Exploring the Outdoors
Singapore Parks and Gardens
Singapore is often called the "Garden City", it lives up to its name with the abundance of stunning parks and gardens that cater to both visitors and local residents looking for a quite stroll while enjoying nature.
Singapore Botanic Gardens
Park Information
◾Botanic Garden is 82 hectares (202.63 acres), stretching approximately 2.5 km from north to south.
◾It takes 2-3 hours to explore a specific area like the National Orchid Garden and its vicinity. Recommended is half a day to a full day to truly wander and appreciate the different zones.
◾The main gardens are free and open from 5 AM to 12 AM daily. Best to visit is early morning (before 9:00 AM): Cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, ideal for a peaceful stroll and photography.
What to See
This award-winning park allows you to observe nocturnal animals in their naturalistic habitats. You can explore on foot via walking trails or take a guided tram ride through seven geographical zones.
National Orchid Garden: A highlight of the Botanic Gardens, boasting the world's largest orchid collection with over 1,200 species and 2,000 hybrids. Don't miss the VIP Orchid Garden where unique hybrids are named after dignitaries. (Note: This is the only ticketed attraction within the Botanic Gardens).
Learning Forest: Features a series of themed walks, including giant trees, a boardwalk through wetlands, and a conservation collection of rare fruit and nut species.
Ginger Garden: Showcasing a diverse collection of ginger species and related plants.
Rainforest: A small but authentic remnant of Singapore's original rainforest.
Jacob Ballas Children's Garden: A dedicated garden for children up to 14 years old, focusing on learning about nature through play.
Symphony Lake: Home to the popular "Concert Series in the Park" events.
How to Get There:
MRT: Botanic Gardens MRT Station (CC19/DT9): Directly at the Bukit Timah Gate and Napier MRT Station (TE12): Convenient for the Tanglin Gate.
Singapore's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, this 166-year-old tropical garden is a living testament to the nation's commitment to nature. It's a sprawling oasis of tranquility and a significant botanical research institute.
Fort Canning Park
Park Information
◾This park spans 18 hectares
◾It takes around 2 -3 hours to explore a few key historical sites and gardens.
◾The park is open 24 hours.
What to See
Spice Garden: A tribute to Singapore's spice trade history, featuring over 180 varieties of herbs and spices.
Battlebox: An underground command centre from WWII (requires a separate ticket for entry and tour).
Fort Gate: The last remnants of the colonial hilltop fort.
Ancient Artifacts: Explore archaeological digs and discover historical insights into Singapore's past.
Various Themed Gardens: Including the Sang Nila Utama Garden (a recreation of a 14th-century royal garden), the Pancur Larangan (a sacred spring), and the Jubilee Park.
Heritage Trees: Spot mature trees recognized for their botanical and historical value.
ASEAN Sculpture Garden: Featuring sculptures from various ASEAN member countries.
How to Get There:
By MRT:
Fort Canning MRT Station (DT20): Direct access to the park.
Dhoby Ghaut MRT Station (NS24/NE6/CC1): A short walk away.
Clarke Quay MRT Station (NE5): Also within walking distance.
A historical hilltop park in the heart of Singapore, Fort Canning Park is a tranquil escape filled with ancient trees, historical artifacts, and diverse themed gardens. It played a significant role in Singapore's history, from ancient royalty to colonial times.
East Coast Park
Park Information
◾This park spans 180 hectares, stretching over 13 km along the coastline.
◾It takes around Minimum: 2-3 hours for a specific activity (e.g., cycling or a meal). Recommended: Half a day to a full day to enjoy multiple activities and relax by the beach.
◾The park is open 24 hours.
What to See
Cycling and Inline Skating: Extensive paved pathways perfect for leisurely rides or energetic workouts. Rental shops are available.
Beaches: Long stretches of sandy shores for sunbathing, building sandcastles, or simply relaxing by the sea.
Water Sports: Opportunities for cable skiing and other water activities.
Coastal PlayGrove: A family-friendly destination with Singapore's tallest outdoor play feature (a vertical playground), a water play area, and a nature playgarden.
Xtreme Skatepark: One of Singapore's largest skateparks for inline skaters, skateboarders, and BMX freestylers.
East Coast Lagoon Food Village: A must-visit hawker centre offering a wide array of local Singaporean favorites like satay and barbecued seafood in an open-air setting.
