Nature, Nostalgia & Quiet Corners You Didn’t Know Existed
If you think Singapore is all shopping malls and business towers, think again. Beyond the gleaming skyline lies a quieter, greener side of the city — where wild boars roam, bikes ride through forests, and history lives among overgrown trails.
Ready for a breather from the fast-paced city life? Here are five lesser-known spots that offer peace, perspective, and just the right touch of adventure — all without leaving the island.
- Coney Island – Wild, Windy & Wonderfully Underrated
Where: Punggol
Best for: Cycling, spotting wildlife, beach picnics
Coney Island is Singapore’s version of a semi-wild escape. This rustic park features wooden bridges, sandy paths, and breezy coastlines — all wrapped in untouched greenery.
Expect to meet monitor lizards, otters, and even wild boars if you’re lucky (or unlucky?). There’s no café or store, so pack water and snacks — and maybe a bike too.
✅ Tip: Rent a bicycle at Punggol Point and cycle through the trails like a local.
- MacRitchie Reservoir Treetop Walk – A View From Above
Where: Central Catchment Nature Reserve
Best for: Hikers, photographers, monkey-watchers
MacRitchie’s Treetop Walk is a suspension bridge through the forest canopy — and yes, it’s as cool as it sounds. The hike there is about 7 km (round-trip), so bring proper shoes and water.
You’ll see macaques, hear birds you’ve never heard before, and get sweeping views of the reservoir — far from the city’s buzz.
✅ Tip: Go early in the morning for cooler weather and fewer crowds.
- Little Guilin – Granite Cliffs & Serene Waters
Where: Bukit Batok
Best for: Peaceful reflection, couples, photographers
Nicknamed “Little Guilin” for its resemblance to the famous Chinese landscape, this park features a calm lake framed by dramatic rock cliffs. It’s quiet, uncrowded, and strangely cinematic — perfect for a weekend stroll or deep thoughts.
✅ Tip: Combine this stop with a visit to Bukit Batok Nature Park nearby.
- Pulau Ubin – Time Travel by Bumboat
Where: Northeast Singapore (accessed via Changi Point Ferry Terminal)
Best for: Nature lovers, history buffs, cyclists
Take a 10-minute bumboat ride for $4, and you’ll arrive at Pulau Ubin — a sleepy island where time has stopped. Rent a bike and explore abandoned quarries, kampong houses, mangrove boardwalks, and cheeky monkeys.
Pulau Ubin offers a rare glimpse into old-school Singapore — where life moves slowly and birdsong is louder than traffic.
✅ Tip: Visit during the week if you want true solitude. On weekends, it’s more lively but still relaxed.
- Bukit Brown Cemetery – History Beneath the Leaves
Where: Between Lornie Road and Adam Road
Best for: History explorers, cultural buffs, quiet walkers
One of Singapore’s oldest Chinese cemeteries, Bukit Brown is a quiet, mysterious escape rich in history. It’s the final resting place for many pioneers and leaders — and some gravestones date back over a century.
Nature has reclaimed much of it, creating a strangely beautiful mix of jungle and tombs. It’s not spooky — just serene, with a deep sense of forgotten stories.
✅ Tip: Join a guided heritage tour if you’re curious about the legends and lineages buried here.
Final Thoughts
In a city known for its efficiency and modernism, these hidden spots offer a different kind of luxury: space, quiet, and connection with nature. Whether it’s cycling through Coney Island or walking above the treetops at MacRitchie, you’ll return with a full heart — and maybe a little mud on your shoes.
Ready to stay where the green trails start just outside your door? With CoHomes, you can live in authentic local neighborhoods — close to nature, not just malls.
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