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Verdant Vistas: Top Gardens in Singapore to Explore
Singapore is a tiny island nation, but don’t be fooled by the pictures you see on the Internet of glitzy resorts, towering skyscrapers, and futuristic architecture.
There are pockets of verdant landscapes scattered across the island, and they’re worth the extra day trip or two to visit! You can choose from massive garden lawns, small but tranquil secret gardens, or even indoor attractions in places you least expect.
We compiled a list of the very best gardens in Singapore to help you with your travel plans. We included pet and wheelchair-friendly options too!
Singapore Botanic Gardens
National Orchid Garden
Address: 1 Cluny Rd, Singapore 259569
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 8:30 am to 7:00 pm
Did you know that the orchid is Singapore’s national flower? If rare orchids are something that interests you, we highly recommend paying a visit to the National Orchid Garden at the Singapore Botanic Gardens.
There are several garden zones inside the National Orchid Garden, with the Tropical Montane Orchidetum, the Sembcorp Cool House, and the Tan Hoon Siang Mist House being the highlight attractions.
The Tropical Montane Orchidetum features rare tropical orchids, the Sembcopr Cool House houses orchids that thrive in high elevations, and the Tan Hoon Siang Mist House displays over 2,000 hybrid orchids.
| Pro Tip: While entrance to the Singapore Botanic Gardens complex is free of charge, admission to the National Orchid Garden is not. It costs $15 per adult tourist, $3 for international students, $5 for local visitors, and $1 for local students and elders. Children below 12 years old are free of charge! |
Ginger Garden
Address: 1 Cluny Rd, Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore 259569
Contact Details: +6518004717300
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 5:00 am to 12:00 am
Looking for a garden that exudes romance and calmness? The Ginger Garden may be the best garden in Singapore for you.
As one of the Singapore Botanic Gardens’ most enchanting features, the Ginger Garden is a small but lush area that features a glistening waterfall concealing a hidden cave and ambient lighting that illuminates the area at night for a romantic atmosphere.
With over 250 varieties of ginger and related plants, the garden provides an opportunity to appreciate the diverse and beautiful leaves and blossoms. There’s also a serene pool filled with Amazon water lilies for that perfect couple photo!
| Pro Tip: There are almost no shaded areas within this garden, so it’s best to visit it during early mornings or late afternoons when the sun has nearly set. |
Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden
Address: 481 Bukit Timah Rd, Singapore 259769
Contact Details: +6518004717300
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 8:00 am to 7:00 pm
Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden is a haven for children who love exploring Singapore’s biodiversity in a fun and safe learning environment. Children get to choose whether they want to be a gardener, naturalist, or adventurer across the garden’s zones.
For the gardeners, there’s the Sensory Garden and Potting Garden to explore, coupled with the Farm House and Farm Garden not too far from each other. Naturalists can take to the Pond, Stream Shelter, and Natural Play Pavilion for hands-on nature learning.
Let your little adventurers freely explore the Adventure Play zone, Maze, Tree House, and Cave in the garden. They can spend the entire day surrounded by nature, gaining new knowledge along the way!
| Pro Tip: Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden caters to kids aged 14 and below, and those aged 12 and below must be accompanied by an adult. In order to maintain a secure space for children, adults are allowed entry solely when accompanying a child. Adults without children must seek permission from the Service Desk, and entry is generally granted only with the company of NParks’ staff. |
Sang Nila Utama Garden – Fort Canning Park
– From singapore.explores
Address: 1 Canning Rise, Fort Canning Park, Singapore 179868
Operating Hours: Open 24/7
Aside from the historical sites within Fort Canning Park, there’s also the Sang Nila Utama Garden to explore. The garden was named after Sang Nila Utama, a Srivijayan prince who discovered the island of Singapore back in the 13th century.
The garden is distinguished by the Javanese split gates that welcome visitors at its entrance.
As you walk through the garden, you’ll find a freshwater spring, a feature you’ll find a lot around Bali. This spring is called Pancur Larangan or Forbidden Spring.
The garden, designed to resemble Singapore’s historical landscape centuries ago, predominantly features plants from the Malay Peninsula. Historians and archaeologists were employed to ensure historical accuracy in its design.
| Pro Tip: The Sang Nila Utama Garden is both wheelchair and pet-friendly! There are many covered walkways and escalators around the area, so everyone can enjoy the garden comfortably! |
Ng Teng Fong Roof Garden
Address: 1 St Andrew’s Rd, #05-01, Singapore 178957
Operating Hours: Monday to Thursday, 10:00 am to 7:00 pm, Friday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
Because it’s a small nation, Singapore got creative with putting up more green landscapes around its growing urban jungle. A product of this creativity is rooftop gardens, and one of the best among all of them is the Ng Teng Roof Garden.
Situated on top of the National Gallery of Singapore, this rooftop garden blends urban scenery and lush greenery with pockets of trees, bushes, plants, and vertical gardens around the gallery’s glass roof.
What also makes the Ng Teng Fong Roof Garden so special is that it’s often used as the gallery’s extension for exhibitions. You’re likely to find installations around the garden, so not only do you get a quiet green space, but also art and a killer view!
| Pro Tip: Although admission is free for Singaporean citizens and permanent residents, tourists can avail of a 10% discount by booking tickets online through their website. |
Ang Mo Kio Town Gardens
Address: Opposite Ang Mo Kio Town Library, Ang Mo Kio Ave 6, Singapore 567740 and Junction of Ang Mo Kio Ave 3 and 8, behind Ang Mo Kio MRT Station, 6A Ang Mo Kio Street 53, Singapore 569208
Contact Details: +6518004717300
Operating Hours: Open 24/7
The Ang Mo Kio Town Gardens are two urban oases that present very distinct landscapes for both locals and tourists. The West Garden’s 120-step garden staircase is a must-visit, especially if you want to take Instagram-worthy photos all day.
The East Garden, on the other hand, is known for its rubber trees. The area used to be a rubber plantation, but you can also find trees growing nutmeg and cinnamon around the area.
Whether you’re there for the panoramic view from the staircase summit or a quiet stroll around the lush trees and quirky nutmeg and rubber seed sculptures, The Ang Mo Kio Town Gardens is a great respite from the urban jungle!
| Pro Tip: Wheelchair access to the East Garden is facilitated through a lift at the Ang Mo Kio MRT Station. In the West Garden, certain sections of the footpaths are temporarily closed due to nearby construction. However, an alternate temporary path from Ang Mo Kio Avenue remains accessible, providing entry to the park. |
Gardens by the Bay
Bay East Garden
– From marinabaysg
Address: 11 Rhu Cross, Singapore 437440
Contact Details: +6564206848
Operating Hours: Open 24/7
Don’t limit your visit to Gardens by the Bay by just visiting the indoor attractions! The Bay East Garden sits right across from the Gardens by the Bay proper, and if you’ve been to the OCBC Skyway, you have probably spotted it from up there!
The Bay East Garden is a marina front garden that offers some of the prettiest views of the city skyline and the bay from almost every part of its coast. The garden’s lush grass makes it a great spot for picnics and casual strolling from sun up until sundown.
One of the best areas in the garden is the Secret Garden by the Bay, a small but gorgeous area with a pond clad with water lilies and plants. You’ll find lots of birds in this area, so keep your cameras ready for some photos!
| Pro Tip: As of the time of writing, only a small portion of the Bay East Garden is open to the public due to ongoing construction and renovation work. You can still access the visitor centre, Promenade, and the walkway from under the Benjamin Sheares Bridge to access the garden. |
Kingfisher Wetlands and Lake
Address: 18 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018953
Contact Details: +6564206848
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 5:00 am to 2:00 am
Another must-visit spot in Gardens by the Bay is Kingfisher Wetlands and Lake. The area is a freshwater attraction that houses over 200 mangrove trees, natural rock pools, meandering water cascades, a lotus pond, and a large lake.
This lush area is surrounded by wildlife, most notably the kingfisher birds of Singapore like the collared kingfisher and the oriental dwarf kingfisher. Malayan water monitors, otters, koels, and herons have also been spotted enjoying the gardens as well.
The number of wildlife that thrives in this garden speaks volumes of the Wetlands’ lush landscape. If you’re a bird lover, this garden is the place for you!
| Pro Tip: You can access the Kingfisher Wetlands and Lake without going through Gardens by the Bay’s main entrance. If you’re heading there via car, there’s a car park at Satay by the Bay from Marina Gardens Drive. |
HortPark
Address: 33 Hyderabad Rd, Singapore 119578
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 6:00 am to 11:00 pm
We think the 23-hectare HortPark is the ideal Singapore garden for veteran gardeners and plant lovers out there. Tucked in the southernmost area of Queenstown, this massive green space is a haven for anyone with a green thumb.
The garden features 20 themed sections, each providing unique experiences. Highlights include the Silver Garden with light-reflective plants, a Balinese garden under a large canopy, and the Butterfly Garden housing beautiful blooms and vibrant butterflies.
HortPark is also known for its research greenhouses, gardening resources and equipment, educational tours, and gardening-related events. Gardeners of all ages and skill levels are welcome to join any of them, and most are free of charge!
| Pro Tip: HortPark conducts complimentary monthly tours as part of the Gardeners’ Day Out event. To find the schedule for these tours, you can refer to this link. |
East Coast Park
Raintree Cove
– From bringyourkidout
Address: 1018 ECP, Raintree Cove S, Singapore 449877
Operating Hours: Open 24/7
When you ask Easties about the prime spots to chill on their turf, they’ll most likely point you towards East Coast Park. The whole massive stretch is a family-friendly haven, but hidden within it is a quiet oasis called Raintree Cove.
The open lawn features a log garden, completely crafted from salvaged tree logs, surrounded by verdant gardens. There are pavilions spread across the area, giving you shaded spots to chill and rest after doing high-energy activities in East Coast Park.
