PCN Cycling Complete Guide: All About Singapore's Park Connector Network in 2023

We've all been there at some point in time as a cyclist in Singapore I believe. We're planning a ride on the weekend with family or some friends or we're just trying to figure out how to get to a new place and we're wondering if we can make use of Singapore's fabulous Park Connector Network. While NParks has done a fabulous job of providing us with more options when it comes to cycling other than just going on the road (the sidewalk is unfortunately still not an option when it comes to many places in Singapore as it is notoriously cyclist un-friendly). 

As a result of this, we have decided to put together this ultimate guide to using the Park Connector Network to get around Singapore - to make things easier for everyone. This ultimate guide is a huge undertaking that will be quite lengthy, so it will be released in parts.

How to use this PCN cycling guide?

In order to make this guide as easily relatable for everyone (be it whether you're a seasoned bike commuter or whether you're a weekend enthusiast or even if you're just starting out), we have decided to peg all PCN routes to all MRT stations. What this means is as follows:

• If the area you would like to go to has a MRT station nearby that is listed on the route, you will be able to use the route
• all entry and exit points of the park connector network will be referenced to MRT stations
• If the area/MRT station you would like to go to is not listed in the list, you would have to consider whether you will be able to make the rest of the way to your desired destination by the pavement or the roads

Central Urban Park Connector Loop

Image Credit: Expat's Choice

The entire loop spans 15.6km and will take about 3-4 hours to complete by bicycle at a leisurely pace. For simplicity sake, you can think of this park connector network as a dorrito shaped triangle, with 3 straights lines.

Cycling from Toapayoh (Whampoa) to Buangkok

The first line starts at Toa Payoh and ends at Buankok. The stops that you can make or "exit" the PCN are as follows:

• Toa Payoh
• Boon Keng
• Kallang (Interchange for going to the CBD)
• Aljunied
• Macpherson
• Tai Seng
• Kovan
• Hou Gang
• Buang Kok

The second line starts at Buang Kok and ends at Yio Chu Kang. This is a rather long line, and there are no notable MRT "stops" in between.

The last line starts at Yio Chu Kang and ends at Kallang. The stops for this "PCN line" are:

• Yio Chu Kang
• Ang Mo Kio
• Bishan / Lorong Chuan
• Potong Pasir
• Kallang

As a side note, you could exit at either Bishan/Lorong Chuan or Potong Pasir if you're headed to Serangoon.

Just want to spend a few lines talking about Kallang, as it is a great interchange for going into the city, especially if you're an office worker commuting to the CBD.

Eastern Coastal Loop

Image Credit: Development Asia

Put on your helmet and embark on a cycling adventure as you cycle through the eastern back bone of Singapore. Part of the Eastern Coastal Loop joins Pasir Ris Park to East Coast Park. This is a paradise for all bike commuters as it brings you from the east all the way into the city where many of us work.

It also provides for hordes of green pockets and parks along this park connector and also offers local favourites in terms of hawker foods.

Here are the notable stops along this route:

• Changi Beach Park and changi coastal point walk
• Pasir Ris
• Tampines
• Simei
• Bedok Reservoir
• Expo
• Tanah Merah
• Bedok
• Kembangan
• East Coast Park

North Eastern Riverine Loop

Image Credit: Once in a Lifetime Journey

Discover the less explored North Eastern area of Singapore with this Eastern Riverine Loop Park Connector.

This loo encompasses the heartlands which encircles Buangkok, Sengkang and Punggol. This offers a nice way to get to work because it continues through the rustic landscapes of punggol beach, punggol promenade and Lorong Halus Wetland.

The Route will have you travelling alongside ggleaming reservoirs and waterways and bring you to the open waters of Sungei Dekar and even the Johor Straits! Spot a variety of colourful birds and unique fauna while you commute on your bike to work.

Notable MRT stops include:

• Buangkok
• Sengkang
• Punggol

Notable attractions include:

• Sengkang riverside park
• Punggol Park

Northern Explorer Loop

Image Credit: Walk With Us

With Scenic Parks, a variety of terrain for outdoor recreational experiences, and amazing biodiversity, the Nothern Explorer Loop is a must for visitors who want the chance to get to know the wild and wonderful side of Northern Singapore. Cycling enthusiasts navigate through the unduluating terrain against a majestic backdrop of large trees. There literally is no better way to commute to work than to be one with nature on this path towards to city. Cutting through Admiralty park will bring you closer to Central Singapore on this loop.

The Mrt Stops include:

• Marsiling
• Woodlands
• Admiralty
• Sembawang
• Yishun

Western Adventure Loop

Image Credit: Expat Choice

Unlike the well curated and manicured parks, the wild side of Singapore features the best. As they say, west coast is the best coast, and this is no different when it comes to park connectors. This western adventure loop brings you through parks and greenery in western Singapore, where over 50 bird species have been sited! Go ahead and workout a sweat or take a detour in Dairy Farm Nature Park where there are some trails on your way to work.

Notable mrt stops:

• Yew Tee
• Choa Chu kang
• Bukit Gombak
• Beauty World

Rail Corridoor South

Image Credit: Little Day Out

This space needs no introduction as it has become insta-famous over the COVID period. spanning from Hillview Mrt to Tanjong Pagar, this brings people living in the west (the best coast) all the way to the central business district. This is one cool park connector to make use of if you're a commuter for sure. It also connects to the Western Adventure Loop, so be sure to take full advantage of both networks!

Here are the notable stops on this network route:

• Hill View Mrt
• Sixth Avenue Mrt
• Buona Vista Mrt
• Tanjong Pagar

HortPark & the Southern Ridges

Image Credit: NParks

This is a seamless expanse of green open spaces. The Southern Ridges is a 10 km plus trail that offers a unique outdoor experience in the southwest of Singapore.

From many architecturally striking bridges and walkways, this is definitely one of the more scenic ways to get to work. This is especially true if you're a climber and enjoy climbing on a bike!

The notable stops are:

• Kent Ridge
• Pasir Panjang
• Hort Park
• Mount Faber Park
• Harbour Front

Get on your bicycle and get on a PCN to get around Singapore today!

What are you waiting for, we have laid out all the routes for you, so all that you have to do left is to hop on your bike. If you are looking for a bike to start your commute to work, do checkout our selection of new and refurbished bikes (or you could just start with a bike sharing bike to kickstart your bike commute journey.

If you aren't confident or would like to learn more before trying to commute to work by bike, fret not! With have many articles such as 9 Top Tips for Beginner Cyclists in 2023, Riding in Style: The Best Bicycles for Urban Commuting in Singapore and even how to efficiently bike to get groceries in Singapore.