Tell us about this trail. 

My favourite trail is the Hong Kong Trail’s Sections 3 and 4, in reverse. I loop around Aberdeen Reservoir. If you start from the Aberdeen Country Park entrance at Wan Chai Gap, the trail will be approximately 15K. Running it takes me under two hours or so. 

I love it because it’s usually quite quiet. Sections 3 and 4 are shaded by trees, with streams along the way—so it’s perfect for the summer. It’s also just a 10- to 15-minute run from my house. 

Who is the trail suited to?

The trail is suited to any beginner trail runners, or hikers looking for an easier hike. It’s not too technical and has gentle, rolling hills.

Getting there

Take a taxi or buses 15 and 170 to Wan Chai Gap.

Ngai Kang, a Hong Kong elite marathon runner who is the founder of running club 賡班 (Ngai Kang) and Lululemon run ambassador, recommends this 16km trail by Tai Lam Chung Reservoir. Forming section 10 of the Maclehose Trail, the 16km trail is located in New Territories West. Often referred to as the “Thousand Island Lake”, the reservoir is known for its beautiful natural scenery. 

Kang quit his day job in 2016 to devote himself to marathon training. In the following year, he joined the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Full Marathon for the first time and became the fastest Hongkonger to complete the race. 

What do you like about this trail? 

Tai Lam Chung Reservoir is relatively remote, so it’s less crowded compared to other popular trails such as [the trail by] Shing Mun Reservoir. You get to enjoy changes of scenery and soak up the relaxing views throughout the 16km run. It is also rare to run on gravel and mud, as Hong Kong’s city areas usually have concrete grounds.

Who is the trail suited to?

It is suitable for those with an intermediate level of running experience. If you are a beginner, I would advise you to take regular breaks between your runs. 

Any recommendations for post-run activities?

After the run, go back to the Tuen Mun Bus Interchange and hit up nearby Sham Tseng for roast goose with rice to refuel.

Getting there

Take a taxi or minibus number 43 from Tuen Mun MTR station. 

Yusuke Tannaka is a running coach and trail runner based in Sapporo, Japan. He founded the trail running group Libra Blue Sheep, which hosts regular trail running sessions in Japan. Tannaka recommends the Mount Akaiwa trail in Otaru, Hokkai. 

Tell us about the trail.

Mount Akaiwa in Otaru, Hokkaido, is a mountain located along the coast. I really like this trail because you get to look around and see the beautiful surrounding sea while running this trail. 

Who is the trail suited to?

While this trail is perfect for those who like mountaineering, it’s also recommended for runners of all levels, from beginners to advanced trail runners.

Any post-run fuel recommendations?

I like the Otaru Tap Room & Hostel. It’s not just a bar—people also use the space as a cafe to work during the day, and stay there at night. It’s a well-known establishment, popular with fellow runners and climbers. 

Getting there

Take the train to JR Otaru Station, which is located 5km from Mount Akaiwa. Take a taxi, walk or run to the trailhead.

Ili How, a Taiwanese triathlete and Lululemon ambassador in Taiwan who is a former broadcast journalist at Fox Sports, recommends this 20km trail at Fuhe Riverside Park (福和河濱), which is located between Gongguan and Jingmei in Taipei.

She is currently training to participate in Challenge Taiwan, the largest triathlon event in the Asia Pacific.

Tell us about this trail.

When I was a student at National Chengchi University, I often wandered around the riverside. I usually start from Fuhe Bridge and run to Jingmei for about 3km. If you want to run a little longer, you can run all the way to National Chengchi University. You can also go back and forth for 20km. I usually run 8 to 10km for about an hour, unless it were a special preparation for an event—then I would run for more than 14km.

It is convenient, the view and scenery are good, the route is flat, and it is very comfortable to run. Also, I like to observe people, and there are all kinds of people exercising here. You can easily feel the efforts of the runners and their ambitions, so it is very good to practice running here.

Who is the trail suited to?

It is suitable for runners of any level. The [running] distance can be long or short, there are many supply points, and parking is easy. I can bring friends of different running levels to exercise together. 

