14 Best Singapore Parks and Natural Spaces
The city's abundant green spaces
Singapore is rich in natural attractions, offering a refreshing contrast to its urban skyline. True to the city-state’s reputation for precision and innovation, its nature parks are exceptionally well-designed, thoughtfully maintained, and easily accessible. Among the highlights are the National Orchid Garden, nestled within the stunning Singapore Botanic Gardens, and the Chinese and Japanese Gardens that sit on islands in a stunning lake.
You’ll also find plenty of hiking spots and nature reserves if you’re seeking to spend time in a more organic environment. Singapore’s green spaces provide a peaceful escape and a chance to explore its ecological treasures. Below is our guide to the top natural attractions in Singapore.
1. Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
Pristine primary rain forest
Good for: Couples, Families, Photo, Budget
Bukit Timah Hill is Singapore’s highest point at just 163 meters. The Bukit Timah Nature Reserve is a 164-hectare primary rain forest reserve just a half-hour ride from the heart of the city. Admission is free, so it’s a popular spot on weekends with visitors ranging from teenagers on mountain bikes to groups of serious trail runners.
The park has clearly marked trails and you can breathe in the sights, smells, and sounds of an authentic primary forest as you walk. Tall trees, liana vines, and huge ferns thrive here. The place also boasts abundant wildlife, watch out for the noisy long-tailed macaques who may decide to follow you on part of your walk, swinging from tree to tree. Read more
Location: Hindhede Dr, Singapore 589318
Open: Daily from 7 am to 7 pm
Phone: +65 1800 471 7300
Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
2. Central Catchment Nature Reserve
Nature that feels endless
Good for: Adventure, Budget, Couples, Photo
If your idea of a true outdoor adventure is to trek for hours on end, losing yourself in nature’s majesty, then Central Catchment Nature Reserve would be the place for you. This 2,000-hectare reserve is made up of the forests around the picturesque Upper Peirce, Peirce, MacRitchie, and Seletar Reservoirs.
There’s no admission fee, which also means there’s no visitor center and you are left to your own devices. You can hike for quite a long distance here, and eventually the park leads right on into Bukit Timah Reserve and beyond. Read more
Location: park, Singapore 767993
Open: Daily from 7 am to 7 pm
Phone: +65 1800 471 7300
Central Catchment Nature Reserve
3. Chinese and Japanese Gardens
The place to find peace
Good for: Couples, Families, Photo, Budget
Nestled in the west of Singapore, the Chinese and Japanese Gardens offer a serene escape from the city’s bustle, and are especially enchanting in the evening. As twilight falls, the gardens transform into tranquil havens of lantern-lit paths, koi ponds, and elegant bridges crossing the lake.
The Chinese Garden showcases traditional pagodas, stone lions, and a collection of bonsai, while the Japanese Garden features minimalist landscaping and arched bridges that evoke Zen calm. Ideal for a peaceful stroll or quiet reflection, these twin gardens blend cultural beauty with natural grace, making them a perfect spot for unwinding after a busy day. It’s Singapore’s hidden gem for nature lovers and culture seekers.
Location: Boon Lay Wy, Singapore 619795
Open: Daily from 5.30 am to midnight
Phone: +65 1800 471 7300
Chinese and Japanese Gardens
4. East Coast Park
Tasty seafood and plenty to do
Good for: Couples, Families, Photo, Budget
East Coast Park is not only the most popular, but also the largest park in Singapore. It was built on reclaimed land and offers various activities from water sports to cycling, rollerblading, and bowling as well as an 18-hole indoor mini-golf course. Other facilities include a manmade sandy beach, shops/kiosks, restrooms, barbecue stations, and vacation chalets.
Singaporeans are famous for their love of food, and there are plenty of dining venues to choose from here. The East Coast Seafood Center consists of 8 seafood restaurants. Some must-try dishes include the spicy sambal stingray and satay, grilled meat skewed on sticks served with sweet peanut sauce.
