Joanna James
An innovation-driven cityscape of futuristic glamour and a talented hub of diversity, Singapore also charms its visitors with secret spots for nature-kissed rejuvenation. Here are some charmingly mysterious green spaces to explore on this avant-garde island.
If you love Gardens by the Bay with its mesmerising UNESCO-recognised botanic garden and bizarre feats in architecture but are looking for a more down-to-earth ramble in untouched nature, there's a lush pocket of wilderness just outside all the city hubbub. Located close to the historically significant rainforest-clad Rail Corridor, Alexandra Woodland is an untouched escape that stirs the imagination with its "Lost Ark" of fallen giant tree trunks and natural pond glossed over with reflections of ancient foliage and young saplings.
Another off-the-beaten-track hideaway to walk off all that chilli crab curry and Nasi Lemak (and make room for more) is the ferny, woodsy, and deliciously wild secret known as the Keppel Hill Reservoir. The somewhat unpredictable and elusive trek is richly rewarded by unexpected sights like open fields of velvety grass breaking through the close-knit trees, as well as the iridescent blue-green swimming hole used by residents of the 1940s before the abandoning of this enigmatic hill.
If you're looking for a beautiful medley of terrains, from rainforest and freshwater wetlands to breezy grasslands and marshes musical with wildlife calls, Tampines offers an easy 1.5-hour hike completely immersed in nature. Consisting of a myriad of native species, from dragonflies and birds galore to playfully splashing otters and over 32 varieties of spiders and butterflies, this full-fledged biodiverse oasis is eco-friendly all around, from its compost waste system to benches made out of recycled materials. If you're looking forward to a productively indulgent long-term stay in Singapore with plenty of opportunities to connect with nature, venture no further than lyf one-north Singapore.
Regardless of whether you are determined to roam all of Singapore's eclectic districts or are sticking to its chief allurements like the world-class ArtScience Museum, National Orchid Garden, and the myriad of avant-garde shopping centres, you'll need to take a breather in greenery to refresh your spirits. If there's no room in your itinerary to squeeze in a full-blown nature excursion in wildlife-rich acres of woodland, just step into the lush hilltop reservoir park of Pearl's Hill smackdab in the middle of the buzzing city. The epic views of cutting-edge skyscrapers from your dreamy quiet corner are a bonus, especially against the sunset sky.
While this breathtaking sanctuary is relatively well known, its secluded atmosphere is unparalleled, presenting avid hikers with a variety of picturesque trails laden with different natural allurements, not to mention dedicated mountain biking terrains. Every nature lover and adventurer will find some delightfully Instagram-worthy 'challenge' in this massive 81-hectare park (Singapore's largest), from stumbling upon tranquil streams and hidden lake 'dead-ends' during a trail run to taking on hilly inclines, granite boulders, and open meadows of lofty lalang.
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