Learn exactly how to reach Clementi Forest using MRT services.
Welcome to the complete guide on how to get to Clementi Forest in Singapore by MRT!
Over the last few years, Clementi Forest has become more popular with hiking and nature enthusiasts in Singapore. People want to find new outdoor spaces, and fortunately, Clementi Forest provides scenic, undeveloped access to a broad range of flora and fauna.
This detailed guide will outline every step you need to take to access Clementi Forest using MRT. Some of the most important information that you need to know includes where to transfer MRT lines, which MRT line to travel on and which station is closest to the entrance of the Forest.
Fortunately, Clementi Forest isn’t too far from an MRT station and can be accessed by walking or busing from the closest station. Some of the clear benefits of using the MRT to get here include saving money, bypassing traffic and eliminating parking headaches.
Visiting Clementi Forest in Singapore
Clementi Forest is an undeveloped recreational area in Bukit Timah, Singapore. It has become a popular outdoor escape for hiking and nature enthusiasts because of its open terrain and impressive biodiversity.
It is becoming increasingly rare to find such an undeveloped area in large cities such as Singapore. But Clementi Forest still has natural pathways and ecosystems that have avoided major construction and development.
When you visit Clementi Forest, don’t expect manicured trails.
Instead, expect to see partially grown pathways that still feel raw. Some people love the undeveloped vibe of Clementi Forest. Still, you have to be more prepared for more natural elements than other popular hiking areas such as Bukit Timah Nature Reserve for example.
Bring along hiking shoes, pants, sunscreen, cell phone, lots of water and bug repellent. Getting lost is a possibility with informal trails, so always visit Clement Forest with a friend.
Here is a super cool video that we found that summarizes the hiking experience at Clementi Forest in Singapore.
Getting to Clementi Forest by MRT
Step 1: Walk to the nearest MRT station in Singapore.
Getting to Clementi Forest fast using MRT means you should stay close to an MRT station. In other words, it makes no sense to head to the Forest via MRT if you are miles away from a station.
Save the headaches associated with taxis, traffic and parking by using the MRT to reach the Forest.
Here are three hotel recommendations that we have categorized according to price level and proximity to MRT stations. All of these are three minutes or less from the stations listed below:
Budget-Friendly
Wink Capsule Hostel (2-star, 8.4/10 review score, 1-minute from Chinatown Station)
Mid-Range
Heritage Collection on Chinatown (4-star, 9.0/10 review score, very close to Chinatown Station)
Luxury
The Fullerton Hotel (5-star, 9.0/10 review score, close to Raffles Place Station)
As a general rule, try to say within 500 metres or less of a station. Cutting down your walking time to 5 minutes will make getting around Singapore much cheaper and faster.
Step 2: Identify interchange stations and lines.
The best station for getting to Clementi Forest in Singapore is King Albert Park Station (DT6).
King Albert Park Station is on the Downtown Line, shown in dark blue on Singapore’s metro map.
Transferring to the Downtown MRT Line
Many people in Singapore will not start their journey to Clementi Forest from the Downtown Line. Consequently, a transfer or two between lines might be required.
To help you out, we have listed popular transfer stations between other lines and the Downtown Line:
Botanic Gardens – transfer between the Circle and Downtown Line
Newton – transfer between the North-South and Downtown Line
Little India – transfer between the North-East and Downtown Line
Bugis – transfer between the East-West and Downtown Line
Staying close to either Bayfront or Promenade MRT station in Marina Bay is a wise decision.
You can walk from many of the top hotels to these stations in under 7 minutes.
Step 3: Buy a ticket or card to reach King Albert Park Station (DT6).
We used a stored value card when determining how to get to Clementi Forest in Singapore MRT.
But there are different ticket options available depending on how long you are in the city and how frequently you plan to use the MRT.
Single and multiple trip tickets are available in stations throughout the city and on the way to Clementi Forest.
Another popular option for tourists is buying a Singapore Tourist Pass. Once you pick one of these up, you can ride on buses and the metro (MRT) worry-free.
Step 4: Ride the MRT to King Albert Park Station (DT6) on the Downtown Line.
Complete any transfers to the Downtown MRT Line, and remember metro maps are available in stations.
Take the Downtown Line to King Albert Park Station (DT6).
Beauty World (DT5) and Sixth Avenue (DT7) are the two neighbouring stations next to King Albert Park.
Find the nearest exit once you stop at one of these stations because you’ll get out at the next station.
Step 5: Alight at King Albert Park Station (DT6).
