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The Best Eco Travel Destinations in Singapore for Sustainable Tourism
When I was younger, I never really thought much about eco-tourism. I just travelled tried-and-tested touristy routes.
When I first heard the term eco-tourism, I did some research and found that it’s all about conservation and sustainable tourism (no, it’s not about conserving funds to sustain your tour!). It’s about travelling responsibly to conserve Mother Nature.
Below are the best spots I found in Singapore for eco-tourism so you can start doing your part for the environment.
1. Sungei Buloh Wetlands Reserve
– From jimmytst
Address: 301 Neo Tiew Cres
Website: https://www.nparks.gov.sg/sbwr
Contact Number: +6567941401
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday, 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Cost:
- SGD 1.00 per adult during weekends and public holidays
- SGD 0.50 per child during weekends and public holidays
- Free from Monday to Friday
I visited this wetland reserve on a summer day, and let me tell you, this is one great spot to support eco-travel. Some tourists and I strolled the mangrove boardwalk and took in the lush greenery of the area.
We then proceeded to the Aerie Tower where we were treated to some panoramic views of the reserve.
I then broke off from the other guests to check out Eagle Point, an amazing lookout point jutting out of the lake where I got to see birds like eagles, herons, and egrets.
If ecotourism is what you’re after, then I think you’ll love their guided tours here (like I did!). I checked out the “What’s in my Water” walking tour where a local guide taught us about how important the creatures and plants of the reserve are!
Pro Tip: I found out about the walking tours by checking their website for upcoming events. Aside from guided tours, the reserve also features photo exhibits and storytelling sessions that I think are perfect for young kids. |
2. Singapore Night Safari
Address: 80 Mandai Lake Rd
Website: https://www.mandai.com/en/night-safari.html
Contact Number: +65 6360 8672
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday, 7:15 PM to 12:00 AM
Cost:
- SGD 56 per adult
- SGD 39 per child
My family and I visited the Singapore Night Safari a few months back, and we didn’t just learn more about the flora and fauna of Southeast Asia. We (especially our young kids) had a ton of fun thanks to the unique activities offered by this venue.
Our family reserved a private tour in advance, and the guide led us through the nocturnal wildlife like a true pro.
He talked about the habitat and feeding patterns of the animals present during the tour like elephants, and the kids enjoyed feeding these majestic creatures. We also learned about the importance of preserving the ecosystem where these creatures live.
At around 9:30 PM, we then went to the amphitheatre to check out the Creatures of the Night presentation. It was fun to see owls, otters, foxes, and bearded pigs!
Pro Tip: If I weren’t too busy, I would definitely volunteer as a Conservation Ambassador at the Night Safari. You just need to donate SGD 35 to be an ambassador and receive 2 days’ worth of training. Check out their webpage for more details. |
3. River Wonders (formerly called River Safari)
– From mariakarenv
Address: 80 Mandai Lake Rd
Website: https://www.mandai.com/en/river-wonders.html
Contact Number: +65 6100 0694
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Cost:
- SGD 43 per adult
- SGD 31 per child
After our trip to the Night Safari, I figured I wanted something more aquatic-themed, so I decided to visit River Wonders. This aquarium-themed reserve did not disappoint with its educational and entertaining activities and unique animals.
During one of the keeper talk sessions, we learned a ton of info about the giant catfish and elephantnose fish (the former had a cute and wacky look if you ask me).
We were then led to the Boat Plaza to join the Once Upon a River session and witness how animal keepers interact with cute aquatic animals like capybaras.
I grabbed the opportunity to take photos with these lovely creatures, but I must admit you have to line up early, as a photo with these reserve superstars is on a first-come, first-served basis!
Pro Tip: To get the most out of your experience here, I recommend that you experience their Amazon River Quest (which I sadly wasn’t able to try due to my lack of time). You can enjoy this unique boat adventure by buying tickets online via their website. |
4. Tampines Eco Green
– From yippi312
Address: Tampines Ave 9
Website: https://www.nparks.gov.sg/
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday, 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM
Cost:
- Free
I wasn’t expecting much from Tampines Eco Green, but it proved me wrong.
Aside from its rural appeal, the area featured unique structures made from recyclable materials (like wood shavings)—a win for eco-tourism if you ask me! These structures include shelters and signages.
We also found out that the fertiliser used on the soil of the park was made from composted poop! This natural soil enhancer seems to be working quite well, as the trails and the paths surrounding the park are filled with thick shrubs and trees.
The young ones particularly liked the marsh trail due to its thick green grass and plants, but I much prefer the diversity trail with its unobstructed view of the Singaporean sky.
Pro Tip: We highly recommend visiting the park in the morning, as the area doesn’t have any lighting. |
5. Pulau Ubin Island
– From shielamarabillo
Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/RAzyNGL88pm8EMWM9
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday, Open 24 hours
Cost:
- Free
I have a soft spot for beautiful beaches with clear blue waters, fine sand, and amazing views. That’s exactly what Pulau Ubin Island offered us!
To get the most out of our visit, we decided to proceed to the Chek Jawa Wetlands area. Here, we witnessed biodiversity at its finest as we took in the varied ecosystems of the wetlands.
We took our time just admiring the mangrove swamps and their critters (like mudskippers and fiddler crabs), basking in the beauty of the coastal forests, and just hanging out with our kids at the rocky beaches.
We also checked out the Mamam Campsite and found that the location is ideal for families who want to experience camping without having to travel far.
I’m not a cyclist myself, but the Ketam Mountain Bike Path seems like an exciting challenge with its rock-littered paths and intimidating slopes.
