Singapore’s Parks and Gardens

Treetop Walk at MacRitchie Reservoir

The Treetop Walk at MacRitchie Reservoir is a big project and a pioneer of its genre in Singapore. Some 25 metres high and 250 metres long, the wooden walkway bridge gives you the opportunity to see Singapore in a different way: without one tall building in sight – just a fantastic panoramic view of the forest.

This free-standing suspension bridge is a one-direction traffic system and allows only 30 people at a time on it. The starting point is at the Ranger Station via Peirce track (about 4.5km from the bridge) and it will lead you through mature secondary forest. Another option is to get to the Treetop walk from Venus Drive off Upper Thomson Road which will help shorten the distance by about two kilometres.

The walk along the bridge offers an unusual view of the forest canopy. Good walking shoes are necessary, as are drinking water and mosquito repellent. The round trip hike takes from three to five hours depending on your choice of routes. It’s a wonderful day out but not for those afraid of open spaces.

Singapore Botanic Garden

The Singapore Botanic Gardens was established by Sir Stamford Raffles but was closed down after his death in 1826. The current garden was founded in 1859 and has developed into something quite unique, featuring a small tropical rainforest, a ginger garden and an orchid garden.

The National Orchid Garden has a collection of more than 1,000 species and 2,000 hybrid orchids. Check out the lovely colonial plantation bungalow that once served as the garden director’s house but nowadays is an exhibition centre. A visit to the Botanic Garden is free but to enter its main attraction, the National Orchid Garden, will cost a small fee.

Mount Faber

Mount Faber offers superb panoramic views of Sentosa, the harbour, islands to the south as well as the busy central district. It is also home of the Merlion, Singapore’s mythical symbol which sits on top of the hill. Many people go up there to enjoy the scenery then take a cable car to Sentosa for more amazing views along the way. For those who love good food, Mount Faber features some well-recognised dining venues including Jewel Box, Altivo Bar, Faber Hill Bistro and the Glass Bar. Over the weekends, there are quite a number of hikers using different trials to go up to the top which can also be accessed by road. 

Chinese and Japanese Gardens

The Chinese and Japanese Gardens are off Yuan Ching Road, and adjoin Jurong Bird Park. Each garden covers 13.5 hectares. The Chinese Garden, which occupies the island on Jurong Lake, is done in the classical Northern Chinese Imperial style.

Stroll around the Chinese Garden and take in the majestic stone lions at the entrance, the stoneboat, the towering pagodas and the statue of Confucius. Marvel at the rockeries in the Garden of Romance and breathe in the smell of the culinary and medicinal herbs in the Herb Garden. The most interesting section of the Chinese Gardens is the Suzhou-styled penjing, or bonsai, garden. This section houses some 2,000 pots of penjing and is a must for bonsai buffs.

Across the Double Beauty Bridge are the Japanese Gardens, which are more minimalist in style. You'll find serene gardens, zig-zag bridges, pebbled pathways, stone lanterns and traditional summer houses here.

Bukit Timah Nature Reserve

This nature reserve is also the site of Singapore's highest hill, located about 12km from the city centre. Though it is small (1.64sqkm), it contains many interesting varieties of plants and animals, including orchids, lilies, rattan, butterflies, squirrels, wild birds, monkeys and insects.

There are both easy and challenging trails here within the reserve, all with good signage. Nearby, the Hindhede Nature Park features a picnic and play park where families and friends can relax. Other activities available around the Reserve include a six-km mountain bike trail and rock climbing.

East Coast Park

East Coast Park is not only the most popular, but it is also the largest park (1.85sqkm) in Singapore. It was built on a reclaimed land and offers various activities from water sports to cycling, rollerblading, bowling as well as an 18-hole indoor mini-golf course. Other facilities include a man-made sandy beach, shops/kiosks, rest-rooms, barbecue stations and holiday chalets.

Singaporeans love food, so there are plenty of dining venues to choose from here. The East Coast Seafood Centre consists of eight seafood restaurants. Some must-try dishes include the spicy sambal stingray and satay (grilled meat skewed on sticks served with sweet peanut sauce).

Fort Canning Park

One of Singapore’s historical locations, this small park faces Orchard Road and is next to the National Museum of Singapore. It is home to a few colonial buildings (one of them was Sir Stamford Raffles' home) and is a popular venue for art exhibitions as well as art performances. There's also a WWII exhibit there. Visitors will also notice a Spice Garden, established in 1822 by Raffles, which is considered the first botanical garden in Singapore. Here, you'll see noni trees, kaffir limes and torch gingers. 

HortPark

HortPark is a gardening and leisure/recreational concept. There are 20 themed gardens, for example the Fantasy Garden features characters from the Wizard of Oz . Then there is the Recycling Garden, Herb & Spice Garden, the Water Garden and a tree-climbing corner. HortPark serves as a link that connects Telok Blangah Hill Park and Kent Ridge Park. 

Marina Barrage

Officially opened in late 2008, Marina Barrage Dam is built across the Marina Channel with a catchment area of 10,000 hectares. It won top prize from the American Academy of Environmental Engineers (AAEE) in May 2009. Locals use it as a recreational area for activities like kite flying and picnicking. Marina Barrage is open to the public 24-hours a day but the information counter is open from 10:00 – 18:00 only.

The Southern Ridges

The Southern Ridges is a nine-km long trail across the south of Singapore, linking Mount Faber, Telok Blangah Hill Park and Kent Ridge Park. It’s a great place for outdoor activities, especially for runners, nature lovers and hikers.

There are about eight trails at Southern Ridges; all are well connected with good facilities along the way (i.e. toilets, drink-vending machines, restaurants and cafes.) Such trails are for example Marang Trail (800 metres), Henderson Waves (a 274-metre-long undulating bridge), Forest Walk (a steps-free elevated walkway) and Faber Trail (a kilometre-long trail). The best thing about the Southern Ridges is that visitors can take as much time as they like, knowing that there are many places along the route where they can get public transport.