Ridge Walk with NUS Toddycats (Feb – May 2026)

In 2008, a series of trails, bridges and walkways over were unveiled which reconnected the Southern Ridges which had been historically seperated by several roads. An almost continuous traffic-free walk from NUS to HarbourFront became possible.

In this series, we welcome the NUS community to walk with us on a Friday evening, just from NUS outside the LT3 / LT4 foyer to HortPark at Alexandra Road. This is 5km brisk walk which takes us about 90 minutes to complete.

Your NUS Toddycats guides are Kenneth Pinto, Airani S & N. Sivasothi aka Otterman. We started this as it is an excellent way to engage in exercise after a tough week, amidst a unique and green landscape right at our backyard. And we enjoy meeting NUS staff, students and other friends during the walk.

If there is threat of heavy rain or haze, we will cancel the walk and update you by email.

FAQs

Why walk the Ridge?

We are a group of volunteers - the NUS Toddycats - affiliated with the Department of Biological Sciences and the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, and the ridge is our backyard. We walk the ridge to enjoy the greenery, connectivity and good company, and in February, lead a heritage walk during which we remember the Battle of Pasir Panjang.

And we added one more reason – for exercise!

How do I get to the start point?

We meet outside LT3 / LT4.

The nearest bus stops at Kent RIdge Crescent are:

• 16189 (Information Technology)
• 16181 (Central Library)

Can we start later?

We meet at 5.45 pm so there is sufficient time to reach Hort Park before it gets dark.

If you will be late, you can try to intercept us at the junction of South Buona Vista Road and Science Park Drive: map link.

What is the distance and pace?

The walk to Hort Park is about 5km, with some climbs in NUS and a couple of steep climbs in Kent Ridge Park. The pace is at least double the normal walking pace.

What if I parked my carin NUS?

This is a one-way walk. So do plan ahead. There is public transport back to NUS.

How should I prepare for the walk?

• Get a good night's rest the night before.
• Drink water throughout the day of the walk.
• Have a good lunch, and/or a mid-afternoon snack.
• Avoid a heavy meal immediately before walking.
• If you can walk at a brisk pace for half an hour, you should be able to complete the walk.

Must I complete the walk?

Certainly not! You can leave at any point: Science Park, Kent Ridge Park Car Park B, Reflections at Bukit Chandu. You know your condition best so don't strain yourself, especially if you are not used to a brisk pace. Just inform us before you leave.

Convenient places to exit are:

• Junction of Kent Ridge Road and South Buona Vista Road; nearest bus stops 15131 and 15139; near Kent Ridge MRT
• Reflections at Bukit Chandu (Pepys Road);nearest bus stops 15191 and 15199 or about 0.9km to Pasir Panjang MRT

What should I wear / bring?

• Breathable clothing (arm sleeves or long-sleeved tops and long pants help protect you from mosquitoes) and comfortable walking shoes.
• Bus/MRT card or fare to get home.
• Some form of personal identification (e.g. NRIC).
• The name and number of your Next of Kin as the Emergency Contact in your phone (see this guide)
• An extra t-shirt to change into before you join public transport!
• A small towel (it's so humid, sweat won't evaporate off dry-fit t-shirts!)
• Bring along a snack, if you are the sort who gets hungry quickly.
• Bring at least one litre of water along, you will need it!
• There is always the threat of rain, so pack an umbrella, raincoat or poncho. Or at least a hat.

What is the adverse weather plan?

• If there is prolonged heavy rain or haze, we will cancel the walk and alert you via email or the What's App Channel.
• If there is lightning during the walk, we will find shelter at the nearest safe place.
• However, if there is just a light drizzle with no threat of lightnight according to the MyENV app, we will continue.

I registered but now I cannot join the walk. How do I cancel my registration?

• You can cancel your registration on the Eventbrite portal or just email us at toddycats@gmail.com
• We may not have time to respond to you before the walk, but we will check messages.

How to get to the start point