Anastasia Smith
The land of towering skyscrapers, swanky shopping megacentres, and mind-blowing extravagance, Singapore may hardly seem like a destination for eco-conscious experiences, but the city-state is, in fact, brimming with the likes. Discover what the vibrant Lion City has to offer your ecological palate.
Singapore, known as the "Garden City", boasts of 101 hectares of urban jungle in the heart of the city. Visitors can enjoy the abundance of nature and beauty without the need for strenuous trekking or hiking. The Supertree Grove, with its 18 Supertrees, stands out in the lush greenery, giving off an "alien" vibe. The Flower Dome and Cloud Forest are also noteworthy, with their fanciful seashell shapes. The Flower Dome is home to the world's largest greenhouse, while the Cloud Forest has the world's tallest indoor waterfall, two attractions that are sure to amaze visitors.
Serenity abounds in quaint Pulau Ubin, where the charm of Singapore of centuries past is still alive in the minuscule island. Hop aboard a chugging bumboat and sail the unruffled waters northeast of mainland Singapore to discover a drop of paradise amidst the vast azure blue, stuck in the city-state’s days of yore. Life moves at a slower pace in Pulau Ubin, far from the skyscraper-characterised metropolis. Head up the looped boardwalk to the Jejawi Observation Tower for breathtaking views of the scenic seaside.
Just as the score of breathtaking urban parks and nature spots that call the Southeast Asian nation home, the city-state is also the possessor of a cuisine that’s just as fantastic. Indulge in an assortment of traditional Singaporean dishes and embark on an exploration of local cuisine at a fine Singapore boutique hotel the likes of Venue Hotel SG and let your taste buds revel in the mouth-watering blend of authentic flavours.
As the sun goes down and the darkness descends upon the beautiful Lion City, make your way to Mandai Wildlife Reserve for a wildlife experience unlike any other. Singapore Night Safari is the world’s first of its kind — a nocturnal zoo and safari park for after-dark wildlife experiences. The sprawling 86-acre reserve is a haven for 2,500 animals from 130 species spread across seven themed geographic areas, making for 40 minutes of exciting animal sightings and encounters.
Mangroves, mudflats, ponds, and sprawling forests characterise this part of the island country in northwestern Singapore. While the bustling metropolis might be home to a whole host of modern urban nature parks, true serenity lies in such places as these untouched and unmarred wetland reserves. The secluded nature spot is also an excellent destination for bird watching, for it is a highly recognised stop-over point for migratory birds.
