Cable Cars and Clifftop Bridges: A Southern Ridges Day
A HarbourFront-to-hilltops loop for couples, from Sentosa's beaches to the wave-shaped Henderson bridge.
Told by Sanne, on a couples' trip from Amsterdam. Transport, timing and stay tips are from live Singapore data; visitor quotes are real Google reviews.
The route on the map
5 locationsWe wanted a day that mixed a bit of resort fun with proper greenery and views, the sort of thing that photographs well and gives you time to just be together. Singapore's southern edge, around HarbourFront and up onto the ridges, turned out to be perfect for exactly that. Coming from flat Amsterdam, even these modest hills felt like an adventure.
The route strings together a mall gateway, the resort island, a hilltop park, a ridgeline walk and a science stop, all within a small pocket of the south. It is a balanced day rather than a rushed one, with cable cars and canopy bridges doing the heavy lifting. Save the ridge walk for cooler light.
- 01Late morning
VivoCity
Harbourfront MRT Station MRT · 2.5 min walkStay 2–3 hoursBest AfternoonWe eased in at VivoCity, the island's largest mall and the natural gateway to Sentosa. Beyond the endless shops and dining, we went up to the rooftop Sky Park for the harbour views and a coffee before setting off. The Sentosa Express station is inside the mall, so it is the obvious place to gather supplies and start the day.
VivoCity: photos, reviews, hours & how to get there → Sentosa Island is about 1.9 km from VivoCity; a taxi or bus is your quickest link as there's no MRT at the door.
02MiddaySentosa Island
Stay Full dayBest Full day, arriving mid-morningSentosa is the resort island just offshore, all beaches, Resorts World, cable cars and the boardwalk back to the mainland. As a couple we cherry-picked rather than tried to do it all: some beach time, a wander, and the cable car for the views. There is far more here, from Universal Studios to the luge, if you want to make a whole day of the island alone.
Decide in advance whether Sentosa is a quick sampler or a full day, as it can easily swallow both.
Sentosa Island: photos, reviews, hours & how to get there →From Sentosa Island it's about 2.9 km to Mount Faber — alight at Harbourfront MRT Station MRT and it's a 13.6-min walk from there.
03Late afternoonMount Faber
Harbourfront MRT Station MRT · 13.6 min walkStay 1–2 hoursBest Late afternoon to sunsetBack on the mainland we headed up Mount Faber, a hilltop park with panoramic harbour views and the cable car station linking to Sentosa. It is not a huge climb, and you can walk, cycle or even drive up, but the lookout points and Faber Peak make it a lovely, breezy spot to sit as the afternoon cools. We lingered longer than planned.
Mount Faber: photos, reviews, hours & how to get there →From Mount Faber it's about 671 m to Southern Ridges & Henderson Waves — alight at Tiong Bahru MRT Station MRT and it's a 21.9-min walk from there.
04Late afternoon into golden hourSouthern Ridges & Henderson Waves
Tiong Bahru MRT Station MRT · 21.9 min walkStay 2–3 hoursBest Early morning or late afternoonFrom Mount Faber the Southern Ridges walk unspools, a 10km ridgeline linking hilltop parks. The star is Henderson Waves, Singapore's highest pedestrian bridge, its timber deck curving in great wooden waves high above the road. We took the elevated Forest Walk through the canopy too, with quiet, green views over the harbour and city the whole way.
Set out in the late afternoon so you cross Henderson Waves in golden light and avoid the midday heat.
Southern Ridges & Henderson Waves: photos, reviews, hours & how to get there →From Southern Ridges & Henderson Waves it's about 11.2 km to Science Centre Singapore — alight at Jurong East MRT Station MRT and it's a 13.7-min walk from there.
05A separate stop if you want itScience Centre Singapore
Jurong East MRT Station MRT · 13.7 min walkStay Half a dayBest Weekday morningsIf wet weather scuppers the ridge walk, the Science Centre near Jurong East is a good indoor pivot, packed with hundreds of hands-on, interactive exhibits across science and technology. It is spacious and clean, and even as a couple without kids we found the displays genuinely fun to play with. Treat it as your rainy-day insurance for this itinerary.
