Nature at Its Finest: The Best Gardens in Singapore
When I feel stressed and overwhelmed, there’s nothing that calms me down faster than going to a garden to decompress. And luckily, though I don’t have a garden of my own, there are many public ones throughout Singapore.
The great thing about the public gardens on the island is that they have unique characteristics. Some focus on a naturalistic theme, while others try to blend modernity and nature together in a memorable way.
If you’d like to hit one up during your vacation, here are some of the best gardens in Singapore. Find one (or two or three or more) that you like and have fun!
Top Gardens in Singapore
Gardens by the Bay
Address: 18 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018953
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—5 am to 2 am
Contact Number: +6564206848
Whenever you look up the best attractions to visit in Singapore, you’re most likely going to find Gardens by the Bay mentioned in every list. And it’s understandable why this is the case: Gardens by the Bay is nothing short of majestic!
The Gardens was created to improve Singaporeans’ quality of life, and true enough, it’s now become a premier outdoor recreation space. Additionally, it’s almost a national icon: popular photos of the country feature it or the Marina Bay Sands.
The highlight of this attraction is its Supertree Grove, but with over 101 hectares of land, you’re bound to find more beautiful mini-gardens. The following are the best mini-gardens within Gardens by the Bay (in my humble opinion).
Cloud Forest
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—9 am to 9 pm
Admission Fee (with Flower Dome):
- Non-Resident—S$53 (adult), S$40 (child age 3 to 12 years old)
- Resident—S$35 (adult), S$27 (child), S$30 (senior citizen)
As a name, “Cloud Forest” conjures up a whimsical, fantastical image, and this conservatory really lives up to that. The interior of Cloud Forest mimics a lush mountain, and it features plants from all over the world.
The waterfalls (the tallest of its kind in the world) are sure to take your breath away, and you’ll end up spending your time strolling the unique aerial walkways. Don’t miss out on seeing rare plants like pitcher plants and Venus Flytraps.
Flower Dome
— From: my_world_travel_2021
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—9 am to 9 pm
Admission Fee (with Cloud Forest):
- Non-Resident—S$53 (adult), S$40 (child age 3 to 12 years old)
- Resident—S$35 (adult), S$27 (child), S$30 (senior citizen)
Flower Dome is the second conservatory in the Gardens, and it’s just as breathtakingly beautiful. This area specializes in flowers, so everywhere you look, you’ll be greeted by colorful arrangements of blooms from all over the world.
What’s great about the Flower Dome is that it features various habitats. So, you don’t just find your typical tropical flowers; you can also see plants that grow in places like South African savannahs and even arid desserts!
Floral Fantasy
— From: erm_122624
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—10 am to 8 pm
Admission Fee:
- Non-Resident—S$20 (adult), S$12 (child age 3 to 12 years old)
- Resident—S$12 (adult), S$8 (child and senior citizen)
Located near the Bayfront MRT station, Floral Fantasy feels like a portal to another world. This place boasts meandering landscapes of creative floral arrangements—for example, suspended bouquets—that will leave your mouth open in awe.
Because of this, Floral Fantasy has become an Instagram-worthy spot for visitors, so don’t hesitate to take a lot of photos here. I’d also suggest you check out the vivarium, which houses several colorful dart frogs!
Serene Garden
— From: thesmartlocalsg
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
Admission Fee: Free
If you’re looking for a free garden in Gardens by the Bay, Serene Garden is your best bet. This garden is inspired by the concept of Japanese zen gardens.
I still get surprised sometimes whenever I come here and realize just how peaceful it is, especially since the Gardens is located in the bustling city center of Singapore.
There are many cool plants to find as well (for example, podocarpus and junipers), so be sure to roam around and check them out.
Singapore Botanic Gardens
— From: yippi312_green
Address: 1 Cluny Rd, Singapore 259569
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—5 am to 12 am
Contact Number: +6564717138
Another famous garden in Singapore is the Botanic Gardens. This one is known not just for its architectural marvels and impressive collection of plants but also for its history and the role it played in Singapore’s botanical development.
The Botanic Gardens was established in the 1800s, and it was where botanists grew, cultivated, and experimented with all kinds of plants and hybrids. Because of this, the Gardens has become a leading botanical institute.
Since the Botanic Gardens is both a historical landmark and a prominent botanical institute, UNESCO recognized it as a World Heritage Site in 2015.
Of all the mini-gardens within this attraction, here are some of the best.
National Orchid Garden
— From: stefaniaguerrinii
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—8:30 am to 7 pm
Admission Fee:
- Non-Resident—S$15 (adult), S$3 (child below 12 years old and senior citizen),
- Resident—S$5 (adult), S$1 (child and senior citizen)
Of all flowers, the Botanic Gardens really focuses on orchids, and so, the National Orchid Garden was built to propagate and study them. Currently, the garden has grown about 1,000 species and 2,000 hybrids.
What makes the National Orchid outstanding is that it features several display houses depicting different environments and displaying the orchid species that thrive in said environments.
So, when you visit this garden, be sure to check out The Sembcorp Cool House, Yung Peng McNeice Bromeliad Collection, and more.
Fragrant Garden
— From: erythrocorys
As the name suggests, the Fragrant Garden specializes in flowers that perfume the air with their sweet scent.
Additionally, since the flowers here are fragrant, they attract butterflies. Because of this, the scenery in the Fragrant Garden is going to be pretty and colorful—perfect for photos!
