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. 

Swan Lake at Singapore Botanic Gardens.

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.

Get a bird’s-eye view of the city from the 22-metre-high aerial walkway that links two Supertrees together, visit the world’s largest glass greenhouse or marvel at a 35-metre-tall indoor waterfall. For an unforgettable view of the Marina Bay district, be sure to check out the Supertree Observatory, located atop the tallest structure of the Supertree Grove.

From one iconic spot to another, the Singapore Botanic Gardens is a must-visit. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015, this green space, which is more than 150 years old, features highlights such as National Orchid Garden, a gorgeous swan lake and heaps of tropical trees to please every plant enthusiast out there.

Travelling with the little ones? Take them to the Jacob Ballas Children's Garden, which houses a farm, orchard and grove with its own streams and ponds.

SuperTrees at the Gardens by the Bay. Photo by Afur Wong
Heliconia flowers at the Singapore Botanic Gardens.

Up for a hike? Visit the MacRitchie Nature Trail & Reservoir Park. Complete the 11-kilometre-long nature trail and don’t miss the Treetop Walk, a 250-metre high suspension bridge that connects two of the park's highest points.

History buffs, make a beeline for Fort Canning Park. Conveniently located in the heart of town, this site is home to numerous historical landmarks, such as Fort Gate, a remnant of a fortress that was built in the 19th century, and other highlights like the Spice Garden.

Just a little outside of the central area are venues like Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. Take on the challenge and hike the Summit Trail to climb Singapore's tallest hill (it's 164-metres high) in this lush ASEAN Heritage Park.


Southern Region
A wall with different greenery at HortPark.

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.

Lower Seletar Reservoir Park has highlights like the Family Bay, which consists of a performance stage, a Heritage Bridge, a bioswale rain garden, and a water play area for the young ones. There's also a fishing jetty that's usually packed with anglers hoping to catch a tilapia or two.

Popular with runners, Upper Seletar Reservoir Park features several trails and landmarks such as the rocket-shaped tower, which you can climb to the top of and take in breathtaking views of the park.


Aerial view of the coastal walkway in Punggol Waterway.

There's something for everyone at Punggol Waterway, which is segmented into four zones: Nature Cove, Recreation Zone, Heritage Zone, and Green Gallery. Rent a bicycle and cycle around the park, let the kids have fun at the water playground, look out for unique birds along the waterway, or simply snap landscape photos in the evening to capture the beauty of this green heartland destination.


Western Region
The Observation Pod at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. Photo by Vincent Chong

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.

Take a stroll along the boardwalk to look at the mangroves at low tide or park yourself at one of the many observation posts found throughout the reserve to watch familiar critters in their natural habitats.

To immerse yourself in nature, pay a visit to Jurong Lake Gardens, a 90-hectare green sanctuary that comprises Lakeside Garden, the Chinese Garden, Japanese Garden and Promenade. 

The latter three spaces are slated to open in 2021, but nature lovers and their families can still enjoy the great outdoors at Lakeside Garden. This verdant space is filled with play spaces like Crab Play and Heron Play, which take inspiration from various animal species.  Tidal and sand play areas are bound to keep your little ones occupied, while couples looking for a quiet stroll can take a meander along into lalang (a species of grass traditionally used to thatch roofs in Southeast Asia) fields, or along scenic waterside boardwalks.