Science Centre Singapore: photos, reviews, hours & how to get there →
Where to stay near this route
If you're turning this into an overnight, these stays sit closest to the route — live Google ratings, refreshed monthly.
The verdict
This southern loop gave us the best of both moods: a little resort indulgence on Sentosa and then real hilltop calm on the ridges, all knitted together by cable cars and a wave-shaped bridge. For a couple who like their days part playful, part scenic, it is hard to beat. Time the ridge walk for golden hour and let the views do the rest.
Reviews
What real visitors say about every stop on this itinerary — verbatim from Google, most relevant first.
VivoCity
★4.554,874 Google reviews★★★★★Kavitha· a month ago“Vivocity shopping mall is located at harborfront mrt station.inside vivocity there is harbourfront centre.therefore vivocity is a shopping mall with lots of food n shopping.there is even a library inside the mall.there r 2 kfc,2 mcdonalds in this mall one at vivo another at centre.jollibee,all American food, burger king also at this mall.2 foodcourt also 1 at vivo n 1 at centre.lots of food options(halal n non halal),many snack shops, flavored drinks,many clothes shop,popular bookstore, jewellery shops,fairprice Xtra,cold storage,7 eleven,cheers all on this mall.bread shops,pizza hut also at this mall.from this mall take a monorail at the top floor to go to Sentosa.from inside vivo mall head out n u could c a beautiful sea view.i have many times seen the sea view.from vivo mall can c lots of amazing views outside.i always spend lots of time in vivo when I come harbourfront.every1 should visit this place.every1 would definitely love it.💞 I travel to lots of places ... Eat lots of different foods... Love sharing my experience with everyone so m posting lots of google reviews ... Hope everyone loves it ... 😁”
★★★★grassy· 5 months ago“A crowded megamall in Singapore. Can go there directly by MRT, very convenient! The malls have so many shoplots, restaurants and cafes. A lot of branded shops can be found at here. You can go Sentosa Singapore from here too. There is a park at rooftop as well, very chilling and relaxing. Now they have new year decoration right outside of the entrance, very attractive!”
★★★★★Nikita Kimberly· a month ago“Really enjoyed visiting VivoCity 🛍️ The mall is HUGE and has pretty much everything you need. Lots of shopping, food options, cafes, and entertainment all in one place. It’s also super convenient since it connects directly to Sentosa, which makes it a great stop before or after exploring the island 🌴🚆 One of my favorite parts was definitely the terrace area 😍 The outdoor space was so pretty and relaxing, especially with the open view, greenery, and waterfront atmosphere. It felt really nice to just sit there for a while and enjoy the vibe, especially around sunset 🌅✨ Such a nice contrast from the busy indoor mall area. The mall itself was clean, spacious, and easy to walk around despite how big it is. I also liked that there were plenty of seating areas to rest between shopping and exploring. Overall, VivoCity felt more than just a shopping mall, it was honestly a really enjoyable place to spend a few hours 🤍”
★★★★Cheong Loong· 6 months ago“This mega mall that serves the residents in the west side of Singapore, has upgraded recently with the introduction of more eateries at the basement, when one exits from the mrt station. Singapore is a foodie haven , so it is important to pump in popular brands to draw the hungry working people n tourists. One can see that every outlet is packed during meal time. So it is very competitive for the shops to come up with promotional set menu to attract customers. Another local pastime is shopping, so sale events are usually held at the front podium area. The mall houses two floors for those who enjoy shopping.”
★★★★★erin· 6 months ago“So many stores to choose from, this mall is huge! The Christmas Market was great, it was lit nicely and there were a lot of good Christmas shopping options like baked goods, wrapping paper, Christmas signs and cards. Everything was very clean but since its a huge mall it does get very very busy.”
Sentosa Island
★4.79,600 Google reviews★★★★Kate Choi· 2 months ago“A really good get away for both local and international tourists. Free things include the sensoryscape, although it was lackluster. There's an outdoor food court called Central Brach Bazaar but it was not open when we were there on a Monday afternoon. The water fountain show can been seen for free from far away or else you'd have to purchase tickets. The beaches are ok but 2 out of 3 are heavily used by resorts people. Palawan beach has the photographic point.”
