We’re actually closer to nature than you think!
Known as the Garden City, we Singaporeans take pride in the cleanliness of our city and that can be seen through the many beautiful parks that we have in our neighbourhoods!
There is always a park nearby to stretch, relax and take in a bit of nature after being at home the whole day. We've updated our list of nature parks and nature reserves around Singapore that you can visit to refresh your body and mind by appreciating the great outdoors!
Parks and Reserves around Singapore:
- Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park
- MacRitchie Reservoir Park
- Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
- Fort Canning Park
- The Learning Forest
- Sembawang Hot Spring Park
- Lower Seletar Reservoir Park
- Kranji Marshes
- Admiralty Park
- Mount Faber Park
- The Southern Ridges
- Hort Park
- Southern Islands
- Labrador Nature Reserve
- Pulau Ubin
- Coney Island (Serangoon Island)
- Tampines Eco Green
- Bedok Reservoir Park
- Jurong Central Park
- Jurong Lake Gardens
Phase 2 (Heightened Alert) Update: If you're looking to step outside for some fresh air, do remember to keep to a group size of up to 2 persons. You are also required to wear a mask, except when engaging in strenuous exercises or consuming food and drinks. For the latest closure notices and advisories, do check out the NParks noticeboard.
You can also check out the latest updates on visitorships at each park before heading out.
Central
1. Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park
Photo by Jimmy Tan on Flickr
One of the biggest urban parks in Singapore and nestled amongst HDB estates, Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park is a popular spot for those living in the Central-Northern areas of Singapore to take a quick break from the bustling city life.
The park boasts a 6km stretch of greenery that includes amenities like a cycling track, a lotus garden and even a naturalised river where cute families of otters are occasionally spotted! Did we mention that it is pet friendly too?
2. MacRitchie Reservoir Park
Photo by Mark爱生活 on Flickr
If you have friends or family members who are canoeists, regulars or marathoners you’ve probably heard them mention MacRitchie Reservoir Park a million times. The closest thing that we could call a nature park, take a hike along one of the many trails, (try running if you want a challenge) get a birds-eye-view of nature from the treetop walk or enjoy some water activities at the reservoir.
3. Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
Photo by Steel Wool on Flickr
Just next to MacRitchie Reservoir Park and separated by the BKE, Bukit Timah Nature Reserve could be considered as an extension of MacRitchie for those inclined to more extreme sports. Here you can find more hiking trails, mountain biking routes and even rock climbing routes at Dairy Farm Quarry!
4. Fort Canning Park
Photo by John Marvin De Jose on Unsplash
Located right in the heart of Singapore, Fort Canning Park is an iconic landmark that has seen this country through many milestones! Having just undergone an enhancement programme, the park has never looked better.
From a massive playground and steel slide for the kids to enjoy to a tropical pathway that would leave you thinking that you're in Bali, it's not only the best of nature that you can experience here!
5. The Learning Forest
Housed right in the new Tyersall-Gallop Core of the Singapore Botanic Gardens, The Learning Forest is part of an enlarged forest habitat that features a network of boardwalks and elevated walkways. Here you can explore habitats ranging from a freshwater forest wetland to a lowland rainforest.
Since you are already here at the Singapore Botanic Gardens, why not check out the new COMO Adventure Grove at the Gallop Extension? Inspired by the distinctive parts of trees found within the Gardens, children can swing, slide and climb on structures inspired by the very nature they are among.
North
6. Sembawang Hot Spring Park
Photo from NParks
Yes, we have hot springs in Singapore, and no, you can’t have a dip like you’re going into an Onsen. Recently refurbished and reopened, Sembawang Hot Springs, as known to that of the older generation, is now a park that boasts floral walks, cafes and a cascading pool filled with natural (and really hot) spring water.
Another great reason (probably the only) to visit the north of Singapore, if you’re feeling extra restless from being cooped up in your home for the whole day, make your way to Sembawang Hot Spring Park to have a relaxing foot bath. Ps. you’ll be saving on your PUB bills as well!
7. Lower Seletar Reservoir Park
Photo by Andy Ting on Flickr
Long boardwalks bordering calm clear waters, Lower Seletar Reservoir could be one of Singapore’s most romantic parks, especially in the evening when the sunsets!
Being a distance from the bustling city, this park is also a popular spot for nature lovers and photographers as the serene nature of the park constantly attracts various species of birds and mammals that look really gorgeous up close.
8. Kranji Marshes
Photo by Ravenblack7575 on Flickr
Located at the North-Western part of Singapore, the Kranji Marshes offers visitors a rustic sense of nature. Unlike your typical parks like the Singapore Botanic Gardens, this freshwater marshland is home to an array of unique biodiversity.
Among the mangroves, you can find species of mudskippers and specific species of birds like Kingfishers and Woodpeckers. And if you’re lucky, you might even get to spot a bald eagle!
9. Admiralty Park
Photo from NParks
Located in Woodlands, Admiralty Park is the largest park in the north and it's a kid's dream come true with a total of 26 slides – the most number of slides in any park in Singapore! The playground capitalises on the undulating terrain to site the three main play areas catering to children of all ages and featuring diverse play equipment.
