Share to Facebook Share to Twitter Share to Linkedin Singapore became an independent nation on August 9th, 1965. getty Renowned worldwide for its towering skyscrapers, bustling nightlife and world-class hotels ranging from the Raffles to Marina Bay Sands , Singapore has earned a reputation as one of the planet’s top destinations for urban tourism—but this tiny island nation is far more than just a concrete jungle. Over the past few decades, Singapore has mastered the delicate blend of urban expansion and environmental conservation, with pockets of perfectly-preserved wilderness including Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve found dotting its borders.

Located on the northern edge of Singapore just south of Malaysia, this verdant attraction was first established as a nature park in 1993, eventually earning nature reserve status in 2002. Since then, the park has become a crucial haven for both resident and migratory species, with no shortage of fascinating mammals, birds, reptiles and insects to discover during a visit. And while animals abound across Sungei Buloh, the park is perhaps best known for its tangled mangrove forests, with each individual tree acting as a safe haven for tiny crabs and mollusks.

There are more than 20 extant species of mudskipper on the planet today. getty Upon arrival, guests are welcome to choose between open-air pathways ranging from the elevated Mangrove Boardwalk to the 300-meter Forest Trail, while features like Eagle Point and Aerie Tower are in pla.