The Best Places To See Wildlife In Singapore

It may come as a surprise but Singapore is actually a great place to visit in Asia if you want to experience nature. Although most commonly associated with huge skyrise buildings, state-of-the-art attractions, and luxury hotels, you’ll find lots of wildlife in Singapore.

During our 4 days in the city, we got to see a lot! Considering how built-up the city-state is, we didn’t expect to see so much, but boy, were we wrong.

Today, we want to show you exactly what this city has to offer in terms of nature. That’s why we’ve put together this guide, which will detail the best places to see wildlife in Singapore.

We’ll show you what you can see, where you can see it, and talk you through some of the nature reserves that you can visit!

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Wildlife in Singapore: What can you see and where?

1. Otters

The last thing we expected to see in the heart of Singapore was a family of otters taking a dip in the water near Gardens by the Bay, however, that’s exactly what we saw. It was only after, that we started to learn so much more about the otters of Singapore.

This bustling city is very much gripped by otters right now. To be precise, smooth-coated otters! These charming creatures returned to Singapore towards the end of the 20th century, and we’re certainly glad that they have.

This was in most parts down to the waterways around the city becoming much cleaner. Today, there are approximately 60 otters in Singapore, and these are split into 9 or 10 different families.

The otters in Singapore tend to stay in one area for several months before moving on as a family. Thanks to their large numbers, spotting them in the city isn’t that difficult so just keep your eyes peeled.

Where to see them: Gardens by the Bay

The best place to find otters in Singapore is near Gardens by the Bay. There’s a family of otters that occupy part of the river behind the Cloud Forest Dome, so this is the spot you’re most likely to see them.

During our time in the city, we saw 10 of them swimming and playing together. Otters are usually active before 8:30 am but we did see them in the afternoon!

2. Pied Oriental Hornbill

The pied oriental hornbill is a fine example of how conservation and sustainability efforts in Singapore are helping local wildlife thrive. It was only in the 1960s that this species of hornbill was thought to be extinct!

However, 30 years later, the bird was rediscovered in Pulau Ubin. Today, this Singapore native continues to thrive in the city-state with the help of nesting boxes and open-green spaces.

The oriental pied hornbill is still an endangered species but there are now approximately 100 of them on Pulau Ubin Island. This species of hornbill stands roughly 70 cm tall, has black and white plumage, and dons a vibrant horn-like beak.

Where to see them: Pulau Ubin

You can find birds like the oriental pied hornbill on Pulau Ubin Island, which is a small island found off the northeast of Singapore’s main island. This bird tends to stick to moist lowland areas.

3. Monitor Lizards

One of the most common wild animals you’ll see in Singapore is the monitor lizard. There are three different species of monitor lizard that you might spot in and around the city.

There’s the Malayan water monitor, the clouded monitor lizard, and the Dumeril’s monitor. The most common species of monitor lizard in Singapore is the Malayan water monitor. The rarest is the Dumeril’s monitor.

The Malayan water monitor is essentially a huge lizard that can grow up to 3 metres (9.8 ft) long. Mostly carnivorous, this reptile usually feeds on snakes, fish, crabs, and insects. They have also been known to scavenge.

The monitor lizard plays a big part in Singapore’s biodiversity as it controls animal populations and is prey for larger reptiles like the crocodile.

Where to see them: Everywhere!

We’re not joking when we say that you’ll find monitor lizards everywhere in the city. This includes various national parks, Gardens by the Bay, forests, canals, mangrove swamps, and even drains.

During our 4 days in Singapore, we certainly came across a few!

4. Dugong

If you’re really lucky when you travel through this city-state, you might spot a dugong. The dugong is one of the rarest Singapore mammals there is!

This marine mammal is the only living representative of the Dugongidae family that you’ll find in Singapore. Reaching lengths of 2.7 metres (8.8 ft) and weighing 300 kilograms, the dugong is often referred to as the sea cow.

