Singapore is striving to accommodate the modern needs of its people while remaining in harmony with nature. Even though he city-state serves as a global trade hub and a cradle for cutting-edge technologies, it also has 4 nature reserves, 20 areas under the protection of the Parks and Waterbodies Plan, and hundreds of parks where citizens and residents can bask in nature. The total area of the nature reserves alone covers more than 33 square kilometres, which is significant considering that the country has a total land area of about 719 square kilometres.
The proximity of natural and man-made attractions makes the country a prime destination for anyone who wants to enjoy nature without losing access to the comforts of a highly urbanized space. But where in Singapore should you go to see exactly how nature and man-made structures work together? Here are a few destinations that exemplify this balance:
Jewel Changi Airport
Singapore’s main aerial gateway is more than just a lifestyle and entertainment centre with boutiques, restaurants, and a Changi Airport hotel. It is also a nature-themed complex with the biggest indoor rain vortex in the world, a marvel of engineering that is surrounded by a thriving man-made forest valley. If you’re ever in need of a change of scenery after a long flight or a day of shopping, head to the rain vortex waterfall at the centre of the Jewel and find a space among the trees and plants in the forest valley where you can just clear your mind and rest your body. After you’ve basked in the beauty of nature, you can take a few steps back to your favourite shops and dining areas or explore the other fantastic interactive attractions inside the Jewel. If your idea of a good time is a blend of nature and city comforts, just head to this entertainment complex–it’s open 24/7.
Sentosa Island
Located off the southern coast of Singapore, Sentosa Island is a popular tourist destination that welcomes around 20 million visitors every year. For an island that measures just around 5 square kilometres, Sentosa is steeped in history. It has a number of forts dating back to the 1800s, saw action in World War II, and continues to host international events and summits. Today, it attracts visitors from all over the world with its man-made and natural attractions. It has beaches, a butterfly and insect park, and interactive exhibits and adventure activities that showcase the island’s lush surroundings. But in case you’re also looking for modern entertainment, the island also has interactive indoor theme parks, a 4D theatre, and modern hotels and resorts that offer exceptional services.
The Flower Dome and the Cloud Forest
In addition to having the world’s biggest indoor waterfall, Singapore also has one of the largest greenhouses in the world. The Flower Dome, which can be found at the Gardens by the Bay, has a cool-dry Mediterranean climate that supports 8 gardens with different types of plants. Open from 9 AM to 9 PM, this greenhouse has an olive grove, a Californian garden, a Mediterranean garden, a South American garden, an Australian garden, a succulent garden, and a dedicated place for growing baobabs. There’s also a flower field here that can easily accommodate 1,000 people and features changing floral displays year-round.
On the other hand, the Cloud Forest right beside the Flower Dome replicates the climate in tropical mountainous regions. The attraction has an intricate structure and different levels, each with its own unique forest or garden theme. If you get hungry while checking out the colourful scenery, there are restaurants and cafes in the area that will provide you with a culinary experience like no other.
Singapore Night Safari
The Night Safari in Singapore is the first nocturnal zoo in the world, and it provides a welcoming home to over 100 species, many of which are categorised as threatened. Unlike in other zoos where animals are prompted to be active during the day, the Night Safari provides an environment where animals can follow their natural sleep cycle and can be active at night. The zoo’s management took great efforts to replicate the natural environment of the animals in their care. Rather than keeping the animals in cages, they are separated from the visitors with moats designed to look like rivers and streams, hot wires that are made to look like twigs, and cattle grids that keep hoofed animals in their designated habitats. This nocturnal zoo supports several conservation efforts around the world, and it also has restaurants and cafes immediately outside it for those who need a quick snack before meeting their favourite animals.
Singapore is a country where urban comforts seamlessly exist with their natural surroundings. Environmentally conscious visitors are in for a treat, as the country offers a harmonious blend of man-made conveniences and a strong commitment to nature conservation. The next time you’re in Singapore, add these destinations to your itinerary and see for yourself how a modern city can exist alongside a thriving natural environment.
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