Singapore Botanic Gardens: As of 2015, these gardens were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making them the first and only botanic gardens on this list. A highlight of the Gardens is the National Orchid Garden, which houses a variety of orchids as well as other spectacular flowers and plants. A walkable park filled with different tropical flora, the Botanic Gardens is a lovely place for a stroll with friends and family. There are also events held throughout various locations in the Gardens.

MacRitchie Nature Trail: A series of walking trails are located within MacRitchie Reservoir Park, which is also home to Singapore’s oldest reservoir. Enjoy a serene walk amongst nature and be sure to cross the TreeTop Walk—a 250-meter suspension bridge in the trees. There are some animals living in the lush vegetation, so you may see some monkeys while there.

Labrador Nature Reserve: This is one of four of Singapore’s National Nature Reserves. The Reserve features the only rocky sea-cliff that the public can access in Singapore, making it a neat place to explore. It’s nice for walking, bird spotting, nature photography, and barbecuing.

River Safari: Advertised as Asia’s “first and only river-themed wildlife park,” the River Safari is a fun and educational experience while in Singapore. The park draws inspiration from rivers around the world and includes many different animals: pandas, manatees, monkeys, turtles, and more.

Pulau Ubin: A small island just off Singapore’s main island, Pulau Ubin offers biking trails amongst hills, calming beaches, and a break from the hustle. It’s considered the last “kampung” (traditional village) in Singapore with its wooden bridges, coconut trees, and rubber tree plantations. Take a bumboat from Changi Village to easily reach the island. From there, you can rent bikes and explore Pulau Ubin.

Travel tip: Singapore’s tropical climate makes for heavy humidity and lots of bugs year around. When exploring nature spots in Singapore, always bring water with you, wear sunscreen, and use bug spray to keep the nasty mosquitoes away. Take breaks in the shade and don’t forget to hydrate with electrolyte-filled fluids after spending time in the sun.

This travel guide is based on travels from May 2014 and information has not been updated since that time. Some businesses may not be in operation or information may have changed since the creation of this guide.