The best reservoir parks in Singapore for tranquil waterside walks

There's no talking about the best reservoir parks in Singapore without mentioning this gem in the West. Jurong Lake Gardens has been deemed as the largest nature wonderland in the heartlands, spanning a whopping 90 hectares. This includes Lakeside Garden, Chinese and Japanese Gardens and Garden Promenade – a lot of ground to cover for nature lovers. Read our complete guide to Jurong Lake Gardens. 

DO Our favourite is the boardwalk at the North promenade and Rasau Walk, both of which brings you close to the waters of Jurong Lake. 

SEE Head to Alstonia Island to get a load of restored freshwater swamp habitat. At Heron Island, you might also catch the majestic white birds roosting. 

Serangoon Reservoir is one of the lesser-known reservoirs in Singapore – and one of the more interesting ones too. Formerly known as Sungei Serangoon, the river has since been converted into a reservoir in 2011. The reservoir stretches from Hougang Capeview all the way to Lorong Halus Wetlands and is accessible by the Serangoon Park Connector. 

DO Go off-trail and explore the inner woodland area by the main reservoir stretch – you'll find hidden ponds and water bodies. 

SEE Besides being one of the best places to go for a waterside run, Serangoon Reservoir is teeming with wildlife and the area near Lorong Halus is an excellent bird-watching spot. Besides birds, keep your eyes peeled for monitor lizards, otters on the banks, macaque monkeys and even wild boars.  

Lower Peirce Reservoir is Singapore's second oldest reservoir. Once known as the Kallang River Reservoir, it was impounded from the upper section of the Kallang River and officially opened in 1912. Be one with nature and marvel at the stunning views of regenerating secondary forests that line the catchment area. If you can recognise them, try to spot rubber trees and oil palms among the vegetation – these are testaments to the plantations that used to cover the island. 

DO Take the 900-metre boardwalk that brings you right along the water's edge. In the mornings, enchanting mists hang over the surface. 

SEE There's an Instagram-worthy jetty at the Lower Peirce entrance. If it's flora and fauna you're interested in, keep your eyes peeled for White-bellied Fish Eagles soaring above and water monitor lizards in the water.

Singapore's oldest and most popular nature park is a haven for joggers, families and weekend strollers. A 20-kilometre network of trails around this water body means that you'll never run out of things to do – including easy boardwalk treks and ambitious hikes, ranging from 3 to 11 kilometres in length. Besides the abundant wildlife, including flying lemurs, tree frogs and pangolins, MacRitchie's forest hides some secrets, including the remains of a Shinto shrine built by the Japanese Imperial Army. 

DO Go kayaking to experience MacRitchie Reservoir from the water itself. While the HSBC Treetop Walk and Jelutong Tower are not to be missed for stunning 360-degree views of the reserve, head to the zigzag bridge and submerged boardwalk for something a little different.

SEE War hero Lim Bo Seng's tomb. A fierce activist in the fight against the Japanese, Lim Bo Seng was captured by Japanese forces and tortured during custody. He never betrayed his fellow soldiers, and eventually died in 1944. He was buried with full military honours at the reservoir. 

Situated in the northern part of Singapore, this reservoir park is the perfect place for evening walks or jogs through nature. Upper Seletar Reservoir was officially opened by Her Royal Highness, Princess Alexandra, The Honourable Lady Ogilvy in 1969 and is one of the four major parks around the Central Catchment Area. It's not as built up like the others, such as MacRitchie, but that's part of the charm. 

DO A highlight of this 15 hectares space is its rocket ship lookout tower. Burn some calories with a quick cardio workout by climbing up the tower's winding stairs and be awarded with an aerial view of the park's water body and surrounding greenery. 

SEE We love a photogenic lone tree, and Upper Seletar Reservoir has its very own casuarina tree framed against the tranquil waters of the catchment. 

Built by the Public Utilities Board to meet the increasing demand for freshwater in east Singapore, Bedok Reservoir is today a breezy heartland destination for joggers and leisure-seekers. The surrounding park is full of garden trails, public sculptures and activity zones for families to enjoy, while the 88-hectare reservoir is a prime spot for water recreational activities. It was even the site of the first international water sports event to be held at a local reservoir – the HSBC Wakeboard World Cup Singapore 2004.

DO Challenge yourself to treetop obstacle courses at Forest Adventure. The largest such adventure park in Singapore, it includes 69 high element courses and four giant zip lines over the water.

SEE Enjoy a simple and relaxing break at the floating deck near the Activity Lawn, which provides a stunning view over the water. 

This low-key park is a beloved spot among fishing enthusiasts, who can take their pick from two designated grounds. Aside from that, visitors can soak up the nature-related revelry offered in the park, such as picnics on the wide-open fields and unobstructed views of the Johor Strait. 

DO Visit the memorial plaque that pays tribute to the brave soldiers who lost their lives in the Battle of Kranji during World War II. 

SEE Early risers can catch the gorgeous sunrise, where the best spot for viewing is somewhere near the Kranji Dam.