You’d be surprised at how many nature spots Singapore actually has - considering its urban reputation. Although popular parks and reserves such as the MacRitchie Reservoir and Bukit Timah Nature Reserve are home to a throng of animals inside the dense forest, curious trekkers have found it difficult to spot these wildlife animals in their habitat. Thus, we have compiled a list of place in Singapore where wildlife sighting will be a mere walk in the park
Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
Sungei Buloh was the first park in Singapore to be designated as an ASEAN Heritage Park in recognition of its biodiversity. The nature reserve is a dream come true for wildlife animal lovers. With birds taking the top spot of sights to see, migratory species like the greenshanks, milky storks and Chinese egrets take flight and settle at the grounds of Sungei Buloh every day.
The birds are certainly what attracts wildlife photographers here, but that doesn’t mean that the other animals play second fiddle. Wildlife photographers camp at the public observation posts to spot crocodiles lurking in the murky waters and along mangrove riverbeds. Sightings of mudskippers and monitor lizards on the mangrove are a common sight at the nature reserve. We absolutely recommend Sungei Buloh, animal lovers won’t be disappointed!
Jurong Bird Park
We’re still on a bird craze, and you’ll definitely see them (feed them too!) at the Jurong Bird Park. It’s the largest of its kind in Asia with over 5000 birds from 400 species. Meet the friendly lories, listen to interesting stories of the resident birds during feeding sessions, and learn about the mischievous hornbills and adorable penguins in the park.
There’s nowhere in Singapore where you’ll get to interact with animals this closely. It’s perfect for family outings or outdoor dates with your loved ones.
Singapore Zoo
Tapirs, tigers, orangutans, you can see them all at the Singapore Zoo! The rainforest zoo is home to 2800 animals from 300 species, all of which are kept in enclosures that mirror their natural habitats. Hop on a “backstage” tour of the animals in a buggy ride where you’ll get the chance to interact with giraffes and giant tortoises! Other feeding sessions that you don’t want to miss include the rhinoceros and the elephant feeding sessions; you’ll also be glad to know that the proceeds from the feeding sessions fund conservation efforts in the region.
Night Safari
Get an experience like no other at the Night Safari, the world’s first nocturnal zoo. It’s hard to spot elusive nocturnal animals in the wild. At the Night Safari, you’ll see animals like the spotted hyena and the clouded leopard prowling under the cover of night. It’s going to be dark, but your eyes will slowly adjust to the dim lights that make it barely visible to admire them. Animal lovers will enjoy the scenic tram ride that will take them through the zones with live commentary. Remember to stay for the “Creatures of the Night” show that will leave you bedazzled.
River Safari
Admire exotic animals in the comfort of your own seat on a slow and relaxing cruise along the steady stream of the River Safari. The zones are made to replicate the habitats of rivers around the world like the Mississippi River and the Yangtze River. This is also where you can see the resident giant pandas - Kai Kai and Jia Jia - and other adorable animals like the red panda. Spot the fierce predators from the Mississippi River like the snapping turtle and the alligator gar. The River Safari is nestled between the Singapore Zoo and the Night Safari and makes a nice change while park-hopping across the three parks.
S.E.A Aquarium
With more than 100,000 marine animals from over 1000 species, the S.E.A Aquarium will make any marine life enthusiast jump up and down. From the majestic manta rays to the apex predators like the hammerhead sharks, everything that’s fascinating about the ocean can be found here.
You’ll also be enchanted by the colourful jellyfish display where alternating neon lights in the tanks reflect off the translucent body of the jellyfish. The majestic indoor S.E.A. Aquarium is a must-visit if you are in Sentosa.
Get your tickets (SGD37) down below!
St John’s Island
St John's Island is the equivalent of Cat Island in Japan. At its prime, the island was apparently home to 100 cats which caused a huge media spotlight. The numbers hover around 16 today due to a sterilisation program and an unfortunate poaching incident; only less than a fifth of the initial numbers roam the grounds of St John’s Island to date. The cats are very friendly, and you’ll probably still see quite a few of them. Just don’t expect a swarm of them as you’d see in Japan’s Cat Island.
Fun fact: the island was used to quarantine immigrants and pilgrims from Mecca following a cholera outbreak. People with leprosy were also quarantined here.
Pulau Ubin/Ubin Island
Time travel to 1960s Singapore at Pulau Ubin - an island off mainland Singapore where rural village life still exists. The mangrove swamps are teeming with wildlife like mudskippers and fiddler crabs. Other larger animals include hornbills and wild boars which are regularly sighted at the island.
For a chance to get really up-close with Pulau Ubin’s wildlife, join a kayaking tour (from SGD90) to get to places that other tourists won’t see! Book it down below!
