Singapore is awash with lush gardens and parklands as tropical greenery carpets the landscape. Countless trees and flowering shrubs line the expressways and colorful plants hang from balconies and overhead bridges. Singapore also has many nature parks and reservoirs that dot the entire island.

Bukit Timah Nature Reserve

Apart from Rio de Janeiro, Singapore is the only city in the world to have a significant area of primary rainforest within its boundaries. Only 12km from the city center, this 164-hectare reserve contains more species of trees than the entire North American continent. At the heart of the reserve lies Singapore's highest point, Bukit Timah Hill. It is at 162.5m above sea level with well marked paths meandering through the jungle. An ideal place for hikers, it is a habitat for exotic birds, butterflies, monkeys, squirrels, and flying lemurs, as well as unique plant life, such as the insect-eating pitcher plant. It is open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Getting there : Take TIBS Bus 171 or 182 from Newton MRT Station.

Sungei Buluh Nature Park

As Singapore's first wetland nature reserve, this park offers several hiking trails and ten observation hides. There are also large freshwater ponds, prawn farms, mangroves, and swamps. This is a great place for adventurous hikers. The park is open from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends and public holidays.

Getting there : Take TIBS Bus 925 from either Woodlands MRT Station or Kranji MRT Station.