Singapore has some of the world’s most beautiful and diverse nature parks. Whether you’re looking for scenic views, peaceful nature walks, or exciting family activities, you’ll likely find it in Singapore.
These dense nature reserves that are connected to each other are rich in flora and makes for scenic walks and some for an ideal day’s hike. Most of these parks are packed with memories of WWII. Said that in 1941 when the war came to Singapore and Malaya, the Serapong and all other coastal batteries stood ready to fend off seaborne attacks. As some trails bring you closer to the enchanting waterfront views, parallel it opens a new page of history, mostly overlooked by us, modern travelers.
We have rounded ten nature parks that you will regret skipping during your next trip to the 'Garden City'.
1. Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
Bukit Timah is a large nature reserve, home to various animal and insect life, typical of a humid equatorial climate. It occupies an area of 1.7-square-kilometre nature reserve towering Singapore’s highest hill, Bukit Timah Hill, at 163 m and regarded one of the few areas of retaining primary rainforest in the country. History recorded Bukit Timah hill as the highest point on the island of Singapore, thus a landmark, to the European settlers in the 19th century. In June 1827, Singapore's resident counsellor John Price and his Chinese contractors made the first documented expedition to reach the summit. Bukit Timah Nature Reserve was officially declared an ASEAN Heritage Park on 18 October 2011. There are several hiking routes and trails looking no less than a walk in the woods, plus its also ideal ground for biking.
2. MacRitchie Reservoir Park
Up for an early morning hike during a busy weekday?. Within the urban sprawl of Singapore, Mac Ritchie covers about 617 acres of lush green and is well known for its popular tree top walks. It’s an 850-foot-long suspension bridge about 75 feet above the ground. It’s supported by two steel towers and has stunning panoramic views of the park and surrounding area. The park also has several walking trails, ranging from easy loops around the reservoir to long route hikes through the park’s jungle-like landscape.
3. Coney Island
This small island park is located north-eastern side of Singapore, a great escape from the hustle of the city life. It has nature trails surrounded by tall trees and ridged by tiny beach stretches. Marked as an ecologically sustainable park it uses timber from fallen trees for all the signage in the park and benches. Cycle along the 2.5km Coney Island Park Connector, with the occasional pretty promenade view of Serangoon Reservoir. If tired of walking or cycling one can always chill out by the beach side.
4. Mandai Nature Park
The pockets of green spaces amidst the cityscape is many. Mandai T15 trail or Forest Catchment area is a must-walk in for hikers. The whole of Mandai forest is best for those serious hikers who wants to continue on empty forested trail with no boardwalk. This forested park has many trails, loops interspersed by streams, muddy bumps that often lead to open jungle grounds surrounded by heritage trees. Parts of Mandai remain cordoned off for military training areas as well.
5. Serapong Nature Trail
If you thought the resort town of Sentosa is only about exploring beaches, yachting and adventure rides then think again. There is a straight narrow wooded trails that takes you up close to pristine nature where you can branch out ways inside the forested area. It was a site of the gun battery. On some stretches up a ridge it opens views of the Sentosa harbour. History has it that the Serapong guns were stationed to fire warning shots across the bows of ships which had inadvertently headed into the minefields. The perfect incline serves a great hiking ground for beginners.
6. Singapore Botanical Garden
Did you know Singapore Botanical Garden is over 100 years old? If you want your children to engage in a range of recreational activities and have a gala time playing in sand then Singapore Botanical Garden, in the central part of the city is the place to be. The garden is 182-acre botanical garden established in 1859 and is the oldest garden in Singapore and one of the city’s most popular attractions. It was the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in Singapore and is the first (and only) tropical botanic garden on the list. The garden has many themed sections and gates for entry and is a study of flora, including exotic and native species. That includes the National Orchid Garden, with over 60,000 orchids, and the Evolution Garden, dedicated to showcasing the fascinating evolution of plants over millions of years. That said, there’s a small fee if you want to see the orchid exhibit.
7. East Coast Park
Covering over 450 acres, along the coast, it opens great views of the Singapore Strait and beautiful sandy beaches. You can rent bikes or skates at several shops in the park. It's a great park for the morning walk. Interestingly, the path is part of the Park Connector Network (PCN), a system of park connectors in Singapore linking various parks, nature reserves, and waterways. It’s a great way to move around the city while avoiding busy roads.
8. Pasir Ris
Positioned by the stunning coastline, Pasir Ris has sections of beach, nature trails around tall trees, wide lush green parks and boardwalks over mangroves. Explore the six-hectare mangrove forest via the boardwalk and you can spot mudskippers, other varieties of crabs, and also monitor lizards in the waters. You can rent the barbecue pits where the adults can fire up the grill for a family cookout and weekend picnics.
9. Labrador Park
The history of Labrador Park originated way back to 1880s when it served as a defense fortress against advancing forces on the coast. The highly arm-artillery built by British defenders was built in this coastal area of Singapore. Located in the southern part of Singapore along the West Coast Highway, Labrador park offers a perfect day's hike, a leisurely stroll by the seaside, cycling, jogging and also is one of the famous fishing spots for anglers. The jetty is a perfect stopover to capture the sunsets and the view of the forest at the Labrador Nature Reserve. Part of the southern ridges, the park is dotted with tunnels, steps, war time ruins now overtaken by nature.
10. Fort Canning
Fort Canning Park, an iconic hilltop landmark, the first location of a palace for area kings, then became a British garrison in the 19th century. During World War II, it served as the site of a prisoner-of-war-camp. But after the war, Fort Canning Hill became an important site in the struggle for Singapore’s independence and the creation of the modern city-state. Today it features nine historical gardens. The sprawling lawns of the park play host to concerts, stage world-class theatres and festivals such as Shakespeare in the Park. The history and the lush green give rise to tranquility and is bound to draw attention of the history buffs and nature lovers alike.
From food, and architecture to its famous landmarks, Singapore celebrates the melting pot of cultures. But if you are an outdoorsy kind and looking for hikes and long walks, these nature trails, parks and gardens will surely catch the eye and draw you to add them into your itinerary.