A land with advanced wonders and sky-kissing structures, Singapore is ahead of one’s time and if you are a nature lover, here’s where to go…
1. Singapore Zoo
Did you know you can have breakfast with an entire family of orangutans in Singapore Zoo? For this, you need to book your seat in advance. Like the orangutans, many of the animals in this zoo are free-ranging, swinging just a few feet above your head.
The other highlights of the zoo include the Fragile Forest, a large biodome that invites its visitors to journey through the various strata of a rainforest. Species from Madagascan hissing cockroaches, rhinoceros beetles, colorful varieties of frogs and toads to lemurs, crowned pigeons, iguanas and mouse-deer co-exist in this breathtaking ecosystem. Next is the River Safari that offers the opportunity to view the wildlife of the world’s greatest rivers (oh those giant pandas!) and as evening closes in, the Night Safari is the best activity to get up close with nocturnal creatures, including free-ranging deer, leopards, and the Malayan tiger.
2. Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
Explore the rich biodiversity as you wander through the wetlands with an extensive mangrove forest of the first ASEAN Heritage Park of Singapore. You can trek through one of the trails to discover its native inhabitants such as crabs, mudskippers, shellfish, spiders, water snakes, monitor lizards, birds, and otters. You will also get the chance to get close to the resident birds like kingfishers, herons, and sunbirds all year long. Also, if you visit Singapore during the migratory season i.e., from September to March, you can catch sight of the diverse flocks of shorebirds or waders, including sandpipers and plovers.
3. Singapore Botanic Gardens
It’s a relaxing and soothing experience visiting the 158-year-old tropical garden of Singapore. Like all the other things in this country, the gardens are well designed and immaculate. Each area has its own atmosphere, from the lazy serenity of the Swan Lake and the dense and humid greenery of the rainforest zone to the carefully pruned bonsai and orchid gardens.
4. Southern Ridges
Linked with a series of walking paths, the Sothern Ridges comprises three parks — Telok Blangah Hill Park, Mount Faber, and the Kent Ridge Park. Attractions along the eight trails of these unique green spaces include the raised walkway Forest Walk; the Singing Forest, home to a variety of native trees and birds; and the 300-meter Floral Walk along a path lined with flowering plants. Take a ride in a cable car or shuttle bus or climb to the highest point, Mount Faber Peak, a great place to take in the beautiful view of the area.
5. Gardens by the Bay
Gardens by the Bay will take you to an imaginative place and you will see for yourself why it’s on every traveler’s wish list. The Marina Bay holds the amazing Supertree Grove and it is enchanting at night. The complex is divided into three bays — east, central, and south. The place is home to some unique attractions like Cloud Forest and Flower Dome which is sure to leave visitors enchanted.
6. Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
Around 12 km away from the bustling city is the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, one of the best places to experience nature in its pristine form. The reserve is located at the highest point on the island (around 163 m) and is one of only two swathes of urban primary rainforest in the world. Visitors will see an astonishing variety of plants, animals, and insects, typical of a humid equatorial climate. The forest is so ecologically diverse that Dr. David Bellamy, a renowned British conservationist estimated that it may be home to more species of plant than the entire North America.
7. MacRitchie Reservoir Park
Linked to Bukit Timah is the MacRitchie Reservoir Park, where you can spot monitor lizards, macaques, and occasionally a python and flying lemur. While you are here, do remember to walk across the famous Tree Top Walk Suspension Bridge.
8. Pulau Ubin
Just a 10-minute ferry ride from the mainland, nature lovers will enjoy a great time on their trip Palau Ubin. The place has an abundance of natural flora and fauna and is a part of the Ubin–Khatib Important Bird Area. It supports a significant number of resident and migratory birds, including many threatened species, thus making this island a favorite haunt of bird watchers and other nature lovers.
Conclusion
This was my list of the best places in Singapore where you can get a taste of the jungle. Choose the location you would like to experience and start planning the trip.
Do remember to share your unique traveling experience with me!
Happy Traveling!