SINGAPORE GUIDE TO THE BEST NATURE PARK

Singapore’s first ASEAN Heritage Park, Sungei Buloh is home to rich biodiversity. There are numerous walking trails and wheelchair-accessible paths throughout the 202-hectare nature reserve, and visitors can discover its native inhabitants such as otters, crabs, water snakes, and monitor lizards. Bird-watchers can take the Migratory Bird Trail that goes around the Buloh Tidal Ponds and admire resident birds like herons, kingfishers, and sunbirds. Children will enjoy the Junior Adventure Trail—minutes from the Visitor Centre— where they can mirror the movements of a crab or mudskipper among the mangroves.

Free guided walks (max 20 pax) are conducted in English by certified attendants on Saturday mornings. Registration is mandatory, so travelers should check out the website for more information on the activities. A ten-minute drive from Sungei Buloh is Kranji Marshes, which also supports a rich biodiversity of flora and fauna.

An aerial view of the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve

Address: (Visitor Centre) 60 Kranji Way #01- 00; (Wetland Centre) 301 Neo Tiew Crescent
Tel: +65 6794 1401 Fax: +65 6793 7271
Website: www.nparks.gov.sg/sbwr
Email: nparks_sbwr@nparks.gov.sg
Opening Hours: Mon–Sun 7am–7pm
Nearest MRT: Kranji Station

SINGAPORE GUIDE TO THE BEST NATURE PARK

Known as a green lung in the centre of Singapore, the Central Catchment Nature Reserve is the island’s largest reserve with more than 2,000 hectares of forest cover, supporting an extensive ecosystem of biodiversity. A popular attraction within the reserve is the Jelutong Tower, a seven-deck observation tower with unobstructed views of the forest. Visitors will also be near the Nee Soon Swamp Forest, a rare primary freshwater swamp forest.

The nature reserve is also home to MacRitchie Reservoir Park, a good starting point for the 20-kilometre network of boardwalks and trails of varying difficulties and distances (from one and a half kilometres to six kilometres and beyond) that takes visitors through the forest and around the reservoir. It is worth trekking to the TreeTop Walk (Opening hours: Tue–Fri 9 am–5 pm; Sat-Sun & Public Holidays 8.30 am–5 pm), a 250-metre-long suspension bridge running between the two highest points in MacRitchie where visitors can enjoy expansive views of the forest canopy. Visitors are advised to hike towards the bridge by 4.45 pm from the Ranger Station as the gate closes at 5 pm.

MACRITCHIE RESERVOIR PARK

Water sports enthusiasts can choose to rent canoes and kayaks, and observe the beauty of nature from the glistening reservoir waters. The park has an amenities centre with lockers, showering facilities, drinking water points and food kiosks.

Central Catchment Nature Reserve
Address: 601 Island Club Road (Located close to Singapore Island Country Club, via Venus Drive)
Website: www.nparks.gov.sg/gardens- parks-and-nature/parks-and-nature- reserves/central-catchment-nature-reserve
Opening Hours: Mon–Sun 7am–7pm
Nearest MRT: Marymount Station

MacRitchie Reservoir Park
Address: Along Lornie Road
Website: www.nparks.gov.sg/gardens- parks-and-nature/parks-and-nature- reserves/ macritchie-reservoir-park
Opening Hours: Mon–Sun 24 hours
Nearest MRT: Caldecott Station / Marymount Station

SINGAPORE GUIDE TO THE BEST NATURE PARK

Singapore’s offshore Southern Islands are made up of a total of eight islands. Full of undisturbed natural landscapes, three of these islands–Saint John’s Island, Kusu Island and Sisters’ Islands— are great for camping, picnicking, snorkeling and sightseeing.

They are easily accessible by ferry from Marina South Pier; round trip tickets are at S$18 for adults and S$12 for children. Saint John’s Island was once a quarantine center for infectious diseases and later a drug rehabilitation centre. It has since undergone a transformation and is now known for many friendly felines, swimming lagoons, beaches, picnic grounds, and trekking routes.

Legend has it that Kusu Island was a result of a giant tortoise turning itself into an island in order to save two shipwrecked sailors who then returned to the island to give thanks. In a nod to the story of its origin, the island is also home to a famous tortoise sanctuary, which houses them in hundreds. Sisters’ Islands are two islands separated by a narrow channel and is said to be named after varied versions of a folktale where two sisters drown at sea. The Sisters’ Islands Marine Park located on the island is home to plenty of Singapore’s native marine biodiversity and is definitely worth a visit.

