Top Gardens to Visit in Singapore

Singapore is known as the Garden City and there is no better way to discover this country than to explore some of its well-known gardens that have made this place the green place it is.

Singapore Botanic Gardens

This is Singapore’s first and only UNESCO World Heritage Site, inscribed recently in July 2015. The gardens play an important role in making Singapore the Garden City with its 156-year history.

Stroll through the lush greenery of this garden that spans 74 hectares and discover the historical botany of Singapore. Visit the well-known National Orchid Garden and be blown away by the beauty of its colourful collection of 1,000 Orchid species and 2,000 hybrid species.

The gardens also play host to several festivals and concerts regularly. Visit their website for more information.

Gardens By The Bay

Gardens By The Bay is one of Singapore’s largest vision-made-real City in a Garden. Sprawled over an area of 101 hectares, the gardens are made up of various attractions, each with their own highlights. Be sure not to miss out on the two Cooled Conservatories, Flower Dome, Cloud Forest and Outdoor Gardens – Supertrees Grove, Heritage Gardens and World of Plants.

When walking around the grounds of the garden, you will certainly not miss the Supertrees; these awe-inspiring structures stand out because of their height and vertical plant displays. For a bird’s eye view of the surrounding Marina Bay Area, take a stroll along the OCBC Skyway, which is 22 metres above ground. A nightly light and sound show takes place at 7.45pm and 8.45pm.

For some insight into the plants that are closely interwoven with the cultures of the main ethnic groups in Singapore, visit the Heritage Gardens and learn more about the importance of these plants in Singapore’s past.

Explore the cool-moist Cloud Forest, featuring a 35-metre high man-made waterfall as well as exotic plant species including orchids, pitcher plants and ferns that originate from the Tropical Montane highlands which are located 1,000 – 3,500 metres above sea level.

For those who may not have a lot of time to spend in the gardens or wish to view the gardens while relaxing, hop onto the 20-minute garden cruiser audio tour for a ride around the Bay South Garden.

Brighten up your day (and visit) with a visit to the Flower Dome. In here, come up close and personal with flowers from all over the world including those from cool-dry Mediterranean climates that can only be experienced in parts of Europe, Chile, South Africa and California. The flower displays are rotated on a regular basis, depending on the seasons so be pleasantly surprised.

Chinese & Japanese Gardens (Jurong Lake Gardens)

Situated in the Western end of Singapore, the Chinese and Japanese Gardens are connected by the Bridge of Double Beauty. The gardens are both popular with photographers because of their unique architecture.

The Chinese Garden, built in 1975 and designed by Taiwanese architect Yuen-Chen Yu, is modelled along the northern Chinese imperial style of architecture and landscape. Pavilions and Pagodas dot the garden, including the iconic seven-storey Cloud Piercing Pagoda and the statues of famous historical heroes. The unique Live Turtle and Tortoise Museum is not to be missed, with up to 180 turtles and 3,000 turtle-related collectables for viewing. There is also a good collection of bonsai in the gardens.

The adjacent Japanese Garden is modelled after Japanese gardening aesthetics of the Muromachi and Momoyama periods, with arched bridges, stone pathways, rock waterfalls, stone lanterns and Japanese-styled pagodas.

The gardens offer a perfect location to enjoy serenity and nature.

The Southern Ridges

If you are looking for a trail with different vantage points from which to view Singapore, try walking The Southern Ridges. This unique 10km stretch connects five different parks (Mount Faber Park, Telok Blangah Hill Park, HortPark, Kent Ridge Park and Labrador Nature Reserve) from West Coast Park to Mount Faber. It will certainly provide a serene respite from the hustle and bustle of Singapore city, especially with the smattering of small garden plots in between.

The entire trail shows off the juxtaposition between urban Singapore’s skyscrapers and the surrounding lush greenery. Trails are well-paved and easy to navigate so they are suitable for all ages.  The best stretch of the trail is from Kent Ridge Park to Mount Faber and where the spectacular Henderson Waves bridge, suspended 36 metres above ground, is.

Don’t forget to bring your camera so you can capture the beautiful flora, fauna, wild birds, panoramic views and gorgeous sunsets!