Are you looking for a unique travel experience that mixes natural and cultural highlights in Singapore? Renowned for its modern skyscrapers and urban life, Singapore also offers some of the most stunning natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage.

In this article, I will explore three must-visit destinations in Singapore that will attract you with their natural beauty and immerse you in the country’s diverse culture. From forest jungle to pristine beaches to old forts, prepare to get to know Singapore on a different level.

Pulau Bin

One of the best natural and cultural highlights in Singapore is Pulau Bin. This is a small island located in the northeastern part of Singapore. It is situated just off the mainland, between the Johor Strait and Pulau Tekong. Despite its location near the busy city-state, Pulau Ubin offers a tranquil escape from urban life.

The island covers an area of approximately 10 square kilometres and is mostly made up of granite rocks. Its name, which translates to “Island of Granite,” reflects this geological formation.

Pulau Ubin has a rich history dating back to the 19th century when it was primarily used for farming and fishing by local communities. It wasn’t until the mid-20th century that it became known as a recreational destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

History

Pulau Ubin first appeared on a map in an 1828 sketch of the Island of Singapore as Pulo Obin. Since the British founding of Singapore, the island has been known for its granite. The numerous granite quarries on the island have historically supplied the local construction industry. Granite from Pulau Ubin was used in the construction of Horsburgh Lighthouse and the Singapore- Joho causeway. Most of the quarries are no longer in operation today and are either filled with water or taken back by the jungle In the 1970s, as the granite quarries closed and employment opportunities diminished, residents began to leave the island.

Activities

Mountain biking is a well-regarded activity on Pulau Ubin, home to one of Singapore’s premier mountain bike trails: Ketam Mountain Bike Park. The mountain bike route is established in 2007. The trail spans approximately 8 kilometres and has varied elevations and a diverse range of terrain, from open meadows to dense jungle. The trail is well-marked with signs indicating the difficulty level of each section. While many visitors to the island bring their own bicycles, it’s possible to rent a mountain bike in Ubin town.

Chek Jawa Wetlands

Chek Jawa Wetlands is situated at the eastern end of Pulau Ubin, approximately 3 km from the public jetty at Pulau Ubin. You can rent a bicycle from the main village, or for the more adventurous, take a 40-minute walk to Chek Jawa from the jetty. The area is around 100 hectares and a distinctive natural area with six major ecosystems: sandy beach, rocky beach, seagrass lagoon, coral rubble, mangroves, and coastal forest.

Coastal and Mangrove Loop  & Jejawi Tower

From the visitor centre, you can choose to explore the Chek Jawa Wetlands via two routes: the Coastal Loop (600m) and the Mangrove Loop (500m) boardwalk. Both routes have lookout platforms, a floating pontoon, and shelters. Discover the rich biodiversity by reading the informative panels and directional signs installed along the boardwalk. Both routes can be completed in approximately one and a half hours.

Throughout the journey, you will have the opportunity to walk up the seven-storey (21m) Jejawi Tower to view the tree canopy and observe the biodiversity, including various bird species. The viewing tower is named after the native Malayan Banyan tree that grows beside it. The design and construction of the railings of the boardwalk, jetty, and viewing tower are made of aluminium for its durability and ability to withstand the harsh natural conditions of the wetlands.

Sensory trail garden

Experience Ubin’s remarkable nature with the Sensory Trail. This easy walk takes approximately 1 hour to complete and guides you through the backyard plantings of the Pulau Ubin village home. The garden has fruit trees such as papaya, banana, rambutan, and breadfruit. Observe the various vegetables, spices, and herbs that villagers once cultivated for personal use. You can also discover the economic crops that were vital to Pulau Ubin in the 1970s. This trail offers an excellent introduction to the island’s rustic and natural character.

Ecological projects

The National Biodiversity Centre, in collaboration with Wildlife Reserves Singapore, Nanyang Technological University have implemented the Hornbill Conservation Project. The project was setup to support the breeding and recovery of the Oriental pied hornbill. Previously extinct in Singapore, this species has begun to re-establish itself in areas such as Pulau Ubin and Changi.

Hornbills require tree cavities to nest in. But tree cavities of sufficient size to accommodate the female hornbill and her young are not common in Singapore. The installation of artificial nest boxes at Pulau Ubin and Changi has proven successful. The boxes even have video cameras installed inside to provide a better understanding of the birds’ behavioural and feeding patterns.

