Stressed out from the pandemic, or everything in general? Slow down, and take a stroll through these parks and gardens in Singapore to recentre yourself!
They say time flies when you’re having fun, but the obvious truth is, time flies no matter what you do. That’s right, without realising it, it’s been more than a year since we began adapting to a new norm. With COVID-19 has come a myriad of challenges, and many of us have fought (and continue to fight) our own unique battles. So it should come as no surprise that we experience ‘pandemic fatigue’ in some form or other. Being cooped up at home, the constant fear of getting infected, and feelings of frustration and restlessness are just some of the signs of pandemic fatigue. Experts have advised various ways to cope, and perhaps, some physical activity might also give you some reprieve. While there are some constraints still, enjoying the outdoors and getting some exercise is still possible.
If you’ve already explored most of the nature spots in Singapore, it’s time to switch things up. After all, Singapore is peppered with many green areas across the island, and many of these consist of curated gardens and parks both renown and known only to those in the neighbourhood. Best of all, admission to these parks is absolutely free!
Singapore Botanic Gardens
1 Cluny Road, Singapore 259569
As the first UNESCO Heritage Site in Singapore, this one’s a no-brainer. As the first local botanic gardens dating back to the time of Sir Stamford Raffles, it may be one of the few places in Singapore that offer you a glimpse of the juncture between both our natural history and colonial past.
The 160-year-old Gardens houses several different sections, including the National Orchid Garden and the Ethnobotany Garden. Of course, you may also be interested in catching a glimpse of the Garden’s resident swans. Regardless of where you choose to venture, the Botanic Gardens has many a tranquil sight to offer, making it the perfect spot for you to relax and unwind.
Opening Hours
Open 24 hours daily
Lighting hours: 7:00pm – 7:00am
Parking
Jacob Ballas Car Park
National Orchid Garden Car Park
Visitor Centre A / B / C Car Park
Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park
Along Bishan Road and Ang Mo Kio Ave 1
At 62 hectares, the Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park is not only one of the largest urban parks in Singapore, but also one of the most popular ones. With an old canal converted into a 3km-long Kallang River that meanders through the park, it’s not difficult to see why this park is an ideal place to kill time and take your mind off more stressful matters.
The meticulously planned landscape hardly looks out of place even amidst different clusters of HDB flats, and is well-equipped to support different activities. With a wide variety of flora and fauna including the famous Bishan otters, you’ll hardly be bored even if tranquility doesn’t come immediately to you.
Opening Hours
Open 24 hours daily
Lighting hours: 7:00pm – 7:00am
Parking
Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park Carpark A / B / C
Jurong Lake Gardens
50 Yuan Ching Road, Singapore 618661
Like the Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, Jurong Lake Gardens is one of Singapore’s newer urban parks, and tops the former in size at a sprawling 90 hectares. Jurong Lake Gardens brings together Lakeside Garden, Chinese and Japanese Gardens, and Garden Promenade, though the Chinese and Japanese Gardens are currently closed for redevelopment.
Nonetheless, there is more than enough of the Gardens left to explore, with a myriad of different habitats such as freshwater swamps and open grasslands reminiscent of those in foreign destinations.
Opening Hours
Open 24 hours daily
Lighting hours: 7:00pm – 7:00am
Parking
Jurong Lake Gardens North / South Car Park
Bonus: Shiseido Forest Valley and HSBC Rain Vortex
Jewel Changi Airport, 78 Airport Boulevard, Singapore 819666
While not officially listed as a garden or park by NParks, the Shiseido Forest Valley is a wonderfully curated work of lush green landscaping, and I will fight anyone who tells me otherwise. Located at the heart of Jewel Changi Airport, everyone’s favourite airport shopping mall, the Shiseido Forest Valley and HSBC Rain Vortex are among the most Instagramable attractions.
Of course, that’s not all there is to the largest indoor waterfall and the surrounding garden. Jewel houses more than 2,000 trees and over 100,000 shrubs throughout the complex, and many of the 120 species can be found at the Forest Valley. There is ample seating area, and quiet corners where you can enjoy both the view of the fountain and the vibrant greenery around you. Coupled with the air-conditioned environment, the Forest Valley is a comfortable place to let your mind wander, and if you’re lucky, you might even catch an indoor rainbow if the light filters in just right.
Opening Hours
Rain Vortex operating hours: 9:00am – 11:30pm
Parking
Jewel Changi Airport
Special mention: Pasir Ris Town Park
Along Pasir Ris Central, Opposite Pasir Ris MRT Station, Singapore 519639
Ok, sure, maybe there’s a bit of personal bias in this inclusion, but hear me out.
Pasir Ris Town Park is by no means fancy or extensive — it won’t take you more than half an hour to circumvent the entire park, after all. But the little park houses more than a few facilities that will keep you occupied. For one, you can always stop by the Pasir Ris Hawker Centre if you’re hungry. Right by it is the Sports and Recreation Centre if you prefer more structured workouts. There’s also a fishing pond in the middle of the park, and you can try your luck at angling for a fee, and bring your catch home. Did I mention that a family of otters frequents the canal that runs alongside it too?
But despite all these features packed into this small plot of land, my favourite thing about the park is always the view. Sure, it might not be as fancy as some of the other places on this list, but find yourself in the right place at the right time, and you’ll get to enjoy a visual treat every once in a while.
Opening Hours
Open 24 hours daily
Lighting hours: 7:00pm – 7:00am
Parking
Pasir Ris Hawker Centre
Pasir Ris Town Park
Looking for other ways to stay physically active? Give these home workouts a try!
