What are the most popular parks & gardens in Singapore?

Singapore is not nicknamed “City in a Garden” for nothing! Here are the most popular parks and gardens in the Lion City:

Image: Gardens By The Bay

Gardens by the Bay is the first thing that comes to mind when talking about gardens in Singapore. It is very popular because it can be enjoyed by kids and adults alike. It is also easily accessible from Marina Bay and by MRT through the Bayfront station. What I like most about Gardens by the Bay is that you don’t have to spend so much to enjoy the place. You can roam around the Supertree Grove and its surroundings without paying anything. For S$8, you can climb up the Skyway and get a good view of the gardens. A ticket for both Cloud Forest and Flower Dome costs S$28.

Image: Nisah Cheatham

Another garden that I highly recommend you to visit is Singapore Botanic Gardens. Again, I love the fact that you can enjoy over 10,000 species of plants absolutely for free. The Singapore Botanic Gardens first opened in 1859 and you can learn more about its olden days through the free Heritage Tour which happens every 4th Saturday of the month. You only need to register 15 minutes before the start time. You can also explore the National Orchid Garden for a minimal fee of S$5. The botanic garden is located in Central Singapore and is serviced by Botanic Gardens MRT Station.

Then, Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, which is Singapore’s largest forest reserve and home to 40% of the nation’s local species of flora and fauna. Singapore’s highest hill, Bukit Timah Hill, is located within the reserve’s 163-heactre area. I have tried trekking up the hill and it is well worth the effort. I’ve even taken some selfies to show them on my FaceBook 😊 You can also go mountain biking or rock climbing if you’re up to it. Bukit Timah Nature Reserve is accessible by bus or MRT through the Beauty World Station. Admission is free.

MacRitchie Nature Trail & Reservoir Park is also popular among sports enthusiasts and nature lovers. This park is free for everyone to enjoy and it is brimming with activities like hiking, kayaking, and fishing. I haven’t tried the Treetop Walk but my friends swear by it. Maybe someday I will muster the courage to walk 25 metres above the trees through a 250-metre long suspension bridge. That is equivalent to a 7-storey building! You can visit this park by bus or MRT through Caldecott MRT Station.

Lastly, Fort Canning Park, the smallest park on this list but it is the most historically significant. It was once the home of Malay Kings and it also served as the headquarters of the Far East Command and British Army. Check out the underground Battle Box where Singapore was surrendered to the Japanese during World War II. I also recommend a visit to the bungalow of Sir Stamford Raffles and the Spice Garden. Entrance to Fort Canning Park is free and it is accessible by MRT through Fort Canning, Clarke Quay, and Dhoby Ghaut stations.