The most iconic images of Singapore are often architectural: the stunning Marina Bay Sands, the towering Singapore Flyer, the Esplanade, the colourful temples and one of the most impressive skylines in south-east Asia. While these man-made marvels are not to be missed, they are only a small part of what this tiny island nation has to offer. Though less than half the size of London, Singapore boasts a primary tropical rainforest within the city, nearly 50 parks and several offshore islands, which offer an incredible opportunity to experience and explore nature in a uniquely concentrated way.
The Singapore Botanic Gardens
One of the nation’s most famous parks is the Botanic Gardens, Singapore’s first Unesco world heritage site nomination. Covering 74 hectares, it’s a wonderful place for a walk, a picnic, or simply an introduction to the spectacular flora of south-east Asia. Enjoy fine dining at the newly opened Corner House, afternoon tea at the Halia Restaurant or a casual meal at Casa Verde or Food for Thought. Be sure to visit the National Orchid Garden, which houses over 1,000 species and 2,000 hybrids.
And if you have children, take them to the Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden, where they can run, play and have fun learning about the amazing plant life that surrounds them.
The Southern Ridges
A truly spectacular way of experiencing the wild side of Singapore is by exploring the Southern Ridges. At the Harbour Front MRT station, use the Marang Road exit. Here, you’ll find the Marang Trail, a paved footpath that climbs 70m up heavily forested Mt Faber. At the summit, continue along the clearly marked trail toward Henderson Waves. Walk past the Sentosa Cable Car station — an adventure in its own right — and after about 20 minutes you’ll reach the uniquely designed Henderson Waves pedestrian bridge. At 36m above the ground, it offers breathtaking views of Singapore and its southern coastline. Your next destination is the Forest Walk, an elevated walkway that puts you at eye level with the forest canopy. When you reach the end, cross the quirky Alexandra Arch and turn to your left. Follow the trail to Hort Park, a collection of themed gardens and an excellent place to pause for refreshment after your trek.
Pulau Ubin
Visit this small island off Singapore’s northern coast and you’ll get a sense of the country as it was a half-century ago — when it was a collection of charming kampongs, or villages. To reach Pulau Ubin, catch a bumboat from the Changi Point Ferry Terminal. The 15-minute voyage will set you back a mere $2.50 (a little over £1). The most enjoyable way to get around the island is on a bicycle, which you can rent from several shops near the Ubin Jetty. A favourite destination is Chek Jawa, an intertidal flat that is home to a number of ecosystems, including a mangrove swamp. Wildlife is abundant on the island, and you’re likely to see fiddler crabs, mudskippers, monkeys and even wild boar. There’s a good chance you’ll be hungry at the end of your ride, so make a point of sampling the super-fresh seafood available at one of the many eateries in Ubin Town. Or visit Encik Ali bin Montail’s place for the famous and incredibly popular lontong (rice cake in banana leaf). Try to get there before they sell out.
The Botanic Gardens, Pulau Ubin and the Southern Ridges are just some of the dozens of parks and natural habitats that showcase Singapore’s green spaces. Don’t leave Singapore without exploring at least a few of them.