This adorable species of marine mammal has a large body, a flattened fluke tail, flippers, and a unique head shape. Interestingly, it has no dorsal fin. They can live for up to 70 years too which is rather impressive!

As far as Singapore wildlife goes, it doesn’t get much better than the dugong.

Where to see them: Johor Strait

If you somehow manage to spot the dugong, you’ll most likely be near the Johor Strait between Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore. You’ll have to be seriously lucky to spot one so don’t be too disappointed if they’re a no-show.

5. Crocodiles

While the dugong is probably one of the most adorable animals you can see here, the crocodile is arguably the scariest. We were quite surprised to hear that Singapore has wild crocodiles, so we can imagine you probably are too!

The city’s wetlands are inhabited by large saltwater crocodiles so you might be able to spot one if you visit the northern coastlines. It’s in the wetlands, that crocodiles hunt small animals and fish during the night.

The main species of crocodile that calls Singapore home is the estuarine crocodile, which was first recorded here at the start of the 1800s.

The estuarine crocodile is actually one of the largest crocodile species in the world. It can reach lengths of 5 metres (16.4 ft) so I’m sure you’ll be in for a shock if you spot one!

Where to see them: Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve

The best place to see crocodiles in Singapore is at the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, so this is where you should visit first. You can sometimes spot crocodiles in the Kallang River too, so keep your eyes peeled just in case.

6. Monkeys

In most Singapore wildlife reserves, you can come across monkeys. Like most Southeast Asian countries, monkeys are one of the most popular types of animals you can see!

In Singapore, there are three different types of monkeys, but the long-tailed macaque is the most common. There are approximately 1,500 long-tailed macaques in Singapore so you’ve got a great chance of seeing one.

The other two species of primate you might see are the Sunda Slow Loris, and the Raffles banded langur. Unfortunately, the beautiful Raffles banded langur is one of the most endangered animals in Singapore.

There are only 30 to 40 banded langurs left in the city-state, so you’ll be lucky to see one!

Where to see them: Rainforest Nature Reserves

All three species of native Singapore primates inhabit the fridges of the nation’s rainforest nature reserves. Two great examples of where you can find monkeys include the Central Catchment and Bukit Timah nature reserves.

7. Dolphins

A common sight in the waters that surround Singapore is dolphins. Super intelligent, friendly, and of course, beautiful, you have a very good chance of spotting these incredible creatures during your time in Singapore.

A favourite with most animal lovers, Singapore’s coast is home to several different species of dolphin, including the Indo-Pacific humpbacked dolphin, and the Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin. These are the two most common and are the ones you’re likely to see.

The Indopacific bottlenose dolphin can sometimes be easier to spot because it’s bigger than the Indo-pacific humpbacked dolphin. The humpbacked dolphin varies in colour, with most of them being grey. However, they can also be white and even pink!

Where to see them: Sentosa Island

These creatures are most commonly seen around the city’s Southern Islands, which makes Sentosa Island one of the prime locations for seeing dolphins in Singapore. The easiest way to spot them is from a boat, however, you can see them from land too!

8. Sea Turtles

One of the most amazing animals Singapore has to offer is the sea turtle, which due to habitat loss is one of the most endangered species too.

Sticking around Singapore’s Southern Islands, this city-state is home to two special species of sea turtle. These are the green turtle and the smaller hawksbill turtle, both of which are incredibly beautiful.

As you can probably imagine, spotting sea turtles in Singapore is a challenge because they live in the water. However, they do come on land every so often, making things a little easier. Sea turtles will occasionally nest on the islands too so keep your eyes peeled!

Where to see them: Southern Islands/Sentosa Island

The best place to find turtles is near Sentosa Island because most sea turtles in Singapore inhabit the coastline around the Southern Islands.

You can also spot sea turtles within Sisters Islands Marine Park, as this is where sea turtles occasionally nest. Alternatively, you can take part in a scuba diving trip!