Pro Tip: Travelling on foot here can be quite daunting. So instead, do what we did and rent some bikes from one of the stores found near the island’s jetty. |
6. Central Catchment Nature Reserve
– From nparksbuzz
Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Bu2pfVFoEJPcogCo8
Website: https://beta.nparks.gov.sg/
Contact Number: +65 1800 471 7300
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday, 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Cost:
- Free
Enjoying some eco-tourism doesn’t mean educational talks all the time, and that’s exactly what we found out during our trip to this reserve. Aside from the trails and the flora and fauna, some activities here made us hold our breath (literally!).
We’re referring, of course, to our climb atop the Jelutong Tower and the TreeTop Walk. The tower made our knees shake as we ascended the 7-storey structure, but we were rewarded with spectacular views once we reached the top.
The TreeTop Walk isn’t for the faint-hearted, as this is a suspended bridge with a height of 25 metres. My kids weren’t too fond of how high the bridge was, but instead of looking down, I urged them to look around and appreciate the awesome sights!
We also enjoyed the Lornie Nature Corridor, a road filled with thick trees and foliage on both sides to simulate a rainforest. I think the reserve did a great job here, as the trees and plants along the road looked thriving!
Pro Tip: The TreeTop Walk is actually part of the MacRitchie trails, and you can choose which trail you want to take on depending on your fitness level. You can go through 4 different routes with varying difficulty levels (more info on this on their website). We went with the easiest trails though (Routes 1 and 2), as we were first-timers at this nature reserve. |
7. Kampong Lorong Buangkok Village
– From jimmytst
Address: Kampong Lorong Buangkok Village
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday, Open 24 hours
Cost:
- Free
Aside from eco-tourism, Kampong Lorong Buangkok Village also has deep cultural significance for Singapore. It’s the last surviving village in the country dating back to the 1960s!
Instead of the usual impressive skyscrapers, we were treated to some old-school and rural-looking single-storey bungalows. Surrounding these bungalows are ketapang trees.
Looking around, we also couldn’t help but gush about their way of living in this rural village. The elders relaxing while seated on their verandas and the sound of clucking chickens reminded us of a simpler and bygone era.
Pro Tip: After a day of enjoying the rural feel of the village, you can visit a popular vegan restaurant nearby called Cedele. We tried their vegan burger patties with slices of avocados—filling and healthy! |
8. Gardens by the Bay
Address: 18 Marina Gardens Dr
Website: https://www.gardensbythebay.com.sg/
Contact Number: +6564206848
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday, 5:00 AM to 2:00 AM
Cost:
- Free
Gardens by the Bay is one of Singapore’s most popular tourist spots. But did you know that this attraction also promotes sustainability and eco-tourism through its unique and interconnected structures namely the Supertrees and cooled conservatory?
The Supertrees—as its name implies—are vertical gardens that collect rainwater, act as air exhausts, and generate solar power. The nearby conservatory maintains its cold temperature thanks to these Supertrees!
We checked out the interiors of the cooled conservatory and had a blast. The kids had a ton of fun just looking at the unique trees scattered across the area such as the baobabs (bottle trees), drunken trees, and ghost trees.
We also visited the Cloud Forest to see the world’s tallest indoor waterfall. I got goosebumps as we crossed the Cloud Walk bridge. The fog on both sides made the stroll surreal!
Pro Tip: Gardens by the Bay features different exhibits and festivals depending on the season. You might be in the area during the National Family Festival or Children’s Festival, so be sure to check their website for more information. |
9. Singapore Botanic Gardens
– From felicitywalker2017
Address: 1 Cluny Rd
Website: http://www.sbg.org.sg/
Contact Number: +6564717138
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday, 5:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Cost:
- Free
The Singapore Botanic Gardens is one of the most famous green lungs in the country. We visited its botany centre and experienced the rural feel of the colonial buildings surrounded by large historic trees.
We then headed to the National Orchid Garden where we saw a ton of unique plants like magnolias and bromeliads and took in a relaxing mountain forest vibe.
The kids excitedly asked us to visit the nearby Botanical Art Gallery, and we’re glad we obliged. Inside, we saw a ton of sketches that showcase different plant forms (like orchids and ferns) native to the Asian region along with their life cycle.
However, the young ones had the most fun in the activity room where they sketched and mixed colours on their own.
Pro Tip: If you want to make the most of your visit, try joining one of their tours. |
10. Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
Address: Hindhede Dr
Website: https://beta.nparks.gov.sg/visit/parks/park-detail/bukit-timah-nature-reserve
Contact Number: +65 1800 471 7300
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday, 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Cost:
- Free
Bukit Timah Nature Reserve is worth your time if you want virgin forests, hiking trails with impressive views, and unique flora and fauna.
I certainly had a great time as I took a morning stroll along the rainforest of the reserve. However, I think it can be a bit scary visiting the area at night due to the thick foliage and limited lighting in the woods.
That aside, this forest is home to some unique animals! One such animal is the greater racket-tailed drongo, and I totally dig its dark feathers and majestic demeanour. I also saw a cute Malayan colugo!
There’s also the Bukit Timah Hill, one of the country’s tallest natural peaks and a certified beauty in terms of scenic views. I was walking along one of the hiking trails of the reserve (Route 1, I think) and an opening to a wide-open field gave me an impressive and unobstructed view of this summit—simply jaw-dropping!
Pro Tip: You can learn more about the reserve and its activities by visiting the social media page called Friends of Bukit Timah Forest. |