Welcome to Chestnut Nature Park, an expansive green sanctuary that stands as Singapore’s largest nature park. Planning a visit can feel overwhelming, but this guide provides everything you need for a seamless and memorable adventure.
This park offers a unique escape from the city buzz. To help you prepare, we have compiled 12 essential things you need to know, covering everything from trail specifics to parking and amenities. Let’s dive in and get you ready to explore.
Covering an impressive 81 hectares, Chestnut Nature Park offers a vast space for exploration. Its sheer size makes it a vital green buffer for the Central Catchment Nature Reserve, providing a rich habitat for local wildlife and a refreshing retreat for visitors.
The park is uniquely divided into two distinct sections: Chestnut Nature Park (South) and Chestnut Nature Park (North). The southern portion opened in April 2016, followed by the much larger northern section in February 2017. A quiet road, Chestnut Avenue, separates these two areas. The park is open daily from 7 am to 7 pm.
One of the best features of Chestnut Nature Park is its commitment to safety and visitor experience. The park provides completely separate trails for hiking and mountain biking, which is a significant advantage over other parks where paths are often shared.
These dedicated trails run alongside each other in some areas but are clearly marked and separated by physical barriers. This thoughtful design ensures that hikers can enjoy a peaceful walk without worrying about fast-moving bikes, and bikers can navigate their technical routes without startling pedestrians.
Accessing Chestnut Nature Park requires a bit of planning, especially if you are driving. There is a small, dedicated car park located at Chestnut Point, but it fills up very quickly, particularly on weekends and public holidays. Note that the car park gates also adhere to the park’s hours, closing at 7 pm sharp.
If the main lot is full, you may find limited parking along Chestnut Drive. For those using public transport, the closest bus stop is at Block 202 Petir Road. From there, it is a significant but straightforward 2-kilometer walk to the park’s main entrance.
Before you venture onto the trails, it is wise to make a stop at Chestnut Point. This central hub, conveniently located next to the car park, houses all of the park’s main facilities. It serves as the primary starting point for most visitors.
Here you will find essential amenities, including clean toilets, water coolers to refill your bottles, and vending machines for a quick drink or snack. Chestnut Point also features a mountain bike shop for rentals and gear, making it a crucial stop for all park-goers.
Chestnut Nature Park offers three distinct hiking trails, each providing a different experience. Whether you prefer a gentle walk or a more rugged trek, there is a path suited to your fitness level and interest. Understanding them beforehand helps you plan the perfect route.
To make your choice easier, here is a quick comparison of the main hiking trails.
| Trail Name | Location | Length | Key Features |
| Northern Trail | North Section | 2 km | Connects to other parks; varied terrain; leads to Chestnut Tower. |
| Nature Trail | North Section | 1.5 km | Follows a stream (“Water Trail”); undulating dirt tracks. |
| Southern Trail | South Section | 2.1 km | A true loop; rocky terrain (“Rocky Trail”) with lalang fields. |
The 2-kilometer Northern Trail is a fantastic route for those looking to extend their journey. It is important to note that this trail is not a loop within the park itself. Instead, its northern end connects directly to the adjacent Zhenghua Nature Park.
The path offers a diverse walking experience, starting with paved surfaces before transitioning to charming cobbled-stone sections and finally to natural dirt tracks. Along this route, you will find the Chestnut Tower, an observation platform offering panoramic views of the surrounding forest.
Often called the “Water Trail,” the 1.5-kilometer Nature Trail is a favorite among visitors. Located in the northern section, its defining feature is a beautiful, bustling stream that the path follows closely, providing a soothing soundtrack for your hike.
This trail takes you through undulating terrain on well-trodden dirt tracks. Along the way, keep an eye out for remnants of old kampong buildings hidden in the foliage. The ground can be damp, so proper footwear is essential for this scenic route.
The Southern Trail is a 2.1-kilometer loop composed of two smaller trails: the Sunbird Trail and the Drongo Trail. This route is known for its distinct character, often referred to as the “Rocky Trail” due to the large granite boulders that dot the landscape.
In stark contrast to the rocky sections, the trail also cuts through expansive fields of tall lalang grass. This combination of rugged terrain and open grasslands makes the Southern Trail a visually interesting and moderately challenging hike.
Chestnut Nature Park is a premier destination for mountain biking in Singapore. With a network of 11 dedicated biking trails totaling 8.2 kilometers, it caters to riders of all abilities. The trails are clearly rated with four levels of difficulty, from easy to extremely difficult.
Beyond the standard trails, the park boasts two special features.
To protect the native wildlife and ensure a safe environment for all, domestic pets are not permitted within Chestnut Nature Park. This rule helps minimize disturbances to the delicate ecosystem, so please leave your furry friends at home for this particular outing.
The park is home to wild animals, including boars. Signage provides clear instructions on how to react calmly if you encounter one. Following park rules ensures a positive experience for everyone and helps preserve the natural habitat.
A visit to Chestnut Nature Park offers a wonderful opportunity for wildlife spotting. Keep a look out for Long-tailed Macaques, monitor lizards, squirrels, and the elusive Malayan Colugo, also known as a flying lemur.
The park is also a haven for birdwatchers. Listen for the distinct calls and try to spot endangered species like the Straw-headed Bulbul. The vibrant Banded Woodpecker is another beautiful resident. Pausing to listen is often the best way to locate these creatures.
Navigating the expansive park is made simple thanks to a series of well-placed aids. You will find large map boards at key junctions, allowing you to get your bearings and plan your route effectively throughout your visit.
Additionally, sheltered huts are scattered along the trails, providing perfect spots to rest or wait out a sudden downpour. Most helpful are the triangular trail markers placed every 100 meters, which show you how far you have gone and how much distance remains on your current path.
To make the most of your trip, a little preparation goes a long way. Follow these simple tips for a comfortable and enjoyable day at Chestnut Nature Park.
Yes, the park is very suitable for beginners. The well-marked trails and varied difficulty levels mean you can choose a route that matches your comfort. The Nature Trail and parts of the Southern Trail are excellent starting points.
Hiking all the designated trails would take approximately 2.5 to 3 hours at a steady pace. This includes the Northern, Nature, and Southern trails. You can easily spend more time if you stop frequently for photos or rests.
There are no food stalls or cafes inside Chestnut Nature Park. However, you can purchase drinks and light snacks from the vending machines located at Chestnut Point near the main entrance and car park.
No, dogs and other domestic pets are not allowed in Chestnut Nature Park. This is a standard rule across Singapore’s nature reserves and larger nature parks to protect the native wildlife from potential diseases and disturbances.
Chestnut Nature Park is a true gem, offering an incredible range of activities for every type of outdoor enthusiast. From its peaceful hiking trails and diverse wildlife to its thrilling mountain biking circuits, it provides a perfect and accessible escape from city life.
With this guide in hand, you are now fully equipped to explore Singapore’s largest nature park. So, pack your bag, lace up your shoes, and get ready to discover the natural beauty that awaits you.
