It is expected that 70% of the global population will reside in urban areas by 2050, up from the current 56%. Competing demands for land to support economic activities and infrastructure development will reduce the availability of urban natural habitats and recreational green areas. This could contribute to phenomena such as “Nature Deficit Disorder” and the “Extinction of Experience”—terms that describe a growing disconnection from nature, which can have adverse consequences for both environmental health and human well-being. Tropical cities are particularly vulnerable, as urban expansion in these regions often coincides with the rapid loss of native, biodiversity rich habitats. Despite these challenges, we argue that disconnection from nature can be averted through intentional land use planning and strategic nature conservation approaches to sustain and even enhance human-nature interactions, with Singapore providing a compelling case in point. Situated 1° N of the equator, it is one of the world’s most densely populated tropical cities yet remains remarkably green. Residents continue to maintain a strong connection with nature, opposing global trends of disconnection. Singapore’s success stems from its commitment to preserving and enhancing an interconnected network of green spaces, including nature reserves, gardens, parks, and greenways. These are complemented by the greening of the urban matrix, targeted habitat restoration and biodiversity enhancement projects. Community-led horticultural programmes further deepen residents’ engagement with nature, while innovative therapeutic landscape designs harness the restorative benefits of greenery to support human well-being. Drawing on a decade of evidence from Singapore, we evaluate the outcomes of these initiatives and discuss how similar strategies can be adapted for other tropical cities experiencing urbanization pressures.