Any post-run fuel recommendations?

The lively Gongguan business district is nearby. If you need quick supplies, there are convenience stores and small vendors. For a big meal, there are restaurants like the Second Floor Cafe [offering western-style breakfast spreads and mains], or various spicy hot pots or BBQ chain restaurants. 

Getting there

Take the Taipei Metro to Wanglong station. From there, walk towards the waterside for 15 minutes to reach Fuhe Riverside Park. 

Soh Wai Ching, a Malaysia-based full-time professional athlete in tower running—a sport involving running up vertical, man-made structures—recommends this 2.25km trail in Kuala Lumpur.

In 2021, Soh became the first Asian winner of the Empire State Building Run-Up, an annual tower running race at the iconic skyscraper in New York—he climbed 86 floors in 10 minutes and 46 seconds.

The athlete has an intense training programme: every week, he runs up an elevation that’s equivalent to the height of Mount Everest. 

Tell us about this trail. 

Sri Bintang Hill Trail is my favourite trail in Malaysia. I discovered it through other runners’ social media.

It is located around Bukit Sri Bintang, near the Kepong area and Desa Park City. It’s a short but intense trail—especially when running from Peak 1 to Peak 2. It takes about 2 minutes and 48 seconds for me [to go from Sri Bintang Peak 1 to Peak 2]. I usually do a total of five return journeys from Hill 1 to Hill 2 in one training session. 

I like it mainly because of the random steepness of it from point to point. I am able to descend quickly on a combination of solid rock, dirt trail and stairs, which trains my reaction time. I also like that it’s a short trail, which means you can repeat the trail as many times as you want, depending on the intensity that you’re training in. Between Peak 1 and Peak 2, there is a flat area for you to build your speed, ramping it up right before ascending.

It’s so beautiful, and you can see trail runners running from one side to another.

Who is the trail suited to?

It is suited to anyone, from beginners to pro runners. I would advise beginners to start off by walking it—take your time.

For pros, I would advise them to do returning journeys from Hill 1 to Hill 2, trying out different speeds across different segments of it. For example, descend fast and recover on the flat area, then ascend fast again.

Regardless of what your training level is, make sure you enjoy the view once you are at the top of either hill.

Any post-run fuel recommendations?

There are many restaurants not far away from the trail. I go usually to the local kopi tiam [a traditional coffee shop] for eggs and toast.

Getting there

Take a taxi or car to Sri Bintang Hill, which leads to the entrance of the trail. 

Singapore-based Jeri Chua, a former triathlete turned ultra trail runner, recommends this trail, which is around 4.7km.

Chua is the founder of the Red Dot Running Company, a sports gear and nutrition supplements brand, as well as a Lululemon ambassador in Singapore.

Tell us about this trail.

This is a combination of trails that start from Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, starting off on the South View Path, round Taban Loop, along Cave Path and Catchment Path back up to the Bukit Timah Hill Summit via stairs. 

Take Rengas Path towards the Dairy Farm Trail. Unfortunately, the Dairy Farm Trail is [currently] closed for landslide repairs. An adjusted route goes down towards Jungle Fall Path, up to the Summit again and back down the Summit Stairs, and back to the start via Catchment Path, Cave Path and Kruing Path. 

There aren’t a lot of trails in Singapore, and this one is a combination of almost all the open trails that have the most elevation and are the least paved. It appeals to me as I prefer raw, technical trails—which are few and far between in Singapore.

Who is the trail suited to?

Almost anyone can attempt this trail, and there are various route modifications to make it shorter or easier. However, be prepared to climb and descend some steep trail stairways.

Any post-run fuel recommendations?

Cheong Chin Nam Road opposite the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve is packed with eateries, including Joo Seng Teochew Porridge, Al-Azhar Restaurant, and O.BBa Jiajiang & BBQ.

Getting there

Take the MRT and get off at Beauty World MRT station, or take buses 67, 75, 170, 171, 184, 852 or 961. 

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