Nature & Wildlife

Pockets of amazing nature can be found throughout
Singapore, providing a pleasant respite from the city’s bustle.

Explore Singapore’s islands
So you’ve shopped till you dropped at Orchard Road, taken your mandatory selfie with the Merlion, and marvelled at the skyscrapers at Marina Bay. Want to see more of Singapore? Head to these offshore islands for a Singaporean experience unlike any other.

St John’s Island
Calling all cat lovers, skip the cat cafes and head to St John’s Island for some quality time with your favourite furry friends—the island has become famous in recent years for the many friendly felines lounging around.

Pulau Ubin
Rustic street side stalls and shrines line a street on the island of Pulau Ubin
Perhaps the most well-known of Singapore’s offshore islands, Pulau Ubin is the place to be if you’re looking to connect with nature or take a walk on the wild side. Pulau Ubin is home to one of Singapore’s last kampongs (villages), and the island is brimming with rustic charm.

Lazarus Island
Besides the beaches at Sentosa or East Coast Park, Lazarus Island is a great destination for an idyllic beach escapade. Think lounging on white sandy shores and dipping your toes in clear turquoise waters. Remember to pack your towels, water and sunscreen though, as the Lazarus Island tropical paradise experience comes without convenience stores.

Coney Island
Coney Island signboard next to entrance
Take a trek to Coney Island to get in touch with nature. This rustic green sanctuary is accessible via two bridges, connecting this offshore island to the mainland.

Kusu Island
The serene Chinese temples on Kusu Island
Mythical tales of tortoises abound at Kusu Island, which has a fascinating story revolving around these shelled creatures (‘kusu’ actually means ‘tortoise’ or ‘turtle’ in Hokkien). Legend has it that a giant tortoise turned itself into an island in order to save two shipwrecked sailors, who then returned to the island to give thanks.

Sisters’ Island
Two islands separated by a narrow channel, Sisters’ Island is said to be named after various versions of a folktale where a pair of sisters drowned at sea.

A 2-day guide for nature lovers
Subaraj Rajathurai takes us into the untamed areas of Singapore, to experience the ecosystems that he has fought to preserve.

DAY 1: ISLAND LIFE
– MacRitchie Nature Trail & Reservoir Park
– Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
– Singapore Botanic Gardens

DAY 2: A BOAT RIDE AWAY
– Pulau Ubin
– Chek Jawa

Singapore’s iconic green spaces
Nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, escape from the city and explore Singapore’s green spaces for some tranquillity.

There’s a park or garden to explore no matter where you are in the country, so we’ve made things easy by sectioning this guide into the four main areas for you to get your fix of fresh air and lush greenery.

Central Region
Replete with rare flowers, vertical gardens (aka Supertrees), and intriguing sculptures from around the world, Gardens by the Bay is a stunning park consisting of three waterfront gardens.

Southern Region
Further south of Singapore, there’s Mount Faber and HortPark. These two green spots are part of a 10-kilometre-long trail called the Southern Ridges, which features structures like the Henderson Waves, the highest pedestrian bridge in Singapore, and bridges such as the Forest Walk and Canopy Walk.

North Eastern Region
Seletar Reservoir is split into two areas: Lower Seletar Reservoir Park and Upper Seletar Reservoir Park.

Western Region
The 87-hectare Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve is bound to impress nature lovers with its incredible biodiversity. First discovered by a group of birdwatchers from the Malayan Nature Society in 1986, this site is home to migratory birds, crabs, mud lobsters and even crocodiles and otters.

Walk on the wild side in Singapore
Despite its soaring skyscrapers and bustling cityscape, Singapore is more than just a concrete jungle. Known as a city in a garden, our nation’s natural landscape intertwines seamlessly with our modern spaces and futuristic architecture.

Beautiful parks, secluded island sanctuaries and thriving mangroves are just some of natural splendor you’ll find in Singapore. Take a walk on the wild side, and discover nature unbound in the Lion City.

Pulau Ubin
An island sanctuary that’s home to diverse ecosystems and wildlife, Pulau Ubin makes for a perfect getaway.

Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
An ecological wonderland filled with fascinating fauna, this vast mangrove forest is a must-visit for animal lovers.

Labrador Nature Reserve
History and nature intertwine at Labrador Nature Reserve, a natural habitat that was once the site of a fort dating to World War II.

Singapore Botanic Gardens
One of our island’s most beloved green spaces, the Singapore Botanic Gardens is a UNESCO World Heritage Site is a floral fantasy for nature lovers.

Central Catchment Nature Reserve
Located in the heart of our city, the Central Catchment Nature Reserve spans 2,000 hectares of dense forest, and a 20-kilometre network of trails and boardwalks winding through lush greenery.

Hiking trails in Singapore
Away from the Lion City’s skyscrapers and shopping malls lie green spaces with much to discover. We highlight seven parks with hiking trails that’ll let you soak in the views, learn more about Singapore’s past and get closer to wildlife around the island.

MacRitchie Reservoir Park
Panoramic views of the forest and the thrill of walking at 25 metres above ground are all part of the experience when you traverse the TreeTop Walk, a 250-metre-long freestanding suspension bridge.

The Southern Ridges
Keep your camera on hand when you hike the photogenic ten-kilometre-long network of trails known as the Southern Ridges. The route starts at HarbourFront Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) station and takes three to five hours, stretching through Mount Faber Park, Telok Blangah Hill and HortPark before ending at Kent Ridge Park.

Up close with wildlife
Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
Enjoy an up-close look at mud lobsters, tree-climbing crabs and monitor lizards when you stroll along the 500-metre-long boardwalk of the mangrove swamps in Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, which runs parallel to the Wetland Centre.

Chek Jawa Wetlands
A breezy boat ride to Pulau Ubin, Singapore’s most famous offshore island, will soothe your senses before you start your hike. From Ubin Jetty, it’s a 40-minute walk to Chek Jawa. Alternatively, rent a van or bicycle from the main village for a quicker journey.

Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
Take the path less travelled when you venture into the dense vegetation of Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, where remnants of a once teeming kampong (Malay for ‘village’) are hidden.

Fort Canning Park
Relive the footsteps of Malay kings and British governors at Fort Canning Park. This area used to be home to Malay royalty, and was also where Sir Stamford Raffles built the place of residence for governors.

Labrador Nature Reserve
Learn more about Singapore’s colonial past and maritime history when you make a trip to Labrador Nature Reserve. Before the Japanese occupation, the area was known as Fort Pasir Panjang, a former defence battery that was constructed to defend the western entrance to Keppel Harbour—Singapore’s main port since the 19th century.