Alight when you arrive at King Albert Park Station (DT6). Don’t forget anything on the train.
Step 6: Exit King Albert Park Station (DT6), following relevant signs.
King Albert Park Station is built underneath Bukit Timah Road, at the junction of Blackmore Drive.
The train platforms are located at Basement Level 3, and that’s where you will arrive via MRT.
Travel up to Level 1 – Street Level to access the station exits.
King Albert Park MRT Station has a total of two exits at Street Level (Exit A and B).
Take Exit A to reach Clementi Forest.
Step 7: Walk or bus from King Albert Park Station to the entrance of Clementi Forest.
At King Albert Park Station, Exit A will bring you out onto Bukit Timah Road.
From there, you have the choice of walking to the entrance of Clementi Forest or taking a bus.
We will first outline the walking directions to Clementi Forest, followed by the bus directions.
Walking from King Albert Park Station to Clementi Forest – Directions
There are a few different places to enter Clementi Forest, so we will outline them, and you can choose your preference. The entrances are informal (they look like trails).
Option 1 – Southern Rail Corridor Entrance
Head east on Bukit Timah Road toward Blackmore Drive.
Turn right onto Blackmore Drive, which runs south of the station.
Turn right at Old Holland Road and continue south along the narrow road. You should see a green gate here. Hopefully, it’s open when you get here!!
Continue south and then turn right toward Rail Corridor using the pathway.
Turn right onto Rail Corridor.
You have now arrived. You might want to track your location on Google Maps while getting to the Rail Corridor.
Approximate Walking Distance and Travel Time: 950 m and 12 minutes
Option 2 – Behind Opp Ngee Ann Poly Bus Stop
Head west on Bukit Timah Road once you exit the station.
Turn left (south) onto Clementi Road.
Continue walking south along Clementi Road until you reach Opp Ngee Ann Poly Bus Stop (#12109). It will be on your left.
Behind the bus stop is a canal and also the entry point into the forest. You should see a trail there heading into Clementi Forest.
Approximate Walking Distance and Travel Time: 1.2 km and 15 minutes
Taking a bus from King Albert Park Station to Clementi Forest – Directions
You can also get to Clementi Station using public bus services from King Albert Park Station.
Once you take Exit A, walk just a few metres west along Bukit Timah Road to King Albert Pk Stn Bus Stop (#42051).
Get on one of the following buses:
151, 154, 74
Stay on the bus for two stops and then get off at the third stop – Opp Ngee Ann Poly Bus Stop (#12109).
Walk behind the bus stop, and you should see a canal and the entry point into the forest. You should see a trail there heading into Clementi Forest.
Approximate Bus Travel Time: 2-3 minutes (4-5 minutes total when you consider waiting time and walking to the entrance behind the bus stop).
Is walking or taking the bus from King Albert Park Station to Clementi Forest a better option?
It really depends on your preference. If you are visiting Clementi Forest to burn some calories and get your blood pumping, then you might as well walk to the entrance from the station.
The bus ride is short and sweet, but you have to wait for the bus to pick you up.
Taking the bus should be faster, but it’s worse for the environment and not as healthy.
Things to do near Clementi Forest
Once you explore some of the amazing scenery and fresh air in Clementi Forest, you can check out other points of interest in the area.
Sime Darby Centre, Bukit Timah Plaza (Directions), and KAP Mall (Learn how to get there) are very close to King Albert Park Station. You can walk to them in 5 minutes or less.
If you travel one station north on the Downtown Line to Beauty World Station (DT5) there are three more popular malls:
Beauty World Centre
Beauty World Plaza
Bukit Timah Shopping Centre
These are 3 minutes or less walking distance from Beauty World Station.
Bukit Timah Market & Food Centre is a popular place for delicious, affordable meals. Don’t expect a fancy environment, but a large selection of traditional hawker foods.
Conclusion
Hopefully, you now know how to get to Clementi Forest in Singapore by MRT.
Unlike many of Singapore’s recreational areas, Clementi Forest does not have formal entrances. Expect to find pathways leading into the forest. You might find it helpful to track your location using your map app on your cell phone.
Overall, getting to Clementi Forest is super easy via MRT. The most challenging component of the trip is transferring lines to the Downtown Line. Once you are on the Downtown Line, it should be smooth sailing to King Albert Park Station (DT6).
You can either walk or take the bus from the station to Clementi Park.
Always remember to bring tons of water, snacks, bug repellent, sunscreen and proper shoes and clothing. Clementi Park does not have paved or cemented trails, so your exposure to the natural elements is more direct here than in other parks around the city.