Enjoying the outdoors in Singapore offers a refreshing contrast to the city’s modern skyline, with lush green spaces, scenic waterfronts, and well-maintained nature trails woven throughout the urban landscape. Despite its small size, Singapore has invested heavily in preserving and integrating nature, making it easy for residents and visitors to escape into the outdoors without leaving the city. Gardens by the Bay, with its futuristic Supertree Grove and waterfront gardens, is a perfect example of this blend of innovation and greenery. Nearby, the Marina Bay area offers stunning walking and cycling paths along the water, with views of the skyline and access to attractions like the Singapore Flyer and Merlion Park.
For those seeking more natural landscapes, Singapore’s nature reserves and parks provide excellent opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and exploration. The Southern Ridges trail connects several parks via elevated walkways and forest paths, offering views of the city, harbor, and lush vegetation. MacRitchie Reservoir is a favorite for nature lovers, featuring a treetop walk and encounters with native wildlife like monkeys and monitor lizards. Offshore, places like Pulau Ubin offer a glimpse into traditional village life and untouched mangrove forests, accessible by a short ferry ride. Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely park stroll or paddling through coastal waters, Singapore’s outdoors deliver a rich experience of nature right in the heart of one of Asia’s busiest cities.
Things to do in Singapore:
1. Exploring Gardens by the Bay
This iconic attraction features the stunning Supertree Grove, Cloud Forest, and Flower Dome. Walk the OCBC Skyway for views over the futuristic vertical gardens and Marina Bay.
2. Hiking the Southern Ridges
This 10-kilometer trail connects several parks and nature reserves via forest paths and architectural bridges like the Henderson Waves, offering elevated views of the city and coastline.
3. Cycling the Park Connector Network
Singapore’s Park Connector Network (PCN) links parks, rivers, and green corridors across the island. Rent a bike and explore routes like East Coast Park, Punggol Waterway, or Marina Bay Loop.
4. Relaxing at East Coast Park
Stretching over 15 km along the coast, East Coast Park is ideal for picnics, swimming, beach volleyball, barbecues, and inline skating. It’s a favorite weekend escape for locals.
5. Kayaking and Water Sports
Enjoy kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding in calm waters at MacRitchie Reservoir, Bedok Reservoir, or along Kallang Basin, with rentals available for all skill levels.
6. Trekking at MacRitchie Reservoir and Treetop Walk
Hike through tropical rainforest trails and cross the TreeTop Walk, a suspension bridge high above the forest canopy, where you might spot monkeys, birds, and monitor lizards.
7. Visiting Sentosa Island
Beyond the resorts and attractions, Sentosa offers outdoor fun including beaches, nature trails, ziplining, and the Fort Siloso Skywalk—a scenic route above coastal rainforest.
8. Exploring Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
This tranquil reserve in the northwest is great for birdwatching, nature walks, and spotting wildlife like otters, crocodiles, and mudskippers in mangrove and wetland ecosystems.
9. Walking at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
Climb to the highest natural point in Singapore (163 meters) through a tropical forest filled with native flora and fauna. It’s a short but rewarding hike with rich biodiversity.
10. Island Hopping to Pulau Ubin
Take a bumboat to Pulau Ubin, a rustic island that preserves Singapore’s past. Rent a bike or hike to Chek Jawa Wetlands, visit old kampongs (villages), and experience a slower, wilder side of Singapore.
Get Outdoors in Singapore
