By The Diary desk · Last verified 28 September 2026

Singapore’s nature reserves come with strict rules, and the Parks and Trees Act backs them with fines of up to S$50,000, up to six months in jail, or both. Stay on the marked trails, take nothing, feed nothing, bring no dogs, and be out between 7pm and 7am. Feeding wildlife is also an offence anywhere on the island under the Wildlife Act, with fines of up to S$5,000 for a first offence and S$10,000 after that.

Quick facts

• Stay on the trails marked on the map boards.
• Reserves are closed to visitors from 7pm to 7am.
• No dogs or other animals, and no bikes except on designated trails.
• Taking plants or disturbing animals is banned.
• Feeding wildlife anywhere carries fines of up to S$5,000, rising to S$10,000.
• Groups of 30 or more need a permit.

Which places are nature reserves?

Singapore has four: Bukit Timah, the Central Catchment (which includes MacRitchie and the TreeTop Walk), Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve and Labrador. Nature parks on their edges, such as Windsor, carry similar rules.

What’s not allowed?

The rules posted at the reserves list, among other things:

• Damaging, removing or collecting any plant or part of a plant.
• Killing, injuring, catching, disturbing, handling or feeding any animal.
• Bringing in any animal, including dogs.
• Lighting fires, smoking and littering.
• Bringing in bicycles or personal mobility devices, except where designated.
• Bathing, washing or walking in any stream or pond.
• Leaving the designated trails.
• Being in the reserve between 7pm and 7am.
• Making noise or playing music out loud.

“Animals” includes mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, amphibians, insects and their eggs.

What are the penalties?

Inside a nature reserve, breaking these rules can bring a fine of up to S$50,000, up to six months in jail, or both. Anywhere in Singapore, intentionally feeding wildlife carries a fine of up to S$5,000 for a first offence and up to S$10,000 for a repeat offence. Releasing wildlife without approval can cost up to S$5,000. Killing, trapping or keeping wildlife without approval is also an offence, and repeat offenders face up to S$20,000, twelve months in jail, or both.

Does anyone actually get caught?

Yes. Between January and October 2024, NParks took action against 209 people for feeding birds, 30 of them repeat offenders. In 2021, it brought 19 people to court for feeding wild boars at Lorong Halus, and the first four to plead guilty were fined S$2,500 each.

Why are the rules so strict?

Because feeding changes how animals behave. Wildlife that gets used to human food stops foraging, starts approaching people, wanders onto roads and into estates, and can turn aggressive. When that happens, the animals may have to be put down for public safety. The reserves are small, and the rules are what keep them working.

The WahLiao Verdict

Stick to the trail, leave with everything you brought and nothing you found, and be out by 7pm. The fines are big because the forests are small.

Questions people ask

Can I bring my dog?

Not into a nature reserve. Bringing in any animal, dogs included, is prohibited.

Can I cycle?

Only on trails designated for bikes.

Is feeding the monkeys really a crime?

Yes, anywhere in Singapore, and more seriously inside a nature reserve.

Who do I call about a problem on a trail?

The NParks helpline, on 1800-471 7300.

Sources: NParks, nature reserve regulations under the Parks and Trees Act; NParks, 19 offenders charged for feeding wild boars (January 2021); MND, written answer on bird feeders caught in 2024; ACRES on the Wildlife Act; Asia Law Network on wildlife feeding penalties.

Read next: Singapore Weather by Month · The Haze in Singapore · Back to The Diary

For what’s worth it this week, with the bill shown, read The WahLiao Week.