5 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 and have compiled a list of the five best.

1. 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

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

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

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

Image: NPark Facebook

Best for

Culture and nature

Address

Upper Thomson Rd, Singapore

Phone

+65 0471 7300

Opening hours

Daily 0700 – 1900

Website

Thomson Nature Park

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

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

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

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

Jurong Lake Gardens

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.