★★★★★Montawach Lew· 8 months ago“Great spot with so many things to do — from Harry Potter Vision of Magic and Halloween events to Universal Studios and relaxing on the beach. You can even take the cable car for great views! Perfect place to eat, shop, and explore. Definitely a must-visit when in Singapore! ✨”
★★★★Chichi Tseng· 3 months ago“The Karting is inside,one round about 6 mins, the LUGE with the cable car is funny, both can reservation. Many tourists tag the southest in Asia.”
★★★★★Cyril DSouza· 6 months ago“Sentosa Island is one of Singapore’s top leisure destinations, offering a perfect mix of beaches, attractions, and entertainment. From Universal Studios and cable car rides to relaxing beach walks and island views, there’s something for everyone. Well-organized, clean, and easy to access, Sentosa is an ideal getaway for families, couples, and tourists looking for fun and relaxation.”
★★★TorontoFoodGourmand [IG & TT]· 4 months ago“Too artificial for my liking. I supposed the best parts would be the beach area, if you don’t mind seeing container ships in the distance”
Mount Faber
★4.7233 Google reviews★★★★GY· 2 months ago“Visited Mount Faber Park and it’s a really versatile spot for both relaxation and light activity. You can choose to walk, cycle, or even drive up depending on your preference, which makes it accessible for everyone. There are plenty of areas to sit and chill, especially if you’re there to catch the sunrise or sunset—it’s peaceful and scenic. The park is also connected to Henderson Waves, making it great for a longer walk or exploration. Along the way, you’ll find restaurants, bars, a cable car station, and even gift shops, so there’s quite a bit to see and do. At night, the place is nicely lit, adding to the atmosphere, but do be prepared for some insects. Overall, a great spot for both leisure and views.”
★★★★edtayjb· 5 months ago“Mount Faber Park - I am not sure why it is called a "Mount"ain, considering it is barely over one hundred metres tall, and it is not even taller than the highest hill in Singapore, or Bukit Timah. By the way, "Bukit" in the local Malay language means "Hill." Anyway, Mount Faber Park is where the popular Faber Peak is (obviously) located, from where one could take a cable car ride to Sentosa Island, or to have a panoramic view of Singapore from this vantage point. It is also a place where one could take a talk in a fresher and tad cooler clime. So go forth and explore this Park.”
★★★★★Jason Gabriel Fadjar· 6 months ago“Good place to visit for New Year’s Eve. Great place for hiking for its cleanliness and scenery.”
★★★★★iamjess· 11 months ago“Lovely spot for a walk, especially in the morning. Peaceful, surrounded by greenery, and a nice place to relax.”
★★★★★Buren· a year ago“Too bad when I went there I didn't have plan to review this place, therefore I only took a few pictures. Went for a walk with a friend on Saturday morning from Harbor Front MRT we walked up while chatting and catching up. It's a great place for work out, walking exercise but not too suitable for people with mobility issue because it's steep with stairs. The view is good (for urban standard), but it would good to have more vending machines along the way for drinks. Most of the tracks have shades (from the sun, not rain) which can be helpful in Singapore weather.”
Southern Ridges & Henderson Waves
★4.7633 Google reviews★★★★★Cao Cao Akatsuki· 4 months ago“Henderson Waves is a beautifully designed wooden pedestrian bridge crossing Henderson Road, known for its distinctive wave-like architectural structure. The bridge sits high above the road, offering nice views toward the sea and surrounding greenery. The atmosphere is calm and relaxing, making it a great spot for a morning or evening walk, light jogging, or simply enjoying the breeze and scenery. A pleasant stop along the Southern Ridges trail.”
★★★★★Abdulhayy Johnson (AJ)· 2 months ago“Easy to access from the bus stop below then up the long staggered staircase. The whole area is beautiful and full of greenery and nature, including Mt Fabre park, Henderson Waves and Forest Walk. Peaceful enough to hear the birds, grasshoppers and even the cockerel in the morning. Plenty of signs around so not easy to get lost. Lush trees with cooler climate compared to urban concrete areas.”
