My interest in bridges started in middle school when my older brother began winning a series of bridge building competitions. My dad bought him a big photo book of the world’s most interesting and important bridges. I studied that book. I was fascinated by the beauty and functionality of these structures. One in particular that I remember was the Henderson Waves bridge in Singapore.

The Henderson Waves Bridge in Singapore

Years passed. My brother became a civil engineer and I just remained an admirer of bridges. I walked across Roman bridges in Spain, the Golden Gate in San Francisco, aqueducts in France. Looking at and crossing them were enough for me to be in awe of their grace and beauty.

When I arrived in Singapore, I knew I had to visit the Henderson Waves bridge. It’s part of a 9km-long walk along the Southern Ridges—a mini mountain range on the southern edge of the city with great views in both directions.

Alexandra Arch Bridge in Singapore between Forest Walk and Hort Park

It turned out to be one of my favorite things to do in Singapore—a fantastic natural area, within very easy reach of the city—and very underused it seemed.

The walk is made up of five separate paths linked together that connect West Coast Park to HarbourFront, including the Marang Trail, Faber Trail, Hilltop Walk, Forest Walk, Flora Walk, and Canopy Walk. I began my outing on the Alexandra Arch, an 80-meter long bridge that features a curved deck and tilted arch. I followed the elevated walkway of the Forest walk to the Henderson Waves bridge, a pedestrian-only bridge, which spans 274 meters.

Be sure to check out the Henderson Waves bridge in the evening from 7pm to 2am when the waves are lit by LED lights.

See more photos from my walk in the Southern Ridges.