Singapore's TidbiTs

Bukit Batok Nature Park is often called the Guilin of Singapore , as it resembles the famous karst mountains of Guilin in China. Locals affectionately know it as Xiao Guilin — xiao being the Chinese word for "little" or "small". The park's granite quarry-turned-lake, framed by towering cliff walls, has become its main attraction and a favourite spot for photographers. For those living in the western part of Singapore, it offers a peaceful respite from city life. 📋 Quick Facts Location Bukit Batok East Ave 2 & Ave 6 Size 36 hectares Opening hours Open 24 hours daily Parking Along Bukit Batok East Ave 2 (99 lots) Nearest MRT Bukit Gombak (NS3) — 8 min walk Entry fee Free Time needed 1.5–2 hours for a full walk 🗺️ Where Is It? The park is not at the extreme west like Jurong Lake Gardens, but sits closer to Bukit Timah Nature Reserve to the east. A 1.8 km park connector links the two nature parks, ...

From Forbidden Hill to Singapore's Most Historic Green Space 📋 Table of Contents Introduction A Hill of Many Names From Spice Garden to Botanic Garden The Colonial Era: Fort Canning World War II: The Battle Box The Nine Historical Gardens Fort Canning Green & The Old Cemetery ASEAN Sculpture Garden The Fort Canning Tree Tunnel How to Get There What to See: Suggested Walking Route Photography Tips Practical Tips Why Fort Canning Still Matters Introduction Fort Canning Park is one of Singapore's most storied landmarks — a 48-metre hill in the heart of the city that has served as a royal palace, a colonial fort, a spice plantation, a military command centre, and today, one of the island's most beautiful public parks. Originally k...

Coney Island — also known as Pulau Serangoon or Serangoon Island — is one of Singapore's best-kept secrets for a nature day out. Located off the northeastern coast within the town of Punggol, this 81-hectare island feels a world away from the city despite being just a short bus ride from the MRT. With no electricity, no piped water, and no shops on the island, it is as close to "unspoiled" as Singapore gets. Pair it with Punggol Point and the surrounding park connectors, and you have the makings of a perfect half-day or full-day adventure. 📋 Quick Facts Also known as Pulau Serangoon, Serangoon Island, Haw Par Island (1930s–50s) Size 81 hectares (Coney Island Park) Opened October 2015 Opening hours 7am – 7pm daily (gates lock at 7pm sharp) Entry fee Free Nearest MRT Punggol Coast (TE29) — 20 min walk; or Punggol (NE17/PTC) — Bus 84 Time needed 2–3 hours for a full walk 📖 A Bit of History Coney Island has had m...

Once Granite Quarries' Island with Chek Jawa Mangrove Wetlands, Wildlife, Bike Park and an English Tudor House 📋 Table of Contents Introduction A Bit of History How to Get There Getting Around the Island What to Do on Pulau Ubin Wildlife on Pulau Ubin Notable Trees and Plants Camping on Pulau Ubin Where to Eat What's New: NParks Updates (2024–2026) Practical Tips Did You Know? Introduction Singapore is not all concrete blocks and skyscrapers. You will be surprised to find nature reserves and parks all over the island, and one of the most treasured is an island called Pulau Ubin — literally "Granite Island." Pulau means "island" in Malay, and ubin refers to jubin — the granite floor tiles that once came from the island's many stone quarries. Pulau U...