Chestnut Nature Park Singapore
Chestnut Nature Park is located on the eastern end of Chestnut Avenue. Skirting the Central Catchment Nature Reserve, the nature park serves as a green buffer for the reserve.
There are two areas to Chestnut Nature Park – Chestnut Nature Park (South) and Chestnut Nature Park (North). Chestnut Nature Park (North) is about 64 hectares and was opened on 25 February 2017. Together with the southern portion opened in April 2016, Chestnut Nature Park now totals 81 hectares, making it Singapore’s largest nature park to date.
As part of the ongoing habitat enhancement programme to augment NParks’ biodiversity conservation efforts, Chestnut Nature Park has been planted with native tree species. Examples of these native tree species are the Braided Chestnut (Castanopsis inermis), Singapore Walking-Stick Palm (Rhopaloblaste singaporensis) and the Jelutong (Dyera costulata). These native tree species will allow animals to thrive by improving the ecological connectivity between green spaces so that animals may move around safely.
As a shared community space for different users, visitors to Chestnut Nature Park can look forward to a range of recreational activities such as hiking, mountain biking and bird watching. Chestnut Nature Park is the first nature park in Singapore to have separate mountain biking and hiking trails.
Visitors to Chestnut Nature Park can also find amenities such as shelters, pavilions, information mapboards, toilets, hiking as well as mountain biking trails. Park users can also look forward to a kiosk where they can rent and wash bikes as well as buy pre-packaged snacks.
Chestnut Nature Park is the largest national park in Singapore, located on the eastern end of Chestnut Avenue near Central Catchment Nature Reserve. Spread over a whopping 81 hectares, the Park is home to meticulously set-up exclusive walking, hiking, and mountain biking trails. The only nature park in Singapore with separate trials for these activities, Chestnut Nature Park is also known for its rich biodiversity, making it a great location for photographers, bird lovers, nature enthusiasts, and families.
Chestnut Park (North) – which is four times larger than its southern counterpart – has two hiking trails through verdant groves and lakes, while Chestnut Park (South) has three long hiking trails winding through rocks, grasslands, and meadows. The eleven different mountain biking trails are perfect for both amateur and professional biking enthusiasts to try their hand at this skill. The native tree species at the park are a favourite among botanists and animals alike – hikers can hope to spot a variety of mammals, reptiles, and birds here. This is an excellent weekend getaway for the whole family!
Chestnut Nature Park Trails
Chestnut Nature Park is the first nature park in Singapore which has different trails for hiking and biking.
Hiking:
The two hiking trails at Chestnut Nature Park (North) measure a combined distance of 3.5km.
The Northern Loop trail is not a loop and ends at a tiny hut. This trail starts off as a paved road before it becomes a cobbled pavement, finally ending up as a dirt track. This trail winds through groves of trees and provides hikers with several scenic views of the dense flora.
The other trail at Chestnut Nature Park (North) is the Nature Trail. This trail runs beside the gurgling stream, also going over it, providing hikers with a lovely trekking experience. Hikers can spot large durian trees, magnificent ficus trees and tree ferns on this gorgeous trail, as well as the ruins of old kampong buildings, wells and roads.
The trail in Chestnut Nature Park (South) is 2.1km long and is sectioned into the Sunbird Trail, the Drongo Trail, and the Munia Trail. It ends at Chestnut Drive and hence, forms a loop. A rocky and hilly trail, it is dotted with huge moss covered, granite boulders. It opens out into large fields, covered by tall lalangs.
Combining the length of the trails in the North and South, the hiker gets a total of 5.6km of hiking trail in the nature park. There are several huts along the trail where hikers can get some rest, as well as maps and markers which can help them understand where they are.
Mountain Biking:
The Mountain Biking trail at the park is 8.2km long and has various levels of difficulty ranging from easy, moderately difficult, very difficult and extremely difficult.
Visitors are advised to choose the trail carefully according to their skill set.
There is also a pump track which has slopes and is designed for bikers to practice and improve their skills within a controlled environment. The pump track can be used by riders of all skills including kids, as it has four subsections of which two are intermediate, one is easy and other is the fast bowl.
Another feature is the Bike Park which has been made specifically for experienced mountain bikers. It helps them develop their biking skills, and practice technical features like drop-offs and jumps.
Bird Watching at Chestnut Nature Park
A popular activity to do at Chestnut Nature Park is bird watching. The thick foliage provides a perfect environment for several birds to nest and roost. Rare birds like the Straw-headed Bulbul, the Brown-chested Jungle Flycatcher, the bright orange Banded Woodpecker, the tiny Orange-bellied Flowerpecker and the long-beaked Little Spiderhunter can be spotted among the trees of Chestnut Nature Park. Some lucky visitors can also spot the beautiful Striped Kukri Snake which is known for the vivid orange stripe running down its back.
Places to Visit near Chestnut Nature Park Singapore
1. River Safari:
It is a gorgeous zoo with the theme of the river and aquarium. A great place to visit surely near the Singapore Zoo as it is nestled in between the zoo and the Night Safari. Renowned as Asia’s only and first river theme park, it is a fun and relaxing place to spend a vacation with your family.
