Top 5 green parks in Singapore

Despite being very small in size, and despite having the world’s second most dense urban conglomeration, Singapore still has over 50 green parks and gardens, as well as a handful of tropical nature reserves. Let’s take a look at 5 of the very best of them!

The beginning of the Canopy Walk over Kent Ridge Park

5. Kent Ridge Park

Kent Ridge Park is a medium-sized public park in western Singapore, between the National University of Singapore and the Singapore Science Park. Due to its undisturbed habitat and abundant plant life, it is a popular venue for bird-watchers and eco-tourists. During the Second World War, the park was the site of one of the last and fiercest battles fought by the Malay Regiment against the invading Japanese Army – the Battle of Pasir Panjang, in February 1942.

4. Fort Canning Park

Fort Canning Park is located on a small hill within Singapore’s CBD. Although small in physical size, it has a long history due to its prominence as a lookout during World War 2 (further reading: A hour in Fort Canning Park). It is also a popular venue for music shows and concerts.

3. Macritchie Reservoir Park

More than 1sqkm of primary rainforest still flourishes in the Central Catchment Nature Reserve, of which MacRitchie Reservoir Park is a large part. Rubber trees, remnants of the plantations from the 19th century, can still be seen along the fringes around the reservoir, as well as boardwalks skirting the edge of the water to provide hikers with a scenic journey and for easy exploration of freshwater wildlife. Another popular attraction is the HSBC TreeTop Walk – a 250 metre free-standing suspension bridge spanning the two highest points in MacRitchie Park.

Labrador Park is a place to relax by the sea

2. Labrador Park

Labrador Park is located in the southern part of the main island of Singapore and is a great place for families to enjoy together (further reading: Labrador: Time to Relax!). It contains the only rocky sea-cliff on the mainland that is accessible to the public, and 10 hectares of coastal vegetation has been gazetted as a nature reserve. More than 70 kinds of birds, including the Blue-crowned Hanging Parrot, have been seen here. Additionally, the rocky shore contains a multitude of corals and – the Common Hairy Crab is often found nesting in the area.

1. Bukit Timah Nature Reserve

Near the geographic centre of Singapore, located on the slopes of Bukit Timah Hill, is the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve (further reading: Monkey Business at Bukit Timah). Despite its small size, it is considered one of the most productive pieces of nature. Together with the neighbouring Central Catchment Nature Reserve, it is said to house over 840 species of flowering plants and over 500 species of fauna. Today, it is one of the largest patches of primary rainforest left in Singapore and was declared an ASEAN Heritage Park in 2011.

Who would have thought the Little Red Dot could be SO GREEN?!