The Treetop Walks at MacRitchie Reservoir in Singapore

Natural Attractions in Singapore

Think of Singapore and you’ll likely conjure up images of shimmering glass-and-steel superstructures; a dense forest of urban activity with soaring skyscrapers that jockey for position as they reach ever further heavenwards. But that would be to overlook the vast swathes of green space and unspoiled natural habitat that has earned this island nation the nickname ‘the Garden City’. Read on for our guide to some of the finest natural attractions in Singapore, including:

  • Singapore Botanic Gardens
  • The Gardens by the Bay
  • MacRitchie Reservoir
  • Lazarus Island
  • Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
  • The Southern Ridges
  • Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
  • Pulau Ubin

The Gardens by the Bay

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Yes we know: the massive durian-shaped hothouses at Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay are very plainly not the work of Mother Nature. But it’s what’s inside that counts, right? And what’s inside is nothing short of a nature spectacular. Expect an absolute riot of sights, scents and sounds in the Flower Dome, where carpets of colorful blooms emit a quite dizzying array of perfumes and a thousand-year-old olive tree forms the centerpiece of the pretty olive grove. Meanwhile, the humid Cloud Forest promises sweet-smelling orchids, jungles of ferns and trailing vines and a tall, tranquil waterfall.

The Southern Ridges

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Six miles of jungle trails and elevated walkways connect Mount Faber Park, Labrador Nature Reserve and more along the epic Southern Ridges. Tiptoe through the treetops and shutterbugs may just sneak a snap or two of some of the abundant wildlife here: red-whiskered bulbuls, banded bay cuckoos, orange-bellied flowerpeckers and other such tropical critters await. The trail also includes a section that crosses Henderson Waves, an undulating architectural masterpiece that also happens to be the highest pedestrian bridge in Singapore at a whopping 36 meters above terra firma. Don’t look down!

MacRitchie Reservoir

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Completed in 1868, MacRitchie is the oldest reservoir in Singapore and has become both a thriving nature reserve for native wildlife and huge natural playground for locals and tourists alike. Spot macaques and monitor lizards on the seven-mile hike around MacRitchie Trails or get a birds’ eye view from the Treetop Walks, a 250-meter suspension bridge that links the reserve’s two highest points. Take to the water and spend the day kayaking or lace up your running shoes and hit one of the excellent cross-country trails here.

Lazarus Island

Like your beaches secluded? Lazarus Island is the place for you! One of Singapore's Southern Islands, it’s connected to neighboring Saint John’s Island by a causeway. You’ll need to catch a ferry to Saint John’s and walk the 15 minutes or so to get there but, trust us, it’s well worth the effort. Bone-white sands, swaying palm trees and tropical turquoise waters that are great for swimming and snorkeling await the intrepid traveler. Get there early enough and, who knows, you may even find you have the whole place to yourself!

Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve

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Twitchers rejoice! One of the finest natural attractions in Singapore, the unspoiled Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve is a thriving habitat for native birds and a crucial stopover for migratory species including the long-legged Asian dowitcher and distinctive Pacific golden plover. Across more than 300 acres of mangrove forest, mudflats and ponds, you might also spot monitor lizards, lobsters, mudskippers, water snakes and big, beautiful Atlas moths. The occasional saltwater croc has even been known to put in an appearance from time to time. Take the two-hour loop trail around the reserve to get the most from your visit.

Singapore Botanic Gardens

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This sprawling 200-acre tropical oasis on the edge of Singapore’s Orchard Road Shopping district has been around since 1859 so to describe the gardens as ‘mature’ would be something of an understatement. Admire colorful and aromatic plants in the aptly named Ginger Garden, take a stroll around Swan Lake, snap a selfie at the iconic bandstand, and enjoy the rare experience of wandering through a rainforest within the city limits of a vast metropolis. The gardens are open from 5AM until midnight so you'll have plenty of time to get lost among the vines, blooms and tree-lined walkways. Best of all, entry is free, though a fee applies for access to the thousands of eye-popping blooms inside the National Orchid Garden, the park’s star attraction.