How to get there

You can travel to Pulau Ubin from Singapore’s main island via a 10-minute bumboat ride from the Changi Point Ferry Terminal. Each bumboat can accommodate 12 passengers, and the captain will wait until the boat is at full capacity. Those who prefer not to wait can pay for the entire bumboat and depart immediately.

Transportation around the island can be done via bicycles that are for rent at Ubin village. Or you can explore the island on foot.

Reading tip: Monumental highlights to visit in Singapore

Sentosa island

Sentosa Island is situated off the southern coast of Singapore and approximately 1 km from the main island. It is accessible by cable car, road, and monorail. Covering an area of around 5 square kilometres, the island has a population of approximately 1,000 residents.

As a renowned tourist destination, Sentosa Island offers a variety of attractions including Universal Studios Singapore, S.E.A Aquarium, Adventure Cove Waterpark, among others. Visitors can also enjoy its beautiful beaches, nature walks, and a range of outdoor activities.

History

Long before it was known as Sentosa, this island was called Pulau Belakang Mati. It translates to “Island of Death from Behind” in Malay. This name originated from the numerous pirate attacks that occurred on the island in the 19th century.

In 1827, the British established a military outpost on the island to defend against these attacks and renamed it Sentosa. It means “peace and tranquillity” in Malay. The island also served as a prisoner-of-war camp during World War II.

After the war, Sentosa remained under military control until 1972 when the Singapore Tourism Board took responsibility for the island’s development. They transformed it into a leisure destination, constructing hotels, golf courses, and various attractions.

Over the years, Sentosa has continued to evolve and expand. In 1991, it became home to Southeast Asia’s first Universal Studios theme park, followed by other popular attractions such as the S.E.A. Aquarium and Adventure Cove Waterpark.

Visiting Fort Siloso

Constructed by the British in the late 1800s, Siloso Fort was one of three forts. They were built as part of Singapore’s defence strategy against potential maritime threats. Its strategic location on top of a hill provided an clear view of the surrounding waters.

Over the years, Siloso Fort played a important role in Singapore’s defence during significant events such as World War II. During WWII the island was occupied by Japanese troops and used as a prisoner-of-war camp. Following Singapore’s independence in 1965, the fort served as a site for military training before being opened to the public as a historical site in 1974.

Today visitors have the opportunity to explore the various preserved structures at Siloso Fort and gain insight into its rich history. The fort is divided into two sections: the upper battery and the lower battery.

The upper battery contains remnants of the original fort, including gun emplacements and an underground tunnel system. Visitors can get up to the top of the fort to enjoy views of Sentosa Island from its observation deck. The lower battery has a museum with exhibits of the fort’s history and artifacts from its various uses over the years.

How to get to Sentosa

Sentosa Island is located just 15 minutes from the city centre. There are various transportation options to reach Sentosa in Singapore.

By cable car

One of the most scenic methods to reach Sentosa is by taking the cable car. This service connects Mount Faber (mainland Singapore) to Sentosa Island via Harbourfront Tower 2. From the cable car you have stunning views of the city skyline and surrounding islands. The journey is approximately 15 minutes. Tickets can be purchased at the cable car station or online. But check the prices before you decide to take the cable car as the prices are a bit steep.

By monorail

The Sentosa Express monorail is another popular mode of transportation to the island. It operates from VivoCity (Harbourfront MRT station) and stops at three stations on Sentosa Island: Waterfront, Imbiah, and Beach Station. The ride takes only a few minutes, allowing for easy transfer to other attractions within Sentosa.

By bus

Sentosa provides complimentary shuttle bus services for visitors who have purchased attraction tickets or are staying at one of the island’s hotels. These buses run every 15 minutes and operate from various locations in Singapore, including VivoCity, Harbourfront MRT station, and Bugis MRT station.

By car or taxi

For those who prefer travelling by car or taxi, there are two main entry points to Sentosa: the Sentosa Gateway at VivoCity and Beach View at Harbourfront Avenue. Note that a toll fee is required upon entering Sentosa Island. Taxis are also available at designated taxi stands throughout Singapore.

By walking or cycling

For enthusiasts of walking or cycling, there are pedestrian and cycling paths leading to Sentosa from the mainland. The Sentosa Boardwalk at VivoCity is a scenic 670-meter walkway with picturesque views of the harbour and city skyline. Bicycles can also be rented at various locations on Sentosa Island.

Reading tip: Beginners travel guide to Singapore

Windsor Nature Park

Are you a nature lover looking for a serene and peaceful escape in Singapore? Look no further than Windsor Nature Park. This 75-hectare park is a hidden gem located in the central region of Singapore. You have the opportunity to get up close with nature and enjoy some tranquil moments away from the urban chaos.

History of Windsor Nature Park

Windsor Nature Park may seem like a relatively new addition to Singapore’s green spaces, but it actually has a rich history dating back over 100 years. The area was first acquired by the British colonial government in 1910 and used as a rubber plantation until the late 1980s. After that, the land was left untouched for many years until it was designated as a nature park in 2017.

Natural features of Windsor Nature Park

One of the highlights of Windsor Nature Park is its diverse range of habitats and natural features. The park consists of secondary forests, freshwater streams, and wetlands, making it a haven for various flora and fauna. Visitors can spot over 150 species of birds, including rare ones like the Red-crowned Barbet and Black-crested Bulbul. There are also plenty of opportunities to observe other wildlife such as squirrels, butterflies, and even the occasional wild boar.

Hiking trails

Venus Loop

• Difficulty level: Easy

• Trail length: 1.8km (loop)

• Estimated walking Time: 45 minutes

The Venus Loop combines boardwalk and natural trail elements. The Venus loop gives you access to the TreeTop Walk suspension bridge in the Central Catchment Nature Reserve. The part is around 7km and a moderate to difficult hike. The boardwalk section of the Venus Loop leads to the Hanguana Trail and the beginning of Squirrel Trail.

Squirrel and Drongo Trail

• Difficulty level: Easy

• Trail length: 2.2km (loop)

• Estimated walking time: 1 hour

Both Squirrel Trail and Drongo Trail are boardwalk paths that allow visitors to closely experience the forest jungle of Windsor Nature Park. As you hike, you can observe the riparian forest without disturbing the vegetation on the forest floor.

The Squirrel Trail follows the stream and provides a close view of the freshwater swamp habitat. The trail ends with steps climbing a steep forested slope, leading to Drongo Trail.

Drongo Trail features an elevated boardwalk that reaches up to 4 meters above ground at its highest point, offering a sub-canopy level experience and a unique vantage point for wildlife observation.

At the end of Squirrel Trail, you may go along the natural path of Venus Link. Continuing forward will lead you to the MacRitchie Nature Trail and Treetop Walk suspension bridge in Central Catchment Nature Reserve (MacRitchie). This trail will take you to Venus Loop.

How to get there

Windsor Nature Park is easily accessible by public transportation. You can take the MRT to Ang Mo Kio station and then hop on bus 138 or 169 which will take you directly to the park entrance. If you prefer to drive, there are parking lots available at the entrance as well. Or book a Grab car to get to Windsor Nature Park.

Monumental highlights in Asia

There are endless adventures waiting for you in Asia. Each country offers a unique mix of culture, history, nature and energetic cities that will surprise you.

India is a country like no other with its colourful chaos and spiritual richness. From hectic cities like Delhi or Mumbai, to peaceful mountain retreats in the Himalayas, or the palaces in Rajasthan. There is something for everyone. Highlights include the iconic Taj Mahal, the lively markets of Jaipur and the serene backwaters of Kerala.

Nepal is known as the land of the Himalayas. The country presents breathtaking views and adventurous activities such as trekking to Mount Everest base camp or the Annapurna Circuit. The country has a long and fascinating culture and history with ancient temples and palaces in Kathmandu and Bhaktapur.

Thailand is a popular destination for its beautiful beaches, vivid nightlife and delicious food. From island hopping in Koh Phi Phi, exploring ancient ruins in Ayutthaya, or visit the temples and jungle in and around Chiang Mai. You’ll never run out of things to do. Don’t forget to try authentic Thai dishes like Pad Thai or Tom Yum soup while you’re there.

Laos is a hidden jewel in Asia. The country invites you to a slower pace and explore the untouched natural beauty. Discover the charming town of Luang Prabang, go hiking in the remote town of Nong Khiaw, or hop in a kayak to explore the 4000 islands.

Cambodia is home to the famous Angkor Wat temple complex, but there’s so much more to discover. From the capital city of Phnom Penh to the peaceful countryside of Kampot, you’ll be amazed by this country’s rich culture and history.