So you’ve shopped till you dropped, and you’ve eaten your way through hawker market after hawker market; you’ve even tried an avocado milkshake ¬– now’s a good time to see the other side of Singapore, and that’s its green side. One of the many great initiatives of the Singaporean government is to keep the island green. Trees are everywhere. In fact, many of the latest apartment blocks have vines growing up the sides or on their roof.

However, the best place to walk through the jungle is at MacRitchie Reservoir. It’s been a protected nature reserve for years and used to be the place where locals took their lovers for some nookie. Now days it’s a great place to run or walk around for a bit of fresh air and fitness or you can even hire a kayak and go for a paddle.

If you’re on a super tight budget this is straight down your alley, because it’s free.

When you arrive head to the hut with a small café and get some nasi lemak and your bearings, because there are various walks you can take, from 4km up to about 14km. Make sure you take some water, because it can get a little tough walking in 35 degrees and 100% humidity. No doubt you’ll run into monkeys, the odd squirrel, but I’ve also seen a baby snakes, tortoises, lizards, fish, and plenty of birds and butterflies, so bring the camera. The best sights are from the treetop walk that has a terrific view over the reserve, there’s also a look out tower, both are hard work but well worth it. Bring a hat, but the thick canopy from the jungle will keep you in shade most of the time. Note; the tree top walk loop takes about 3 hours.

Another super place to visit is Mount Faber. It’s only a walk from the city, and has panoramic views of the harbour and inner Singapore. Mount Faber is the second tallest point in Singapore – a whopping 105 metres! This place reminds me of the peak in Hong Kong, maybe not as good. However there are restaurants and a great long bridge that curls up the hill and gives you a good perspective of how compact Singapore is.

And the tallest point of Singapore is Bukit Timah. Standing 163.5 metres above sea level. Don’t worry about your altitude sickness, however the last kilometre to the top will definitely take your breath away. You can walk here from MacRitchie, but it’s a bit off the trail. The jungle in between, and on the walk to the peak is so lush and there are stacks of trails to explore. One thing not to expect is an incredible view. For some reason they didn’t think making a look-out was a good idea, but it’s a nature reserve, so each to their own.

Other than that, the Botanical Gardens is impressive and check local guides for activities and shows that are performed on the stage in the gardens.

As far as accommodation goes, I would still look in these three areas: In the city, Sentosa Island or along Orchard Road. This is where all the action is and when you want to take in nature, the above places are not more than a fifteen-dollar cab ride away. The other place to check out is the latest and greatest Casino, brand spanking new and from what I’ve heard very luxurious. Just ask the cab drivers, they’re all very excited about it. And you’re actually making money just by going, because locals get charged $100 entry fee, so you’re already a head right…?