How to Get There:
From Bedok MRT (EW5) Take Bus 31 / 196, alight at Parkway Parade and walk to Parkland Green via Marine Parade Central
Affectionately known as "ECP" by locals, East Coast Park is Singapore's largest park, offering a vibrant mix of recreational, sporting, and dining activities along a scenic coastline. It's a beloved urban getaway for families and fitness enthusiasts.
Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park
Park Information
◾This park spans 62 hectares, stretching over 3 km.
◾Minimum: 2-3 hours for a leisurely walk and enjoying the scenery. Recommended: Half a day to explore the different sections and enjoy the amenities.
◾The park is open 24 hours. Best time to come here is in the early mornings or late afternoons/evenings to avoid the heat.
What to See
Naturalised Kallang River: The main highlight, offering a picturesque setting for walks, picnics, and spotting various birds and aquatic life.
Pond Gardens and River Plains: Expansive lawns and open spaces perfect for picnics, gatherings, and outdoor activities.
Playgrounds: Features an inclusive playground designed for children of all abilities, as well as water play areas (check operating hours).
Biodiversity: Home to over 90 species of birds, dragonflies, and butterflies. Keep an eye out for otters, which are frequently sighted here!
Dining Options: Several cafes and restaurants within the park, some of which are pet-friendly.
How to Get There:
MRT + Walk: A 5-minute walk from Bright Hill MRT Station (Thomson-East Coast Line).
Bus: Accessible by various bus services along Bishan Road and Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1.
One of Singapore's largest urban parks, Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park is renowned for its naturalized Kallang River, which was transformed from a concrete canal into a meandering waterway integrated with the park's lush greenery. It's a fantastic example of urban rewilding.
Bidadari Park
Park Information
◾This park spans Approximately 13 hectares (about 32 acres), roughly equivalent to 18 football fields.
◾Minimum: Minimum: 1.5 - 2 hours to walk around Alkaff Lake and explore the Adventure Playwoods or take a portion of the Heritage Walk. Best to come in Early mornings or late afternoons for pleasant temperatures, especially for walking the trails and using the playgrounds.
◾The park is open 24 hours. B
What to See
Alkaff Lake: A central feature of the park, this 1.8-hectare lake serves a dual purpose: it's a scenic water body for recreation and a vital stormwater retention pond that helps prevent flash floods in the Bidadari estate. The calm waters and surrounding landscape make for a picturesque setting.
Heritage Walk: The park thoughtfully preserves its history as a former cemetery. The Heritage Walk, which starts near Woodleigh MRT Station, features heritage markers and information boards that tell the story of the area's past. Look out for the Bidadari Memorial Garden, which will house artefacts from the former cemetery (scheduled for completion in early 2025).
Adventure Playwoods: Inspired by Winnie the Pooh's Hundred Acre Wood, this nature-themed playground is a huge draw for families. It boasts a 5-meter-tall treehouse with slides, climbing nets, an observation pod shaped like a bird's nest, and a child-friendly mini zipline. It encourages exploratory and imaginative play.
Bird Sanctuary & Raptor Nest Platform: Bidadari Park is a significant stopover point for migratory birds along the East Asia-Australasian Flyway. The park has been designed with birdwatching in mind, featuring bird hides and a striking 20-meter-tall Raptor Nest Platform, hoping to attract raptors like the white-bellied sea eagle. It's a fantastic spot for bird enthusiasts, especially between October and April during migratory season.
Marshland Boardwalk: Explore the diverse marshland habitat via a boardwalk, where you can observe various insects, amphibians, and aquatic birds.
How to Get There:
By MRT (Northeast Line): The park is extremely accessible via Woodleigh MRT Station (NE11), which is directly opposite Alkaff Lake and has exits leading right to the park.
By Bus: Take bus numbers 100, 107, 135, 146, 148, 506 and alight at Bidadari Pk Dr - Opp Woodleigh Mall (Bus Stop Code: 61131)
This is one of the newest green spaces designed to integrate with the residential estate. It was inspired by the Hundred Acre Wood inhabited by Winnie-the-Pooh of the classic children’s story. Its design cleverly integrates flood protection features with beautiful landscapes and a focus on attracting and supporting diverse wildlife, especially birds. The park embraces its past through heritage elements while looking towards a green future.
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