Besides the playground, Admiralty Park also has several trails within the 20-hectare nature area for you to discover the different species living in the forest, spot hordes of dragonflies and observe monkeys in their natural habitat.
South
10. Mount Faber Park
Photo by Sergei Gussev on Flickr
Home to the infamous Henderson waves as seen on many global productions, the Bell of Happiness and a baby Merlion, take a stroll up to the peak of Mount Faber and feel the cool evening breeze as you enjoy a panoramic view of southern Singapore.
Observe various species of birds when you visit in the mornings or evening, check out the wide variety of flora and fauna that’s within the park or even take a cable car trip into Sentosa. We recommend going solo because #socialdistancing.
11. The Southern Ridges
Photo by Mark爱生活 on Flickr
On the other side of Henderson waves, The Southern Ridges is a 10km stretch of greenery that connects Mount Faber Park to Kent Ridge Park. One for walking enthusiasts, unwind and take some time to recharge mentally as you walk through scenic views of pretty flowers. If you feel hungry after that massive workout, take a detour to the area around Alexandra or even Ikea for a quick bite!
12. Hort Park
Photo by NParks
Part of the popular tiro of nature parks in the south, give Hort Park a visit if you're really into botany or if you just want to get a breath of fresh air. A popular weekend trekking route for families, you can either start here at Hort Park and make your way down to Mount Faber Park or vice versa.
#KlookTip: Visit Hort Park early in the morning when the air is the freshest and you might even get to feel a slight morning breeze from the ocean.
13. Southern Islands
Did you know that you can actually go island hopping in Singapore? To the south of the main island just beyond Sentosa is a cluster of islands known as the Southern Islands! Each of the islands is used for different purposes like Pulau Semaku as a landfill, St. John's Island as a recreational spot, Kusu Island with the famous Chinese temple, and Sisters' Island as a marine park (It’s a good local diving spot too!).
Besides being able to admire some of Singapore’s best untapped natural resources, you’ll also get to learn more about the rich biodiversity surrounding this cluster of islands.
14. Labrador Nature Reserve
Photo by NParks
If you live in the South and want to go on a coastal run, Labrador Nature Reserve is the place to be! The best timing to visit this nature reserve is early in the morning or during the evenings as the sunrise and sunsets here are just amazing.
Labrador park is also home to more than 70 species of birds that include the Rufous Woodpecker, Blue-crowned Hanging Parrot and Abbott's Babbler. Making it a great location to bird watch too.
East
15. Pulau Ubin
The best reference to what Singapore was like back in the early days, you will be greeted by rustic attap houses, lush greenery and a general wholesome Kampung vibe when visiting Pulau Ubin! If you were thinking about exploring the island, we would recommend renting a bike as the island is quite big. For a different perspective of the island, try kayaking amongst the mangroves and learn about the heritage of the area!
16. Coney Island (Serangoon Island)
Photo from NParks
The furthest you can get away from civilization without leaving Singapore, a trip to Coney Island is bound to be a magical experience. Accessible from either Punggol or Pasir Ris, the island is filled with Casuarina (not the prata place) trees. These long and slender trees make walking through the island feel like being in a European forest! Finding the hidden beach is also a must do activity when visiting the island.
17. Tampines Eco Green
Photo from NParks
Another heartland escape, Tampines Eco Green is a hidden eco park located in central Tampines. Popular with residents who live around the area, this park is eco-friendly and offers a sanctuary for flora and fauna and a place for nature recreation. With bicycles and pets not being allowed in the park, take a slow stroll and appreciate nature at its purest form.
18. Bedok Reservoir Park
Photo from NParks
A popular spot for those staying Bedok, Tampines and Simei to get their weekly workouts done or just to chill around some nature, Bedok Reservoir Park has the perfect mix of land and water activities for both families and sports-junkies alike!
With a 4.3km gravel track that you can run or cycle on surrounding a body of water where you can dragon boat, kayak or wakeboard in, the options are endless if you're looking to get a good workout here.
West
19. Jurong Central Park
Photo from NParks
We love a good board game or two, but at Jurong Central Park, you can add another dimension to that and enjoy a live version of the games! Besides enjoying nature and soaking in the tranquil scenery by the pond, challenge your friends to a friendly, or competitive round to one of your favourite childhood games.
Using the park’s greenery, sculpted terrains and various play equipment, games like snakes and ladders and ludo are recreated to ensure hours of endless fun for you and your friends.
20. Jurong Lake Gardens
Photo from NParks
A relatively new park that only opened last year, Jurong Lake Gardens is the perfect nature getaway for everyone living in the West. This 90-hectare garden was designed for families and the community to come together.
Being the third national garden in Singapore, you can count on Jurong Lake Garden to be filled with some amazing flora like lalang fields and a majestic looking lone tree. Remember to have your camera on standby as there are many Instagramable spots in this park.
