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10 Hidden Parks In Singapore For Your Dose Of Nature Without The Crowd

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Faruq Senin •  Jul 08, 2022

While you might be familiar with hiking places in Singapore like the Green Corridor, Fort Canning or the Southern Ridges, we've rounded up 10 hidden parks in Singapore to get your daily dose of nature without the crowds. These underrated and quiet parks are great for a refreshing walk and fresh air.

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Wondering how busy are parks in Singapore? Check the crowd by using the NParks' safe distancing portals and avoid those that are crowded. If you're wondering if you can have a picnic or go hiking with the family, our guide on hiking in Phase 2 (Heightened Alert) will help you out.

P.S. Thinking of cycling instead? Check out 12 Best Cycling Routes In Singapore For An Outdoor Retreat!

Hidden Parks In Singapore

1. Rower's Bay Park

Located by the Yishun Dam connecting Yishun and Seletar, Rower’s Bay Park is a pit stop for cyclists for the future 150km Round Island Route (RIR). While that’s not completed yet, you’ll still be able to admire the scenic view of the Lower Seletar Reservoir and the Yishun Dam. Part of the park is already open to public and it's a great hidden spot for a picnic or relaxing stroll. Currently, you can make your way here by cycling on the marked pavements around Seletar Aerospace Park, and veering off course to get to the park.

Address: Seletar Club Rd

2. Hampstead Wetlands Park

Don't have time to visit Sungei Buloh or Pulau Ubin? Add Hampstead Wetlands Park to your list instead! This hidden park is a green sanctuary and rustic spot in Seletar. With plenty of local flora and fauna, the easy walking trail is perfect for a quiet weekend getaway in the middle of the busy city. ? Take a stroll on the winding boardwalk, and get ready to spot some interesting birds flitting about!

Address: 1 Baker St, Singapore 799977

3. Ann Siang Hill Park

If you're working in the CBD and need a little respite, Ann Siang Hill Park is a hidden spot to head to. Located amidst shophouses in the Telok Ayer and Chinatown district, the park is very small but there's a rich history to it. You can look out for various trees at the park, like tamarind, cinnamon, nutmeg and breadfruit!

Address: 78 Club St, Singapore 069447

4. Pearl's Hill City Park

Here's another park that you might have missed in the Chinatown neighbourhood - Pearl's Hill City Park. This lush green space near Chinatown MRT Station is perfect if you need a break from the bustling city. Here, you'll find a small reservoir at the top of the hill and a stunning view of the city skyline ?

Address: Along Chin Swee Road, Pearl's Hill Rd, and, 169879

5. Mt Emily Park

Located near Plaza Singapura and the Istana, Mt Emily Park is a hidden hideout in the city! To get here, you'd have to walk up the hill around Mt Emily Rd, Wilkie Rd or Sophia Rd and that'll probably start your workout. ? The vibe you'd get here is different as it's populated with private housing, making you feel a little like you're overseas.

Address: Mt Emily Rd, Upper Wilkie Rd, Singapore 228119

6. Learning Forest, Singapore Botanic Gardens

The Singapore Botanic Gardens might be a popular nature spot in town but there are some hidden parts of the gardens that you might not have explored yet, like the Learning Forest! The forest is a network of boardwalks and elevated walkways where you can immerse yourself in nature. It will also bring you to the Keppel Discovery Wetlands, a freshwater forest wetland ecosystem as well as the SPH Walk of Giants, where you'll be able to find some of Southeast Asia's tallest tree species! Don't miss a visit to the Bambusetum, which has over 30 species of tropical bamboo trees ?

Address: 753 Tyersall Ave, Singapore 257700

7. Kent Ridge Park

Kent Ridge Park is a hidden park located near Science Park and it's one of the spots along the Southern Ridges Walk. The park also has a dark past as it was one of the battle sites in World War II. Besides walking through an elevated canopy boardwalk, you can also check out a natural pond and a variety of wildlife. From the park, you can also head over to the Bukit Chandu War Memorial (now temporarily closed) or head over to Hort Park and Henderson Waves.

Address: Vigilante Dr, Singapore 118176 (Enter from Science Park Dr, Vigilante Dr or Pepys Rd)

8. Bukit Batok Nature Park

While Bukit Timah is always a popular nature spot in the West, the Bukit Batok Nature Park nearby is a hidden alternative. The park is a pitstop along the Coast-to-Coast Trail and built around an old quarry.  Take a walk in the park and admire the scenic views of the granite cliffs or challenge yourself to the hilly terrain!

Address: Corner of Bukit Batok East Avenue 2 and Bukit Batok East Ave 6

9. Clementi Woods Park

If you love taking a walk on open lawns, Clementi Woods Park is perfect for you! There's a playground and nature play garden which is ideal for those with kids. The hidden park also has a community garden where residents nearby can do some gardening. At one end of the park, you'll also find Masjid Tentera Diraja, a hilltop kampong mosque which has been there since the 1960s!

Address: West Coast Road

10. Upper Peirce Reservoir Park

Looking for a quieter and more hidden park as an alternative to MacRitchie? The Upper Peirce Reservoir Park's got you covered! Though the entrance to the park is far from the main road, it's well worth a trip as the park offers a really serene and calm atmosphere that you'd seldom get in Singapore. Do be careful of monkeys while you're at the park too! For an alternative park nearby, check out the scenic Upper Seletar Reservoir Park too!

Address: Along Old Upper Thomson Road (enter from Upp Thomson Road)

Go off the beaten path and check out these 10 hidden and underrated parks in Singapore for a breath of fresh air! Let your hiking buddies know. ? Also, check out these other guides on hiking in Singapore: