Living in the city can sometimes feel draining and suffocating. Thankfully, here in Singapore, we have plenty of nature parks and green spaces outside our front doors.
Being close to nature helps to relieve stress and offers a nice change of scenery when leisure travel is still a no-no. Here are seven places in Singapore where you can immerse yourself in nature for no cost.
Bukit Batok Nature Park
What was once a quarry site in 1988 is now a part of Bukit Batok Nature Park. Visitors can take a peaceful walk along the pond, or hike to the top of the cliff to get a picturesque view of the quarry. As you approach the dramatic façade of the cliff, it feels more like you are in an American National Park rather than Singapore.
MacRitchie Reservoir Park
Credit: Farrel Nobel/Unsplash
Surrounding Singapore’s largest reservoir, MacRitchie is known for its lush greenery and flourishing wildlife. Embark on a 11-kilometre walk around the reservoir, or alternatively rent a kayak and enjoy the view from the water. MacRitchie’s famous TreeTop Walk provides a stunning view of the forest from above, but it is currently closed for maintenance and will only reopen in May 2021.
Punggol Waterway Park
Punggol Waterway Park follows a section of the North Eastern Riverine Loop, where visitors can take a tranquil walk along the canal. This green space is great for a leisurely cycle or jog thanks to its wide flat paths. In November 2020, the Therapeutic Garden was opened, giving visitors a place to sit back and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature.
Singapore Botanic Gardens
Credit: Benjamin Wong/Unsplash
With more than a thousand species of plants featured across 74-hectares of land, the Botanic Gardens lives up to its title as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Among its varied landscapes are main attractions Swan Lake and Ginger Garden. Because of its paved paths and curated gardens, it is the perfect place for a quiet evening stroll.
Tanjong Beach, Sentosa
Just a few minutes’ walk away from the crowds and music of Tanjong Beach Club, you will find Tanjong Beach to be one of the most serene and scenic beaches in Singapore. Gazing out onto the vast ocean might be able to provide you with some perspective that you can’t find in the city. Relax on the sand with a good book, listen to the waves, and soak in the sun.
The Southern Ridges
The Southern Ridges spans 10-kilometres and connects five different parks, including Labrador Nature Reserve and Kent Ridge Park. Traverse the forest through boardwalks and bridges, some of which reach up to 36-metres above the ground. You’ll be able to breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the view of the forest from high up in the canopy.
Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
Credit: Shubhankar Sharma
As Singapore’s first ASEAN Heritage Park, Sungei Buloh offers an experience of the wetlands far departed from the urban cityscape. As you walk through the mangrove forest, you might encounter all kinds of wildlife such as snakes, crocodiles and mudskippers. Birdwatchers will be thrilled to find out that it is also an important stop for migratory birds. Located right on the coast, you will get to enjoy a tranquil view of the waters from the Coastal Walk.
