Get Your Fix Of Nature in Singapore

Singapore may be known for its gleaming skyscrapers and bustling city life, but there are still many opportunities to get some greenery in the midst of the concrete jungle that it is! This tiny island city-state has made great strides in transforming itself into a city in a garden, where nature and greenery play an integral role in the urban landscape. If you are looking to get out in the Sun and take in some fresh air, here are some places to visit!

Singapore Botanic Gardens

The Singapore Botanic Gardens located in central Singapore is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts. This UNESCO World Heritage Site spans over 180 acres and is home to a stunning array of flora and fauna. Take a leisurely stroll along the meandering paths, surrounded by vibrant flowers and lush greenery.

Make sure to visit the National Orchid Garden, a true gem within the Botanic Gardens. Here, you'll be mesmerized by the sight of over 1,000 species and 2,000 hybrids of orchids. Each orchid is meticulously cared for, showcasing the beauty and diversity of these delicate flowers. The garden is a photographer's paradise, with every angle offering a picture-perfect moment.

If you're looking to unwind and relax, find a spot by the serene Swan Lake. Sit on one of the benches and watch as the graceful swans glide across the water, creating ripples that reflect the surrounding greenery. It's a tranquil oasis in the heart of the city, providing a much-needed respite from the hustle and bustle.

Bay East Garden

The Gardens by the Bay is one of the main tourist sites in Singapore, blending nature and modernity in Singapore. The main attractions in the Gardens by the Bay are without a doubt the iconic Supertrees, the Cloud Forest, and the Flower Dome; each showcasing different exhibits of flowers and plants from all over the world.

But if you are looking for something that is less man-made, Gardens by the Bay also has something to offer. The Bay East Garden, often missed by tourists, is a large public greenspace at the other side of the Marina Bay river. It's a walk away from the main attractions in the garden, but that also means the Bay East Gardens are way less crowded. This large green space by itself is also way less fancy and does not have many exhibition spaces like the main gardens, so if you are looking to just spend a leisurely afternoon out busking in greenery, this is a great option in downtown Singapore. And as a bonus, being on the opposite side of the Marina Bay means that you get wonderful views of the Singapore skyline!

Southern Ridges

For those seeking a nature escape amidst the urban jungle, the Southern Ridges offers a scenic trail that connects several parks and nature reserves. It is also one of the most popular hiking trails amongst locals in Singapore.

As you embark on the trail, you'll be surrounded by lush greenery and the soothing sounds of nature. The elevated walkways provide a unique perspective, allowing you to admire the beauty of the treetops and the panoramic views of the city skyline. The full trail starts from Mount Faber Park and ends at Kent Ridge Park. Along the way, you'll come across several iconic landmarks, the most popular being the Henderson Waves, a wave-like pedestrian bridge that offers stunning views of the surrounding area. It's the perfect spot to take a break, sit on one of the benches, and admire the beauty of the architecture and nature intertwining.

For a taste of local delights after your hike, there are a few popular options that you can consider. If you are ending your hike at Mount Faber, you can take a bus to Telok Blangah Food Centre or Seah Im Hawker Centre; and if you are ending your hike at Kent Ridge Park, head to Pasir Panjang Food Centre or ABC Brickworks!

Coast-to-Coast Trail

Singapore is so small that it is actually possible to walk from one end to the other in the span of one day. And there's a trail just for that! So if you are looking for a different way to explore Singapore, this could be a viable option!

The coast to coast trail is a 36km trail that connects different nature areas, parks, and park connectors across Singapore, stretching from the Jurong Lake Gardens in the West all the way to Coney Island in the Northeast. Some of the most notable parks that you will pass by along the way includes the MacRitchie Reservoir Park and the Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park.

However, you might also want to note that the coast-to-coast trail also includes a number of segments where you'll be walking on park connectors or walking paths by the road — so if you are expecting full-on greenery, then this might leave you a little disappointed.

Green Corridor

Now, if you are someone who prefers more greenery in your trails, the Green Corridor is a good choice! The Green Corridor cuts across Singapore from the North to South, spanning 24km from Kranji to Tanjong Pagar. The green corridor is not just a passage for the public, it also serves as a green passage to allow wildlife to move between major green spaces in Singapore.

The green corridor follows the route of a former railway line that connected Singapore and Malaysia, and you'll see remains of these tracks along the route. One of the most popular and iconic spots where you can see this track will be at the Bukit Timah Railway Station, which is also a very popular photo spot along the trail.

The green corridor is also connected to various other trails and parks like the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve or the newest green spot in Singapore, the Rifle Range Nature Park. Feel free to exit the green corridor to explore these parks instead!

Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserves

Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserves provides a different type of greenery and nature from the trails and parks in Singapore. The Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserves are located far North in Singapore, and aren't exactly the most accessible.

But here, you will be able to find an extensive mangrove forest, mudflats, and ponds. The wetland reserves is home to rich biodiversity of flora and fauna. Apart from the mudskippers, crabs, shellfish, and other common suspects that you will find in mangrove forests, it is also not uncommon to spot wild crocodiles and monitor lizards at the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserves — something that you probably will not find elsewhere in Singapore.

For a different Singapore experience, if you are planning to visit the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserves, you can also consider visiting Singapore's only goat farm, the Hay Dairies Goat Farm, that is in the area!