Pulau Ubin

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Boomerang-shaped Pulau Ubin is an island off Singapore’s northeast coast, where lush uncharted jungle is dotted with traditional kampongs and disused granite quarries, now reclaimed by nature, teem with diverse flora and fauna. Pick ripe, pungent durians along the cycle paths – and try one if you’re feeling bold enough or hungry enough to brave a bite! There’s an observation tower and looping walkway at the island’s otherwise wild Chek Jawa Wetlands, where you’ll hear the melodious call of the bulbul and, if you’re lucky, maybe even catch sight of the electric-blue flash of a kingfisher diving for its supper.

Bukit Timah Nature Reserve

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Last but most definitely not least in our rundown of Singapore's greatest natural attractions is the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, slap-bang in the middle of the island. One of very few designated reserves in the country to have remained untouched by timber merchants, it’s a sprawling green space containing some 400 acres of tropical rainforest as well as, at over 500 feet, the highest hill in the country. The reserve is, perhaps unsurprisingly, one of the finest treasure troves of biodiversity to be found in all of Singapore, with animal species including flying lemurs, crab-eating macaques, reticulated pythons and endangered Sunda pangolins to be found among the dense forests and thick undergrowth. There are many superb walking trails here, with options available for everyone from the amateur ambler to the hardened hiker. Head up to the peak for 360-degree views across Singapore and beyond.

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Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Freelance travel writer

Stu caught the travel bug at an early age, thanks to childhood road trips to the south of France squeezed into the back of a Ford Cortina with two brothers and a Sony Walkman. Now a freelance writer living on the Norfolk coast, Stu has produced content for travel giants including Frommer’s, British Airways, Expedia, Mr & Mrs Smith, and now Go City. His most memorable travel experiences include drinking kava with the locals in Fiji and pranging a taxi driver’s car in the Honduran capital.

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Relaxing Things to do in Singapore
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Relaxing Things to do in Singapore

Sometimes we all just need to relax. Life's hard, you know? That's especially true on vacation. No matter where you go, you'll always want some time to put your feet up and just breathe. We understand. Even on holidays when you can see and do so much, it's good to pepper in some quiet time. So let's talk about Singapore. Yes, there are a lot of amazing experiences there, but which of them are truly relaxing? Let's explore the best relaxing things to do in Singapore and you can take your pick! Including: Gardens by the Bay Historical Singapore Bicycle Tour CÉ LA VI SkyBar Cable Car Sky Pass and more! Visit the Gardens by the Bay Let's start our serene dream with some of the green stuff. No, not envy. We're talking about nature! Nothing beats the serenity of walking around a verdant space full of life and silence, and at the Gardens of the Bay, you'll find both in spades. Over 101 hectares and filled with 1.5 million plants from all over the world, you'll explore indoor and outdoor gardens, lakes, conservatories, huge sculptures, artwork, and more. Its beauty is so widely known that you might even recognize it - many films and TV shows have filmed scenes amid its luscious flora. Be sure to check out the Flower Dome, the world's largest glass greenhouse. Inside, you'll find displays representative of five continents, including 1000-year-old olive trees. And make sure you don't miss Cloud Forest - a display that takes you up into the clouds, with striking mountain views and a diverse range of plants. If you're looking for relaxing things to do in Singapore, it doesn't get much