The 8 Best Nature Spots & Hikes in Singapore (2026)

Updated November 2026 · 8 picks

The best nature spots in Singapore in 2026 are Bukit Timah Nature Reserve for the highest hill, the Central Catchment Nature Reserve and MacRitchie for the TreeTop Walk, Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve for birds and mangroves, and Pulau Ubin with Chek Jawa for a wild island day.

Singapore has real rainforest, mangroves, marshes and an offshore island within an hour of the city centre. Most reserves are free, run by NParks and open from 7am to 7pm, so start early and bring water, insect repellent and covered shoes. Check NParks notices before you go, because trails and boardwalks close for maintenance and some low-lying areas flood at high tide. For city parks and gardens, see our best parks guide; for family days out, see things to do with kids.

1. Bukit Timah Nature Reserve — Bukit Timah

Singapore's highest natural hill, in a 163-hectare patch of primary rainforest.

Best for Hikers · First-timers · Rainforest

NParks lists Bukit Timah Nature Reserve as 163 hectares and open from 7am to 7pm. Bukit Timah Hill, at 163 metres, is Singapore's highest natural peak, and hiking trails lead to the summit. The visitor centre is at the end of Hindhede Drive, where guided tours and workshops are held.

NParks's page notes demolition works at the summit scheduled from July to March, so check the linked notice before you go. Hindhede Nature Park is next door if you want a shorter, gentler walk.

Good to know: Start at 7am to beat the heat and the crowds, and keep food out of sight because of the macaques.

NParks Visitor Centre, 177 Hindhede Drive, Singapore 589333

Google Maps Website

2. Central Catchment Nature Reserve (MacRitchie and the TreeTop Walk) — MacRitchie

Singapore's largest nature reserve, with 20 km of trails, the TreeTop Walk and Jelutong Tower.

Best for Hikers · Canopy views · Families

NParks describes the Central Catchment Nature Reserve as more than 2,000 hectares with over 20 km of trails, including the TreeTop Walk around MacRitchie Reservoir. The TreeTop Walk is a suspension bridge about 25 metres high that links the two highest points in MacRitchie, and Jelutong Tower is a seven-storey tower with views over the forest.

The reserve opens from 7am to 7pm, though the TreeTop Walk has its own hours, so check NParks before you go. The Casuarina entrance and the Cyathea boardwalk trail are closed for maintenance from 1 October 2026 to 31 March 2027; NParks suggests the Jacaranda and Lower Peirce entrances instead. Pets, fishing and bicycles are not allowed.

Good to know: Use the Jacaranda entrance while Casuarina is closed, and carry water.

MacRitchie Reservoir Park, Lornie Road, Singapore 298735

Google Maps Website

3. Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve — Kranji

A 202-hectare mangrove and mudflat reserve, Singapore's first ASEAN Heritage Park.

Best for Birdwatchers · Photographers · Families

NParks lists Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve as 202 hectares, open from 7am to 7pm with last entry at 6.30pm. It describes Singapore's first ASEAN Heritage Park, with Eagle Point, the 18-metre Aerie Tower, a mangrove boardwalk, the Kingfisher Pod, a Junior Wetland and a Migratory Bird Trail.

NParks lists Malayan water monitors, smooth-coated otters and an estuarine crocodile among the wildlife, alongside resident birds and migratory birds from August to April. Some areas flood at high tide and close, so check NParks's closure notices.

Good to know: Go in the early morning during the migratory season, from August to April.

Visitor Centre, 60 Kranji Way, Singapore 739453

Google Maps Website

4. Pulau Ubin and Chek Jawa — Pulau Ubin

A bumboat ride to the old kampung island, with the Chek Jawa wetlands at its eastern tip.

Best for Cyclists · Day trips · Wildlife

Bumboats to Pulau Ubin leave from Changi Point Ferry Terminal next to Changi Village. NParks says the 10-minute trip typically costs $4 per person each way, with $2 more for bicycles, and boats usually run from 6am to 7pm. On the island you can explore the trails on foot, by bicycle or by local van service. The abandoned granite quarries are one of its historical sights.

Chek Jawa Wetlands is at the island's eastern end, about 3 km from the jetty. NParks lists a 600-metre Coastal Loop and a 500-metre Mangrove Loop boardwalk, the 21-metre Jejawi Tower, and six ecosystems that include seagrass lagoon and coral rubble. The area is intertidal, so check the tide table; a section of the Coastal Loop is closed from 15 September 2026, with completion expected on 30 April 2027.

Good to know: Check the tide table before you go and confirm the bumboat fare before boarding.

Changi Point Ferry Terminal, 51 Lorong Bekukong, Singapore 499172

Google Maps Website

5. Kranji Marshes — Kranji

A freshwater marsh with a 15-metre Raptor Tower and more than 170 bird species recorded.

Best for Birdwatchers · Photographers

NParks lists Kranji Marshes as 56.8 hectares, of which 8 hectares are open to the public, from 7am to 7pm. It has hideout shelters and blinds along the trails, the Marsh Station for marsh birds and a 15-metre Raptor Tower about 15 minutes from the visitor entrance.

