Published on April 30, 2021
While Singapore is more known as a great city-state, its gardens and wildlife should not be overlooked. Gardens By The Bay and the Japanese Garden features some of the most expansive and impressive flora displays. The latter is the world’s only tropical garden designated as a UNESCO Heritage Site. At national parks like Chek Jawa and Hindhede Quarry, you can take in the diverse wildlife that populates this Southeast Asian country. Here are the best nature attractions to visit if you’re looking for places to explore Singapore’s natural beauty.
Chek Jawa
Chek Jawa is the intersection of six distinct habitats in Singapore. This wetland is at the eastern end of Pulau Ubin and attracts visitors to its glistening water and lush shrubbery. With six major habitats inhabiting this green sanctuary, Chek Jawa allows visitors to explore a plethora of biodiversity. Explore the area by walking along a low boardwalk, perfect for spotting Chek Jawa’s beautiful ecosystem.
Mount Faber Park
Being Singapore’s second tallest hill, Mount Faber is one of the country’s most famous nature attractions. Connecting Mount Faber Park and Telok Blangah Hill Park, the Henderson Waves are a part of a spectacular bridge integrated into nature. Make your way across the highest pedestrian bridge in Singapore for spectacular sites of the parks and skyline. Bird watchers can spot multiple species while crossing this wooden wave.
Gardens By The Bay
Arguably the most famous attraction in Singapore, the Gardens By The Bay is a floral wonderland filled with seemingly endless plants woven around sculptures. The country built this nature park to raise the quality of life by enhancing the city’s greenery and flora. The landmark is most famous for its supertree grove trees, which light up the night sky with vibrant colors. This vertical garden is a must-see for anyone visiting Singapore.
Hindhede Quarry
At the end of Hindhede National Park is a quarry of the same name. The entire quarry is in view, with lush, green flora wrapping around it from its observation deck. While the view itself is worth seeing, the animals that call the quarry home are a big draw. One such species is the stork-billed kingfisher, a colorful but elusive bird native to Southeast Asia. As you walk around the area, keep your eye out for other animals such as the banded woodpecker and clouded monitor lizard.
Japanese Garden
On an island in Jurong Lake is the beautiful Japanese Garden. Connected to the Chinese Garden by the Bridge of Double Beauty, the pair draws visitors to their cultural expanse of flora. The Japanese Garden includes installations and flowers that mirror the country’s feel while merging seamlessly into Singapore’s styles. With stone lanterns, rocks, and arched bridges, the garden feels similar to a traditional garden in Japan.
Palawan Beach
Escape the city of Singapore with ease by taking public transportation to Palawan Beach, Sentosa Island. Visitors can swim in the turquoise lagoons, lounge on the sand, and climb a watchtower to get a better view of the area. The highlight of Palawan beach is the suspension bridge. When you cross this detailed rope bridge, you’ll reach the southernmost point of continental Asia once you arrive on this beach.
Pulau Ubin
Transport back in time—and immerse yourself in nature—with a trip to Pulau Ubin. While it might not have the white sandy beaches of other islands, Pulau Ubin has numerous natural wonders. It’s also one of the two remaining kampongs in Singapore. Only 15 minutes away from mainland Singapore, the village is accessible by regularly running boats. While on the island, visitors can bird watch, explore the Chek Jawa Wetlands, mountain bike, and enjoy seafood, among other activities.
Punggol Waterway Park
There is something for every outdoor lover at Punggol Waterway Park. The area is divided into four themes: Nature Cove, Recreation Zone, Heritage Zone, and Green Gallery. Visitors can cycle, bird watch, sit by the water with a book, or stroll throughout the beautiful park. With many bridges scattered throughout the park, you can take in some of the waterway’s most beautiful sceneries.
Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park
Across 150 acres in the center of Singapore is Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, one of the largest urban parks in the area. At the park’s heart is the Kallang River, with wildflowers growing on its banks. Besides its unparalleled waterways, the park is known for its abundant greenery with the Pond Gardens and the River Plains. Sit on one of the lush patches of grass for a picnic and relaxing pause in the day.
Whether you’re looking for the best hikes, walks, or enjoying what nature has to offer, Singapore is where you want to be. As you take in each bit of nature, you will leave with a new appreciation for nature and the wildlife that inhabits Southeast Asia.
