Singapore's Green Escapes: Premier Parks, Trails, and Islands Beyond the Malls
Singapore, the compact city-state famed for its skyscrapers, malls, and high-density living, surprises with expansive green belts and captivating offshore islands. Next visit, swap mall shopping for invigorating park walks—remember your hat, water, and sunscreen.
Pulau Ubin
Experience castaway charm on Pulau Ubin, off Singapore's eastern shore. This serene kampung (village) offers mangrove swamps, rugged bike trails, dusty paths, and charming retro wooden houses with corrugated roofs—a glimpse of 1960s Singapore. Explore by foot or rented bike, and visit Chek Jawa, a biodiverse mangrove area with an encircling boardwalk.
Getting there: Take the MRT to Tanah Merah, then bus 2 to Changi Village. From Changi Point Ferry Terminal, hop on a 15-minute bumboat to Pulau Ubin.
Fort Canning Park
A stunning view of Singapore's skyline from Fort Canning Park. Image by Gavin Hellier / Robert Harding World Images / Getty Images.
Nestled amid downtown Singapore on a historic hill, Fort Canning Park was once home to British administration, Malay sultans, and Singapore's first Botanic Gardens, founded by Sir Stamford Raffles. Ideal for reflection, it features spice gardens, colonial buildings, and paths leading to the Singapore River. Enjoy free monthly tours; visit www.nparks.gov.sg.
Getting there: Take the MRT to Dhoby Ghaut. Walk southeast to the National Museum of Singapore; the park adjoins its rear.
Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
Singapore's highest point at 163.63m, Bukit Timah Nature Reserve spans 163 hectares, hosting 40% of the nation's flora and fauna amid one of the region's largest primary rainforest remnants. Arrive early for a summit hike—watch for playful monkeys eyeing your snacks where tigers once prowled.
Getting there: MRT to Orchard Road station, then bus 75 or 171 to Bukit Timah. Alight opposite Bukit Timah Shopping Centre and walk north to Hindhede Drive; the reserve starts at road's end.
Pasir Ris Park
Sunrise at Pasir Ris Park. Image by jolemarcruzado / Flickr / Getty Images.
Compact Pasir Ris Park packs punch with a 6-hectare mangrove boardwalk and a three-storey birdwatching tower. Families enjoy pony rides at Gallop Stables (www.gallopstable.com). Opt for bike rentals if walking wearies; evenings bring beachside bars for chilled sundowners.
Getting there: MRT to Pasir Ris station. Exit north, cross Pasir Ris Drive 3 to arrive.
Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park
This 62-hectare northern suburban gem features streams, boardwalks, and lush landscapes, dotted with cafe-bars like standout Grub (www.grub.com.sg) for brunch and coffee. Unwind post-walk at Aramsa Spa (www.aramsaspas.com).
Getting there: MRT to Bishan, then Bishan Bus Interchange for bus 53, 55, or 58. Ask for Bishan Park stop; enter from east side heading west.
Kusu Island
The pier at Kusu Island. Image by Hari Krishna / CC BY 2.0.
Just 5.6km south of mainland, Kusu Island delights with azure lagoons (Singapore's top swimming secret), a Chinese temple, and Malay shrine atop a hill. Bustling during September/October's pilgrimage, it's otherwise tranquil. Pack picnic—no food or water available.
Getting there: MRT to Marina Bay, bus 402 to Marina Bay Cruise Centre. Ferries: 2 daily weekdays, 3 Saturdays, 5 Sundays. Details at www.islandcruise.com.sg.
The Southern Ridges
The 10km Southern Ridges Trail (www.nparks.gov.sg) links Mt Faber, Telok Blangah, Kent Ridge, and HortPark through forests, canopy walks, and Henderson Waves—Singapore's highest pedestrian bridge. History buffs: Visit WWII site Reflections at Bukit Chandu in Kent Ridge Park, honoring 1,400 Malay soldiers vs. 13,000 Japanese in the Battle of Pasir Panjang.
Getting there: MRT to Harbourfront; Mt Faber Park is across the street—ascend the stairs to start.
By Shawn Low, Melbourne-based author of Lonely Planet guides on Singapore, China, and Southeast Asia. Follow @shawnlow.
