read Things to do

Guess the Hydeout: Beautiful nature spots in Singapore

A quick escape from the hustle and bustle of the city might just be at your doorstep.

Sarah Chan

Likes museum trips and is sometimes artsy. Can be found in pattern prints.

Published: 25 January 2021, 6:04 PM

Amidst the concrete jungle that surrounds our everyday life are unique nature spots flourishing with flora and fauna where we least expect to find.

These spots are more than just a place for recreation, with some playing an important role in conservation efforts to preserve native plants and animal species.

Whether you are in it for the thrill of adventure or simply to soak in the beauty of nature, time to grab your cameras and trekking boots on to explore the garden city with these five nature spots.

1. Hindhede Quarry Lookout

You can also keep an eye out for the outdoor playground and various wildlife roaming the area along the hike. PHOTO CREDIT: YOUTHOPIA/IMAN IZZATI

Located next to Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, be greeted by the calming serene views of Hindhede Quarry, situated at the end of Hindhede Nature Park.

Previously an area for granite mining activities until the 1980s, Hindhede Quarry is now home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna, with the quarry boasting crystal clear turquoise waters.

The park is perfect for a leisure stroll and its scenic views are especially popular among wildlife photographers. The trail at Hindhede Nature Park is a 15 to 20-minute paved walk from Bukit Timah Visitor Centre and is fairly accessible for visitors young and old.

Camera settings: Photo was shot at 10.00am using a Canon EOS 5D Mark III with EF 16-35mm f/2.8l II USM lens (F3.2, 1/600, 19mm, ISO100)

2. Tampines Eco Green

In contrast to the densely packed HDB flats across the road, Tampines Eco Green is an escape into the wilderness that feels almost foreign from our usual concrete jungle. PHOTO CREDIT: YOUTHOPIA/IMAN IZZATI

Tampines Eco Green Park is an ecological park featuring open grasslands and freshwater ponds which visitors can enjoy in all its natural glory.

Unlike parks with paved trails and man-made structures, Tampines Eco Green uses an ecologically conscious approach – such as park furniture made from recycled materials – to preserve the natural beauty of the area.

The park offers three trails which are easy to navigate with flat paths suitable to walk and exercise on. Along the way, stop by the bird hide to view the Baya Weavers up close or answer nature’s call at the Eco-toilet, the first waterless toilet in Singapore.

The park is best visited in the day as there is no lighting in the area to protect the wildlife after dark. Visitors are reminded not to cycle in the area and to observe park rules.

Camera settings: Photo was shot at 2.36pm using a Canon EOS 5D Mark III with EF 16-35mm f/2.8l II USM lens (F4.5, 1/200, 35mm, ISO100)

3. The Learning Forest

The Learning Forest offers two walking trails and is divided into various sections to showcase the different collections of trees and plant species in the area. PHOTO CREDIT: YOUTHOPIA/IMAN IZZATI

Opened in 2017, the Learning Forest at The Singapore Botanic Gardens is a restored century-old forest complete with freshwater wetlands for an immersive and educational visit.

The park brings visitors on a walk through its different themed attractions – from the secondary rainforest to the freshwater wetlands – which are connected by a network of boardwalks and elevated walkways.

One of the highlights along the SPH Walk of Giants include the Canopy Web where you can lie on a rope net to gaze at the crowns of the tall trees overhead.

Admission to the park is free and it is open from 5am to 12 midnight daily, although some sections of the park will be closed from 7pm to 7am to protect the wildlife in the area.

Camera settings: Photo was shot at 11.08am using a Canon EOS 5D Mark III with EF 16-35mm f/2.8l II USM lens (F3.2, 1/8000, 19mm, ISO100)

4. Keppel Hill Reservoir

As you emerge from the forested trail, be greeted by the enchanting scenes of the reservoir’s clear water and rich foliage that hangs overhead. PHOTO CREDIT: YOUTHOPIA/IMAN IZZATI

Tucked away from the busy roads leading to VivoCity and Sentosa, the abandoned Keppel Hill Reservoir is a hidden gem near the hills of Mount Faber.

The history of the reservoir dates back to the 1920s when it was used to support the villages in the area and was also a swimming pool for residents. It eventually fell into disuse and disappeared from the map before being rediscovered in 2014.

The reservoir can be accessed via a 15-minute walk up a tarmac path into a forested trail from Wishart Road or from the open air carpark at Seah Im Food Centre. Both routes of access offer some level of difficulty with muddy trails that may be unstable or slippery after the rain.

Visitors are advised to observe proper etiquette when exploring the abandoned location. Remember to leave nothing but footprints and take nothing but photographs.

Camera settings: Photo was shot at 12.32pm using a Canon EOS 5D Mark III with EF 16-35mm f/2.8l II USM lens (F4.0, 1/60, 16mm, ISO100)

5. Lorong Halus Wetland Trek

The tall reeds and gravel tracks make for a unique photo spot. Along the way, you can also enjoy the scenic views of Serangoon River as you cross the Lorong Halus Bridge. PHOTO CREDIT: YOUTHOPIA/IMAN IZATTI

Upon crossing the striking red Lorong Halus Bridge that links Punggol to the park, the view opens up to fields of tall reed clearings at Lorong Halus Wetland.

Once a former landfill, the wetland now serves as a unique water treatment system for the Serangoon Reservoir, which you can learn about along the way.

The wetland is also conveniently located along the Lorong Halus Park Connector linking Pasir Ris Park and Coney Island Park, which makes for a great cycling trip with friends to explore the eastern side of Singapore.

Camera settings: Photo was shot at 3.49pm using a Canon EOS 5D Mark III with EF 16-35mm f/2.8l II USM lens (F7.1, 1/200, 35mm, ISO100)