Singapore, often known as the "Garden City," is a thriving metropolis that offers a surprising array of green spaces amidst its urban landscape. For nature enthusiasts and outdoor lovers, Singapore’s nature parks are a sanctuary where one can immerse themselves in the beauty of lush landscapes and rich biodiversity. Here's a detailed guide to some of the best nature parks in Singapore and the myriad of activities they offer.

One of Singapore’s oldest and most significant green lungs, Bukit Timah Nature Reserve is a haven for hiking enthusiasts and those interested in tropical biodiversity. Home to Singapore’s highest hill, Bukit Timah Hill, the reserve offers challenging trails that reward hikers with stunning views from the summit. The reserve hosts over 840 species of flowering plants and over 500 species of fauna, making it a fantastic spot for nature photography and bird watching.

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Famous for its futuristic approach to urban gardening and its iconic Supertree structures, Gardens by the Bay is a must-visit. This sprawling garden offers a spectacular display of floral diversity with its two main attractions, the Flower Dome and the Cloud Forest, which house plant species from around the world. The outdoor gardens and children's garden provide free access to a myriad of thematic gardens and recreational spaces.

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Keep scrolling to find out more about main attractions in Gardens by The Bay!

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Singapore Botanic Gardens is a testament to the island's history and is a pioneering area where orchid breeding and research takes place. The park is a blend of primary forest and landscaped gardens with numerous rare specimens.

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MacRitchie Reservoir Park is the gateway to several long hiking trails that form part of the Central Catchment Nature Reserve. The park is popular among water sports enthusiasts, hikers, and nature lovers. Its famous TreeTop Walk is a suspension bridge that offers panoramic views of the forest canopy and the reservoir below.

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If you’re into running, keep scrolling to find out more about MacRitichie running trails!

The Green Corridor, as it is commonly known, follows the route of the old Keretapi Tanah Melayu railway line. This linear park connects various green spaces and acts as an ecological corridor for flora and fauna. The trail is excellent for leisurely walks, jogs, and cycling.

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Pulau Ubin is a small island off the northeastern coast of Singapore, and is as close as Singapore gets to untouched nature. The island offers a glimpse of rural Singaporean life in the 1960s and is a treasure trove of natural wonders, wildlife, and historical sites.

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MacRitchie Reservoir Park is a popular destination for runners in Singapore due to its scenic beauty and extensive network of trails. Offering a range of paths from boardwalks skirting the water to rugged trails through the forest, it caters to casual joggers as well as more serious trail runners. Here’s a look at some of the most popular running trails in and around MacRitchie Reservoir Park:

Distance: Approximately 11 km

Difficulty: Moderate

This loop is the most comprehensive way to experience MacRitchie. It encircles the reservoir, taking runners through a mix of boardwalks and dirt trails. The path includes sections through mature secondary forest, offering the chance to see wildlife and enjoy the shade of the canopy. It's well-marked and features slight elevations that provide a good workout.

Distance: About 1.5 km

Difficulty: Easy

Ideal for a shorter, less intense run, the Chemperai Trail runs along the edge of the reservoir on a comfortable boardwalk. It offers picturesque views of the water and is perfect for a quick jog or a warm-up run before tackling the longer trails.

Distance: About 2.5 km

Difficulty: Moderate

Starting near the entrance of the park, the Petai Trail runs parallel to the Upper Peirce Reservoir. It is a bit more secluded than the main loop and offers a peaceful running environment, making it a favorite among those looking for a quiet, meditative run.

Distance: Variable

Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult

This isn't a trail by itself but a destination many runners aim for on their routes. Located deep within the park, reaching the Jelutong Tower often involves a longer run from any starting point. The tower offers a panoramic view of the reservoir and surrounding forest, making it a rewarding midpoint or endpoint to any running route.

Distance: Accessible via a 6 km (one-way) route from MacRitchie Reservoir Park

Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult

This is a suspension bridge that provides stunning aerial views of the forest canopy. The run to the TreeTop Walk is quite challenging with its lengthy distance and hilly terrain, but it is highly rewarding with its unique perspectives and experiences.

Distance: About 4 km

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Newly opened, the Lornie Trail is part of the Coast-to-Coast trail and runs along the edge of the nature reserve. It offers both forested and open sections, providing a diverse running experience.

Each of these trails offers a unique way to explore MacRitchie Reservoir Park and its surroundings, providing both physical challenges and the opportunity to connect with nature. Whether you're preparing for a marathon or looking for a pleasant jog, MacRitchie’s trails have something to suit your needs.

Gardens by the Bay in Singapore is a stunningly futuristic park that spans 101 hectares in the central region of Singapore, adjacent to the Marina Reservoir. Since opening in 2012, it has become an iconic symbol of the city-state, showcasing an innovative approach to botanical gardens by combining nature with cutting-edge technology and environmental design.

Perhaps the most iconic feature of Gardens by the Bay, the Supertree Grove consists of 18 tree-like structures that range between 25 and 50 meters in height. These vertical gardens are covered in over 200 species of orchids, ferns, and other tropical plants. At night, they light up in a dazzling display of colors and are also the venue for the mesmerizing Garden Rhapsody light and sound show that takes place daily.

The Flower Dome is a massive, cooled conservatory that replicates a mild, dry climate and features plants found in Mediterranean and other semi-arid tropical regions. It holds the record for the world’s largest glass greenhouse and offers seasonal themed displays as well as permanent exhibits that include ancient olive trees and a baobab grove.

Adjacent to the Flower Dome, the Cloud Forest features a 35-meter tall mountain covered in lush vegetation, shrouding the world’s tallest indoor waterfall. Visitors can ascend to the top via an elevator and descend via circular walkways, enjoying different perspectives of the mist-filled conservatory and the various plant species from tropical highlands up to 2,000 meters above sea level.

This garden tells the story of Singapore's three main ethnic groups and colonial history through themed gardens: the Indian Garden, Chinese Garden, Malay Garden, and Colonial Garden.

These tranquil lakes not only add beauty to the gardens but also play a functional role in ecological balance, acting as a filtering system for run-off water. Along the boardwalks, visitors can engage with interactive exhibits to learn more about aquatic life and the natural processes at work.Singapore’s nature parks provide a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, allowing visitors and residents alike to reconnect with nature. Whether you are looking for a vigorous hike, a peaceful stroll, or just a day out with the family, Singapore’s parks offer something for everyone. Book your flight to Singapore with Traveloka, explore great deals on activities, flight and hotel. Visit Traveloka for more information!