Categories > Guides and Tips
The Best Bird Watching Spots in Singapore for Eagle-Eyed Spotters
I’ll never forget the day my dad took young me to Jurong Bird Park and I volunteered to stand front and centre, letting a parrot land on my arm.
My fascination with birds continued on to adulthood, and I’ve come to love birdwatching. While it might seem easy, it demands heaps of patience and a sharp eye (how about you get yours checked first before your first bird watching foray?).
If you have both in spades, check out my top picks for where to spot Singapore’s most majestic feathered friends!
Kranji Marshes
Media from nparksbuzz
Address: 11 Neo Tiew Lane 2
Contact Details: +65 6794 1401
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 7:00 am to 7:00 pm
Admission Fee: Free
Website
The Kranji Marshes is a 56-hectare sanctuary for bird lovers in the northern part of the island. It houses over 170 species of birds and wildlife and is considered one of the largest freshwater marshes on the island.
There are bird lookouts and towers for people to sit back and watch birds fly by. Much of the area is protected by the Sungei Buloh Nature Park Network, so many researchers come over to study the behaviours of the common birds found here.
Tips:
- Only about 8 hectares of the marshes are open to the public, except for activities hosted by the National Parks Board. Bird watchers are allowed to stay in the watchtowers and lookouts, but anyone who wishes to explore the conservation area must register and join in on an official NPB activity (guided tours, excursions, etc.).
- You can also take a self-guided walk around the public areas of the marshlands. Take a look at this page to study the route and find what else is there to expect in the nature trail.
Bird Paradise (Mandai Wildlife Reserve)
Media from mandaiwildlifereserve
Address: 20 Mandai Lake Road, Mandai Wildlife Reserve
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Admission Fee:
- Adults: $49
- Child: $34
Just by its name, the Bird Paradise is a haven for anyone who loves birds. You won’t need to venture to far-flung places to witness over 8,000 birds across 600 different species because they’re all housed in this bird sanctuary.
Unlike other places on this list, the bird park doesn’t require a lot of hiking or exploring the wilderness. Instead, you can roam around the vast enclosure and get up close and personal with flamingos, swans, toucans, ibises, and so much more.
You also don’t need to sit and wait in a hideout for too long. Instead, you can walk through the world’s largest aviary and say “hi” to over 1,500 birds from South America and Africa!
Tips:
- Feeling a bit tired? Hop on the free in-park shuttle to get around the park with ease! The unlimited rides are already included in your entry ticket, so just hop on the shuttles at either Shuttle Stations 1 or 2.
- For a better glimpse at what’s in store for you at the bird park, download the Mandai App here before your visit. You can also use the app’s map to help you find your way to the aviaries.
Punggol Waterway Park
Media from naprksbuzz
Address: Sentul Crescent
Operating Hours: Open 24/7
Admission Fee: Free
Website
Situated in a serene and peaceful area in Singapore’s northeast, Punggol Waterway Park features four distinct themes, providing a variety of attractions for nature enthusiasts.
It’s also a sanctuary for birdwatchers, attracting a variety of species such as the rose-ringed parakeet, long-tailed shrike, common collared kingfisher, pink-necked green pigeon, yellow-vented bulbul, black-naped oriole, and white-throated kingfisher.
Tip:
- The best time to drop by this place for bird-watching is in the morning before sunrise. The park gets crowded with people by the afternoon, so it’s best to do most of your bird-watching in the early morning (plus, the birds are usually more active at that time!)
Rifle Range Nature Park
Media from nparksbuzz
Address: Rifle Range Road
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 7:00 am to 7:00 pm
Admission Fee: Free
Website
Rifle Range Nature Park is a must-visit destination for birdwatchers, offering an exceptional environment for observing various bird species.
The Glider’s Boardwalk offers prime birdwatching views from its 400-metre elevated path, passing key spots like the Visitor Pavilion and Quarry Wetland. The Banyan and Gaharu Trails also enhance birdwatching with their diverse Banyan trees.
Tips:
- Some parts of the park’s network of pathways are wheelchair-accessible, such as the 700-metre-long route connecting the Quarry Wetland to the Visitor Pavilion. Unfortunately, it’s only in this area that people on wheelchairs or mobility aids can access.
Note that motorised mobility devices are not allowed on the pathway. Only manual ones are allowed! - If you’re going bird-watching with a group of 30 people or more, you’ll need to secure a permit at least 30 days ahead of your visit. Learn more here.
Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
Media from nparksbuzz
Address: 301 Neo Tiew Cres
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 7:00 am to 7:00 pm
Admission Fee: Free
Website
The Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve is the island’s first ASEAN Heritage Park and spans over 200 hectares. Not only is it the first ASEAN Heritage Park, but it’s also the island’s first wetlands reserve to be gazetted as a global site for migratory birds.
This means that the nature reserve is internationally recognised as one of the best places to bird-watch in Asia. A few bird species you’ll find here are eagles, kingfishers, sunbirds, herons, golden plovers, greenshanks, and redshanks.
Tips:
- The best time to visit the nature reserve is between April to August, as this is the migratory season for birds. Just note that many bird-watchers from all over the world visit the nature reserve during this time, so prepare for crowds.
- In case you forget your binoculars, you can actually rent a pair from the visitor centre for a small fee.
- If you wish to do professional photography at the nature reserve, you need to secure a permit at least two weeks ahead of your visit. You can submit a request or application to this email.
MacRitchie Reservoir Park
Media from nparksbuzz
Address: Lornie Road
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 7:00 am to 7:00 pm
Admission Fee: Free
Website
The MacRitchie Reservoir is located within the Central Catchment Nature Reserve, the largest reserve on the island. It’s a known hiking and bird-watching spot thanks to the expansive nature trail network and diverse bird species spotted here.
The most popular spot is the TreeTop Walk, a suspension bridge hanging 27 metres above the ground. It gives bird-watchers a great vantage point to catch sight of at least 80 different types of birds visiting the park.
Tips:
- Aside from birds, lots of wildlife like monkeys are known to pass by the suspension bridge. That said, keep any loose gear or snacks away from their sight, as the monkeys are known to steal them away!
- The TreeTop Walk suspension bridge may close during bad weather, so it’s a good idea to check the website for any closure updates before your visit.
Kent Ridge Park
Media from nparksbuzz
Address: Vigilante Drive
Contact Details: +65 1800 471 7300
Operating Hours: Open 24/7
Admission Fee: Free
Website
Kent Ridge Park is known to many locals and tourists as an important historical site (it was where one of the last battles of World War II took place), but for avid bird-watchers, it’s also a haven to catch sight birds of prey.
One of the most popular sightings here is the Brahminy kite, also known as the red-backed sea-eagle. Other birds spotted here include the white-crested laughingthrush and the greater racket-tailed drongo.
Tips:
- The park originally had three entrances, but with the closure of the Springwood Height entrance, visitors can now enter through either Vigilante Drive or Pepys Road.
- Tembusu Grove and the Canopy Walk are the only wheelchair-accessible areas in the park. The other sections include staircases or steep paths that are not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers.
Kallang Riverside Park
Media from bryanltm
Address: Corner Kallang Road and Crawford Street
Contact Details: +65 1800 471 7300
Operating Hours: Open 24/7
Admission Fee: Free
Website
If you’re a bird-watching enthusiast, Kallang Riverside Park is an ideal spot to visit, especially during the migratory season from September to March. Just make sure to plan your visit accordingly so that you won’t miss out on cool bird sightings.
Spanning 7 hectares along the Kallang River, the park is a haven for spotting herons, egrets, and other bird species as they grace the riverside. The riverside offers a serene place to observe avian life while relaxing on the grass.
Tips:
- While most of the park is disability-friendly, the toilets aren’t.
- The best time to visit the park is in the early morning because the crowds and traffic get heavier in the late afternoon.
- The park is also a known fishing spot, so why not try your hand at catching some fish while waiting for birds to show up? Just note that you can only fish at the designated fishing zones (which also happen to be prime spots to catch the birds).
Pasir Ris Park
Media from nparksbuzz
Address: Along Pasir Ris Central, Opposite MRT Station
Contact Details: +65 1800 471 7300
Operating Hours: Open 24/7
Admission Fee: Free
Website
Another bird-watchers’ haven is Pasir Ris Park, which spans 70 hectares of lush greenery, mangrove forests, and seaside views. The park is perfect for spotting various bird species from the Bird-Watching Tower, set against the serene coastline.
Stroll along the boardwalk for a peaceful experience, where the gentle sound of waves and the chirping of birds create a tranquil atmosphere. The park also features grassy lawns and beach access, making it a well-rounded destination for nature lovers.
Tip:
- Visitors to Pasir Ris Park can reserve barbecue pits by the beach. Reservations can be made for the desired date, but note that the pits are available for use only from 7:00 pm to 10:30 pm.
