Best Outdoor Activities in Singapore

Since opening its doors in 2014 in Singapore, Skypark Sentosa by AJ Hackett has become an adventure center par excellence. Located by the beach, this is a premier spot drawing thrill seekers and adventure lovers' by the dozen looking for an adrenaline rush. Whether you are into extreme sports or want to check off an activity from your bucket list, you can come here for bungee jumping, a giant swing ride, or go up the sky bridge and vertical skywalk for breathtaking panoramic views of Sentosa. Additionally, the place alludes to safety and security with professional staff and crew, all of which ensure you carry back memories of a lifetime!

Featuring more than 700 species of orchids, the National Orchid Garden was opened in 1996 and boasts one of the largest orchid displays in the world. The variety of hybrids found here are the result of an impressive orchid-breeding program, which began in 1928. Catch a glimpse of Singapore's national flower (Vanda Miss Joaquim) and the diverse breeds of its family in stunning orchid terraces. Publications, orchid plants and other orchid-related items are available at the Entrance Pavilion. Orchid jewelry, made by plating real orchids with gold, makes for great souvenirs and gift ideas.

The first step of an ambitious plan to transform Singapore into the 'Garden City' or 'City in the Garden,' the Gardens by the Bay span a staggering 101 hectares (250 acres) of reclaimed land alongside the Marina Reservoir. From its grove of skyscraping Supertrees to the space-age biodomes, these waterfront gardens are anything but ordinary. Complete with its own waterfall, the Cloud Forest replicates a tropical paradise, while the Flower Dome encapsulates quintessentially Mediterranean climes. Even more fascinating is the Sun Pavilion with its collection of cacti and the topiaries of the World of Plants. Mesmerizing works of art are scattered across the three gardens - Bay East, Bay West and Bay Central - while the Heritage Gardens showcase Chinese, Malay and Indian culture through themed natural spaces. A magical world of wonders, Singapore's Gardens by the Bay are an awe-inspiring horticultural showcase of 21st-century design.

Not far from the hustle and bustle of the city is this teeming reserve where nature unravels its breathtaking semblances. A wonderland for hiking, mountain biking and simply walking, Bukit Timah Nature Reserve is a magnificent canvas swathed in unhindered wilderness. Nestled under the shadow of the mighty Bukit Timah Hill, the reserve is riddled with a tapestry of natural wonders like winding trails and invigorating patches of rainforests. Established in 1883, this expansive reserve is considered to be one of the only two tropical rain forests worldwide within city boundaries. Mottled with towering tropical trees, palms, rattans, sinuous lianas and dense carpets of ferns, the forest is home to creatures like long-tailed macaques, pangolin and flying lemurs which roam free and wild across its raw landscape. A series of steps lead visitors to the Bukit Timah Hill which offers panoramic views of reservoirs in the central catchment district. Elaborate and insightful, the reserve's Visitor Center displays specimens, photographs and interactive displays of the wildlife that resides here.

Xtreme SkatePark is a place for adventure junkies who enjoy feeling the adrenaline rush. Located within East Coast Park, this attraction is very popular for BMX biking and skating. There are several obstacles along this coastal park so you already need to have a fair amount of control and skill before skating or biking here. Streetcourse, Combo Bowl and Vertical Bowl are varied levels of challenges, classified depending upon the skill level. An aerial view of the park shows these courses surrounded by lush green lawns and trees, with the turquoise ocean shining beyond. Constant and beautiful views of the ocean as you race around the park make it a pleasure to skate here.

Tucked away among the trees of Imbiah Lookout, MegaZip Adventure Park is one of the most thrilling outdoor activities on Sentosa. This elevated location is the ideal spot for gravity-defying adventure rides like a zip line, rope course, climbing wall, and parachute simulator. Starting from the treetops and ending on the beach, MegaZip reaches incredible speeds, and separate zip lines mean you can race your friends. The ClimbMax rope course is elevated 15 meters (49.2 feet) above the ground and the jungle vines act as natural obstacles. ParaJump lets you experience free-fall without the plane ride, and the views of the sea are stunning. Activities are priced individually or, if you want to try them all, as a package.

Believed to be home of the early Malay rulers during the 13th Century, the alleged tomb of Sultan Iskandar Shah is said to be rested in this historic park. Higher above in the Fort Canning Park is Singapore's first Christian cemetery, established in 1822 by Sir Stamford Raffles. Look out for Raffles' sundial, which marks where Singapore's first Government House once stood. The house was demolished in 1857 when the British Army used the hill as a fort. Some early 20th Century constructions have been restored and transformed into a performing arts center, recreation centers and a museum exhibiting a World War II underground bunker.

The highlights of your trip to Singapore need not just include shopping at the various glitzy malls or indulging in the diverse food offerings. Transmit some positive, nature-inspired energy to your overworked wallet and belly through a trekking expedition amidst forest canopies at the HSBC Tree Top Walk. Set 25m above ground, the 250m-length walkway is a suspension bridge straddling the two uppermost peaks (Bukit Peirce and Bukit Kalang) of MacRitchie Reservoir, one of Singapore s favorite nature spots. Break a sweat during an approximately 4-6mile hike getting to, on and from the Tree Top Walk, watch out for rare species of trees, chirpy forest birds, playful monkeys and enjoy a scenic view of the natural surroundings.

Forest Adventure, as its name suggests, is situated in a forest on the banks of Bedok Reservoir. This establishment provides hours of entertainment to adults and children alike by simulating a complete adventure in a forest. Via unsteady bridges, logs, swings and trapezes, one needs to overcome the set number of obstacles to reach the end point. At the culmination of the course, participants have to traverse the reservoir through zip lines, not unlike Tarzan! The number of obstacles vary as per the course, the kids and mini courses having lesser obstacles. Besides fun and exercise, this activity also affords wonderful natural views, far removed from the bustling cityscape of Singapore.

River Safari, a part of the Wildlife Reserves Singapore offers a unique experience, in that, the only river-themed zoological park in all of Asia. Featuring more than 5,000 species of animals, that thrive in freshwater habitats, River Safari is home to several mysterious creatures such as giant river otter, giant salamander and numerous endangered animals such as Mekong giant catfish. The place also boasts of one of the greatest freshwater aquarium exhibits in the world, that include rare marine species like arapaimas and manatees. Not to be missed when at River Safari is the Amazon River Quest Boat Ride.

Pasir Ris Park is a tranquil park that includes a six-hectare (645,800 square feet) mangrove forest. The forest is a designated as a bird and nature reserve to preserve the mangroves and wetland wildlife. Raised boardwalks allow you to observe mangrove ecology at close range without getting your shoes all muddy. Visitors can climb the three-story Bird Watching Tower to get even closer to the wildlife.The park also has one of the largest children's playgrounds in Singapore.