NParks cites over 170 bird species, including black bazas and Japanese sparrowhawks in the migratory season from November to March. Kranji MRT station is the nearest, and pets, cycling and drones are not allowed.

Good to know: Bring binoculars and visit early or late for the best birdwatching.

11 Neo Tiew Lane 2, Singapore 718814

Google Maps Website

6. Coney Island Park — Punggol

An 81-hectare island park reached on foot from Punggol, with beaches and a mangrove boardwalk.

Best for Cyclists · Walkers · Beachgoers

NParks lists Coney Island Park as 81 hectares, open from 7am to 7pm, with a West entrance near Punggol Point Walk and an East entrance near Lorong Halus Wetland. Features include an estuary where giant mudskippers can be seen, mangroves with a boardwalk, five themed beaches and two wild Paku Raja cycads.

There are no carparks on the island, with the nearest at Punggol Settlement, and Punggol Coast is the nearest MRT station. NParks advises long pants and covered shoes, stay on the trails, and says camping and fishing are not allowed.

Good to know: Wear covered shoes and long trousers to protect against sandflies.

Near The Punggol Settlement, 500 New Punggol Road, Singapore 828617

Google Maps Website

7. Windsor Nature Park — Upper Thomson

A 75-hectare regenerating forest with the Drongo Trail and stream frogs.

Best for Walkers · Birdwatchers · Photographers

NParks lists Windsor Nature Park as 75 hectares, open from 7am to 7pm, with trails through regenerating secondary forest and native plants along the way. Its Drongo Trail is named after the greater racket-tailed drongo, and NParks says the masked rough-sided frog can be found near the park's streams.

It is good for birdwatching, hiking, nature walks and photography. Pets, fishing and bicycles are not allowed in the park.

Good to know: Go in the morning for birdsong and cooler temperatures.

30 Venus Drive, Singapore 573858

Google Maps Website

8. Pasir Ris Park — Pasir Ris

A 70-hectare coastal park with a 6-hectare mangrove boardwalk and a birdwatching tower.

Best for Families · Birdwatchers · Barbecues

NParks says Pasir Ris Park is 70 hectares stretching over 3.2 km and is open 24 hours. Its 6-hectare mangrove area can be seen from a boardwalk or a birdwatching tower, where white-collared kingfishers and black-naped orioles may be spotted, and blue-throated bee-eaters between April and September.

The park has a kitchen garden of edible and medicinal plants, a maze garden and a butterfly garden, plus 65 barbecue pits along the beach. NParks advises caution in the intertidal area and against approaching crocodiles in coastal areas.

Good to know: Take the Pasir Ris MRT and check the tide before exploring the intertidal area.

501 Elias Road, Singapore 519916

Google Maps Website

Frequently asked questions

What is the best nature reserve in Singapore?

Bukit Timah Nature Reserve is the best-known, with Singapore's highest natural peak at 163 metres, according to NParks. The Central Catchment Nature Reserve has the TreeTop Walk and more than 20 km of trails. Sungei Buloh is the one to choose for birds, mangroves and wetland wildlife.

Where can I see wildlife in Singapore for free?

Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve lists Malayan water monitors, smooth-coated otters, an estuarine crocodile and resident and migratory birds, with migrants present from August to April. Kranji Marshes lists more than 170 bird species. Coney Island Park has mangrove wildlife such as giant mudskippers. Entry fees are not listed on the NParks pages, but check before you go.

How do I get to Pulau Ubin?

Take a bumboat from Changi Point Ferry Terminal at 51 Lorong Bekukong, next to Changi Village. NParks says the trip takes about 10 minutes and typically costs $4 per person each way plus $2 for a bicycle, and boats usually run from 6am to 7pm and leave once 12 passengers are aboard. Confirm the fare before departure.

Is Chek Jawa open?

NParks's Pulau Ubin notices say the Chek Jawa wetlands, boardwalks, Jejawi Tower and visitor centre are open daily from 7am to 7pm, but a section of the Coastal Loop boardwalk has been closed from 15 September 2026 for maintenance, with completion expected on 30 April 2027. The guided tour is suspended until further notice.

What should I wear to a Singapore nature reserve?

Wear covered shoes and light long clothing. NParks advises long pants and covered shoes at Coney Island Park because of insects such as sandflies, and warns against feeding or getting close to monkeys and other wildlife. Bring water, because Singapore's heat and humidity make even short trails tiring.

Which nature spot is easiest to reach by MRT?

NParks lists Kranji Marshes as served by Kranji MRT station, Pasir Ris Park by Pasir Ris MRT and Coney Island Park by Punggol Coast MRT. For the Central Catchment Nature Reserve, check the entrance you plan to use, as the Casuarina entrance is closed from 1 October 2026 to 31 March 2027.

1. Bukit Timah Nature Reserve — Bukit Timah

2. Central Catchment Nature Reserve (MacRitchie and the TreeTop Walk) — MacRitchie

3. Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve — Kranji

4. Pulau Ubin and Chek Jawa — Pulau Ubin

5. Kranji Marshes — Kranji

6. Coney Island Park — Punggol

7. Windsor Nature Park — Upper Thomson

8. Pasir Ris Park — Pasir Ris

Frequently asked questions

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