9. Lesser Mouse Deer

The lesser mouse deer has to be one of the most adorable animals you can spot in Singapore. This tiny species of mouse deer is an endangered species that’s super easy to miss because of how small it is!

Feeding on small fruits and leaves, this pint-sized little cutie won’t usually grow to be taller than 48 cm tall. The other species of mouse deer doesn’t vary much in size either, so this really is a tiny animal.

Thanks to their small stature and miniature oval-shaped body, the lesser mouse deer is very good at hiding. This makes it much harder to spot them in the wild, however, it can be done!

Where to see them: Bukit Timah Nature Reserve

One of the only places you can spot the lesser mouse deer in Singapore is in Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. Even when you know where to look this exotic species can be hard to spot, so you really will have to focus if you’re going to have any luck.

10. Sharks

It may come as a surprise to you but Singapore is also home to a huge range of different shark species. This includes the blacktip reef shark, the coral catshark, and various members of the bamboo shark family.

However, the fiercest species of shark that calls Singapore home is the infamous bull shark. Spotting the bull shark is both impressive and terrifying because this species of shark is a killer!

Luckily, most people that spot the bull shark make it out alive and with a fantastic story to tell. No matter what type of shark you spot in Singapore, you’re in for a treat.

Where to see them: Scuba diving trips

If you’re going to see sharks in Singapore, you’ll have to get in the water. The best chance you have is by heading out on a scuba diving trip because you’ll be able to get up close and personal with the marine life.

Scuba diving trips from Sentosa Island are a solid option!

Other Wildlife in Singapore that You Might Get to See

Aside from the animals and birdlife mentioned above, there’s a lot more wildlife to see in and around the city.

Here are some of the other species of wildlife you might find in Singapore:

• The Small Leopard Cat
• Common Palm Civet
• The Sunda Pangolin
• Flying Lemurs
• The Malayan porcupine
• Wild Pig

The Best Wildlife Reserves In Singapore

Considering Singapore is such a bustling metropolis it’s got a surprising amount of nature reserves. It’s a good job too considering how much wildlife is found in and around the city!

These nature reserves are where you’ll find an abundance of wildlife. If you want to try and spot animals during your trip to Singapore, you should visit at least one of the reserves.

In the next part of this guide, we’ll tell you more about the best nature reserves Singapore has to offer.

1. Central Catchment Nature Reserve

We’ll start off with the largest nature reserve in Singapore which is the Central Catchment Nature Reserve. Covering more than 2,000 hectares of forest, this nature reserve is home to some of Singapore’s most biodiverse and rich forests.

One of the rarest types of forest you can find in Central Catchment Nature Reserve is Singapore’s freshwater swamp forest. This area is incredibly valuable to Singapore’s wildlife!

This nature reserve is perfectly set up for animal lovers so make sure you pay it a visit. There are a wide variety of hiking trails and boardwalks, birdwatcher hides, kayaking opportunities, and a 250-metre suspension bridge.

There are 500 different species of animal in this nature reserve too, including long-tailed macaques, snakes, owls, slow loris, and monitor lizards.

2. Pulau Ubin

Pulau Ubin is a 1,000-hectare island that sits to the northeast of mainland Singapore. Another popular destination for wildlife lovers, this island is home to a huge variety of different species including kingfishers, mouse deer, bats, owls, reptiles, long-tailed macaques, and so much more!

Most of the species here inhabit mangroves, tidal flats, swamps, and forests. Visitors can explore the Chek Jawa Wetlands, hike around the island, cycle to popular wildlife spots, or simply admire the views from the Jejawi observation tower.

Another great way to see wildlife on the island is to walk along the looped boardwalk which offers amazing views of the area!

3. Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve

Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve first became popular in the late 1960s when the government decided to conserve the area. Today, this nature reserve is one of the most important and popular places in the world for migratory birds.

