyhow, there are parking aplenty at HortPark so there’s no issue if you are driving.

Hortpark to the Entrance of Kent Ridge Park

It is about 1km walk from the HortPark visitor centre to the entrance of the Kent Ridge park.

Here’s where I started after parking.

Hortpark to the Entrance of Kent Ridge Park

You can see a sign directing you to the Canopy Walk, which is where we are going.

Along the way, you can really enjoy the HortPark and its various unique stuff. I actually think it is a super under-rated park which Singaporeans should come more often.

A replica of the famous Toa Payoh Dragon Playground !?!

Glass houses in Singapore ?

At the end of this walk, you know you have reached the “entrance” to Kent Ridge Park via Hortpark.

Just walk into this path..

and this

before ending up in this winding upwards path..

And yes it is a PCN.. God, I get a high when I see this 🙂

Looking up and you can see the Canopy Walk !!

When you reached the top of this path, it DOES NOT (yet) lead you to the Canopy Walk. Instead, you will reach a condo (The Peak, no less) and the Reflections at Bukit Chandu.

From Reflections at Bukit Chandu to Kent Ridge Park

The entrance of the Kent Ridge park technically speaking now is the Reflections at Bukit Chandu. I will want come back one day. Not open on Monday, okay 🙂

Right Opposite is the Reflections at Bukit Chandu, you can see a signpost that directs you to the Pond and Canopy Walk.

Reflections at Bukit Chandu to Kent Ridge Park

Let’s go..

The Canopy Walk

It is not much of a canopy walk compared to the one at MacRitchie Reservoir but then it is not bad too… really nice

Of course, Kent Ridge Hill is part of the infamous World War 2 history in Singapore and hence there are references to it too. Read and spend some time thinking of the past.

And enjoy the amazing views….

Coming in the early mornings are great as you can get some pretty nice views. I bet evenings are fantastic too.

Continuing the Canopy Walk,

You will now be inside Kent Ridge Park itself.

Now the park itself has many paths and you can walk in which ever way you want to. So it is quite pointless for me to offer any trails. Just walk around lo.

Instead, I am just going to share the three places to visit, the Lookout Point, the Kent Ridge Pond and the Dragonfly Pond.

The Lookout Point at Kent Ridge Park

Here’s the walk up to the Lookout Point.

And then you are there.

The view is pretty good.

All these container ports will go away eventually for the Great Southern Waterfront …

As you walk down from the Lookout Point (to go to the Pond), you will notice this pretty large car park.

This is a Car Park right in the heart of the Kent Ridge Park so if you might want consider to park here if you just want to come straight to the park. The coordinates given in Google Map is 1.2836433222725778, 103.79073027577732. It is labeled as Car Park B too. And it has a water point and toilets too.

At the end of this carpark, an interesting information board.

The Pond and The Dragonfly Pond

As both of them are right next to each other, so here they are. Technically they are at the end of the Kent Ridge Park so it will be a walk from the Lookout Point to these two locations.

As you walk there, it is nice to catch views of the Normanton Park condo. The new one.