On a small island just south of Malaysia in the Indian Ocean lies the nation of Singapore. It is more than just the main island and comprises 64 small islands that allow for fantastic exploration. It is known as the Lion City because legend has it, when the first inhabitants landed on the island, they thought they saw a lion. Beyond that, Singapore has had a tumultuous history of oppression, discovery, colonization, war, and finally, independence. After the islands were first discovered, the British added them to their trade routes, developed banks, housing, and brought order to the island. During World War II, the Japanese took control of the island, but independence soon followed. Throughout this history, it has made Singapore the perfect destination. In this blog, we are exploring the outdoors in this urban oasis.
Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
This beautiful wildlife preserve is located in the northwestern corner of the island. Its mangrove transports you to a tropical rainforest rather than an island nation in Southeast Asia. This reserve is a prime location for migratory birds on their migration from Alaska to Australia. In addition to the migratory birds, you may have the opportunity to see a water monitor lizard. Often these lizards are mistaken for the famed Komodo Dragon, but fear not, these water monitors can be observed safely from a distance and appreciated for their beauty.
Kampong Lorong Buangkok
This is a gem and one of my favorite places to visit because it is the last remaining traditional village in Singapore. It is hidden in the shadows of the skyscrapers of the modern city. Here you'll find colorful houses, a mosque, and a canal that winds through the town. They still have the modern city's same amenities with electricity, running water, trash collection, and even postal services. This is an excellent opportunity to travel back in time to see how Singapore would have been before the British developed it into an urban oasis.
Umbrella Trees
Singapore receives almost 100 inches of rain each year due to its tropical location. In the neighborhood of Little India, you'll find the perfect reprieve from the rain. The community has built an art installation that adds color to the neighborhood. The five multilayer trees have benches under the trees that allow community members and visitors to relax and take in the city or shelter from the sun or rain.
Bronze Bathers
Found along the water of the Singapore River in the Boat Quay, the five bronze boys can be seen getting ready to play in the river. Back in the first days of Singapore, the river was a place of pleasure and a spot to cool off. This statue is one of many that symbolizes this. When you stumble across this group of boys, you'll find them in a series of different parts of playing near the river, from mid-jump to just learning about the other playing in the river. Walking along the Singapore River provides many statues to take in or take pictures with.
Garden by the Bay
If you are looking for a green space in the heart of the city, look no further than the Garden by the Bay. It is a picturesque green space where 18 man-made trees are covered in over 200 varieties of orchids and other vining tropical plants. Eleven trees have been outfitted with solar panels to provide green energy to the Garden. You can even explore high in the canopies from a 72 ft tall walkway and observe the trees from above.
Now that we've covered the tip of the iceberg of activities to do in Singapore, are you ready to schedule a consultation to plan the perfect trip to the island nation?