Having quickly grown into one of Asia’s most visited tourist destinations, fast-paced Singapore is more than just another modern metropolitan city. With an aesthetic medley of open spaces and green high rises - think plant covered buildings and rooftop gardens - even Singapore's business side offers a breath of fresh air. With dozens of thriving outdoor hotspots, this island state is the perfect spot for nature lovers. From wildlife reserves and nighttime safaris to an alien-like gardens and thrilling shark-dives, checkout our roundup of the best things to do in Singapore if you’re into nature and wildlife.
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Considered one of the most unique tourist attractions in Singapore, Gardens by the Bay resembles a sci-fi movie set. It was initially brought about by the Government’s initiative to make Singapore a ‘city in a garden’ instead of ‘a garden city’. Gardens by the Bay are divided into three elaborate sections: Bay Central Garden, Bay East Garden and Bay South Garden. In each area, visitors can enjoy a natural extravaganza of flora and fauna. Make sure you keep this one at the top of your list when in Singapore! With an alien-like appearance, you'll feel like you've stepped into a colorful, friendly, fantasy world.
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Daily from 5:00 AM to 2:00 AM Address
18 Marina Gardens Drive
Singapore 018953
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Tips
- It is highly recommended to stay at Gardens by the Bay through sunset, as the nighttime experience is especially magical. Keep at least a full day at hand to aptly explore the gardens.
- The restaurants inside can be a little expensive; if you’re on a budget, it’s wise to eat someplace outside before arriving.
Recommended Experiences
• Skip the Line: Gardens by the Bay Flexible Entry Tickets
2



Get up close and personal with as many as 1,000 nocturnal animals. Admire the beauty of dusk and witness animals in their natural habitat as a team of experts take you on an exciting journey. Singapore Night Safari is recognized as the world’s very first nocturnal zoo. Set in a humid, tropical forest, the park is segregated into seven geographical zones that you can explore either by foot or by tram. The park promises a unique experience that is unlike any other.
Good for
Daily from 7:30 PM to 12 AM Address
80 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729826, Singapore
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Tips
- The park strictly advises to be prepared for rain, as it is set in a humid atmosphere. Be sure to carry a poncho or an umbrella at all times.
- Bring insect repellent.
- Wear comfortable footwear, as you’ll be walking a lot.
Recommended Experiences
• Super Saver Combo: Night Safari + River Safari
• Skip the Line: Singapore Night Safari Tickets
• Singapore Night Safari with Hotel Transfers
3



Located within the Singapore Botanic Gardens, the National Orchid Garden is home to over 60,000 orchid plants and 2,000 hybrids. Spread out beautifully across three hectares of carefully landscaped slopes, the design concept presents the plants in four separate colored zones. The spring zone prevails with bright, vibrant shades of gold, yellow, and pastels. The summer zone showcases strong maroons and reds. The autumn zone features mellow, matured shades and the winter zone exudes white and cool blues. Give yourself at least an hour to take in the beauty of this garden.
Good for
8:30 AM to 7:00 PM every day Address
1 Cluny Rd | Within the Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore 259569
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Tips
- Avoid visiting during the weekends if you prefer to enjoy some quiet nature time.
- Carry enough water; you’ll be walking a lot and the humid weather can easily dehydrate you.
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Set up in a verdant landscape, the Singapore Botanic Gardens are definitely not to be missed during your visit to Singapore! Inscribed as a World Heritage Site, the garden is the first and only tropical botanic garden on the UNESCO list. The striking park offers beautiful ponds with thriving flora and fauna, along with the region’s first rubber tree orchards. Spend a day lazing about on the sprawling landscapes or simply take a stroll out with your family – there are several in-house cafes and activities that can easily occupy at least half your day, so plan accordingly.
Good for
Daily from 5:00 AM to 12:00 AM Address
1 Cluny Road, Singapore 259569
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Tips
- If you’re someone who’s a plant and nature enthusiast, the Singapore Botanic Gardens provide an excellent learning opportunity.
- Do not miss the beautiful VIP orchid garden! It can be visited for an additional $5 and is well worth the extra cost.
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Draped in a veil of fog and mist, the Cloud Forest section of the Gardens by the Bay in Singapore promises breath-taking, mountain-like views. Admire the vegetation and the hidden floral gems beneath the lush, green blanket. You can learn about the plant diversity and their fast disappearing environment. There’s even a staggering indoor waterfall (35 meters) for you to marvel at along your surreal cloud walk. Don’t forget to embark on a mesmerizing tree-walk to witness the park in a whole new light!
Good for
9:00 AM to 9:00 PM Address
Gardens by the Bay
18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953
Get Directions

Tips
- Due to the air-conditioning and cool vapor jets within the Cloud Forest, the temperature can drop considerably. Carry a light jacket just in case.
- There are wheelchair and stroller facilities available within the premises.
- Buy tickets online to avoid the long ticketing queues at the garden.
Recommended Experiences
• Skip the Line: Gardens by the Bay Flexible Entry Tickets
6



The impressive Singapore Zoo is well-known around the world, thanks to its 11 different zones and 12 exhibits that house over 2,800 animals, including over 300 wildlife species of mammals, birds, and reptiles. The zoo has made sure to create exhibits that replicate the exact natural habitat each of its animals would live in. Make a trip to the Primate Kingdom for a glimpse of 39 species of primates, explore underwater galleries, and much more. Guests can also attend interactive animal shows, go on tours and safaris, and feed some of the animals.
Good for
Daily from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM Address
80 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729826
Get Directions

Tips
- Be prepared with sunscreen and a poncho for untimely rains.
- Apply insect repellent upon arrival to avoid unexpected bites.
- Don’t share your food with the animals unless it is allowed.
Recommended Experiences
• Skip the Line: Singapore Zoo Flexible Entry Tickets with Optional Transfers
• Super Saver Combo: Singapore Zoo + River Safari
• Super Saver Combo: Singapore Zoo + Night Safari
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Explore deep and mysterious secrets of the marine world at the S.E.A Aquarium! Home to a whopping 100,000 marine animals, covering as many as 800 species across 49 habitats, Singapore’s aquarium is remarkable and impressive. Located on Sentosa Island, spare a day for some underwater adventure. The centerpiece of this attraction is without doubt its humongous aquarium for ‘Open Ocean’ habitat. Peering at the tall glass will make you feel like you’re sitting right on the cavernous ocean floor.
Good for
Daily from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM Address
8 Sentosa Gateway, Singapore 098269
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Tips
- Pre-purchase your tickets online, as the long queues are quite tiresome given the humid weather.
- Plan to spend an entire day at the aquarium and arrive early to beat the crowds.
Recommended Experiences
• S.E.A Aquarium™ Tickets
• S.E.A Aquarium Ticket with Hotel Transfers
• Marine Life Park Ticket: S.E.A Aquarium + Adventure Cove Waterpark
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What could be a better way to beat the heat than a water park? Thrill-seekers, this one’s for you! Enjoy a plethora of water-based activities, ranging from exciting tunnel plunges for the older guests, to gentle pools for the younger kids. There’s even an opportunity to get an up close look at the majestic rays at Ray Bay. Afterward, load up on souvenirs from one of the many shops within the premises. This Sentosa Island attraction is the perfect day trip for families and groups of friends.
Good for
Daily from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM Address
Adventure Cove Waterpark
8 Sentosa Gateway, Singapore 098269
Get Directions

Tips
- The park follows a strict dress code, so be sure not to wear jeans, jackets, long skirts, or any clothes with buttons, zippers or buckles.
- There are plenty of lockers available at the park to store your belongings.
- If you want to avoid the rush, hit up the park’s top rides and attractions in the earlier half of the day.
Recommended Experiences
• Adventure Cove Waterpark™ Tickets
• Super Saver Combo: Universal Studios Singapore + Adventure Cove Waterpark
9



Ever wondered about the colorful, futuristic section of Gardens by the Bay that everyone raves about? Measuring between 25 to 50 meters, these iconic trees are a must-visit part of the garden for anyone visiting Singapore. Stroll on the 22-meter-high OCBC Skyway, a 128 meter-long aerial walkway, and immerse yourself in the captivating scenery. The walkway connects the supertrees and the garden, offering the perfect backdrop for photos. At dusk, be sure to catch the fantastic (and free) Garden Rhapsody light and sound show at 7:45 PM and 8:45 PM!
Good for
Daily from 5:00 AM to 2:00 AM Address
18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953
Get Directions

Tips
- The OCBC Skyway that connects the Supertree Grove is shut once a month for maintenance. Be sure to check OCBC Skyway closure dates before you visit.
Recommended Experiences
• Skip the Line: Gardens by the Bay Flexible Entry Tickets
10



Another impressive section in Gardens by the Bay, the Flower Dome is an enormous greenhouse featuring themed gardens and flowering plants. This innovative concept is claimed to be the largest greenhouse in the world and is even listed in the Guinness Book of World Records. Since the garden has replicated the Mediterranean climate, it showcases exotic plants from five continents. Spread across nine different gardens, explore some of the world’s finest flora and fauna. Take a walk amidst the thousand year old olive trees and unusual baobabs as you take in the land of perpetual spring.
Good for
Daily from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM Address
18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953
Get Directions

