Guided nature walks & tours in Singapore
Ask any Singaporean and they’ll tell you our little island is full of green gems; heck, we’ve got a list of 50 hiking trails too. But while parks and nature trails are great for a casual stroll, there’s something special about a guided nature walk. You’ll actually learn about the flora, fauna, and fun facts hidden in plain sight – especially handy if your kids ask questions you don’t have the answers to.
Whether you’re an avid hiker or a parent looking to entertain the kids on the weekend, here’s a list of the best guided nature walks and tours in Singapore. From free community-led tours to premium wildlife experiences, we’ve got you covered.
Table of Contents
- Guided nature walks & tours in Singapore
- 1. NParks’ free guided walks
- 2. The Untamed Paths
- 3. Young Nautilus
- 4. Cicada Tree Eco-Place
- 5. Mandai Wildlife Reserve
- 6. Tribe Tours
- 7. Nature Society Singapore
- 8. My Community
- 9. Loris & Owl
- 10. Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum
- 11. Gardens by the Bay
- 12. Let’s Go Tour Singapore
- How to prepare for nature walks & tours?
- Book a spot for a guided nature walk or tour in Singapore
1. NParks’ free guided walks
Free tours all over the islands
Image credit: NParks
Let’s start with the OG – National Parks Board (NParks). They offer a solid lineup of free guided walks at various parks and reserves throughout the year. These are conducted by trained volunteer guides and often cater to both adults and kids. You’ll learn about native trees, migratory birds, and how Singapore balances urban living with biodiversity.
Some of the tours include:
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- Learning Forest Tour at Keppel Discovery Wetlands: Walk amongst some of the tallest tree species in Southeast Asia
- Heritage Tour at Singapore Botanic Gardens: 150-year history of the gardens, with one of the highlights being the sculptures in the Gardens
- Japanese Garden Guided Tour: Explore the designed landscapes and traditional architecture
Price: Free
Kid-friendly? Yes
Full list of tours and events by NParks
2. The Untamed Paths
Suitable for curious young explorers
The Untamed Paths is perfect for families who want something a bit more hands-on and immersive. Their tours aren’t just about walking – expect to be peering into undergrowth, flipping over leaves, and learning to spot camouflaged insects and snakes.
Some tours are focused on wetlands like Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, while others are deep-dive sessions into ecosystems like mangroves, intertidal zones, and secondary forests.
Price: $82/adult | $40/child
Kid-friendly? Yes
Contact: The Untamed Paths website
3. Young Nautilus
Intertidal walks tailored for kids & families
If your child is into Finding Nemo or sea creatures in general, this nature walk’s a hit. Founded by marine biologists, Young Nautilus specialises in intertidal walks at places like Coney Island, Changi Beach and Pasir Ris Park during low tide.
You’ll encounter all sorts of marine life like sea stars, crabs, and sea cucumbers. And the guides are incredibly engaging with kids, making exploring nature both fun and accessible.
Price: $58/adult | $56/child
Kid-friendly? Yes
Contact: Young Nautilus website
4. Cicada Tree Eco-Place
Non-profit group championing nature education
Image credit: Cicada Tree Eco-Place via Facebook
Cicada Tree Eco-Place is run by a mixed bag of educators, conservationists, environmentalists, eco-artists, and wildlife activists. They run family-friendly nature walks, workshops, and camps focused on Singapore’s biodiversity.
Their approach often blends storytelling, arts, and crafts, and sometimes even cooking with wild edibles. These nature tours are great for kids who might not like a standard science approach. Although there aren’t regular walks, seasonal tours are announced on their Facebook page.
Price: Free & paid events
Kid-friendly? Yes
Contact: Cicada Tree Eco-Place Facebook
5. Mandai Wildlife Reserve
Behind-the-scenes zoo tours
While you might already have visited the Bird Paradise, Singapore Zoo, and River Wonders, have you ever thought of joining their behind-the-scenes nature walks and guided tours? Think: jungle survival-themed walks, animal enrichment experiences, and even Junior Keeper programs where kids can help prepare food for the animals.
Mandai Wildlife Reserve has guided tours for specific animals too. So, if you’re a fan of penguins, manatees, or elephants, you won’t want to miss this opportunity to get up close. These tours usually require booking in advance and are best paired with your visit to the parks.
Price: From $118.50/pax
Kid-friendly? Yes
Contact: Mandai Wildlife Reserve website
6. Tribe Tours
Scenic trails with storytelling
The Southern Ridges is already a favourite for scenic walks but with Tribe Tours, you’ll get more than just Instagrammable views. Their guided hike adds a rich layer of storytelling, history, and nature insights, making this a rewarding experience for both adults and kids.
You’ll traverse Mount Faber, Henderson Waves, Forest Walk, and parts of Kent Ridge Park, with plenty of stops for interesting tidbits – think colonial history, local flora, and hidden WWII bunkers.
Starting from 9am, the pace is chill, taking a total of 3.5 hours, and there’s even time for a break with traditional snacks.
Price: $80/pax
Kid-friendly? Suitable for kids aged 7+ who enjoy walking
Book the Southern Ridges Hiking Tour by Tribe Tours.
7. Nature Society Singapore
For budding botanists & zoologists
Image credit: @naturesocietysingapore via Instagram
As one of Singapore’s oldest nature-focused organisations, Nature Society Singapore frequently organises thematic guided walks such as nature photography, bird-watching mornings, or forest bathing.
