Singapore Launches Five New Heritage Walking Trails

Singaporeans and visitors alike can now explore the nation’s rich history and culture through five new heritage walking trails launched on March 14, 2026. Developed by the five Community Development Councils (CDCs) in partnership with the National Heritage Board and Government Technology Agency of Singapore, these trails aim to connect communities and preserve Singapore’s past.

Exploring Singapore’s Diverse Neighborhoods

The Walking Trails @ CDC (Heritage Edition) series spans diverse neighborhoods across the island, offering unique insights into each district’s history and evolution. The trails are designed to gain people moving while showcasing the rich culture, heritage, and green spaces of each area.

Trail Highlights

• Central Singapore: Participants can explore the historic Kampong Glam precinct, including the iconic Masjid Sultan, a National Monument.
• Tampines: Residents can discover the town’s evolution and community spaces in Singapore’s first World Habitat Award-winning township.
• Woodlands: A coastal trail offers views and historical context.
• Bedok: The trail traces former coastlines and locations of military landmarks.
• Jurong: A scenic walk highlights the iconic Stoneboat at the Chinese Garden.

Interactive Experience and Rewards

The trails incorporate a digital element, with five checkpoints along each route unlocking bite-size heritage stories and interactive content. Participants aged 15 and above with a Singpass account can use a web app on their mobile phones to complete tasks at each checkpoint, such as taking a photo of a landmark and answering a question about its history.

Inspired by games like Pokémon, participants who “catch” five CDC Ollies – digital owl mascots – and a sixth special edition along each trail will receive a $10 reward.

Building on Previous Success

This heritage edition builds on the success of earlier Walking Trails @ CDC launched in August, which saw over 80,000 trail completions with approximately 30,000 residents participating. The first five trails featured landmarks such as Bukit Timah Railway Station, Little Guilin, Fort Canning Centre, East Coast Beach, and Punggol Promenade Bridge.

Community Connection and Heritage Preservation

Mayor of Central Singapore District, Denise Phua, emphasized that heritage is about preserving the past and keeping communities connected. Mayor of South East District, Dinesh Vasu Dash, highlighted the importance of celebrating multicultural identity through the exploration of coastal heritage in the Bedok trail.

Over the next two years, 20 heritage-themed trails will be rolled out across Singapore, offering continued opportunities for residents and visitors to connect with the nation’s rich cultural tapestry.