Looking for an easy nature walk that will give you a sense of solitude and peace? Head to MacRitchie Reservoir Park, one of the beautiful places in Singapore frequented by local nature lovers and exercise junkies. Once there, choose between the Prunus-Petai Trail (one hour) and the Champerai Trail (30 minutes). On both walks, expect to be captivated by the sight of the reservoir against the dense forest—it is a chance to be still, and let nature soothe your soul.

Of course, you will never be completely alone, and you may encounter tropical wildlife such as a clouded monitor lizard or a family of playful long-tail macaques along the boardwalk. Eagle-eyed observers may also spot the common sun skink and native birds such as the collared kingfisher, notable for its striking turquoise feathers.

Feeling adventurous? Head towards the TreeTop Walk instead. Here, the pay-off is a bird’s eye view of the forest from a 250-metre suspension bridge that connects the two highest points in MacRitchie. The bridge’s height from the forest floor varies, but at its highest, you will be 25 metres from the ground.

For a shorter walk to the bridge, enter the TreeTop Walk trail by Venus Drive (one hour to the bridge), rather than the main MacRitchie Reservoir entrance (two hours to the bridge). Young children, pregnant women, and those with mobility issues or a fear of heights are advised to avoid this more challenging trail. You can find details here.

To relax and refuel, make your way to the nearby Upper Thomson Road (in the vicinity of Thomson Community Centre). Here, you can have your pick of cuisines—Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Thai, Indian, or Western—you name it, they’ve got it.

And when it comes to cafes, this area is no slouch either—Habitat Coffee, One Man Coffee, Pacamara, and Columbus Coffee Co. are just a few of the cafes here with a diehard following. Stay ahead of the crowd by patronising the newest kid on the block, Thrive, where you’ll find acai bowls and artisanal coffee to satisfy your inner hipster.

Eager to escape the heat? The suburban mall Thomson Plaza is within walking distance. At the mall, you can have a light but satisfying meal at Dumplings Cafe—which specialises in handmade dumplings—or pick up some quirky-trendy Singapore souvenirs at SwingBy.

Get directions to MacRitchie Reservoir (main entrance, Lornie Road)
Get directions to MacRitchie (Venus Drive)
Get directions to Thomson Plaza

Begin your day at the Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore’s first and only UNESCO heritage site. You can join a free guided tour in the morning or take in an evening concert at the garden’s Symphony Stage. Check the official web site for details on upcoming events.

Trail maps are available for download, if you wish to explore the garden on your own. For an immersive experience, venture into the Learning Forest, which lies on the southwestern edge of the garden. The recommended two-hour route begins on Canarium Drive, where the towering rainforest trees are believed to be more than a century old. Highlights include the Keppel Discovery Wetlands, an authentic re-creation of a freshwater swamp habitat, and the wetlands boardwalk offering a panoramic view of the semi-aquatic landscape.

Alternatively, head east towards the Evolution Garden and Ethnobotany Garden. If you are looking for things to do in Singapore with kids, you can download an Ethnobotany activity sheet, or take them to the Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden, built to encourage joyful play and exploration while out in nature. The Eco Lake also attracts families, as it is a favourite spot for watching elegant black swans as they drift along the lake.

The Botanic Gardens Mass Rapid Transit subway station is minutes away from the lake. Right across is Cluny Court, adored by the expatriate community for its eclectic selection of upmarket shops, eateries, and cafes. Relish is the place for your gourmet burger fix. In their “best burgers” feature, lifestyle site HoneyKids Asia gives the thumbs up to Relish’s Blue Cheese burger and its omelette-wrapped Ramlee burger.

If you’re hankering for dessert and coffee, get your sugar-and-caffeine rush at The Affogato Bar, which also has a fan following for its bagel selection. The best post-meal treat of all: browsing the specialty shops for prized finds.

Get directions to Singapore Botanic Gardens
Get directions to Cluny Court

To live like a local, spend your morning at a community park. Bishan Park is one of the largest urban parks in central Singapore, and perhaps the most picturesque, with a “naturalised” river running through it.

The park is split into two sections, known as Bishan Park 1 and Park 2. Park 1 is loved by families for its sprawling adventure and water playgrounds, while Park 2 is where pet owners bond while letting their dogs loose in the dog run.

Purple herons are a common sight here, and there is a nesting area right by the entrance of Park 1. Each section of the park also has family-friendly restaurants (Grub at Park 1, Canopy Garden and McDonald’s at Park 2). Depending on your budget, you may wish to linger and feast, or just grab a quick coffee and move on.

Across from Bishan Park 1 is the monumental Kong Meng San (“Bright Hill”) Buddhist temple, a 12-hectare complex featuring dragon roofs, stupas, prayer halls, and a tranquil garden where you can sit and collect your thoughts. Join a guided tour of the temple or enjoy a meal there—free meals are served to the public every Sunday and on significant occasions. The temple kitchen also prepares seasonal vegetarian meals (such as dumplings during the dumpling festival) and vegetarian steamboat. More details here.

To savour a hearty Chinese zichar (“cook and fry”) meal alongside locals, take a bus or a short walk to Two Chefs Sin Ming. Its butter pork ribs and fermented beancurd kangkong are highly recommended by regulars.

Game for more fun things to do in Singapore? Hop on a bus again to browse and shop at Bishan North Shopping Mall (nearer to Bishan Park 2). This is a neighbourhood shopping strip featuring a wet market, daily-use products, budget fashion, and affordable eats.

Get directions to Bishan Park 1
Get directions to Bishan Park 2
Get directions to Kong Meng San
Get directions to Bishan North Shopping Mall