more relaxing than Gardens of the Bay. Try a Historical Singapore Bicycle Tour One of the best bits of taking a vacation is seeing the sights and sounds of a new culture. But when you only have so much time to spend there, how do you fit all the greatest hits in? Well, you're in luck. Take this historical Singapore bicycle tour, and check off every single one from your itinerary! You'll pass Chinatown, the Singapore River, Boat, Clarke & Robertson Quays, Kampong Glam, The Museum District, and more. And, thanks to your expert guide, you'll learn about the history of each location. Another benefit of said guide is that, over your peaceful four-hour exploration of Singapore, you'll also get top tips on the tastiest local cuisine in the local markets. Food, exploration, and relaxation? Sign us up! Visit CÉ LA VI SkyBar at Marina Bay Sands After all that busy cycling from one landmark to another, you might need to take a load off. And where better to kick back and sip on a cool refreshing drink than at a rooftop bar? Sounds good, right? Well, the good news is that CÉ LA VI has you covered. Visit their Skybar at Marina Bay Sands and have one on us. Literally. Swagger into the VIP area, drink in the stunning views from the 360-degree rooftop, and drink up the complimentary drink you'll get on entry. And hey, if you decide to add a couple more before you leave, no judgment here. Enjoy a Cable Car Sky Pass There are plenty of fantastic views in beautiful Singapore, but none of them quite match the spectacle of looking down from a cable car. See the skyline from a different perspective with a roundtrip journey above Singapore! Your trip will take you from Mount Faber to Sentosa, Singapore's premier wonder park. You can travel during the day, or pass over the city lights at night. We might suggest the latter, because evening adventurers will also be treated to MIRACULOUS 2, a multimedia night show. Enjoy a kaleidoscope of lights projected onto a heart-shaped tree at Arbora if you're visiting after dark. So sit back, relax, soak in the views, and take plenty of photos. That's an order! A relaxing order. Go on a Puzzle Hunt in Chinatown If you want to ease your foot onto the pedal a bit, then why not try an easy-going scavenger hunt? On a Puzzle Hunt in Chinatown, you'll find just that. Given that you'll play the role of advisor to the 'Toast King', you needn't worry about the hunt being overly serious. Sadly, this King of crispy bread has lost his memory, including the password to his treasure vault. And what's in that vault? Who knows? Could it be wealth beyond your wildest dreams? Possibly. Is it just piles of toast? Probably. Your job is to comb Chinatown for clues, solve puzzles, and find the password. Then you and only you can unlock the Toast King's treasure vault. What will you find inside? You'll have to play to discover its secrets. But it's toast. It's probably toasted. Wonder at a Night Safari And finally, we end our list of the best relaxing things to do in Singapore with a trip to animal town. Next stop - animals. But not just any animals; animals at night time. That's right, ladies and gentlemen, this here's a night safari. And what could be more relaxing than seeing the likes of lions, leopards, hippos, tigers, and bears in pitch black? Right? In all seriousness, it's a truly lovely experience. You'll see how all these animals behave when the sun goes down, from the comfort of a safe and secure vehicle. It's truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to have your own nature documentary experience. Trust us, you won't regret it. And that was about rounds out our guide to the best relaxing things to do in Singapore! Looking for a wide variety of activities to experience when relaxation time is over? Check out Go City. With our Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass, you can pick and choose the best of Singapore for one low price.
Dom Bewley
Two Sentosa Express monorail trains passing each other on Sentosa island
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Getting Around Singapore

