Looking to reconnect with nature in the Little Red Dot? Then get up close and personal with Singapore’s exotic flora, fauna and wildlife at these lush green gems. Take it from us when we say, the grass really is greener…
1. Hort Park
Get lost in the glorious greenery of the 10 themed gardens at Hort Park, a plant-lover’s haven and one-stop shop for budding botanists. The park’s Native Garden is an important nod to our indigenous ecosystem with over 100 different local plants – the highest concentration in any one location in Singapore.
Enter the Edible Garden to see sustainable gardening in practice and get hands-on with the kiddos in the Nature Playgarden and Pitter Patter Potter Garden. Romantics will love the Balinese-inspired garden and its gazebo, whilst the Silver Garden stuns with beautifully pale-hued florals set against the surrounding greenery.
33 Hyderabad Rd, 6am-11pm daily, nparks.gov.sg
2. Punggol Waterway Park
Amidst the Nature Cove, Recreation Zone, Heritage Zone and Green Gallery of this large park are some seriously IG-worthy spots. Early birds can catch the view at the wavy crimson-coloured Sunrise Bridge, whilst the Jewel bridge and its dome-like structure is popular at sundown. Take a wellness break at the 900 sqm Therapeutic Garden with serene water views, a dedicated fitness area and fragrant plants. Senior-friendly activities, too.
Along Sentul Crescent Road (cuts through the whole of Punggol Town), nparks.gov.sg
3. Choa Chu Kang Park
There’s plenty to do in this large park, including a skateboard park, four different playgrounds, an amphitheatre and more. If it’s nature you’re seeking, take in remnants of the old fruit tree plantations, or head to The Therapeutic Garden to bring about inner peace and calm. ‘Forest bathing’ in its calm environs is food for the soul. You’ll even see edible and fragrant plants, plus a calming water feature that’s totally zen.
Along Choa Chu Kang Drive, next to KJE, open 24 hours, nparks.gov.sg
4. Tampines Eco-Green
This under-the-radar green enclave is hidden away in plain sight between Tampines Expressway and Tampines Ave 12. As you walk on the pavement along the latter, you’ll see a clearing that leads you to the Eco-Green. The beauty of this spot is its raw, minimally touched nature with no artificial lights or pavements amidst the open grasslands, freshwater wetlands and rainforest. Trail runners and cyclists love the grassy routes on the ground, and it’s best for morning excursions before the sun gets too hot.
Tampines Avenue 9 and Tampines Avenue 12, nparks.gov.sg
5. Clementi Forest
Not your usual ‘walk in the park,’ this is uncharted, undeveloped terrain where you’ll get muddy, clamber over logs and tangle with towering, overgrown shrubbery. Make sure you set off safe in a group with plenty of water and insect repellent, having researched the routes.
Start off as early in the morning as you can via the ‘Opp Ngee Ann Poly’ bus stop, following the canal into the forest. You’ll encounter all manner of wildlife, beams, old railway tracks and rare flora, finishing up through a tunnel to Sunset Way.
Sembawang Road, open 24/7, nparks.gov.sg
ManulifeMOVE has no association with any of the landmarks, dining venues, galleries or retailers included within this walking guide, selected by LUXE, and disclaims any liability as to the accuracy, adequacy or reliability of any information contained herein.
