At 164 meters, you’ll find the most challenging trails in Singapore on the republic’s tallest hill. There are also wonderful views of Upper Peirce Reservoir, and plenty of wildlife to look out for, including long-tailed macaque monkeys (just don’t feed them or get too close).
Comprising both Chinese and Japanese Gardens on two man-made islands in Jurong Lake, Chinese Garden offers some stunning examples of Asian design elements. The former stands out for its Suzhou-style arrangement of 1,000 bonsai trees imported from China, while the latter is outfitted with charming details like wooden bridges, carp ponds, pebble footpaths and stone lanterns.
One of Singapore’s most historic and beautiful landmarks, this is where the British decided to surrender Singapore to the Japanese, with highlights such as the Spice Garden and Gothic-style gates. Today, its lush lawns draw picnic-goers, as well as large-scale events like theater productions and concerts.
A visually-arresting site that features towering steel Supertrees that stretch up to 50 meters into the sky, giving you a panoramic view of the gardens and the city’s bustling urban hub, while two domed conservatories house over 200,000 plants.
The oldest park in Singapore, MacRitchie’s running trails and boardwalks skirting the perimeter of the forested area are scenic, sheltered and span distances from three to 11 kilometers. It’s a popular spot for nature lovers and exercise enthusiasts alike, great for leisurely strolls along the water’s edge or a heart-racing run. Try looking for the ruins of a Shinto shrine, which the Japanese built during the Japanese Occupation of Singapore.
Located on Mount Faber, this scenic hilltop park offers some of the best views of Singapore. Take a 20-minute walk towards Henderson Waves (lit up with LED displays), a 274 meter-long pedestrian bridge that’s also Singapore’s highest and connects Mount Faber Park to Telok Blangah Hill Park.
One of the largest parks in Singapore, highlights here include a renowned children’s playground (which features giant “space nets” and slides) and a three-story bird-watching tower. If you’re up for a little adventure, hire a bicycle and explore the six-hectare mangrove forest and its inhabitants like mud crabs and mudskippers.
Founded in 1859, the 74-hectare Singapore Botanic Gardens is a key recreational park and national tourist destination as well as a leading tropical and horticultural institution. The Gardens’ extensive collection of over 60,000 plants includes the National Orchid Garden, the most comprehensive collection of tropical orchids in the world. Besides displaying some of the country’s most beautiful flora and fauna, this tropical garden provides a restful respite from the bustling city.
Singapore’s only protected wetland nature park is home to over 500 species of animals and plants. The best time to visit is early morning when the wildlife is at its most active, such as a resident family of otters, crabs and even water snakes, so keep a camera handy.
