Top 10 things to do in Singapore for nature lovers

If you find it a challenge to list out the top 10 things to do in Singapore for nature lovers, look no further. This post is going to get your feet on the right turf. So get all your outdoor gears ready and load plenty of drinking water. They promise you a unique atmosphere, an unexpected palette and a fascinating hues of flora and fauna amidst the sophisticated skyscrapers of Singapore!
Things to do in Singapore for nature lovers

1. Singapore Botanic Gardens
Ever growing park, a great retreat if you are looking for tranquility amidst green luxuriant habitats that enter directly from MRT (Circle Line - alight at Botanic Gardens station). Well-laid, beautifully landscaped, plants and places are tagged. Admission is free except for Orchid Garden and you need at least a full day to see everything here. If you travel with kids, don't miss Jacob Ballas Children's Garden!

2. Mac Ritchie Reservoir and Nature Trails
It's hard to believe you're still in Singapore when you walk into Mac Ritchie Reservoir! One of the most rewarding things to do in Singapore for nature lovers includes the treetop hike over 10 km. Estimated to take about 3 hours for a return journey, the trek is exhausting to some but worth to the many. Made of dirt path, rocky ground and wooden walkway, the highlight of the nature trail get you to experience a suspension bridge aside from greeting monkeys and spying on water monitor lizards. Other paid activities such as kayaking and fishing are run at waterfront near the entrance. Perfect venue to train for tropical mountain climbing. Certainly to your delight if you carry a water bottle so that you can refill on the way.
Mac Ritchie Nature Reserve Suspension Bridge

Mac Ritchie Nature Reserve Suspension Bridge

3. Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
Like an Amazon adventure in the Lion City, a place to switch off from the hectic city life. Plenty of things to do in Singapore on a budget since its admission is free on weekdays and only S$1 on weekends. Perfect place for bird watching, this is a transit hub for migratory birds. Spot crocodiles, snakes, herons, kingfishers, mudskippers and bakau roots along the Mangrove Boardwalk. Paved paths are easy going and shady with the options of a tiny loop (about 30 minutes) or a bigger loop (about 1.5 hours). Even you are going alone, don't be surprised to walk side by side with the uninvited guests - giant monitor lizards. They are tame though!

4. Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
The highest peak in Singapore, Bukit Timah Nature Reserve offers numerous paths to see a diverse rainforest. Aplenty of fitness level paths to cater for visitors from daybreak to dusk for walking and jogging under 30m high trees. Listen to the sound of forest and enjoy the vista of trees. The trails promise you a marvel rendezvous with Black Lily, some indigenous plants, butterflies, giant forest ants and monkeys crossing path on steep uphill. At the summit, catch a glimpse of Upper Piece Reservoir and beyond is the skyline of Malaysia - Johor!

5. Singapore Zoo and Night Safari
Not the largest zoo in the world, but made it to top 10 things to do in Singapore for nature lovers because this is the place to see upclose exotic animals living free, without bars and cages! Great natural set-up surrounded by plants and parks, offered with a tram to take you around the massive area. You may cool-off at Splash Zone, wading water and enjoying water fountains, so make sure bring your bathers. Night Safari park opens from 7:30pm to midnight, featuring over 1000 nocturnal creatures and inspiring evening animal shows, certainly one of the best things to do in Singapore at night for nature lovers. Go if you on big budget.

Isles of island on top 10 things to do in Singapore for nature lovers

6. Pulau Ubin
A 10-minute bumboat ride from Changi Village jetty takes one to Pulau Ubin. Popular for Chek Jawa - thousands of years old coral reef, the home to unspoilt variety of marine wildlife includes sea hares, octopuses, starfishes, sand dollars, sea squirts, sponges, cuttlefishes, nudibranches and schools of fish. The island's terrain also attract the mountain bike enthusiasts with majority arrive with own bikes though rental bikes can also be used. The scene in the village takes you to witness how Singaporeans live in the old days, drinking water draw from wells and electricity is supplied by noisy generators. It is a glimpse of a living heritage constrasting a modern Singapore across the sea!

7. Kusu Island
A legendary island on the southern of Singapore, named after a tortoise that turned itself into an island to save a couple of fishermen from drowning. Popular for lovely lagoons and idyllic beaches. To reach Kusu island or fondly known as Tortoise isle in Chinese, board a ferry from Marina South Pier. For day trippers, great place for picnicking, sun bathing and sighting Singapore flyer. Poke into the Chinese Temple that enshrined two main deities - the Da Bo Gong and Guan Yin. And do not miss out the Malay Shrine (kramat) at the top of the rugged hill and of course the scenic view from the peak to complete your top 10 things to do in Singapore!

8. Labrador Nature Reserve Park
Secluded, deserted and hidden, even many Singaporeans never visited this place! Open only on weekends, the history of the park is well-described on story boards, better than any other travel literature. For a military and history buff, this place is a time tunnel into 1890s, bring you to witness the gun emplacements installed back then. With a low number of visitors, walking around the site can be slightly eerie especially the nature trails through the rainforest. If you are not keen on the historical remains, take a pleasant stroll on marked trails or explore the water front and the jetty. Good place to spot hairy crabs and horseshoes crabs at the beaches.

9. East Coast Park
If you are looking for a place in-between a thick rainforest and a modern city, East Coast Park is a great choice. A place for everyone, across ages and abilities, biking and roller-blading are popular here. There are many pit stops offering bikes for hire and drop-off. You can explore miles away, cycling along the quiet zone that stretch all the way to the airport runway.

10. Fort Canning Park
To find out about World War II, this is the place to be. Within reach via MRT from Clarke Quay or Dhoby Ghaut stations, it is a quiet park, paved pathways, laying down historical remains that go back into the period of 700 years ago, when the isle was called Temasek. More recent remains from colonial times includes Fort Gate and World War II Underground Battle Box. Only minutes away from bustling city!

If you do find a new place for nature lovers, or latest stuff to update the top 10 things to do in Singapore, leave your comment below and shout out aloud here. Welcome your updates and want to hear from you!

Last Updated on Tuesday, 21 February 2012 06:09