Explore Nature at the Best Reservoir Parks in Singapore
What I love about reservoir parks is that not only do they care for the various wildlife in Singapore—both flora and fauna—but they also provide respite for people who want to get away from the city for a while.
I’ve visited some of the reservoir parks in Singapore, and because I believe that sharing is caring, here are some of my favorites! When you’re visiting the island, be sure to check at least one of them out.
What are the best reservoir parks in Singapore?
MacRitchie Reservoir Park
— From: abner_2651
Address: Lornie Road, Singapore
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—7 am to 7 pm
When people ask me for reservoir park recommendations, the first thing I usually answer is MacRitchie Reservoir Park. This is mainly because it’s the oldest reservoir in Singapore.
One of my favorite things about the reservoir is that it still has remnants of the forest trees from way back when. Because of this, it’s easy to feel like you’ve been transported back in time when strolling here.
To make exploring the park easy and convenient, there are various boardwalks skirting the edge of the reservoir. There are also many hiking trails, and these range in length—from 3 km to 11 km.
Pro Tip: MacRitchie Reservoir is a large park, so you might not be able to explore everything. If you’re short on time, you can head straight for the TreeTop Walk, a suspension bridge that’s arguably the reservoir’s main attraction.
Upper Seletar Reservoir Park
— From: lutuch
Address: Mandai Road Track 7, Singapore
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
Upper Seletar Reservoir Park is another good example of a historical reservoir park. This was built in 1920 and was officially opened to the public by Princess Alexandra in August 1969.
A highlight of this reservoir park is the viewing tower, which lets you enjoy gorgeous scenery from a great vantage point. I also think that it’s a great spot for watching sunsets!
Another thing I love about Upper Seletar Reservoir is the fact that Singapore Zoo, the Night Safari, and the Mandai Orchid Garden are all located on its margins. Because of this, there’s so much more to see and discover.
Pro Tip: While there’s no concrete evidence that crocodiles are living in the reservoir, the staff still puts up “Beware of crocodiles” signs all over the place. To be safe, heed the warning sign and be on the lookout.
Lower Seletar Reservoir Park
— From: sukasukasayasuka
Address: Yishun Avenue 1, Singapore
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—7 am to 7 pm
Lower Seletar Reservoir is one of the most beloved attractions in Yishun, and we understand why: there’s something for everyone here!
For starters, there’s a play area with a fun water fountain and bioswale rain garden—the perfect place for children to splash around. For hikers, joggers, or people who just want to stroll, there’s a boardwalk and a heritage bridge.
If you love to fish, you can bring your own fishing rod and cast a line, hoping to catch a tilapia or large snakeheads. You can also just sit on the benches along the water and get lost in a book or enjoy the view.
Pro Tip: For a more adventurous experience, you can head to the Lower Seletar Water Sports Center and try kayaking or dragon-boating.
Upper Peirce Reservoir Park
— From: joecellapinig
Address: Along Old Upper Thomson Road, Singapore
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—6 am to 7:30 pm
Upper Peirce Reservoir Park is one of the four reservoirs in the Central Catchment Nature Reserve. Back in the 1960s, there was a high demand for water, thus resulting in the government increasing the reservoir’s capacity.
Right now, the reservoir serves as a tranquil park where people can gather to take a break from their busy lives. It’s not jam-packed with fun activities, but its views of the water and the trees are more than enough reason to check it out.
Pro Tip: If you want to enjoy a beautiful view of the sunrise, head to the Upper Peirce Reservoir Viewpoint, which is about a kilometer away from the park. It’s quite a hike to get there, but it’ll be worth it!
Lower Peirce Reservoir Park
— From: reddarow
Address: Along Old Upper Thomson Road, Singapore
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
Lower Peirce Reservoir Park is the second reservoir built in Singapore (it was built in the 1910s), and it was initially planned as an extension to MacRitchie. Eventually, it was renamed and became popular in its own right.
Just like MacRitchie Reservoir, Lower Peirce is surrounded by the trees of a mature secondary rainforest. Whenever I take a stroll along the boardwalk, I’m always in awe of the view and of the forest’s resilience for lasting so long.
When I’m tired of walking, I would just lay down a blanket and have a picnic.
Sometimes, I even take a nap. It’s pleasant to sleep for a short while on a green lawn!
Pro Tip: If you’d like to catch the sunrise or sunset, head to the Lower Peirce Pavilion. It’s located by the water, so the view is even more beautiful because the colors are reflected everywhere.
Bedok Reservoir Park
— From: sim.ymerej
Address: Along Bedok Reservoir Road, Singapore
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
Once a sand quarry, Bedok Reservoir Park is now a popular destination for fitness enthusiasts and adrenaline junkies. The green park surrounds the 88-hectare reservoir, so wherever you are in here, pretty views of the water greet you.
This reservoir park is incredibly rich in wildlife. There are over 14,000 wetland plants here!
Various birds also frequent the area, so be sure to prepare your camera phone to snap photos of them.
Pro Tip: For a more relaxing time, you might want to check out the Therapeutic Garden overlooking the reservoir. You can simply sit down and enjoy the peace, or you can check out the interactive rock garden.
Kranji Reservoir Park
— From: stephyquack
Address: Kranji Way, Singapore
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—7 am to 7 pm
Kranji Reservoir Park is a nine-hectare park overlooking the Johor Straits. It’s mostly popular among people who love fishing because there are two designated areas for fishing here.
In addition to the fishing grounds, the park features a memorial plaque in honor of the soldiers who died during the Battle of Kranji in the 1940s. You can pay your respects when visiting the park.
Pro Tip: Kranji Reservoir Park is part of the Sungei Buloh Nature Park Network. If you’d like to explore more nature, I suggest you also visit the other parts of the network, such as Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve and Kranji Marshes.
Punggol Serangoon Reservoir
— From: ev.hon
Address: Along Punggol Riviera Walk, Singapore
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
Punggol Serangoon Reservoir is a hidden gem. Not a lot of people visit this place, which is a shame because it’s so lovely.
Strolling on the walkway in the morning is such a peaceful experience. For a moment, I forget about my worries and just enjoy my music and the view.
And when you go off-trail and explore the inner woodland area? Even more beautiful nature awaits you.
Seriously, all those hidden ponds and water bodies make you think you’ve been whisked away to a fantastical land!
Pro Tip: This reservoir is near Punggol Container Park, which features several cool restaurants and cafes. Head there if you need to refill your energy well.
Jurong Lake Gardens
— From: timeoutsg
Address: 104 Yuan Ching Road, Singapore
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
Jurong Lake Gardens is arguably one of the most popular parks in Singapore, and it’s not a surprise to learn why. This is a sprawling park with various lakes, swamps, and other natural habitats.
My favorite thing about the Gardens is the fact that the scenery changes the farther I explore. One moment, I’m surrounded by greenery, then the next, I’m in the grasslands.
This makes for a fun exploration, which is why I love coming back here whenever I can.
Pro Tip: When you’re hungry, there are two dining options available in the Gardens: Starbucks and Fusion Spoon.