Gardens in Singapore

Post date: Oct 18, 2012 2:50:46 PM

Gardens & Parks

Bukit Timah Nature Reserve

Singapore is one of only two cities in the world to have a significant area of primary rainforest within its boundaries - the other being Rio de Janeiro. This 81-hectare reserve, only 12 kilometres from the city centre, contains more species of plants than the entire North American continent. At the heart of the reserve lies Singapore's highest point - Bukit Timah Hill at 162.5 metres above sea level. Well marked paths lead through the jungle. Along the way, walkers can enjoy exotic birds, butterflies, inquisitive monkeys, squirrels, flying lemurs and other wildlife.

The nature reserve is open daily. Allow two hours. Admission: Free

Location: 177 Hindhede Drive, Singapore 589333 Tel: 1-800-4685736

Getting there: Take the MRT to Newton (NS21) station, then take SBS bus 171 or TIBS bus 182

Chinese Garden

The Chinese Garden, with its curved bridges, pagodas, courtyards and fountains, sweeps down to a river edged with weeping willows. The place to visit if you are a fan of historic Chinese architecture.

East Coast Park

East Coast Park, located off the East Coast Parkway, is a favourite play area for Singaporeans, either at the beach or in the parklands where bicycle riding is much enjoyed. Hire a bike or go windsurfing, eat at one of the many fine seafood restaurants or enjoy yourself at the various leisure attractions. These include everything from a bowling alley to a golf driving range.

Fort Canning Park

Fort Canning Park is a park rich in history - a sacred site where early Malay kings settled and the spot Sir Stamford Raffles chose to build his own bungalow, Singapore's first Government House. Fort Canning Centre, which dominates the park, is now a venue for the arts.

Getting there: Short walk from Dhoby Ghaut MRT (NS24) station

Japanese Garden

Japanese Garden emphasises simplicity, with stone lanterns, shrubs, hillocks and a tea-house creating a soothing atmosphere.

Opening hours: 9am to 6pm daily.

Location: 1 Chinese Garden Road, Singapore 619795 Tel: 2643455

Getting there: Take the MRT to Chinese Garden (EW25)

Mandai Orchid Gardens

The blooms here at Singapore's largest commercial orchid garden provide a colourful display all year round. The garden is conveniently located right next to the zoo, and a whole hillside is covered in orchids.

Opening hours: 8.30am to 5.30pm daily.

Location: Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729825 Tel: 62691036

Getting there: Take the MRT to Ang Mo Kio (NS16) station, then SBS bus 138

Marina South City Park

Marina South City Park, , is a park that blends art with nature while affording fine views of the sea. A giant sundial and disc sculptures which revolve in the breeze are the artistic attractions of the park. The park's open spaces and breezy environment also make it a popular haunt for kite-flying enthusiasts.

Getting there: Take the MRT to Marina Bay (NS27)

Mount Faber

Mount Faber offers a panoramic view of the harbour and neighbouring Sentosa Island, as well as a large measure of tranquility. It is also a place to catch the cable car to Sentosa.

The only mode of public transport is by taxi or take the cable car from World Trade Centre.

National Orchid Garden

Located in the Singapore Botanic Gardens, the National Orchid Garden is the largest orchid display in the world and features over 60,000 orchid plants. It also houses the famed "VIP Orchids" named after visiting Heads of State .

Opening hours: 5am to 12 midnight daily. Admission: Free

Location: Cluny Road, Singapore 259569. Tel: 1-8004797100.

Getting there: Take the MRT to Orchard (NS22), then take SBS bus 7, 105, 106, 123 or 174 from Orchard Boulevard

Reservoir Parks

MacRitchie, Peirce, Lower Seletar and Seletar Reservoirs are surrounded by a broad swathe of jungle and greenery which runs through the central northern part of Singapore. The cool reservoir parks of MacRitchie and Seletar are popular strolling and picnic spots for Singaporeans and their families.

MacRitchie Reservoir Park

Lower Seletar Reservoir Park

Upper Seletar Reservoir Park

Singapore Botanic Gardens

Spread over 52 hectares close to the centre of the city, the Botanic Gardens combine both primary jungle and manicured gardens which together hold thousands of species of plant life, including many rare specimens. Malaysia's rubber industry had its origins in the Botanic Gardens in the late 19th century when colonial botanist Henry Ridley propagated rubber plants from London's Kew Gardens. A lake adds to the serenity of the gardens, and is home to water fowl, ducks and kingfishers.

Opening hours: 5am to 12 midnight daily. Admission: Free

Location: Cluny Road, Singapore 259569. Tel: 1-8004797100

Getting there: Take the MRT to Orchard (NS22), then take SBS bus 7, 105, 106, 123 or 174 from Orchard Boulevard

Sungei Buloh Nature Park

Singapore's first designated wetland nature reserve is a major stop-over point for birds migrating along the East Asian Flyway. Carefully constructed hides throughout the 87 hectares provide excellent observation points for visitors.

Opening hours: 7.30am to 7pm on weekdays; 7am to 7pm on weekends and public holidays

Location: Neo Tiew Crescent. Tel: 66690377

Getting there: Take the MRT to Choa Chu Kang (NS4) station, then take TIBS bus SS7 to Woodlands Interchange. From Woodlands Interchange, take TIBS bus 925