These are often conducted at Pulau Ubin where participants will get to mingle with fellow nature enthusiasts and learn a thing or two about their surroundings. Highly recommended to bring along a pair of binoculars to get the most out of the walk.
Price: Free or donation-based
Kid-friendly? Mostly suitable for 14+
Contact: Nature Society Singapore website
8. My Community
Biodiversity walk with island vibes
Image adapted from: @mycommunitysg via Instagram
Take your weekend plans offshore with My Community’s Sister’s Islands tour, a guided biodiversity experience like no other. You’ll hop on a boat to Sister’s Islands Marine Park, explore its lush greenery, and learn about Singapore’s first marine park.
Kids will love the island setting, while adults can geek out over coral conservation and the role these islands played in local folklore and maritime history. The ferry ride is included with the tour; just don’t forget your sunblock and camera.
Price: Free or donation-based
Kid-friendly? Suitable for kids 13+
Contact: My Community website
9. Loris & Owl
Night walk along the Rail Corridor & Mandai Forest
Image adapted from: @gloriaseow95 via Instagram
If you’ve ever strolled along the Rail Corridor and thought, “There’s probably a lot more to this place,” you’re right. Loris & Owl runs engaging, informative tours that combine biodiversity, heritage, and storytelling. From rusty railway bridges to forest-edge wildlife, local guide and nature lover Gloria Seow’s night walks show the iconic green corridor in a new light.
Watch it come alive with charming nocturnal animals such as owls and fireflies. Spot the Malayan Giant Frog, Common Walking Catfish, Lowland Freshwater Crab, and Ghost Shrimp. You’ll even get to see plants, fungi, lichens, and insects “glow” under UV light.
BTW, she’s great with questions, even the weird ones kids like to ask.
Price: $38/pax
Kid-friendly? Yes for ages 4+
Contact: Loris & Owl website
10. Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum
Conducted by experts in their field
Image credit: Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum
Activities at Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM) aren’t limited just to the museum; they also venture out and offer 3 guided nature walks at Windsor Park, Sungei Buloh, and intertidal walks at the offshore islands.
Conducted by trained guides and researchers, these walks explore Singapore’s native trees, medicinal plants, and occasional animal spotting. Perfect for kids who love nature and science, especially when paired with a trip to the museum after.
Price: $30/pax
Kid-friendly: Yes for ages 7+
Full list of LKCNHM walking tours
11. Gardens by the Bay
Free tours with free entry to Flower Dome for Singaporeans & PRs
Image credit: Gardens by the Bay
It’s not all just giant Supertrees and air-con domes; Gardens by the Bay (GBTB) also runs free guided sustainability and outdoor garden tours that highlight the tech-meets-nature magic behind the park.
Choose from guided trails like:
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- Energy and Water Tour: find out how GBTB is tackling water scarcity through its urban design concepts
- Carbon and Climate Tour: learn about carbon sources and secrets to cutting carbon
- A Sensory Stroll – Can Eat or Not?: dig deeper into how plants use their senses to “taste” soil
- A Sensory Stroll – Hidden in Plain Sight: discover plants’ sense of sight and how they communicate with other creatures
These tours are well-paced for children and seniors alike. At the end of some of these tours, Singaporeans and PRs can also gain free entry to the conservatories. Currently, these are for the Flower Dome only, as the Cloud Forest is hosting the Jurassic World experience which requires separate tickets.
Price: Free
Kid-friendly? Yes
Full list of Gardens by the Bay Nature and Sustainability tours
12. Let’s Go Tour Singapore
Seasoned nature tour guides
Image credit: @letsgotoursingapore via Instagram
If you want a more rustic nature experience, check out Let’s Go Tour Singapore’s nature offerings. Their licensed guides can take you to places like Pulau Ubin and Chek Jawa Wetlands to explore mangroves and sea animals. You might even spot an exotic bird and learn how to differentiate bird calls.
The kids might especially enjoy the Ubin tour that transports them back to the 60s and showcases island life. You’ll get to visit the Ubin Fruit Orchard and even SG’s last Malay kampong.
The price of the tour includes a bumboat from Changi Point Ferry Terminal and the van ride to and from the wetlands.
Price: $80/pax
Kid-friendly? Yes
Contact: Let’s Go Tour Singapore website
How to prepare for nature walks & tours?
- Check the age suitability: Some walks involve mudflats, early mornings, long walks, or uneven terrain.
- Book early: Especially for free walks; slots can fill up weeks in advance.
- Bring the essentials: Water, mosquito spray, a hat, sunblock, and a sense of adventure.
- Weather check: Many tours are postponed during wet weather, so always check your confirmation emails or messages the night before.
Book a spot for a guided nature walk or tour in Singapore
Singapore may be small, but there’s a wild side to it that often gets overlooked. These guided nature walks aren’t just educational, they’re also a great way to bond as a family, explore the lesser-seen corners of our city, and nurture a love for the environment in the next generation.
Whether you want to walk with a marine biologist, spot a rare eagle, or just teach your kid what a mangrove is, there’s a walk waiting for you. So, lace up your sports shoes and get ready to explore.
More experiences to look out for:
Cover image adapted from: Young Nautilus via Facebook, @naturesocietysingapore via Instagram, Mandai Wildlife Group, @gloriaseow95 via Instagram