10 Best Nature Parks in Singapore | Best of Lifestyle 2023

There is no disputing that city life has its advantages. The allure of diverse entertainment exists. The dining options are tempting, and there is also the excitement of meeting new people. Yet, city life may be toxic. The air quality is poor, and the noise levels are unsettling. Houses have little outside space. As a result, greenery such as nature parks is an important aspect of urban design. Singapore is constantly pursuing its aim of being a “City in a Garden” in addition to fast-track growth. Singapore’s nature parks are oases amid the concrete jungle, complete with nature paths, and jungle bridges. With an extensive variety of nature parks in the market, which then is the best nature park in Singapore? In our Best of Lifestyle series, we introduce the 10 Best Nature Parks in Singapore, providing quality recommendations based on your lifestyle and budget needs. 

10 Best Nature Parks in Singapore

1. Singapore Botanic Gardens

World’s greatest collection of orchids

This beautiful tropical paradise amid the city is without a doubt one of Singapore’s most popular national parks and the only one with a UNESCO world heritage site designation. Ideal for a stroll, a family picnic, or an exciting nature trek. The Singapore Botanic Gardens, the first of our parks, is a must-see for every nature enthusiast. It is home to hundreds of different plant species, including rare orchids and old trees. Heritage charm, educational zones, and woodland environments abound. The National Orchid Garden features the world’s greatest collection of orchids – 1,000 species and 2,000 hybrids – as well as the national flower, Vanda Miss Joaquim.

2. Gardens by the Bay

Colourful and futuristic park in Singapore’s bay area

Gardens by the Bay encompasses 101 hectares and is divided into three waterfront gardens: Bay South, Bay East, and Bay Central. Gardens by the Bay is a vast, colourful, futuristic park in Singapore’s bay area. The famed Supertree structures provide an amazing skywalk over the gardens, oversized seashell-shaped greenhouses replicate icy mountain climates, and there are hundreds of trees and plants to explore, making this a wonderful destination for both children and adults. Plants come to life in ways you’ve probably never seen before in the Supertrees, Cloud Forest, and Flower Dome.

3. Fort Canning Park

Renowned hilltop landmark

When you need to get away from the tourist attractions, travel to this magnificent park for a dose of history and nature right in the middle of the city. This renowned hilltop landmark is a peaceful haven of lush nature dotted with ancient structures and historical activities. You may see several battle artefacts and attend the Battery Box tour to learn about Singapore’s heritage. It is also one of Singapore’s most popular national parks for music festivals and concerts, as well as a relaxing picnic destination with excellent photographic opportunities.

4. Jurong Central Park

Gives families numerous hours of fun and excitement

Being the first park in Singapore to contain life-sized board game elements, Jurong Central Park gives families numerous hours of fun and excitement. The park recreates favourite childhood board games using flora, sculpted terrains, diverse play equipment, and a dice tower to offer a new depth to the gameplay experience. The park’s life-sized Snakes and Ladders playground and Ludo Garden allow visitors to relive their favourite childhood experiences. Nature enthusiasts may also explore and discover the numerous varieties of water plants, animal species, and dragonflies that flourish in the park’s ponds.

5. Jurong Lake Gardens

90 hectares with a breathtakingly magnificent setting

Jurong Lake Gardens is a brand-new public garden in Singapore’s heartlands. The grounds include 90 hectares in a breathtakingly magnificent setting. Although the Chinese and Japanese gardens are yet to open, this family-friendly destination has lots to offer. The Lakeside Garden is lush greenery planted and has several nature pathways. There are several interesting places not to miss, such as the Jurong Lake boardwalk, which is home to a diversity of birdlife.

6. Hort Park

One-stop gardening resource hub

HortPark is a one-stop gardening resource centre that combines activities linked to gardening with leisure, education, research, and shopping under a large canopy in a park environment. It also acts as a resource for information on plants and gardening, offering suggestions for planting and solutions as well as a forum for the horticulture sector to exchange best practices and highlight garden designs, goods, and services. It is popular with gardeners, families, and community organisations looking for a peaceful setting to unwind, and it is regularly frequented by nature lovers who like walking along the Southern Ridges.

7. East Coast Park

One of the urban’s getaways

East Coast Park is one of Singapore’s most cherished urban retreats, with a wide range of recreational, sports, and culinary options. The park’s theme is “Recreation for All,” and there is something for everyone. Friends and family may sit back, relax, and enjoy picnics in the park among the swaying coconut trees, Casuarinas, and Ketapangs. Families hoping for a great day out could visit the park’s play towers, water play area, natural play gardens, and swings. There are several physical activities available for those seeking activity, including beach volleyball, cycling, cable skiing, and different water sports, as well as an Xtreme SkatePark.

8. Sembawang Hot Spring Park

With a gorgeous coastline and a spectacular view

Sembawang Park is a serene park away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It is a popular fishing spot and a perfect location for family and friends to gather together, with a gorgeous coastline and a spectacular view. Joggers and swimmers may work out, while anglers cast their hooks into the water. Shelters and BBQ pits may be found around the park and on the beach. See the Beaulieu House, the Sembawang jetty, and the remnants of the 1920s Seletar Pier, or walk along the reconstructed historic paths used during British rule. Other historical sites nearby include the Admiralty House, Kampong Wak Hassan, Masjid Petempatan Melayu Sembawang, the Sembawang Memorial, and the Sembawang Shipyard.

9. Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park

Home to a wide array of interesting fauna and flora

Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, one of the largest urban parks in downtown Singapore, is an excellent destination for families to spend the day. Apart from its distinctive waterways, the park boasts beautiful foliage, Pond Gardens, and River Plains, making it a popular choice for recreational activities among neighbouring communities. Families may enjoy picnics and meetings on the open lawns and gently sloping grassy banks on each side of the river while admiring the beauty and calm of the waterways. The 62-hectare park also has a wide variety of diverse animals and flora, making it excellent for environment enthusiasts.

10. Bukit Timah Nature Reserve

One of the richest and most diverse ecological systems

This pristine area of tropical forest, located within the city boundaries, provides the ideal respite from the city’s hustle and bustle. This natural reserve, which spans 163 hectares, is home to Singapore’s highest point, Bukit Timah Hill. It’s a lovely place to take in the sounds and fragrances of the forest while hiking or mountain biking on well-marked trails. It is one of the greatest four nature reserves in Singapore and is ideal for family vacations where children may discover the native flora and wildlife.

Above these places, we hope that our guide on the 10 Best Nature Parks in Singapore will help you to choose where to go when you want to relax and feel nature’s peace. Please do share this along with your friends if you have found this useful. Do look forward to more buying guides that we will be releasing soon!