10 outdoor spaces to visit in Singapore during the year-end holidays

Judging by the number of views my posts on outdoor parks and gardens have garnered in the past two years, it seems quite apparent to me that folks living in Singapore have really been exploring green spaces across the island. With travel out of the picture for so long, this is hardly surprising. I myself have been out with my family on weekends checking out off-the-beaten-track spots for leisure. There are still so many places that I am yet to cross of my list. It just goes to show that Singapore isn't as deprived of nature as it once seemed.

After naively assuming that this Covid-19 nightmare might be coming to an end, we now have the new coronavirus variant Omicron to envelope us in new worries and fears! I wonder what next year has in store for us long-suffering people of the world 😓 

Just as there appeared to be a bright light at the end of the tunnel with respect to travel, the clouds of anxiety and uncertainty are now looming large thanks to this damn virus which just doesn't seem to give up - it is just one genetic makeover after the next. Despite that, for the upcoming December holidays, it seems like travel is likely on the cards for a large number of Singapore residents who have been eagerly waiting for an opportunity to visit family or friends living overseas and/or escape the monotony of the past two years. Then there are those who would like to err on the side of caution and defer any kind of travel for a variety of valid reasons. I totally understand and respect both points of view. 

If you get to travel during these December holidays, then good for you! I hope that you enjoy yourselves. Stay safe and in prime health folks.

For those of you who are going to spend the holidays in Singapore, that's okay too. If your travel plans have been disrupted then please don't get too disheartened. I hope you get to take a few days off from work, rest, recharge and get to spend quality time with your family and friends. Go out and have some fun. Eat and be merry 😊 Happiness is a state of mind so try to put yourselves in places where that state of mind will come readily and naturally. On that last note, I have even compiled a list of serene outdoor places in Singapore you could go to. 

These places are not ranked in any order of preference. They are places we enjoy going as a family and if you haven't checked any of them out, I hope this post will inspire you to do so. 

So without further ado, presenting 10 outdoor spaces to visit in Singapore during the year-end holidays,

1. Lower Peirce Nature Reservoir Park

 

I’m starting off the list with one of my most favourite outdoor spaces in Singapore.

Lower Peirce Nature Reservoir Park is a scenic, peaceful and mostly secluded park located in the green heart of Singapore. Along the reservoir you have a straight long track which is great for walking, jogging or cycling. With a verdant green carpet of grass blanketing one side and the vast reservoir on the other, it is a lovely spot to get some heart-pumping exercise or even take a leisurely stroll. There are even quaint benches if you want to just sit down, take in the panorama and savour the silence. This is also the perfect outdoor spot for those who are interested in wedding, maternity or family photoshoots. 

The Lower Peirce Trail meanders through a mature secondary forest and along the edge of this reservoir. Along the rustic 900-metre boardwalk, you will be rewarded with invigorating forest views as well as a variety of flora and fauna. The forest happens to be home to more than 900 flowering plants, 100 ferns and 250 animal species. 

We have been here a few times and we absolutely love it.

 

Read my blog post on Lower Peirce Nature Reservoir Park here

2. Upper Peirce Nature Reservoir Park

 

I highly recommend Upper and Lower Peirce Reservoir Parks not only for nature/fitness/photography enthusiasts but also to spend quality family time in the magical natural surroundings. They are ideal spots that grant temporary respite from the typical skyscraper skyline views and to escape from the maddening crowds in Singapore (especially during times like these). 

Upper Peirce Reservoir Park is the larger but less accessible of the two. If hiking and wildlife sighting is what you are primarily interested in then Lower Peirce scores higher because of the meandering boardwalk trail running through the forest but if it is just nature and some peace and quiet that you crave, then both would fulfil your purpose. 

After getting an entire morning's worth of exercise, you could head to Casuarina Curry in the vicinity and tuck into some delicious roti prata.

Read my blog post on Upper Peirce Nature Reservoir Park here

3. Upper Seletar Reservoir Park

 

This was one of the first reservoir parks that I visited in Singapore. Located in the gorgeous Mandai area, once you set foot in the Upper Seletar Reservoir Park, you feel like you have entered a world painted with different hues of blue and green. The picturesque park known for its natural vegetation is teeming with flora and fauna, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers. The highlight of this park is the long stretch of path running along the water’s edge that makes it a perfect venue for jogging or cycling and the Seletar Rocket Tower that offer some stunning views. 

This park is the ideal place for the children or adults to ride their bikes because there is no noise or obstruction and the long straight path/track offered lovely views of the vast Seletar reservoir flanked by a canopy of lush trees. The other side of the track looked upon a beautifully manicured carpet of green, property of the Mandai Executive golf course. 

Another great spot for those who are interested in wedding, maternity or family photoshoots.

Read my blog post on Upper Seletar Nature Reservoir Park here

4. Lower Seletar Reservoir Park

Although smaller, the Lower Seletar Reservoir Park is picturesque and serene with silvery blue waters, lush tropical greenery and balmy breezes blowing. It is an agreeable place for leisure activities, both on land and in water. 

The park features a Family Bay with a new performance stage, a children's water play area, a bioswale rain garden, a look out point as well as a Heritage Bridge. Most importantly, kayaking/boating services are available. 

 

Read my blog post on Lower Seletar Nature Reservoir Park here

 

5. Rower’s Bay Park

 

This is one of our more recent finds. It is an absolute gem situated at the far end of Lower Seletar Reservoir next to Yishun Dam. The park is named for the reservoir's popularity with kayaking and dragon-boating enthusiasts.

