Top 10 most searched places and attractions on Time Out Singapore this year

This scenic park was a crowd favourite and was the most searched attraction on Time Out Singapore this year. Rower's Bay Park at Lower Seletar Reservoir is named for the reservoir's popularity with kayaking and dragon-boating enthusiasts but it is most popular with the cyclists who always make a stop here before continuing on their journey. It also forms the first phase of the planned 150km Round Island Route (RIR), which will connect parks around Singapore.

What's so great The park is one of the best secret spots to catch the sunset in Singapore. Nearby attractions include Yishun Dam, Punggol Barat Island – a peaceful and beautiful spot popular with cyclists and wedding couples on a photo shoot – and also the last fishing village in Seletar.

When travel was not an option earlier this year, it's no surprise that Singaporeans took it on themselves to really explore the island, including the 'countryside' of Singapore: Kranji. The Marshes is probably one of the main attractions in the far west of Singapore. Though one of the smaller nature parks, Kranji Marshes is great for bird-spotting. 

What's so great The tall viewpoint – also known as Raptor Tower – is great for panoramic views of the greater marshland area that is out of bounds to the public.

This sleepy attraction in Jurong received a new wave of interest this year. Not only is it the only place to experience snow in Singapore but the Ice Hotel Gallery exhibition was of great interest to our readers. This new permanent exhibition replaces the Arctic Snow Playground and features impressive sculptures and furniture entirely carved out of ice. Lounge at the Ice Bar, which has been furnished with chairs, couches and tables fashioned out of blocks of ice. Admire scenes of flora and fauna, depicted in intricate ice sculptures carved by local award-winning artisan Jeffrey Ng. Check out local icons captured in ice, including the Merlion, Sir Stamford Raffles and more. 

What's so great ....it's colder than aircon cold?

A colossal playground for the young and the young-at-heart awaits you at Khatib Clubhouse. Gather your army of adrenaline junkies for Adventure HQ which spans 2,800-square-metres across four storeys. The multi-installation indoor hub features a 233-metre-long roll glider, a 14-metre-long slide, a 165-metre-long artificial cave, a 15-metre cloud climb, and a two-tiered, 16-obstacle indoor challenge rope course. You can also unleash your inner Spider-Man on the various rock and boulder climbing walls. The mini super troopers, on the other hand, will love the kaleidoscopic indoor playground. At 650-square-metres, T-Play Khatib is decked with a climbing slide tunnel, a sports pitch, a foam ball shooting arena, an interactive trampoline, a ball pit, and a ninja course – all designed to engage the senses. 

What's so great Have loads of fun while being indoors.

Highlights of this 63-hectare park include the Wallace Education Centre which houses both the Wallace Environmental Learning Lab (WELL) and an interpretative centre where you can browse the exhibits and try the hands-on activities. Keep a lookout for the striking red and yellow heliconias as well as the monkeys, pangolins and butterflies.

What's so great Head towards the scenic Singapore Quarry at the park’s south-western end for a chance to spot rare species of dragonflies and the critically endangered birds 'Little Grebe'.

While the grown-ups will appreciate the history of this modest-sized mound in the heart of the business district, the kids… well, they don’t need any excuse to tumble around in a park as verdant as this, do they? As they explore the many nooks and crannies of Fort Canning Park and its many colonial-era relics, learn more about the paramount roles it played in the defence of the island and even before the British arrived, when it served as the residence of Malay royalty.

What's so great The new parks added recently which will feel like you've stepped into Bali for a hot second.

The seventh nature park on the island joins in other existing parks such as Chesnut, Springleaf and Windsor to act as a green 'buffer' – to reduce visitorship pressure – for the Central Catchment Nature Reserve. There are five trails to choose from in the park that span over 3.8km. Each trail takes you on a sightseeing tour to see ferns, ruins, macaques, streams and the Raffles' banded langur – a highly elusive and endangered monkey. Other wildlife residing in this reserve also includes the Sunda pangolin and the Malayan porcupine but you have to be extremely lucky to spot them in the wild.

What's so great The nature park also houses a former Hainan village in Singapore and visitors can get a glimpse of this from the ruins and rubble that has been left behind from its heydays in the 60s. Old street signs have also been left untouched so you're literally walking through an old kampung in 1960s Singapore. 

While The Oval is bustling with the brunch crowd, next to it is the tranquil Hampstead Wetlands Park. Though just a small pocket of green in the somewhat industrial area, the former marshland area has seen been spruced up so that it looks like a lush English garden with a pond – complete with lily pads. 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. There is a short trail loop you can take which will take you through the forested area and by the waterside. 

What's so great Short hike, scenic views and good for photos.

Split into North and South regions, Chestnut Nature Park covers 81 hectares, making it Singapore’s largest nature park. It has separate mountain biking and hiking trails that are clearly marked out, too. The former has winding slopes and a pump track where bikers can practise their stunts, while the latter, especially along the 2.1km Southern Loop, takes you through varying terrains and steps.

What's so great Various rustic trails across different terrain

There's a couple of reasons why this park is popular. It is rustic and lush, the terrain is hilly enough to make you feel like you're actually hiking in Singapore, a river runs through the park, and that you can also find 26 slides around the park. The park is fitted with unique slide designs and is loosely separated into three main play areas: Junior Play, Adventure Play and Family Terracing Play. Besides the slides, there’s an inclusive playground fitted with a wheelchair swing and merry-go-round to support play between children with and without needs. 

What's so great Slides! That both children and adults can play on.