Location: E Coast Park Service Rd, Singapore
East Coast Park
5. Fort Canning Park
Part of Singapore’s rich history
Good for: Budget, Families, History, Photo
Once the site of a 14th-century Malay kingdom and later a British military base, Fort Canning Park now offers lush greenery, walking trails, and archaeological treasures. Visitors can explore colonial-era buildings such as the home of Sir Stamford Raffles, the Battlebox WWII bunker, and the iconic Fort Gate.
The park also hosts concerts, festivals, and art installations, blending nature with vibrant city life. Its elevated location provides scenic views of the city, making it a peaceful retreat and a window into Singapore’s layered past. Fort Canning is both tranquil and historically captivating. Read more
Location: 70 River Valley Road, Singapore 179037
Fort Canning Park
6. Gardens by the Bay
A visionary design
Good for: Couples, Families, Photo
One of Singapore’s most recognizable landmarks, Gardens by the Bay is a stunning nature park renowned for its futuristic design and lush biodiversity. Spanning over 100 hectares, it features the iconic Supertree Grove, towering vertical gardens that light up spectacularly at night.
The Flower Dome and Cloud Forest conservatories showcase exotic plants from around the world, including a misty indoor waterfall. This award-winning attraction blends technology and sustainability, offering immersive experiences for visitors of all ages. With scenic walkways, art sculptures, and waterfront views, Gardens by the Bay is a vibrant symbol of Singapore’s vision for a green, innovative city. It’s both relaxing and awe-inspiring. Read more
Location: 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953
Open: Daily from 5 am to 2 am
Phone: +65 6420 6848
Gardens by the Bay
7. HortPark
Urban sustainability
Good for: Couples, Photo, Budget
HortPark is a charming garden and lifestyle hub in Singapore located along the Southern Ridges. It blends horticulture, education, and recreation, making it a popular spot for families, nature lovers, and gardening enthusiasts. The park features themed gardens, including edible plants, tranquil ponds, and native species, offering inspiration and learning opportunities. It also hosts workshops, community gardening programs, and eco-friendly initiatives.
With its peaceful atmosphere, scenic trails, and vibrant flora, HortPark encourages sustainable living and outdoor enjoyment. It’s a refreshing escape from the city, where visitors can relax, explore, and connect with nature in a beautifully curated environment.
Location: 33 Hyderabad Rd, Singapore 119578
Open: Daily from 6 am to 11 pm
HortPark
8. Marina Barrage
A multipurpose recreation zone
Good for: Budget, Families, Photo
Just a short walk from Gardens by the Bay you’ll find Marina Barrage, a dam and recreational site. This multipurpose attraction on the very southern tip of the main island aids water storage and flood control for the whole of Singapore. However, most visitors know Marina Barrage as a lovely green space with a splash park.
The rooftop park part of the dam is especially popular for picnicking and kite flying. With the main elevated section of grass overlooking the city’s skyline, the place is also popular among sightseers and for taking in the stunning Singaporean sunsets. Read more
Location: Marina Barrage, Singapore
Marina Barrage
9. Mount Faber Park
Hillsides ripe for hiking
Good for: Couples, Families, Photo, Budget
Mount Faber offers superb panoramic views of Sentosa, the harbor, the islands to the south as well as the busy central district. It is the home of the Merlion, Singapore’s mythic symbol which sits on top of the hill. Many people go up there to enjoy the scenery then take a cable car to Sentosa for even more amazing views along the way.
For those who love good food, Mount Faber features some well-recognized dining venues. Head up to Faber Peak to indulge at Dusk for panoramic dining, and Arbora for a more casual setting. Weekends are popular with hikers and there’s a variety of trails to explore to help you build an appetite. Read more
Location: Mount Faber Rd, Singapore
Mount Faber Park
10. National Orchid Garden
An astounding variety of orchids
Good for: Couples, History, Photo
Located within the Singapore Botanic Gardens, the National Orchid Garden is a vibrant showcase of over 1,000 orchid species and 2,000 hybrids. Renowned for its stunning landscape design, the garden features themed zones such as the Cool House, Mist Garden, and the VIP Orchid Garden, where orchids are named after visiting dignitaries.
