Our Favourite Places to go in Singapore (That Aren't Botanic Garden or Gardens by the Bay)

Singapore has nature?

With cycling tracks, mangroves, and walking trails in forests teeming with life, planning day trips and treks in Singapore is easy. Our transportation system and small size make natural sites accessible; driving hours from Nature Park #1 to Nature Park #2 is unnecessary.

Plus, good food and amenities are often within reach after a tropical day out.

Approach our island’s boundaries at…

Changi Beach: Find an hour of low-tide at Carparks 6 or 7, and meander along seagrasses and shores. By your feet and under stones live flower crabs, anemones and hot pink sea cucumbers.
Southern Islands: From Marina South Pier MRT station, let a ferry bring you to Lazarus, St John’s, Kusu and Sisters’ Islands for transparent waters, abandoned buildings and old temples.
Woodlands Waterfront: Admiralty Park’s secluded mangrove forest is a 5-minute walk from the waterfront. At dusk, the waves of Johor Strait reflect moonlight and city light, and the jetty is bustling with anglers.

Become one with wildlife in…

Windsor: As the air cools before sunset, colugos, mouse deer, and drongos come alive. They are visible from the boardwalks and cobbled trails that take you over streams and croaking frogs.
Sungei Buloh: September to March’s migratory season attracts flocks of bird photographers. Hover near them and see plovers, redshanks and sandpipers. Or, most certainly, crocodiles, otters and snakes.
Dairy Farm: Along the gravel path to the Singapore Quarry, where kingfishers and fish eagles reside, look for durian trees, chattering parakeets and bats under leaves. Treat yourself at Rail Mall’s Springleaf Prata afterward.

Explore rustic spaces within…

Pulau Ubin: Hike, kayak and bike through the island. Climb Puaka Hill, ride past villages, and explore Chek Jawa’s mangroves. Try camping – the campsites’ grasses are soft, and stars are plenty on moonless nights.
Rifle Range: Clamber up to the Colugo Deck, overlooking a cradle of forests. Across a boardwalk is Beauty World, a district of 80s nostalgia and eateries along Cheong Chin Nam and Bukit Timah Roads.
Mandai T15: Stroll or mountain bike through the rough-looking Gangsa Trail during the daytime! Alternatively, bring a torchlight and friends; search for fireflies, snakes, scorpions, spiders and Sambar deer at night.

Nature’s also at your doorstep

Check out canals or trees near where you stay. Photograph or record unfamiliar sights and sounds. Use apps like eBird and iNaturalist to identify the species of your documented wildlife.

You’ll see herons, parakeets as well as doves and lizards beyond those at hawker centres and your homes.

Written by: Tze Min

05/2024

References

Changi Sailing Club. (n.d.). Tide tables. https://www.csc.org.sg/seasports/tide-tables