This easily makes it one of the best places to visit in Singapore if you love wildlife. The nature reserve sits in the northwest region of Singapore and covers an area of land that spans 130 hectares.

Despite being one of the smaller nature reserves in the city-state, Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve is home to hundreds of animal species. This includes saltwater crocodiles, smooth otters, Chinese egrets, greater spotted eagles, and lesser whistling ducks.

4. Chestnut Nature Park

If you want to see a good mix when it comes to the flora and fauna of Singapore, you should visit Chestnut Nature Park. This nature reserve isn’t home to the rarest animals in the city, but it has a lot to offer.

Chestnut Nature Park is an expansive nature park that sits alongside the Central Catchment Nature Reserve, which makes it possible to visit both reserves in one day. The park is split into two different areas.

Both areas offer a wide range of wildlife-watching opportunities including hiking and biking trails. Some of the animal species you’ll find here include long-tailed macaques, monitor lizards, and mouse deer.

Aside from the animals, this nature park has some wonderful native tree programs that have seen the local forests and woodlands thrive.

5. Bukit Timah Nature Reserve

Bukit Timah Nature Reserve is also within close proximity to Central Catchment Nature Reserve so you’ve got a good chance of seeing wildlife here too. However, this nature reserve is a lot smaller.

Bukit Timah is only 163 hectares in size but you can still see hundreds of flora and fauna species. In fact, this reserve is home to over 840 different species of flowers and 500 different animal species.

Bukit Timah Nature Reserve sits at the base of the highest natural peak in Singapore which is Bukit Timah Hill. Some of the best things to see here include the Malayan pangolin, flying lemurs, snakes, banded langurs, and long-tailed macaques.

6. Bukit Batok Nature Park

The final nature reserve we have for you is Bukit Batok Nature Park. This is a stunning nature park that offers local people and tourists the chance to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s also a great place to see local wildlife!

Serene, tranquil, and vast, this park has a large selection of hiking trails, small footpaths, and forest walks that will show you everything this place has to offer.

Meandering along one of these footpaths will give you a chance to explore the dense forestry, crystal-clear waters, and lush green spaces.

Some of the wildlife you can see here includes flying lemurs, monitor lizards, other species of reptiles, birds, and monkey species such as the long-tailed macaque.

The Best Wildlife Parks In Singapore

We always recommend wild experiences when it comes to spotting animals as it’s the most ethical and rewarding way to see wildlife. However, you’ll find several wildlife parks in Singapore and many of them play an important role in conservation.

We’re going to outline the most popular options below, but like anywhere, make sure you check the reviews yourself first. The last thing you want is to pay for somewhere and then find out the treatment of the wildlife isn’t up to scratch.

We’re only mentioning this because we know organisations change ownership from time to time, so it’s always best to keep up to date with the park and animal conditions!

1. Singapore Zoo

If you’re looking to see the national animal of Singapore then you’ll need to visit the city’s zoo. For those that don’t know, lions are the national animal and this is the only place you’ll get to see them during your trip.

The zoo in Singapore is up there with the very best in the world because it has world-class conservation programmes, unique animal experiences on offer, and some of the most amazing animals in the world.

A trip to Singapore Zoo is also a great way to see the most dangerous animals in Singapore without having to get too close. To date, the zoo has more than 300 different species!

We love this Zoo, primarily for its unique open-air enclosures and animal experiences. This includes parts of the park where monkeys can roam free and the popular rhino feeding experience of course!

You can buy a Singapore Zoo one-day ticket in advance online. For more information, check out our Singapore Zoo guide here.

2. Night Safari

Singapore is also home to the Night Safari which is arguably one of the best and most unique attractions in the city. The Night Safari is the first nocturnal zoo in the entire world!

This attraction can be found in Mandai Park which features Mandai Bird Park and the Night Safari. It also helps form part of Mandai Wildlife Reserve which includes River Wonders, and Singapore Zoo.

Singapore Night Safari is currently occupied by more than 900 different animals from over 100 species.