★★★★★Abroad Travel· 5 months ago“Henderson Waves — Singapore Have you reconnected with nature lately? There is a place where the horizon does not end at the skyline — it bends. You walk suspended between canopy and city, never fully belonging to either. HIGHEST DESIGN: Henderson Waves, the highest pedestrian bridge in Singapore, carries you into that in-between space along the Southern Ridges. Its rising timber arcs form a moving rhythm above the treetops, opening long views across forest, harbor, and distant towers. Step onto the deck and the intention becomes clear. The wooden path guides movement without effort; each curve anticipates shade, airflow, and pause. The waves are not decoration — they shelter. Sun or rain, the walk continues. WAVE-LIKE: Walkers, runners, residents, and visitors share the span. Inside every crest, built-in seating invites you to stop. Cameras sit quietly overhead for safety, while beneath them people stretch, rest, talk softly, or simply look outward at green canopy meeting skyline. The bridge slows you down without asking. PICNIC: Further along, timber seating opens into pockets surrounded by trees. Conversations lower. Many bring small meals and leave nothing behind, using the designated bins. The calm exists because it is respected. CONNECTIONS - 10KM: Paths extend outward to Mount Faber Park, Telok Blangah Hill Park, HortPark, Kent Ridge Park, and Labrador Nature Reserve. The bridge becomes a hinge — city loosening into forest rather than ending at it. STROLL BY: No matter your reason for visiting Singapore, this stop is difficult to overlook. I spent time here, observing people — laughter across ages, photos and videos constantly taken, but always with consideration for others. Yet the dominant sound remains wind moving through leaves and footsteps on wood. One of Singapore’s quiet crown jewels. You arrive for the view. You remember the feeling — the sky lowering, the city receding, and for a brief distance, you belong to both.”
★★★★★General Twilight· 3 months ago“Henderson waves bridge was built to connect mount faber to another park in singapore. It is designed to look like waves and it is a wooden bridge. From this bridge you can catch a great view of the city skylines of singapore. It has no shelther so be prepared to take an umbrella when coming to this place. In additiom there is a cable car nearby and it is within a 10 minute walk of the bridge. A great stop for tourist to catch a great view of singapore city.”
★★★★★CK C· 6 months ago“A scenic spot along the Southern Ridges, especially during sunsets. You can access it via a long flight of staircase from the bus stop ‘14059 Bef Telok Blangah Hts’ along Henderson Rd.”
Science Centre Singapore
★4.610,715 Google reviews★★★★★Janice Yee· a month ago“The exhibits are engaging, hands-on, and educational without feeling boring. There’s a good mix of science, technology, space, and interactive displays that make it enjoyable even for adults.”
★★★★★Diễm Ngân· 7 months ago“The Science Centre Singapore is truly a great-value, clean, spacious place that’s perfect for families with young children. Instead of taking your kids to crowded indoor playgrounds in shopping malls, this is where they can touch, play, explore, and learn in the most fun and natural way. The space is airy and well-organised, with plenty of interactive zones like light, water, robotics, nature and more. Children can freely run around while parents feel completely at ease because everything is designed to be educational and safe. This is definitely a spot I will keep coming back to whenever I visit Singapore, because every visit feels like a new experience for both kids and adults. Highly recommended for families travelling with little ones!”
★★★★★Damien Marie· 3 months ago“Definitely visiting again - today we did the dinosaur exhibit which is leaving soon! Our son had a great time… here’s to more exploration in the years to come! Thanks science centre team for great adventures for all ages!”
★★★★★Yuen Ming Rammy Wong· a month ago“Amazing experience at the One Ocean VR Experience. My kids enjoyed it so much especially the deep ocean part with the magnificent blue whales. Highly recommended❤️”
★★★★★Norman Hua· 3 months ago“We visited the Dinosaur exhibits which was part of the Science Center. We had fun exploring the prehistoric exhibits. We have not visited the Science Center yet but had to do this review to get free popcorns and churros for the kids! I am sure the Science Center will rock!”
Reviews are unedited excerpts from Google. Ratings refresh with each monthly rebuild.