We all say we want to get fit and embrace the outdoors in Singapore, but how many of us have been put off by the scorching sun and heat that leave us feeling anything but fresh afterwards?

Well, one Redditor has come up with what might be the next best thing, starting a discussion on “Cooling Walks SG: How to clock 10k–20k steps in relatively cool comfort”. 

The postshared a series of routes that help with dodging the worst of Singapore’s heat, something many of us can probably appreciate.

The OP explained: “Sweat and my eczema don’t go well together so to clock in my daily steps I do it in these accessible places.”

“These are my favourite air-conditioned (or deeply shaded and Underground Pedestrian Links) walking routes in Singapore where I can easily hit my step goals in comfort whilst tuned into my podcast episodes,” they wrote, before generously listing seven tried-and-tested paths. 

The Changi Airport Loop: Walk between Terminal 3, Jewel, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 via link bridges, viewing galleries and public areas. 

According to the OP, exploring every level can easily rack up 15,000–20,000 steps. The place is also conveniently accessible by bus and MRT, though they steer clear of it on weekends to avoid crowds. 

The City Center Civic Network: Travel underground from City Hall to Promenade through CityLink Mall, Esplanade MRT, Suntec City and Millenia Walk. The route is almost entirely underground, which makes it easy to avoid the sun, and with a few detours, it's possible to clock 10,000–20,000 steps.

The Marina Centre North Extension: Start at Bugis MRT and make your way through DUO Galleria, Guoco Midtown and the sheltered walkways directly into Suntec City. The OP also recommends combining this route with the City Centre route for those who want a longer stroll. 

The Downtown Financial Core: For those working in the CBD, there’s the option to walk from Raffles Place to Marina Bay via One Raffles Quay and Marina Bay Link Mall. 

“Loop back for an easy 10,000 steps,” the OP added, but they also suggested only taking this route during non-peak hours or on the weekends. 

The Chinatown Loop: Starting from Telok Ayer MRT, the route winds through Chinatown's malls, including People’s Park Complex, OG, People’s Park Centre, and Chinatown point, with walkways and connected buildings, plus there are plenty of food options along the way.

The Academic Subterranean Highway (aka The SMU Concourse): A quieter, shorter option linking Bras Basah MRT and Bencoolen MRT through the SMU underground concourse.

The Classic Orchard Trench: Travel from Somerset through Orchard's connected malls and basement links, all the way to Shaw House without having to brave the sun. Though understandably, you’d want to avoid this route on the weekends too. 

According to the OP, these routes brought back memories of the time they spent in Taipei and Seoul, where people can seemingly walk forever underground while staying sheltered from the weather. 

They also gave a shoutout to the LTA and URA for their planning, adding that they hope future developments will feature even more connected underground pedestrian links (UPLs). 

They penned: “Hopefully, new towns like Paya Lebar Airbase will have UPLs connecting all the residences, perhaps even an entire mall and foodcourts are located in the UPLs to save space above and avoid thermal accumulation from the Sun. Lesser energy to keep them cool. “

Netizens appreciated the wholesome post, with many agreeing that Singapore’s hot and humid weather makes sheltered walking routes a big plus. 

Others chimed in with their own favourites, including routes around Mayflower MRT and covered walkways in malls across the west.

So what’s your favourite walking route?

Photos: Gerlynne Dela Cerna/ Pexels, Yelp, chanchop.com, trip.com