Potential visitors to Singapore, that densely populated megacity at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, could be forgiven by feeling somewhat daunted by the prospect of navigating the bustling streets beneath its gleaming, futuristic skyscrapers. Good news though: getting around the Garden City is actually remarkably straightforward thanks to an efficient mass transit system, dedicated cycling paths and, yes, even cable cars and monorails. Read on for our guide to the best ways to get around Singapore. Getting Around Singapore on Foot Downtown Singapore is made up of several distinct districts, from the atmospheric sights, scents and sounds of Chinatown and Little India to leafy Dempsey Hill and the skyscraping shopper’s paradise that is Orchard Road. These are fairly compact neighborhoods and it’s perfectly possible to explore and even navigate between them on foot. Orchard Road, for example, is just over a mile end to end, and it's a similar distance from Chinatown to the Padang. However, hot and often humid conditions mean many visitors (and locals!) prefer to shuttle to their destinations via air-conditioned public transport which, you’ll be pleased to hear, is plentiful, cheap and easy to use. How to use Public Transport in Singapore Getting Around Singapore by Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Singapore’s fully automated and driverless MRT subway system comprises several lines and major interchanges that provide good coverage of most of the island, with the exception of the forested Central Catchment Nature Reserve, rural northwest and Sentosa Island. Hop aboard to whiz to major attractions including Marina Bay, the Botanic Gardens, the Singapore Flyer observation wheel and Orchard Road. Note that Singapore is one of the most densely populated islands on the planet, so expect train carriages to be packed much of the time, but especially during commuter rush hour when it’s strictly standing room only. A Singapore Tourist Pass (STP) is the most cost-effective way to travel if you plan to use public transport to get around the island, with passes for 24–72 hours available at selected TransitLink ticket offices and a few other outlets. The pass also covers use of some bus and Light Rail Transit (LRT) services to more rural and residential neighborhoods. You can also pay as you go by tapping in and out of stations and buses with a contactless debit or credit card. Getting Around Singapore by Bus and Taxi Buses in Singapore are every bit as efficient as the MRT, but the sheer proliferation of routes can be a little dizzying, even to locals. It’s certainly a more scenic way to travel though, with routes that cover most of the island, weaving you through the island’s lush greenery and elegant architecture to your destination. Don’t forget to tap on and off using your debit or credit card at the electronic reader on board. Cabs are easy to find and can be picked up by flagging down or queuing at a taxi rank. All are metered and provide a fairly cheap and convenient way to get around in a hurry. Hop On Hop Off Bus Tours The Big Bus tour of Singapore provides a fantastic introduction to the island city and really helps newbies find their bearings. Two main routes cover a wealth of major attractions and allow you to hop on and hop off as many times as you like throughout the day. The red line takes in the iconic Raffles Hotel, Singapore’s National Gallery, Chinatown, Little India and the Gardens by the Bay, while the Yellow Line adds the Singapore Flyer, Botanic Gardens and Orchard Road. The more aquatically inclined may prefer to ride the Singapore River Cruise bumboat past Raffles, the Old Parliament House and Marina Bay Sands. Or take the amphibious DUCKtours vehicle for a spin around Marina Bay harbor and the downtown Civic district. Cycling in Singapore Cycling infrastructure in Singapore is pretty good, with hundreds of miles of dedicated cycle paths across the island, from commuter paths that connect to MRT stations, bus stands and malls to major out-of-town networks. Cyclists should observe the same road rules as motorists and wearing a helmet is a requirement here rather than a recommendation. The speed limit is 15km/h. Novices may wish to dodge the busier downtown areas where motorized traffic can be intimidating. Two-wheeled adventurers can get off the busy city streets and onto major bike-friendly routes including the epic Park Connector Network, which links major parks, gardens and nature reserves across the entire island. Hit the Central Urban Loop for a 36-kilometer round-trip through leafy suburban neighborhoods that include the tranquil waterways of Punggol Park and lush woodlands of Ang Mo Kio Town Garden West. Bikes are available to rent throughout Singapore and there are a number of guided cycling tours included with the Go City Singapore pass. Bonus: the island is pretty flat so you won’t even require all that much pedal power along most routes. Getting to Sentosa Island The island resort of Sentosa is located just off the southern tip of Singapore and is connected to the city by cable car, monorail, road and a pedestrian boardwalk with a cycle lane. Cable car is hands-down the most scenic way to arrive on Sentosa, if not the fastest. The 30-minute ride departs HarbourFront cable car station and cruises across the harbor at around 100 feet above the sea below. Book round-trip tickets online in advance for the best prices. Once on Sentosa, you can walk to Imbiah station for cable car connections to other parts of the island. The quickest way to get to Sentosa is via the Sentosa Express monorail which you can board on level three of the VivoCity shopping mall above HarbourFront MRT station. Tickets are cheap and the journey takes just 3–5 minutes depending on your final destination. Monorail and cable car stations are close to most of Sentosa’s main attractions, while a free beach shuttle operates between the resort’s sandy Palawan, Tanjong and Siloso beaches. Save on attractions in Singapore Save on admission to Las Vegas attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
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Your Complete Guide to Singapore in August