Its carefully curated displays highlight Singapore’s dedication to botanical research and conservation. Visitors are treated to a kaleidoscope of colors and fragrances, making it a serene and educational experience. The garden’s beauty and biodiversity reflect Singapore’s tropical charm and commitment to preserving its rich floral heritage. Read more
Location: 1 Cluny Rd, Singapore 259569
Open: Daily from 8.30 am to 7 pm
Phone: +65 6471 7361
National Orchid Garden
11. Singapore Botanic Gardens
The historic center of botany
Good for: Couples, Families, Photo
The Singapore Botanic Gardens is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the city’s most beloved green spaces. Established in 1859, it spans 82 hectares and features themed gardens, lakes, and lush tropical landscapes. Highlights include the National Orchid Garden, the Rainforest, and the Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden.
It’s a hub for botanical research and conservation, blending natural beauty with educational value. Visitors enjoy peaceful walks, picnics, and cultural events in a serene setting. The gardens reflect Singapore’s commitment to sustainability and biodiversity, offering a tranquil escape in the heart of the city. It’s both historic and beautifully maintained. Read more
Location: 1 Cluny Road, Singapore 259569
Open: Daily from 5 am to midnight
Phone: +65 6471 7138
Singapore Botanic Gardens
12. Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
A top birdwatching spot
Good for: Couples, Families, Photo, Budget
Singapore’s first ASEAN Heritage Park, Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve offers a rich biodiversity experience in a tranquil mangrove setting. Located in the northwest of the island, it’s a haven for birdwatchers, nature lovers, and eco-tourists. The park features boardwalks and observation hides, allowing visitors to spot migratory birds, mudskippers, otters, and even crocodiles.
Educational exhibits and guided tours highlight the importance of wetland conservation. With its peaceful trails and thriving ecosystems, Sungei Buloh provides a unique escape from urban life and showcases Singapore’s commitment to preserving its natural heritage. It’s a serene and educational destination for all ages. Read more
Location: 301 Neo Tiew Cres, Singapore 718925
Open: Daily from 7 am to 7 pm
Phone: +65 6794 1401
Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
13. The Southern Ridges
One of the best for facilities
Good for: Couples, Adventure
The Southern Ridges is a 5-and-a-half-mile long stretch of greenery across the south of Singapore, linking Mount Faber, Telok Blangah Hill Park and Kent Ridge Park. It’s a great place for running and hiking as there are several trails around the Southern Ridges. All of them are well connected with good facilities along the way, including restrooms, vending machines, restaurants, and cafes. Check out the Forest Walk for a step-free elevated walkway that puts you in the canopy, or Henderson Waves, a 900-foot long undulating bridge.
The best thing about the Southern Ridges is that visitors can take as much time as they like, knowing that there are many places along the route where they can get public transportation.
Open: 24/7
Phone: +65 1800 471 7300
The Southern Ridges
14. Treetop Walk at MacRitchie Reservoir
Canopy views
Good for: Couples, Families, Photo, Budget
Some 80 feet high and 800 feet long, the wooden walkway bridge gives you the opportunity to see Singapore in a different way, without the tall buildings, just a fantastic panoramic view of the forest. This free-standing suspension bridge is a one-direction traffic system and allows only 30 people at a time on it, giving you space to savor the experience. The starting point is at the Ranger Station via Peirce and it will lead you through mature secondary forest.
Good walking shoes are necessary, as the round-trip hike takes from three to five hours depending on your choice of routes. It’s a wonderful day out for folks craving open spaces.
Location: Central Catchment Nature Reserve, 601 Island Club Rd (Located close to Singapore Island Country Club, Venus Dr, via, Singapore
Open: Tuesday–Friday from 9 am to 5 pm, Saturday–Sunday from 8.30 am to 5 pm (closed on Mondays)
Treetop Walk at MacRitchie Reservoir
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