5 Best Nature Parks to Visit in Singapore 2024

Best Nature Parks to Visit in Singapore
Best Nature Parks to Visit in Singapore
Image: NPark

There is no denying that city living has its perks. There is the allure of varied entertainment. Dining options are tantalizing, and there is also the excitement of making new friends. But life in the city can also be toxic. The quality of air is unwholesome and the noise levels disturbing. Homes have limited outdoor space, if any. That is why green spaces such as nature parks are a vital part of urban planning.

They enhance the environment and support good mental health and relaxation. Popularly referred to as the “City in a Garden,” Singapore excels in this regard, as 46.5 percent of the land is under green space. This city-state has over 350 parks and four nature reserves where you can take part in a variety of activities. We want you to enjoy that much-needed break from the hustle and bustle of the city. To that end, we looked at the top nature parks to visit in Singapore [2024 review] and have compiled a list of the five best.

1. Chestnut Nature Park

Chestnut Nature Park
Chestnut Nature Park
Image: NPark Facebook
  • Best for
    Hiking and biking
  • Address
    Chestnut Ave, Singapore 679514
  • Phone
    +65 6256 3325
  • Opening hours
    Daily 0700 – 1900
  • Website
  • Chestnut Nature Park is Singapore’s largest nature park. It comprises the southern area that opened its doors in 2016 and the northern area that opened a year later. The park occupies a total area of 81 hectares along the edge of the Central Catchment Nature Reserve.

    It is home to a number of globally threatened bird species. These include the Brown-chested Jungle Flycatcher and the Straw-headed Bulbul. You might also catch sight of endangered plants such as the Kayu Arang and Fan Palm.

    Highlights:

    • The park is located at the eastern end of Chestnut Avenue.
    • It is unique in that it has separate mountain-biking and hiking trails.
    • Chestnut Nature Park is smoke-free, and pets are not allowed.
    • It is a requirement to obtain a permit for hiking in the surrounding nature parks.

    AMENITIES:

    • Shelters
    • Pavilions
    • Information map boards
    • Toilets
    • Mountain bike rental shop
    • Drinking fountains

    THINGS TO DO:

    • Bird watching
    • Hiking
    • Mountain biking

    2. Bukit Batok Nature Park

    Bukit Batok Nature Park
    Bukit Batok Nature Park
    Image: NParks Facebook
  • Best for
    Serene nature walks
  • Address
    Cnr Bukit Batok East Avenue 2, Bukit Batok East Ave 6, and, Singapore 659761
  • Phone
    +65 0471 7300
  • Opening hours
    Open 24 hours a day
  • Website
  • Bukit Batok Nature Park is a peaceful haven that was previously an abandoned quarry. It is now the site of a large reflecting pool.  Developed in 1988, the park offers breathtaking views, and it is the go-to place for leisurely strolls as you take in the serene surroundings. It occupies an area of 36 hectares and is wheelchair accessible.

    Highlights:

    • Swimming and fishing are not permitted.
    • No motorized vehicles, skates, or skateboards are allowed in the park.
    • Group numbers should be kept under 30, and a permit is needed for larger numbers.

     

    AMENITIES:

    • Toilets
    • Drinking fountains
    • Shelter
    • Lookout points
    • Playground
    • Park benches

    THINGS TO DO:

    • Bird watching
    • Flora: orchids and a wide variety of shrubs and trees
    • Fauna: butterflies, fish, monitor lizards, and other wildlife
    • Walking nature trail
    • Visit the World War 2 memorial site
    • Catch views of the quarry pool from lookout points

    3. Thomson Nature Park

    Thomson Nature Park
    Thomson Nature Park
    Image: NPark Facebook
  • Best for
    Culture and nature
  • Address
    Upper Thomson Rd, Singapore
  • Phone
    +65 0471 7300
  • Opening hours
    Daily 0700 – 1900
  • Website
  • Occupying an area of 50 hectares, Thomson Nature Park is Singapore’s newest nature park. The park is adjacent to Central Catchment Reserve and it occupies the area between old Upper Thomson and Upper Thomson road.

    What is unique about the park is that it was formerly the site of a Hainan village. When the occupants of the village vacated the space in the 1980s, nature took over, and the area is now heavily forested. The fauna found here include the Sunda pangolin, the sambar deer, and the leopard cat. The rare Raffles’ banded langur can also be spotted here.

    Highlights:

    • The park has five trails covering 3.8 kilometers.
    • Fishing is not permitted.
    • No motorized mobility devices are allowed.
    • Pets are not allowed, and the park is a smoke-free zone.

    AMENITIES:

    • Water points
    • Restrooms

    THINGS TO DO:

    • Explore the ruins of the former Hainan village
    • Hiking and nature appreciation: hike on the stream and ferns trail to observe diverse varieties of ferns and aquatic animals
    • Nature photography
    • Bird watching

    4. HortPark

    HortPark
    HortPark
    Image: NPark Facebook
  • Best for
    Horticultural pursuits
  • Address
    33 Hyderabad Road (off Alexandra Road), Singapore 119578
  • Phone
    +65 6471 5601
  • Opening hours
    Daily 0600 – 2300
  • Website
  • HortPark is a gem of a park for gardening buffs. It is a horticultural center for research, education, and recreational activities that revolve around gardens. There are many colorful, themed gardens showcasing vibrant displays of blooms. Joggers frequent the space on their morning and evening runs, and there is a host of fun, exciting activities for children to participate in.

    Highlights:

    • The themed gardens make unique backdrops for wedding photoshoots.
    • The Pitter Patter Potter garden is a special hit with children.
    • Guided tours and workshops can be arranged.
    • The park is wheelchair accessible.

    AMENITIES:

    • The Vineyard restaurant
    • Sand play area
    • Playground
    • Pond

    THINGS TO DO:

    • Eco-learning program for school children
    • Gardner’s Day Out
    • Themed gardens: Butterfly garden, a Balinese garden, Edible garden, Therapeutic garden, Silver garden
    • Educational bee-themed trail
    • Log valley for children

    5. Jurong Lake Gardens

    Jurong Lake Gardens
    Jurong Lake Gardens
    Image: NPark Facebook
  • Best for
    Water adventure sports
  • Address
    50 Yuan Ching Road Singapore 618661
  • Phone
    +65 0471 7300
  • Opening hours
    Open 24 hours a day
  • Website
  • Email
    juronglakegardens@nparks.gov.sg
  • Jurong Lake Gardens is a brand-new public garden in the heartlands of Singapore. The grounds occupy 90 hectares in a stunningly beautiful location. Although the Chinese and Japanese gardens are yet to be opened, there is plenty to see at this family-friendly attraction.

    The Lakeside Garden is beautifully landscaped and abounds in nature trails. There are intriguing spots not to be missed, such as the Jurong Lake boardwalk, a treasure trove of birdlife. Also, why not embark on a water sporting adventure on Passion Wave? Your visit is sure to be a memorable experience.

    Highlights:

    • Group tours are limited to 20 attendees.
    • Jurong Lake Gardens can be accessed from the Lakeside MRT station.
    • This is a smoke-free environment with wheelchair access in most areas.
    • Prior authorization is required for filming and photography.

    AMENITIES:

    • Shelters
    • Venues for events
    • Restrooms
    • BBQ pits
    • Food and beverage outlets
    • The Fusion Spoon restaurant

    THINGS TO DO:

    • Therapeutic garden
    • Butterfly maze
    • Bird watching
    • Exercise and workouts
    • Biodiversity tour
    • Wedding solemnization
    • Grasslands

     

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