Located in the tropics, Singapore has many different nature reserves, which you should explore. Below are the top 3!
1. SOUTHERN RIDGES WALK
The Southern Ridges are a 5km hiking trail, which takes you through three major parks: Kent Ridge Park, Telok Blangah Hill Park and Mount Faber Park. When you walk the trail, you will not only see the tropical fauna and flora (and monkeys! Better watch out!) but also to some extent the skyline of real Singapore (not the modern Marina Bay Area but the housing blocks where the locals live). The skyline will give you a totally new impression of Singapore.
The famous Handerson Wave Bridge is also part of the Southern Ridges. As the highest pedestrian bridge in Singapore, it is an architectural masterpiece, which offers stunning views across palm trees onto the South China Sea.
If you want to grab a coffee or drink with a view (recommend sunsets), you need to visit the Dusk Restaurant & Bar on top of Mount Fabour (the highest hill in Singapore). If you don’t want to walk or drive there, you can also take a romantic ride with the cable car. For more info, visit: Dusk Restaurant & Bar
2. McRITCHIE RESERVOIR – TREETOP WALK
As Singapore’s largest nature reserve, McRitchie reservoir offers a beautiful nature trails in the heart of Singapore. Below are some of the highlights.
Treetop Walk: Reached by foot, the Treetop Walk is a 250-metre aerial free standing suspension bridge. It is spanning the two highest points within MacRitchie. A must do as a jungle highlight!
Water Sports: Water sports enthusiasts can rent canoes and kayaks right at the entrance of the reservoir.
Walking Trail: Follow the 11km nature trail that circumnavigated the reservoir. Do not stop to eat on the trail if you don’t want monkeys joining you. Also, do watch out for snakes (I’ve never seen one but apparently they do exist).
3. PULAU UBIN
The island Pulau Ubin is undoubtedly the most authentic place of how Singapore looked like 60 years ago: Colonial buildings, jungle, and abundant wildlife. Despite its rustic charm, you won’t fine anyone living on the island nowadays.
If you are staying longer than 3 days in Singapore and are a nature lover, this place is definitely something to check out.
What to do: The most popular way to explore the island is via bike. There are different rental services on the island. You can’t miss the rental places – there are just outside the boat terminal.
What to see: Besides the jungle, you can see colonial buildings, coral reefs with marine wildlife, monkeys, turtles, lizards, and more. The best wildlife pictures are created here!
How to get there: The only way to get to Pulau Ubin is a 10 minute boat ride from Changi Point Ferry Terminal (boats are SGD2 and operate from 8.30am – 5.00pm)
What to bring: Bring your own food and drinks as you will find only little opportunity to buy something (I also bring mosquito repellent).
Blonde Bee 