Wild, peaceful green patches in the heart of Singapore

Singapore Behind the modern, bustling appearance of the vibrant city is a green, pristine Singapore waiting for visitors to explore .

Besides the massive constructions, destinations with pristine natural spaces will be a different choice to help visitors experience little-known aspects of the island nation. Through the Unseen/Singapore project, photographer Pham Gia Tung will once again take readers on a journey to discover the peaceful "green lungs" hidden throughout the island nation. This is a photo exhibition jointly organized by the Singapore Tourism Board and National Geographic CreativeWorks.

Kranji Marshes

According to the official website of the National Parks Board of Singapore (Nparks), Kranji Marshes is one of the largest freshwater marshes on the island. It attracts tourists thanks to its rich flora and fauna ecosystem and the terrain of freshwater marshes, sparse forests and grasses... promising to be an ideal stopover for tourists who love the feeling of being immersed in nature.

One of the most popular activities for visitors to the area is bird watching. Visitors should walk along the Neo Tiew Woods to see birds and reptiles such as woodpeckers and giant monitor lizards.

In particular, you may encounter the Changeable Hawk Eagle or the White-bellied Sea Eagle perched high in the treetops. These are species that are difficult to find in zoos or normal greenhouses.

Green space with diverse vegetation right from the entrance to Kranji Gate, Kranji Marshes. Photo: Kranji Marshes — Green space with diverse vegetation right from the entrance to Kranji Gate, Kranji Marshes. Photo: *Kranji Marshes*

Visitors should also visit the special refuge of the Purple Swamphen and Common Moorhen at Marsh Station. These shy species are rarely seen in the main area, so it is difficult to observe them unless you go to their nesting grounds.

During the raptor migration season, which usually lasts from November to March, you can take the opportunity to see Black Baza and Japanese Sparrowhawk. Accordingly, the top of Raptor Tower is where you can enjoy panoramic views of Kranji Marshes, Kranji Reservoir and observe these rare birds.

The area is strictly protected to preserve its unique ecosystem. Nature lovers are always welcome to visit Kranji Marshes to explore and enjoy a fun-filled day out with the family.

Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve

Continuing the journey to explore spaces filled with natural green spaces, visitors should not forget to visit Singapore's first Southeast Asian Heritage Park - Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve.

According to the National Parks Board of Singapore, in 2002, this place was recognized as an internationally important migratory bird site and certified by Wetlands International. This event marked Sungei Buloh's official entry into the East Asian - Australasian shorebird site network.

Since then, Sungei Buloh has expanded by 202 hectares, including mangroves, swamps, ponds and forests, creating a large habitat for diverse flora and fauna. The reserve also opened a Visitor Center and put a number of trails into operation, allowing visitors to comfortably explore and enjoy nature.

A wooden walkway through the mangroves at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. Photo: Visit Singapore — A wooden walkway through the mangroves at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. Photo: *Visit Singapore*

The new extension is located along Kranji Way and is easily accessible by public transport. Visitors can enjoy trekking trails, observing native species such as mudskippers, crabs, mussels, snails, water snakes, spiders, giant monitor lizards and otters, or migratory birds such as herons, kingfishers and sunbirds.

Jurong Lake Gardens

Nestled in the west of Singapore, Jurong Lake Gardens comprises the Lakeside Garden (formerly known as Jurong Lake Park, located in the west), the Chinese and Japanese Gardens (in the centre) and the Garden Promenade (to the east).

According to the National Parks Board of Singapore, Jurong Lake Gardens has a diverse flora and fauna, thriving with vast green areas surrounding it. Visitors can check-in and take virtual photos with the golden fields at The Grasslands, and collect new experiences at the Alstonia wetland island.

In addition, visitors can admire the entire wild natural world here when walking on the wooden boardwalk winding along the water's edge at Jurong Lake.

An aerial view of the orange-red wooden boardwalk that meanders along the shore of Jurong Lake. Photo: NPParks — An aerial view of the orange-red wooden boardwalk winding along the shore of Jurong Lake. Photo: *NPParks*

For young visitors, the 2.3-hectare Forest Ramble is always attractive thanks to its fresh environment and full of trees. This is the largest nature-themed playground in the central area, including 13 outstanding works for children.

Other attractions not to be missed include the seaside-themed Clusia Cove, and the Butterfly Maze, a favourite with kids and offering exciting challenges. Meanwhile, at ActiveSG Park and Passion Wave, families can join various fitness classes together, or try their hand at a variety of water sports.

Not only that, at Jurong Lake Gardens, visitors can also sign up for nature-inspired workshops and programs. For example, with the Biodiversity Tour, you will be able to breathe fresh air, listen to the exciting sounds of nature and learn about rich biodiversity. Here, children also have the opportunity to participate in many fun and educational programs such as Molly the Mobile Library.

Bollywood Farms

Take a break from the forests and swamps and visit Bollywood Farms in Kranji Countryside, a suburban vegetable farm that grows a wide variety of vegetables and fruits without the use of pesticides or fertilizers. Spanning nearly 40,500 square metres, the farm also includes a food museum and an event space with a kitchen and cooking utensils suitable for workshops.

In addition, visitors can also buy seasonal produce and herbs, grown and sold right here. The Poison Ivy Bistro restaurant on the Bollywood Farms campus is also popular with visitors, with dishes made from agricultural products grown right on the farm.

The rustic, intimate setting of Bollywood Farms. Photo: Ahmad Iskandar — The rustic, intimate setting of Bollywood Farms. Photo: *Ahmad Iskandar*

Bollywood Adventures is one of the most popular experiences for tourists. The program includes farm tours, cooking classes, art workshops... There are also on-site activities such as rice planting, holiday camping and "farm to table" cooking workshops.

Visitors are always welcome at Bollywood Farms, so you can plan your own itinerary. No tour or guide required, just walk along the trails and visit all the sites.

With hidden gems all over Singapore, visitors will have many new, pristine and peaceful destinations to return to nature right in the heart of the Lion Island's city. Visitors can freely plan a similar itinerary as above or change it as they wish to make the trip more interesting and different.