A “salad bowl” rather than a melting pot of cultures, Singapore is a diverse city-state known as one of the world’s top destinations
Singapore
Not too long ago, Singapore was all jungle and rainforest. That quickly turned around, however, when it was developed into the tropical metropolis it is today. The constant drab of concrete can make even the most optimistic person bored of the humdrum, but a recluse away from the city is surprisingly very accessible through the many public parks of Singapore. With more than 300 parks, there’s a different escape at each one, so breathe in the fresh air at 10 of the city’s most liberating parks!
The almost-200-year-old Singapore Botanic Gardens is home to well over 10,000 species of plants. With 2,000 species of orchids, it is considered one of the top tier orchid research centers in the world. Kids will love running around the lush greens, but be cautious of the meter-long monitor lizards roaming around. They’re pretty harmless, but the sight of a giant reptile might cause a fright.
1 Cluny Road, Singapore
Pay a visit to the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve for 164 hectares of old Singapore. The primary rainforest reserve’s numerous trails are open to joggers, bikers, hikers, and nature lovers, opening up about 40% of all of Singapore’s flora and fauna species out in the wild.
Hindhede Dr, Singapore 589318
Give bird-watching a try at Sungei Buloh Nature Park. As a regional stopover for migrating birds, this wetland reserve lets you observe night herons and white-breasted water hens. It is also home to butterflies and mud-skippers; plus, they have a prawn and fish farm!
Singapore
You’re probably bored of seeing sweeping views of Singapore from the tops of its many skyscrapers, so come to Macritchie Treetop Walk Trail for a change of scenery. A round-trip hike will take you about three to five hours, but it's well worth it for the view from the wooden walkway above its canopy.
Singapore
On the very south of Singapore lies the Marina Barrage, a park and recreational site that sits on atop a dam. It’s a flash of pure ingenuity—making a typically humdrum structure into a multipurpose attraction, providing Singaporeans with a picnic and kite-flying site complete with an amazing view of the city’s skyline.
8 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018951
When you think the little ones are ready to explore the great outdoors, a good starting point is the Hindhede Nature Park. The park has very simple trails and well-defined walkways, so your kids can keep looking at wildlife instead of watching their step.
Hindhede Dr, Singapore
Learning has never been more fun than at Lakeside Gardens. Thanks to their special terraforming, communities can learn together in an authentic and immersive experience. Activities offered range from observing small-scale tidal patterns in coves or scurrying in playgrounds designed after natural habitats of otters, crabs, frogs, and other critters.
Yuan Ching Rd, Singapore
Tending to your own little garden can be a good source of zen. If you’ve ever played around with this idea, give HortPark a visit to see all their little garden sections with lots of valuable resources on gardening. You might just grow a green thumb looking at all their adorable flowers and plants!
33 Hyderabad Rd, Singapore 119578
With barely a sign to the entrance, no artificial lights, and no man-made pavements, the Tampines Eco Green is the closest thing you can get to getting lost in the wilderness. Roam around and watch the birds or take a nap on one of the benches since there isn’t much of a schedule to follow here. Just keep your eye out for the signs to help you keep track of your surroundings.
Tampines Ave 9, Singapore 520491
Surprisingly not a dog park, Labrador Nature Reserve has the only coastal cliff in Singapore that’s accessible to the public. It’s also one of the few places you can legally fish, so bring a rod and cast your line before relaxing and enjoying the sound of crashing waves for hours.
Labrador Villa Rd, Singapore 119187