The best thing about Raintree Cove is that you still get scenic sea views from there. There’s a playground featuring a red multi-swing set for your kids to play around too!
| Pro Tip: There’s a bicycle rental kiosk near the Raintree Cove in case you want to explore the expanse on wheels. Just make sure to stay within the cycle paths, as people may be lounging on the grass nearby. |
KPMG Wellness Garden
Address: East Coast Park, Area D, Singapore
Contact Details: +6518004717300
Operating Hours: Open 24/7
The KPMG Wellness Garden is just one out of Singapore’s 30 therapeutic gardens, but what sets it apart from the others is that the garden is the first multi-generational space that has zones that cater to specific age groups.
There’s a 1,600-square-metre rustic coastal therapeutic garden, a 360-degree elevated deck, a 1,300-square-metre nature play garden, a 900-square-metre nature fitness area, and a pond trail that runs through all the zones.
Safe to say, the KPMG Wellness Garden has everything to keep your family occupied, together and at the same time. Think of it as the Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden, the Bay East Garden, HortPark, and Lakeside Gardens, all in one spot!
| Pro Tip: The KPMG Wellness Gardens sits right next to Car Park D5, which offers free parking for visitors. If you’re coming from another part of East Coast Park, locate PS.Cafe or Long Beach Restaurant. The garden is right between the two establishments. |
Lakeside Garden – Jurong Lake Gardens
Address: 106 Yuan Ching Rd, Jurong Lake Gardens, Singapore
Operating Hours: Open 24/7
If you want more waterside gardens, head on over to Lakeside Garden or Jurong Lake Gardens for more. The Lakeside Garden has been a prime spot for Mid-Autumn Festival activities, but visiting outside of festival hours is still a must!
That’s because the garden was designed to preserve the flora and fauna that inhabit the area, giving you undisturbed greenery to appreciate. You’ll find lots of native wetland plants like the Lipstick Palm and the Nibong Palm lining the coast.
Coupled with lakeside views, the Lakeside Garden serves as a tranquil space for people to soak in the natural beauty of Singapore. There are benches located throughout the boardwalk, so feel free to take a break!
| Pro Tip: Lakeside Garden sits right next to the Lakeside MRT station. From the MRT station, take a walk down towards Starbucks Jurong Lake Gardens and make your way further south towards Lanchar Bridge to reach the main Lakeside Garden complex. |
Therapeutic and Terrace Gardens – Telok Blangah Hill Park
– From chervonkhoo
Address: Telok Blangah Green, Telok Blangah Hill Park, Singapore
Operating Hours: Open 24/7
Situated in Telok Blangah Hill Park, the 620-square-metre Therapeutic Garden harmonises with its natural surroundings. It’s crafted for wellness, aiming to improve the community’s well-being through nature.
The abundant greenery within the garden forms a rejuvenating atmosphere designed to stimulate the senses and enhance mental and emotional well-being. Additionally, it serves as a supportive habitat for local biodiversity.
Another prime spot is the Terrace Garden featuring terraces that lead up to the top of Telok Blangah Hill Park. The terraces are brimming with colourful flowers, providing visitors with amazing photo opportunities and a 360-degree from the top!
| Pro Tip: Sadly, the gardens at Telok Blangah Hill Park are not wheelchair-friendly. There are no wheelchair access points either! |
Singapore Changi International Airport
Shiseido Forest Valley
Address: 78 Airport Blvd., Jewel Changi Airport, Singapore
Contact Details: +6562202623
Operating Hours: Open 24/7
The Singapore Changi International Airport is the best in the world for a reason. Not only is it fully equipped with restaurants, shopping destinations, and amenities for tired travellers, but it’s also filled with garden attractions.
One of the very best and most iconic within the airport is the Shiseido Forest Valley located at the heart of Jewel Changi Airport. The vast indoor expanse is like a rainforest in the middle of a busy airport, complete with a cascading waterfall at its centre.
The garden valley houses 60,000 plants that are accessible for viewing via walkways. The verdant landscape towers around the waterfall, with mist clouds forming around the tree canopies and creating a romantic and out of this world atmosphere!
| Pro Tip: Nestled in the forest is the SENSE installation, supported by the beauty brand Shiseido. As night falls, the installation comes to life, casting a gentle glow that transforms the trees into a mesmerising display that resembles fireflies roaming around the verdant landscape. |
Butterfly Garden
Address: Terminal 3, Levels 2 and 3, 70 Airport Blvd., Singapore 819661
Contact Details: +6565956868
Operating Hours: Open 24/7
With the many garden attractions inside the Singapore Changi Airport, we can’t miss out on another iconic spot and not feature it. Another verdant garden to look out for is the Butterfly Garden, a small but majestic garden housing over 40 varieties of butterflies.
A complete wall showcases a flowing waterfall embellished with vibrant green foliage and distinctive plants such as the Egyptian star cluster, Indian holly, and the red powder puff.
Plus, you have the butterflies to keep you company as you enjoy some peace and quiet in the garden.
| Pro Tip: The garden includes specified spots for visitors to observe live butterfly breeding and feeding. Peruse the informative pamphlets available in those areas; you may discover interesting facts about these delicate insects! |