Tips
- The Flower Dome tends to change its theme during festivals; time your visit during the holidays for an especially extraordinary experience.
Recommended Experiences
• Skip the Line: Gardens by the Bay Flexible Entry Tickets
11



Nestled right in between the well-known Singapore Zoo and Night Safari, the River Safari is a river-themed zoo and aquarium. Designed to recreate the wildlife experience along famous rivers from around the world, the park is home to some rare and impressive creatures from across the globe. Get set to begin your journey alongside meandering rivers and enjoy the chance to view exotic animals such as the squirrel monkey, maned wolf, and jaguar.
Good for
Daily from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM Address
80 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore Zoological Gardens, Singapore 729826
Get Directions

Tips
- Carry a hat, sunscreen and water to protect from the heat and high humidity.
- Arrive early, as the animals tend to nap midday, resulting in poor sightings during the safari.
- Be sure to dedicate some time to the park’s less popular, yet equally mesmerizing, attractions.
Recommended Experiences
• Skip the Line: River Safari Tickets with Optional Transfers and Food
• River Safari with Private Hotel Transfers
• Super Saver Combo: Night Safari + River Safari
12



If you’re a fan of the great outdoors, MacRitchie Nature Trail and Reservoir Park should definitely be on your list. A part of the city’s water catchment system, the park is full of beautiful, green trails that are perfect for peaceful walks or exhilarating runs. Be sure to also stroll along the TreeTop Walk - a 250-meter suspension bridge that takes you across the rainforest canopy. You’ll get some incredible views from the bridge and can even catch a glimpse of furry macaque monkeys, squirrels, and monitor lizards. If you get hungry, the park has an onsite cafe where you can grab a snack and relax amidst the breathtaking views.
Good for
Closed on Monday
9:00 AM to 5:00 PM from Tuesday to Friday
8:30 AM to 5:00 PM on Saturday and Sunday Address
MacRitchie Reservoir Park, Singapore 298717
Get Directions

Tips
- In terms of weather and shade, the best times to hike are around 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM.
- Wear light colored clothes and comfortable hiking shoes.
- Bring insect repellent.
- Pack snacks and a water bottle. Keep in mind, there is only one top-up station for water, so plan accordingly.
13



Be prepared to experience the ultimate animal encounter at Singapore’s Jurong Bird Park! The park houses 5,000 species of birds across 20 hectares of exploratory landscape. Whether you’re eager to feed the parrots or are simply excited to watch them soar above you, the park guarantees an incredible opportunity. Hike to the waterfall aviary and witness a 30-meter tall waterfall, home to almost 600 birds. Or, head down to Lory Loft, the biggest lory flight aviary and partake in an up-close feeding frenzy as you walk across a suspended bridge with a cup of nectar in your hand. There are plenty of experiences that’ll sweep you off your feet at the Jurong Bird Park.
Good for
Daily from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM Address
2 Jurong Hill, Singapore 628925
Get Directions

Tips
- Do not feed the birds any outside food; they eat a particular diet and other foods can be harmful to their health.
Recommended Experiences
• Skip the Line: Jurong Bird Park Flexible Entry Tickets
• Indian Curry Garden Set Lunch at Jurong Bird Park
• Jurong Bird Park with Hotel Transfers
14



Experience a spine-chilling, underwater journey as you get up close and personal with over 100 sharks! Singapore’s Adventure Cove Waterpark offers the rare chance to share the ocean with 12 different shark species, including the endangered scalloped hammerhead shark, silvertip shark, and sandbar shark. After a demo and safety briefing, brave the shark infested waters from the safety of an acrylic enclosure. Alternatively, if you’re a certified diver, opt for the incredible chance to dive with these majestic creatures.
Good for
10:00 AM to 6:00 PM every day Address
Adventure Cove Waterpark, 8 Sentosa Gateway, Singapore
Get Directions

Tips
- If you wish to dive with the sharks, you will need to provide an official scuba diving certificate from a nationality or an internationally recognized organization.
Recommended Experiences
• Ultimate Marine Encounters: Shark Encounter
• Ultimate Marine Encounters: Shark Dive
15



If you’re as fond of dolphins as we are, don’t miss out on the Dolphin Discovery attraction at the S.E.A Aquarium. Meet and greet the adorable Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins and wade with them in waist deep waters. Learn all about this majestic species, including facts about their habitat, diets, and migration patterns.
Good for
Daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM Address
Adventure Cove Waterpark, 8 Sentosa Gateway, Singapore
Get Directions
Recommended Experiences
• Dolphin Discovery Experience