The place offers you fun boat rides that prove to be the main highlight that takes you around the park and make you witness the 10 different ecosystems with around 300 species of animals. The time to visit this place is 10 am till 7:30 pm.
2. Rainforest Kidzworld:
When looking for places to visit near the Singapore Zoo then the highlight is the Rainforest Kidzworld. Meant for the young ones it is themed to be an enthralling animal wonderland. The kids can have fun and participate in the endless list of tasks at this place.
Activities like petting goats, feeding the animals, or hopping on a pony for a ride will keep the little ones entertained. Also, there is a water playground too where they can head over to have a splash and go look around for the cute furry little animals.
3. Night Safari:
Considered as one of the most famous tourist spots in Singapore, it is the world’s first-midnight zoo. One should absolutely check out this night zoo offering you tram rides and also walking trails that take you through those magnificent rainforests past the elephants, leopards, and the royal tigers.
It shelters home to around 900 animals out of which 41% are endangered. The timings to visit this place are from 7:15 pm up till midnight. The Night Safari regularly features cultural performances, tribal dances, and blowpipe demonstrations also.
4. Jurong Bird Park:
Enjoy an intimate encounter with the avian species at Jurong Bird Park, the largest aviary in Asia. Covering an area of 20.2 hectares on the western slope of Jurong hills, this bird-themed aviary offers both dry and wet play zones along with a game room for kids and a multi-purpose pavilion.
It houses a collection of over five thousand birds from four species, and the main attraction of this bird park is the Waterfall Aviary, one of the largest walk-in aviaries in the world. Get a chance to be acquainted with some of the most beautiful birds during their feeding session or enjoy lip-smacking delicacies while watching different types of parrots.
Hotels near Chestnut Nature Park Singapore to stay
1. The St. Regis Singapore
Situated at the heart of the city’s premier shopping district, with the world-class shopping of Orchard Road at your doorstep and the grandeurs of a 5-star hotel within, The St. Regis Singapore is the ideal residence for the discerning luxury traveller. Immerse in exquisite experiences highlighted by 299 luxuriously-appointed rooms and suites, signature restaurants and bars as well as the award-winning Remède Spa. From its location at the most coveted address, set at the crossroads of the embassy district and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Singapore Botanic Gardens, to the legendary St. Regis Butler Service and one of the largest private art collections in the city, this is world-class hospitality at its finest. The St. Regis Singapore has been certified as an SG Clean establishment. With an SG Clean certification, the hotel is committed to upholding good sanitation and hygiene practices backed by the National Environment Agency, Enterprise Singapore and Singapore Tourism Board.
2. InterContinental Singapore
Located on the fringe of Marina Bay precinct, InterContinental® Singapore is a luxury landmark deeply rooted in the heritage of the arts and cultural districts of Bugis and Bras Basah. Positioned in close proximity to established historical enclaves including Arab Street, Kampong Glam and Little India, InterContinental Singapore is also conveniently located next to Bugis Junction shopping complex, Singapore's first glass-covered air-conditioned shopping street.
3. The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore
Located downtown in the charming civic and cultural district, the iconic Capitol Building and Stamford House are unveiled as The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore. Blending beautifully conserved architecture with modern touches, this exclusive retreat promises luxury at its finest. The discovery continues with unparalleled shopping and dining experiences within footsteps, and the direct access to the legendary Capitol Theatre, for hosting celebratory galas and extraordinary gatherings.
4. Ramada by Wyndham Singapore at Zhongshan Park
Awarded Best Mid-Range Hotel for 5th time at the 30th Annual TTG Travel Awards 2019, the Ramada by Wyndham Singapore at Zhongshan Park offers 382 well-appointed guest rooms in a contemporary design, catering to both business and leisure travellers. Each room features amenities such as a 40-inch flat screen TV with cable channel access, complimentary in-room WIFI access and an in-room safe. With 540 square metres of meeting and banquet space, Ramada Singapore offers a perfect setting for corporate meetings, wedding banquets and private parties. The hotel ballroom and function room are equipped with the flexibility to accommodate events requiring various set-ups. Alongside facilities such as a 30-metre swimming pool, 24-hour fitness centre as well as a business centre; the hotel’s restaurant, New Ubin Zhongshan Park, serves up hearty tze char and brings guests a Truly Singaporean experience.
5. ibis Singapore Novena
ibis Singapore Novena is located on the intersection of Irrawaddy and Balestier Road and 8 mins walk to Novena MRT Station. Ideal for business, medical and leisure travelers, the hotel offers complimentary WIFI, international power sockets, parking, a handy phone with unlimited mobile internet and local & international calls for selected countries. Oopen Pasta and Grill serves an international buffet breakfast and chef's delectable selection, hotel is a stone's throw from heritage sites and authentic local food trails. Hotel also provides a complimentary shuttle to Novena MRT Station.
Tips
Smoking is not allowed within the park.
No pets are allowed in the park.
Chestnut Nature Park has a kiosk where bikes can be rented and washed. Snacks and water can also be bought there. However, the kiosk is located at Chestnut Point and hence, it is important for visitors to carry their own water.
Toilets are located at Chestnut Point.
Car-parking is not allowed overnight.
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