41% of the species found here are endangered so you should definitely visit the safari because your ticket price will go towards conservation efforts. Examples of animals you can see at the Night Safari include Malayan tigers, lions, jaguars, and Asian elephants.

You can purchase a Night Safari and train ride ticket in advance online if you want to avoid any queues.

3. River Wonders

You can see a wide range of native Singapore animals and wildlife from around the world at the city’s River Wonders. It’s the first and only river-themed wildlife park in Asia, making it a one-of-a-kind experience when it comes to seeing flora and fauna in Singapore.

The wildlife park currently houses more than 11,000 land and aquatic animals from over 260 species. The animals here are split into 9 different zones, and you’ll want to visit all of them if you can.

However, the zones you really don’t want to miss are the Amazon Zone, Nile River Zone, Congo River, and the Giant Panda Forest. Examples of animals you have the chance to see include the giant panda, the red panda, giant otters, the manatee, and the green anaconda.

Singapore’s River Wonders is open 7 days a week from 10 am to 7 pm. You can purchase entry tickets online in advance if you wish!

4. Bird Paradise at Mandai Wildlife Reserve

Jurong Bird Park was once the largest bird park in Singapore, but it’s now permanently closed. Not to worry though, as all its feathery residents are being rehomed to Bird Paradise at Mandai Wildlife Reserve.

This will then be the largest bird park in the country and will feature eight walkthrough aviaries, a variety of different habitats, and The Sky Amphitheatre, which is where the presentations will be held.

Some of the iconic areas to visit within Bird Paradise include Winged Sanctuary, Amazonian Jewels, Heart of Africa, and Wings of Asia. Don’t miss out on the awesome Penguin Cove either, which will be home to Gentoo and king penguins.

At the time of writing, Bird Paradise is set to open at the start of May 2023. It’s going to be an exciting new attraction, and you won’t be short of things to do here.

5. S.E.A Aquarium

S.E.A Aquarium is a hugely popular Singapore tourist attraction that sits on Sentosa Island. If you have the Singapore all-inclusive city pass, you can enter for free. Alternatively, you can buy an aquarium entrance ticket in advance online.

The aquarium in Singapore is one of the largest aquariums in the world. As you would expect, there’s a lot to see and do, and you could easily spend 3 or 4 hours here.

S.E.A Aquarium currently holds a whopping 100,000 animals from 1,000 different species of marine life. Impressively, the animals inside the aquarium also come from 40 different habitats!

During your visit to the aquarium, you can expect to learn a lot more about the ocean and its marine life. There are interactive exhibitions, live shows, animal encounters, and so much more.

Most importantly, you can learn more about how we can protect and save marine life.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wildlife In Singapore

What’s the most common animal in Singapore?

Singapore as a city is home to a wealth of wildlife but there are some species that you’re likely to see much more frequently. This includes the Plantain Squirrel and the Long-tailed Macaque; both of which are primarily spotted in the treetops.

For those exploring the country’s offshore islands, you’ve got a good chance of spotting wild pigs!

Which animals are native to Singapore?

Although this city-state isn’t that big, you’ll find over 50 species of native mammals in Singapore. This includes the Sunda pangolin, the lesser mousedeer, the banded leaf monkey, and the greater slow loris.

There’s also the small leopard cat which can be spotted on the island of Pulau Ubin!

Are there any poisonous animals in Singapore?

There are a couple of poisonous animals in Singapore including snakes, spiders, and scorpions. You’re most likely to find them in some of the nature reserves but they can be spotted in the city too!

Some of the creatures you could come across include king cobras, the paradise tree snake, the lesser brown scorpion, and the yellow sac spider.

What is the largest predator in Singapore?

As we mentioned previously, the saltwater crocodile is found in Singapore. You’ll primarily see them in the nature reserves, especially in Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve.

They’re not typically sighted (which many of you will be glad to hear), although you may spot the Estuarine Crocodile.