Singapore has been attracting visitors since Sir Thomas Stamford Bingley Raffles established a trading post on the island in 1816. Two centuries later, Singapore continues to tick all the boxes. What’s more, Singapore in August is exceptionally explorable. Cultural diversity ensures even hawker centers serve up delicious tasting foods. Orchard Road provides an almost endless shopping extravaganza, while safety is never something you’ll have to worry about. At the same time, history seeps out of every street corner, even the high-tech Downtown area. In short, Singapore is not just a stopover, but a destination in its own right. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Singapore in August. Why August is a good time to visit Singapore Singapore’s weather in August is arguably the best of the year. Although it remains rainy in Singapore in August, rainfall is some of the lowest of any month. Since temperatures average 31°C year-round, and humidity levels around 82%, the other most important factor is sunshine hours. Less rain invariably means more sun, and August in Singapore is one of the sunniest of the year. In fact, along with June, July and September, August is considered one of the best times of year to visit Singapore. Add to this the festivities around National Day, and you’ll experience Singapore at its most celebratory! Things to do in Singapore in August With the weather set fair, a great way to delve into Singapore’s delights is with a Historical Singapore Bicycle Tour. Peddling along the city’s oldest streets, you’ll get your first glimpse of its grandest monuments. Free from the barriers of a vehicle, you’ll also absorb the extraordinary ambience of Chinatown and the Museum District. Thanks to reliable public transport, such as the MRT metro system, nowhere in Singapore is far away. But if in doubt, Big Bus Singapore has stops right throughout the city on its yellow and red hop-on hop-off routes. While in the Museum District, it would be a shame not to visit the National Gallery Singapore. That’s because the gallery contains the largest collection of Singaporean and southeast Asian art of any public institution. Highlights include works by Xu Beihong, Georgette Chen, and Liu Kang. No trip to this part of Singapore in August is complete without visiting Gardens by the Bay. Known for their 18 ‘supertree’ vertical gardens, Gardens by the Bay actually span over 100 hectares. Give yourself plenty of time to explore, since beyond Supertree Grove there’s also the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome greenhouses. The second is the largest in the world, and seeks to replicate a Mediterranean-style climate. Beyond Downtown Singapore A short distance from the Flower Dome, Singapore Cable Car links two very different Singapore attractions. Head south on the Sentosa Line, and you’ll get a bird’s eye view of family-friendly beaches (Palawan is one of the best) and the rollercoasters of Universal Studios Singapore. After all, Sentosa is the home of Singapore’s theme parks, with several to choose between. In the opposite direction, the cable car’s Mount Faber Line takes visitors to Singapore in August to the peak of the same name. Having traveled across lush rainforest, you’ll have the chance to follow forest paths. Alternatively, simply enjoy a cocktail (or two) at the cool bars at the top with uninterrupted views. But for an altogether different take on Singapore, head to Pulau Ubin. Reached via motor-powered bumboats from Changi (itself worth discovering), this tiny island harks back to the time of Raffles. Car-free, the best way to get about is by bike, although it’s also small enough to walk around without becoming exhausted. Sights include stone quarries readopted by nature, mangroves, coconut plantations, and Singapore’s last traditional village (kampong). End your visit with an order of Pulau Ubin’s famed chili crab. There are several charmingly ramshackle restaurants just by the boat jetty. Food and drink in Singapore Deciding what to eat will be your biggest problem when visiting Singapore in August. Because of the city’s cultural diversity, international favorites aren’t hard to find. But it would be a shame to depart Singapore having eaten nothing but burgers and pizza. Luckily, good food isn’t hard to find. Pretty much every neighborhood will have its own hawker center. So important are they, that they’re now listed by UNESCO as part of humanity’s Intangible Heritage. Although menus can be limited – each stall within a center tends to focus on a couple of dishes – your taste buds will thank you for it. Look out for Singapore noodles, laksa, and murtabak, a type of savory pancake. Chinatown is the obvious place to head for authentic Cantonese and Hokkien dishes. Many you’ll never have seen back home. And for the flavors of the Indian subcontinent, there’s only one place to head – the aroma filled alleys of Little India. Unmissable Singapore August events Singapore is a thriving destination for events, and August is no different. While the likes of Paris and Rome are snoozing in a mid-summer daze, Singapore is alive with unique experiences. The biggest event in Singapore in August is National Day, a public holiday on August 9. The days in the run-up see the red and white of the Singaporean flag appear right across the island. The day itself comprises a series of activities. These include a large military parade and live performances from top names. It comes to an end with a magnificent firework display. Should you miss National Day, Singapore Night Festival in the latter half of August is a good alternative. Running for more than a decade, it sees famous buildings decorated in lights. All manner of surprise live elements mark the city’s history and culture. Why not visit Singapore in August with Go City? Take the plunge, and you’ll find Singapore in August a destination that gives back ten-fold. All the same, Singapore does have a reputation for being on the pricey side. The answer? Travel with Go City. Our All-Inclusive and Explorer passes give visitors to Singapore incredible savings on admission to attractions big and small. It means you can do even more on your Singapore vacation without worrying about your bank balance.
Alex Birungi

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