It’s deep into the holidays, you’re not travelling overseas and suddenly the excitement of doing absolutely nothing has worn off. The days are starting to blur together, your screen time is off the charts, and you’ve already scrolled past 20 people living their best lives in Japan.
But hey, just because you’re staying local doesn’t mean you have to stay bored. Singapore might be tiny, but it’s got some solid green spaces where you can break out of your routine and literally touch grass. Here are 4 easy nature escapes that won’t cost much, are MRT-friendly, and are guaranteed to give your brain a much-needed refresh.
- Gardens by the Bay
If you like nature with a little drama (and air-con), Gardens by the Bay is the choice for you. Just a short walk from Bayfront MRT, this place is basically nature meets sci-fi, with giant glowing trees and misty indoor mountains.
The best part? A huge chunk of it (like the outdoor gardens and the towering Supertree Grove) is completely free. And if you go in the evening, don’t miss the Garden Rhapsody, a light-and-sound show that brings the Supertrees to life every night at 7.45PM and 8.45PM.
Photo Credit to Gardens by the Bay; Picture of the Supertrees
If you’re feeling fancy, step inside the air-conditioned conservatories, where the Flower Dome is just $12 for locals with seasonal floral displays from around the world. The Cloud Forest, at $26, is pricier but totally worth it for its indoor waterfall, lush mountain views, and the cool mist that makes you forget you’re in the tropics.
Book your tickets here: https://ticket.gardensbythebay.com.sg/en
- Singapore Botanic Gardens
Just steps from the Botanic Gardens MRT, this iconic green space is a perfect blend of nature and heritage. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Singapore Botanic Gardens is the kind of place where you can slow down, breathe deeply, and forget you’re in the middle of a bustling city.
The best part? Entry is free for everyone, so you can wander around without worrying about your bank account. It’s also dotted with classic white gazebos and wide, open green fields, perfect if you’re in the mood for a picnic, a sketching session, or just lying down and cloud-watching.
Photo Credit to UNESCO World Heritage Centre; Gazebo in the Botanic Gardens
In conclusion, the Singapore Botanic Gardens is great for lazy afternoons, picnic dates, slow walks, and escaping into green without the need for hiking shoes.
- MacRitchie Reservoir
If you’re ready to get a bit more sweaty, MacRitchie is your go-to. About a 10-minute walk from Marymount MRT, it’s the kind of place that makes you forget you’re in a city. Think lush trails, jungle sounds, and the occasional monkey hanging out on a tree.
Entry? Totally free. The real star here is the TreeTop Walk: a 250m suspension bridge that lets you walk high above the forest floor. Getting there is part of the fun, but it is a 4-5km hike, so do bring along some snacks and water. The attraction is also only open from 9AM-5PM, with the last entry at 4.45PM.
Photo Credit to TripAdvisor; TreeTop Walk in MacRitchie
Overall, when you’re at MacRitchie, expect monitor lizards, unexpected bird sightings, and the kind of peace you can’t buy.
- Pulau Ubin
Last but definitely not the least: Pulau Ubin. If you want to feel like you’ve travelled back in time and out of the city, this little island is the perfect escape. No MRT access here though, you will need to take a bumboat (just $4) from Changi Point Ferry Terminal, a short bus ride (Bus 2) from Tanah Merah MRT.
Once you land, it’s all kampung vibes and gravel roads. Rent a bike for $2/hour, explore the island, and don’t miss the Chek Jawa Wetlands: a peaceful mashup of mangroves, boardwalks, and sea breezes. It’s free to enter, and the views are unbeatable.
Photo Credit to TheSmartLocal; Chek Jawa Wetlands
It’s rustic, it’s wild, and it’s possibly the only place in Singapore where chickens, wild boars, and otters coexist peacefully.
In conclusion, just because you’re not hopping on a plane doesn’t mean you can’t explore. These green escapes are right here at home, and they’re perfect for clearing your head, refreshing your feed, or just getting back in touch with the outdoors (and yourself).
So go on, swap your screens for some trees. Grab a bottle of water, slap on some sunblock, and go touch some grass, Singapore-style.