Explore Southern Island with Hello! Singapore Sunset Cruise

Spend an evening cruising around the Southern Islands of Singapore on Hello! Singapore 3-hour public sunset sail that runs every Tuesdays.

Our sunset Singapore boat tour begins with a 45-minute cruise around the Southern Islands. We drop anchor at St John’s Island, the site of Sir Stamford Raffles’s anchorage before meeting the Malay chief of Singapore in 1819. We spend 1.5 hours here giving you plenty of time to relax and watch the sunset or, if you are feeling active, to try stand up paddle boarding , kayaking or have a sunset swim.

Address: Southern Islands (Saint John’s Island, Kusu Island and Sisters’ Island)
Opening Hours: Mon–Sun 7am–7pm

SINGAPORE GUIDE TO THE BEST NATURE PARK

The Singapore Botanic Gardens (SBG), with its 82 hectares of lush landscapes, photogenic pavilions and sculptural landmarks, is Singapore’s first UNESCO heritage site. It is split into three main areas: the Tanglin Core, Central Core and Bukit Timah Core.

The Tanglin Core—the oldest part of the gardens—includes a Botany Centre and the SBG Heritage Museum (Opening hours: Mon-Sun 9 am–6 pm), where visitors can learn about SBG’s rich heritage. Located in the Central Core tourist belt are the Nassim Gate Visitor Centre and the popular National Orchid Garden, which carries more than 60,000 plants and orchids across 1,000 species. Besides exploring the park’s open spaces, travellers can visit specialized gardens like the Ethnobotany Garden and the Centre for Ethnobotany.

The garden features plants native to Southeast Asia, which are traditionally used for medicinal and craft purposes. Through interactive displays, artefacts and information panels at the centre, visitors will discover the roles plants have played in shaping the world we know today.

Swan Lake in Singapore Botanic Gardens.

Young visitors can cultivate a love for nature and the environment at the interactive play areas in Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden. After exploring the gardens, visitors can opt for plenty of dining options in and around the area, including the one-Michelin-starred Corner House Happening every weekend, visitors can sign up for free monthly tours led by experienced volunteer guides to discover the different themes around the gardens. For group bookings (more than 20 pax), contact them two weeks in advance for arrangement.

Address: 1 Cluny Road
Tel: 1800 471 7300 Fax: +65 6473 7983
Website: www.nparks.gov.sg/sbg
Email: NParks_sbg_visitor_services@nparks. gov.sg
Cost: (National Orchid Garden) Adult S$5, Senior Citizen S$1; Free admission for children below 12 years old
Opening Hours:
• (General) Mon–Sun 5am–midnight
• (Healing Garden) Mon–Sun 5am–7.30pm; Closed on Tue, except when it falls on a public holiday
• (Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden) Tue–Sun 8am–7pm; Closed on Mon except when it falls on a public holiday
• (National Orchid Garden) Mon–Sun 8.30am–7pm
Nearest MRT: Botanic Gardens Station / Orchard Station

SINGAPORE GUIDE TO THE BEST NATURE PARK

Rich in history, the Rail Corridor is testimony to Singapore’s longstanding relationship with its neighbouring country, Malaysia. Trains used to shuttle cargo between both countries, via the Tanjong Pagar Railway Station and the Woodlands Train Checkpoint. Today, this 24-kilometre route—which connects vast stretches of greenery in Singapore—is also known as the green corridor and is frequently visited by sports enthusiasts like runners and hikers. Two distinct truss bridges found at Upper Bukit Timah Road near The Rail Mall are a popular backdrop for photographs amongst visitors.

The mall has a number of dining and retail establishments and makes a great stopover for lunch or afternoon tea break. Singapore’s Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), which manages the Rail Corridor, has a detailed walking map on its website that visitors can consider.

Rail road hiking trail

Address: Tanjong Pagar Railway Station to Woodlands Train Checkpoint
Website: www.nparks.gov.sg/railcorridor/ rail-corridor
Opening Hours: Mon–Sun 24 hours
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar Station / Marsiling Station

SINGAPORE GUIDE TO THE BEST NATURE PARK

Tucked away in a corner of Pulau Ubin— an island off mainland Singapore—is an approximately 100-hectare wetlands teeming with wildlife. Visitors will need to catch a ferry to get to this treasure trove of biodiversity. Once on the island, they can hire a van or rent a bicycle from the main village.