Rower’s Bay Park is an ideal place to catch the sunrise or sunset, for nature and photography enthusiasts, for those looking for a leisurely stroll or more intense exercise like running or cycling and also for those wanting to take their canines for a walk. There are plenty of shady areas that can serve as picnic spots. You could also go in the evenings when the weather is cooler and hope to catch a painted sky. 

Rower's Bay Park is quite close to the Seletar Aerospace Park which if you didn't know, happens to be a haven for foodies. You could spend the morning at the park and then head over to Wildseed Cafe, The Summerhouse, Wheeler's Estate or YOUNGS Bar and Restaurant for a meal. 

Read my blog post on Rower’s Bay Park here

6. Tanjong Beach

Singapore is one of the world's busiest ports and extensive land reclamation has resulted in many man-made beaches. In any beach on the island, it is common to see numerous ships and vessels dotting the horizon, the waters are not as clean or clear, the sand isn't as fine or powdery as you would hope for, the waves are virtually non-existent and there have been reports of jellyfish sightings. As a result of all this, water sports aren't all that popular and neither is sunbathing. 

That said, of all the beaches in Singapore, my favourite would have to be Tanjong Beach, tucked away on Sentosa Island. This beach happens to be a family favourite as it serves as a secluded getaway from the hullabaloo of the city. 

The placid sea, tame waves, relatively clear waters, shady palm trees and surrounding greenery makes it a picturesque spot. This is hands down my children's favourite outdoor place in all of Singapore.

Read my blog post on Tanjong Beach here

7. Admiralty Park

This one is mainly for those of you who have young children 😊

Located in Woodlands, Admiralty Park is the largest outdoor park in the north of Singapore. The 27 hectare park is situated on hilly terrain with Sungei Cina river running through it, and houses the largest nature area within an urban park.  

Much of the park is mangrove swamp. Three boardwalks cut through the mangrove, providing places for observing and appreciating the flora and fauna with minimal disturbance of the habitat. The park works closely with neighboring Republic Polytechnic, which is also the adopter of the park under the adopt-a-park scheme. 

Admiralty park is a well-equipped park with great facilities for the little ones to have some good old fashioned outdoor fun. There are lots of different playing structures that will appeal to children of different age groups. The park features 26 slides – the most number of slides in any park in Singapore! The widest slide and the longest slide in a public park can be found here. The playground capitalizes on the undulating terrain to site the three main play areas – Junior Play, Adventure Play and the Family Terracing Play which features diverse play equipment that encourage group and multi-generation interactions. 

The park is clean and well maintained. Visit this park with your children and you will be glad you did. We are regulars here so you can trust me on this.

 Read my blog post on Admiralty Park here

8. Singapore Botanic Gardens

 

This is really a no-brainer. Although this venue is more popular and crowded (aka "touristy") than the rest of the places on my list, I have included it because the Singapore Botanic Gardens keeps upgrading. The Botanic Gardens is so large that even with a lot of visitors it seldom feels crowded. Plus it is also Singapore's first UNESCO World Heritage Site so there's always that 😊

The National Orchid Garden, within the main gardens, is at the forefront of orchid studies and a pioneer in the cultivation of hybrids, complementing the nation's status as a major exporter of cut orchids. It houses the largest orchid collection of 1,200 species and 2,000 hybrids.

There are many other attractions within the Singapore Botanic Gardens including the Jacob Ballas Children's Garden which appeals to children especially in the 3-6 year age group. 

Read my blog post on Singapore Botanic Gardens here

9. Bukit Gombak Park

Another spanking new park in the West.

With more than 1,500 trees, flowering plants, an inclined 400m-looped hill trek, butterfly garden, dog run, two areas with allotment gardens and elevated plots, a fitness area and two play areas for children, there is something for everybody at the Bukit Gombak Park. 

Whether you are a fitness enthusiast, parent of young children, dog owner, nature enthusiast or photographer, you will find something that catches your fancy at this park. 

With the addition of Bukit Gombak Park, there is yet another green space for the residents of Singapore to enjoy. As Singapore transforms into a City in Nature, these parks will allow the community to appreciate greenery and come together to contribute towards a sustainable environment. 

What's more is that Whisk & Paddle café sits at the mouth of the park so if you are into their signature desserts, that is an added perk.

Read my blog post on Bukit Gombak Park here

 

10. Jurong Lake Gardens

Jurong Lake Gardens is a lovely place for families to come together and enjoy some much needed downtime. Children (of all ages), elderly seeking some peace and quiet, fitness enthusiasts, picnic lovers and nature lovers will appreciate what the Gardens has to offer.

You can explore the golden fields of The Grasslands which serves as the perfect location for an Instagram snap or be enchanted by the beauty of Alstonia Island, a flooded island that shares traits with a freshwater swamp forest.

If you’re looking for a quiet stroll, you can spend time taking it slow on the Rasau Walk - a meandering boardwalk along the water’s edge or head off the beaten path along Neram Streams, a series of naturalized streams surrounded by aquatic plants and dragonflies.

The 2.3-hectare Forest Ramble is the largest nature-themed play space in the heartlands, and boasts 13 distinct installations for children. These range from slides and swings to suspended bridges and miniature trampolines in the shape of lily pads.

Other attractions include Clusia Cove - a charming play area that’s been built to simulate a coastal shore, with low sandy dunes and shallow water for little ones to romp in.

Read my blog post on Jurong Lake Gardens here

So there you have it folks. A few of our favourite outdoor spaces in Singapore. There are lots more of course but for now, these should keep you occupied.

I wish you a happy and safe holiday season. Whether you are travelling overseas or choosing to be a tourist in your own country, take care and stay healthy. 

I hope you liked this post. What are some of your favourite outdoor spots in Singapore? Leave a comment to let me know

Cheers,

Megha