Singapore may be a small island, but there’s definitely no lack of natural spaces to enjoy. With the opening of Bidadari Park in September 2024, there are plenty of other water-themed national parks to explore. If you’re looking for pics for the ‘gram, then check out some of the latest and most scenic waterways, lakes, and coastlines that you can visit if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Bidadari Park
Spanning 18 football fields, the new Bidadari Park is inspired by Winnie the Pooh’s Hundred Acre Woods. Boasting a picturesque lake (which doubles as a stormwater retention pond), the park is criss-crossed with a 5.2km network of trails and a Marshland Boardwalk. It’s also one of a few parks identified as a stopover site for migratory birds, bird watchers may catch sights of avian species like yellow-rumped flycatcher and tiger shrike. There’s also a 20m-tall nest platform designed for raptors such as the white-bellied sea eagle.
Nearst MRTs: Bartley and Woodleigh
Jurong Lake Gardens
Beyond sights of lush greenery, Jurong Lake Gardens is also home to stunning waterfront views of this gorgeous manmade reservoir. Enjoy the scenic view along the meandering Rasau Walk boardwalk along the water’s edge, or explore the natural Neram Streams which are surrounded by aquatic plants and dragonflies. Explore the picturesque Grasslands—the perfect location for a ‘gram—or the swamp forest of Alstonia Island. Get active by cycling along the trails or hire a kayak to get around, or walk along Singapore’s largest manmade floating wetlands to enjoy the scenic views of the lake and admire the flora. | Nearest MRT: Lakeside
Woodlands Waterfront Park
As one of Singapore’s northernmost parks, Woodlands Waterfront Park boasts a 1.5km-long waterfront promenade with high vantage points along the scenic trail, where you can have unobstructed and panoramic views of Johor. The park also boasts Singapore’s longest jetty: at 400m-long, it’s a great backdrop for sunset pics! You can also have your dinner right on the jetty – the waterfront restaurant serves various seafood dishes and other local delicacies. | Nearest MRT: Woodlands
Lower Seletar Reservoir Park
Located on the northern shore of Lower Seletar Reservoir, the Lower Seletar Reservoir Park has a number of attractions, including a fishing jetty. A favourite place for sunset pics is a Heritage Bridge close to the water play area which is lit dramatically in the evening. Head further towards the Yishun Dam, and you’ll reach Rower’s Bay Park – a popular venue for kayaking and dragon-boating. Also near the dam is Singapore’s last fishing village, with huts that are perched along the rickety wooden jetties. Not far away is the manmade island of Punggol Barat which is popular with cyclists. | Nearest MRT: Khatib
Kranji Marshes
At a sprawling 57 hectares, Kranji Marshes is our island’s largest freshwater farmland. The area is famous for birdwatching (it’s home to over 170 species of bird), when birds of prey visit between November and March. You can catch them from six bird hides or from the 10.65m-tall Raptor Tower which is designed to give you a panoramic view of the surrounding marshes. If panoramic views and tranquil marshes aren’t enough, the floating boardwalk at the Reed Crossing just might be. A popular photogenic spot is the Reed Crossing, a floating boardwalk that’s a key pathway between the public area and the conservation area.
Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
Not far from Kranji Marshes is the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, another one of Singapore’s parks known for its birdlife, in addition to dramatic sunrises and bird’s nest-like wooden pods. There are 5 pods are connected via the Coastal Trail – and the most Instagrammable pods are the Eagle Point and Kingfisher, both of which are perched on boardwalks that jut out over the water. Another interesting area is the Mud Experience with its elevated netted bridges suspended above the mud where you can see crabs and mudskippers. The park also has other interesting spots like the Migratory Bird Trail that weaves around a series of wetlands, and the swaying bridges of the Mid-canopy Walk. | Nearest MRT: Kranji