The more adventurous can hike to the wetlands in about 40 minutes. The one-kilometre boardwalk along the coast is a convenient way to view the rich plant and marine life, while a 20-meter-tall viewing tower also gives visitors a chance to observe birds like the Collared Kingfisher and Straw-headed Bulbul. Guided tours are available, while educational information about Chek Jawa can be found at the Visitor Centre and viewing jetty.

Address: Chek Jawa Trail, Pulau Ubin
Website: www.nparks.gov.sg/pulau-ubin/ biodiversity/places-of-interest/chek-jawa- wetlands
Cost: One-way boat trip to or from Pulau Ubin S$3
Opening Hours: Mon–Sun 8.30am–6pm

SINGAPORE GUIDE TO THE BEST NATURE PARK

Offering spaces for recreational cycling, rollerblading, fishing, skating, and dining, East Coast Park is themed ‘Recreation for All’ with leisure activities for every type of visitor. The 15-kilometer stretch of the beach is usually filled with people taking a stroll or jogging. At the Singapore Wake Park onlookers gather to watch cable-ski tricks, and the more adventurous can try knee-boarding, wakeboarding and wakeskating.

Stroll at the East Coast Park with Hello! Singapore Tours

Visitors can pack a picnic basket or eat at nearby dining establishments. Families with children will enjoy Marine Cove, a recreational zone that houses a 3,500-sqm playground with wheelchair-accessible equipment and an eight-meter-tall ‘lighthouse’ structure, as well as a few family-friendly restaurants.

Address: Along East Coast Parkway and East Coast Park Service Road
Website: www.nparks.gov.sg/gardens- parks-and-nature/parks-and-nature- reserves/east-coast-park
Opening Hours: Mon–Sun 24 hours
Nearest MRT: Bedok Station

SINGAPORE GUIDE TO THE BEST NATURE PARK

Fort Siloso was built in the late 19th century to protect Singapore from sea invasions. Today, it stands as a historical site with a wealth of World War II memorabilia including coastal guns and the remains of fortified military structures and tunnels. At the surrender chambers, visitors can take part in an immersive show. Light, sound and video effects will be used to bring visitors on a journey from the start of the Japanese invasion to the Japanese surrender at the end of World War II.

Exterior shot of a tram

Fort Siloso also has a newly built Fort Siloso Skywalk, an 11-story-tall and 181-meter-long treetop trail that visitors can stroll on to admire scenic views from. Visitors at the Mega Adventure Park – Singapore and Siloso Beach can easily access Fort Siloso from the Fort Siloso Skywalk to discover Singapore’s heritage.

Address: Siloso Point, along Siloso Road
Tel: +65 6736 8672
Website: www.sentosa.com.sg/explore/ attractions/fort-siloso
Email: guest_services@sentosa.com.sg
Cost: Free admission
Opening Hours: Mon–Sun 10am–6pm (Last entry 5.30pm); (Fort Siloso Skywalk) Mon– Sun 9am–7pm
Nearest MRT: HarbourFront Station

SINGAPORE GUIDE TO THE BEST NATURE PARK

Set on a hilltop, Fort Canning Park is a respite from the surrounding urban landscape. The iconic 18-hectare park is steeped in history: Sir Stamford Raffles, the founder of modern Singapore, built a bungalow on Fort Canning Hill, and it became the home of subsequent colonial governors. Fort Canning Hill was a major communication center, and key historic events took place here.

View of the arch of the Gate and full view of the metal gate

Fort Gate, the remnant of a 19th-century fortress, is also located in the park. Visitors will stumble upon these sites, as well as interesting flora and fauna on a self-guided 45-minute Colonial History Trail following storyboards and maps around the area. Visitors can also take a ticketed tour of the Battlebox, the British nerve center for operations during World War II.

Address: Bounded by Hill Street, Canning Rise, Clemenceau Avenue and River Valley Road
Website: www.nparks.gov.sg/gardens- parks-and-nature/parks-and-nature- reserves/fort-canning-park
Opening Hours: Mon–Sun 24 hours
Nearest MRT: Dhoby Ghaut Station / Clarke Quay Station / Fort Canning Station