Wetlands and mangroves in Singapore to explore

Deemed as the largest nature wonderland in the heartlands, Jurong Lake Gardens spans a whopping 90 hectares. While there are many areas for play and exploration, one of the sections of the park is dedicated to marshlands. Walk on the 300m boardwalk which takes you close to Jurong Lake and the restored freshwater swamp forest with over 50 species of plants.

Coney Island is known for its rustic vibes, secret beaches and casuarina woodlands but take a walk to the middle of the park and you'll also find a thriving mangrove ecosystem. Stroll on the boardwalk (made from wooden of fallen trees in the park) that goes through the mangroves and try to spot some mudskippers, mud lobsters and crabs scuttling around.  

Located in the Botanic Gardens, the Learning Forest was designed to integrate with the existing 6-hectare rainforest to form an enlarged forest habitat. Unlike the rest of the Botanic Gardens, the Learning Forest is a little more rustic and sprawling, segmented into different areas for nature lovers to explore. 

One of the highlights of this reserve is the Keppel Discovery Wetlands. The network of boardwalks and walkways allow you to get close to nature and right to the edge of the wetlands where you can observe the dragonflies or have a moment of zen. 

While The Oval at Seletar Aerospace Park is bustling with the brunch crowd, next to it is the tranquil Hampstead Wetlands Park. Though just a small pocket of green, the former marshland area has seen been spruced up so that it looks like a garden with a pond now. Though there are observatory decks and railings (so you don't fall over), the area has retained its rustic element and is not as 'polished' as other parks. You can easily explore the place under 30 minutes but keep the peace – it's a favourite haunt for birdwatchers in Singapore. 

The Berlayer Creek mangrove trail is part of a larger network of habitats snaking through the Southern Ridges to the waterfront. Take a walk on the boardwalk to observe life in the mangrove swamps. You'll spot (and hear!) many species of birds that reside in this reserve. From the tiny Ashy Tailorbirds and Common Tailorbirds that greet visitors to the mangrove with their characteristic repetitive calls to the Laced Woodpecker and Common Flameback drumming its beaks on tree trunks for insects, life in the mangroves is never quiet.

Whisk yourself to the south-eastern end of Ubin for the islet’s main attraction: Chek Jawa. The wetlands and its rich ecosystem are best seen during low tide – stroll down the kilometre-long boardwalk and keep your eyes peeled for colourful sea critters such as the peacock anemone and biscuit sea star. If you’d like to add some adrenaline rush to the trip, sign up for the island’s kayak tours and paddle through the mangroves. You might just be able to have a close encounter with jellyfish, kingfishers and (if you’re lucky) otters.  

Opened in 2008, the park is home to a unique water feature: constructed wetlands that collect and filter rainwater naturally through its aquatic and mangrove plants. The man-made wetlands also double as a wildlife habitat and attract many mangrove birds into the park such as purple heron, collared kingfisher and little tern. Other than that, dragonflies & damselflies, like the Red Scarlet and Common Bluetail damselfly, can also be found resting on the aquatic plants.

Explore the mangrove swamp up close at Pasir Ris Park using the boardwalks along the coastline and bird-watch at the three-story viewing tower. If you're lucky, you might spot mudskippers, tree-climbing crabs and also monitor lizards in the waters. 

The scenic stretch of Sungei Khatib Bongsu may start unassumingly, around the corner from Yishun Park but if you follow the path, you'll find an idyllic area which attracts many birdwatchers, joggers, cyclists and fishing enthusiasts. Most of Khatib Bongsu is dominated by mangrove forests and mudflats. 

This wetland reserve of mangrove swamps, ponds and the secondary forest is also home to 140 species of birds. Take a spot at observation hides or rent binoculars to bird-watch. September to March are good months for birdwatching – you'll spot many migratory birds making a stop here. There are also nature trails where you can also spot mudskippers, monkeys and climbing crabs on the mangrove boardwalks.