Evolution Garden
— From: rini_ti82
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—5 am to 12 am
Admission Fee: Free
The most interesting thing about the Evolution Garden is its theme: it shows the evolution of life on planet Earth—from the first living organism to the gradually changing plant life on land.
The best way to describe this garden is that it’s like a Jurassic Park for plants. All plants come with a plaque with information, so you’ll learn a lot about their history and evolution the more you roam around.
Jurong Lake Gardens
— From: ymksun
Address: Yuan Ching Rd, Singapore
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
Admission Fee: Free
Just like Gardens by the Bay and Singapore Botanic Gardens, Jurong Lake Gardens is another attraction that’s made up of several mini-gardens within its premises.
Jurong Lake Gardens is a go-to place for many people—both residents and tourists—to come together and decompress.
Currently, the Gardens has about 23 attractions, and the following are its most popular mini-gardens, so you better stop by them during your visit.
Lakeside Garden
— From: nparksbuzz
Lakeside Garden is the hub of everything relaxing and fun in Jurong Lake Gardens. The highlight is the sprawling green lawn where you can have a picnic with your loved ones or just lie down to take a nap for a short while.
Aside from the lawn, there’s also a pavilion adorned with colorful bougainvilleas, which will surely delight flower enthusiasts. As for your children who want to run around and play, the Youth Park is there to keep them entertained.
Chinese Garden
— From: dandeliondreams1
In my opinion, the Chinese Garden is the prettiest garden in Jurong Lake Gardens—and it’s bound to become even prettier once the renovations are done (check their website for more updates about this).
According to the renovation plans, the Chinese Garden will have a waterfall that will generate wind, which will be channeled through a bamboo tunnel. Then, there will be a Venture Trail where you can discover the area’s rich biodiversity.
My favorite feature that will become available after renovations is the moon lantern terrace. I just feel like it will be the most romantic spot at night, with all the lights and the moon reflecting on the water!
Therapeutic Garden
— From: nparksbuzz
Feeling stressed lately? Then, going to the Therapeutic Garden might help you ease up a bit.
This garden is designed to relax visitors, and the best part is that there are two sections: one for adults and another for children.
The section for adults features a stone chess table that you can use to play with a companion, aesthetically pleasing arrangements of plants, and a shelter where you can chill for a bit.
Meanwhile, the children’s section has various sensory zones and play elements like a labyrinth with glow-in-the-dark paths. There are also features that cater to children with autism, ADHD, and physical disabilities!
Sang Nila Utama Garden
— From: faris_blackstar
Address: 1 Canning Rise, Singapore 179868
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
Admission Fee: Free
One of the attractions in Fort Canning Park, Sang Nila Utama Garden may be little, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for its beauty.
It’s named after the Srivijayan prince who landed in Singapore way back in the 1200s, so the garden takes on a historical theme.
The landscape is reminiscent of environments during the medieval period in Southeast Asia, and statues of creatures (mostly wild animals like lions and monkeys) are scattered throughout.
Archeologists, historians, and even old historical records were consulted during construction just to get everything right. If you’re a history buff, you’ll definitely love this place.
Canopy Park at Changi Airport
— From: maiyeesmile
Address: Airport Blvd., Level 5 78, Singapore 819666
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday—10 am to 10 pm
- Friday to Sunday—10 am to 11 pm
Admission Fee:
- Non-Resident—S$8 (adult, child)
- Resident—S$6 (adult, child, student, or senior citizen)
Contact Number: +6569569898
Everyone knows Changi Airport is more than just an airport. It’s a wonderland of all things fun, and one of its best attractions is Canopy Park.
Canopy Park is located at the topmost level of Jewel Changi, and it’s jam-packed with many exciting features. There are colorful arrangements of plants and flowers—the perfect backdrop for photos—and even play elements!
Adventurers will love walking along the garden trails, while thrillseekers will take delight in the giant slides. If you want more fun (and are willing to pay extra admission charges), you can also play around in the mazes and bouncing nets.
Haw Par Villa
— From: metzler.christian
Address: 262 Pasir Panjang Rd, Singapore 118628
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—9 am to 8 pm
Admission Fee: Free
Contact Number: +65 6773 0103
Haw Par Villa is an interesting attraction simply because it’s many things all at once—a garden, an outdoor art gallery, and a theme park.
This eclectic destination celebrates Asian culture, history, philosophy, and religion, and that’s why you see all sorts of statues and other ornaments inspired by Chinese culture and mythology scattered around.
If you want to explore the entire area, I recommend joining a guided tour (you’ll have to pay extra for tickets) or going on a hike yourself. You can find a hiking trail guide on the website, which you can download and use.
I also recommend checking out the Hell’s Museum, which features pieces of artwork and other artifacts detailing how the afterlife is interpreted across religions, ages, and cultures.
Toah Payoh Town Park
— From: seng7563
Address: 6 Toa Payoh, Singapore 319393
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
Admission Fee: Free
Toah Payoh Town Park features not only refreshing greenery but also a landscaped pond, a large pavilion, and rustic-looking gazebos. Because of this, this destination has become quite popular as a wedding venue.
Even if you’re not about to get married, there’s much to enjoy about the Park. You can spend your time here having a picnic with your family or strolling while listening to good music.
You can also sit at any of the gazebos, enjoying the sight of the willow trees and cascading pools at the edge of the pond.
Maybe bring a book too if you want. It’s the perfect spot for a chill reading session.
Green Heart
— From: archiseeker
Address: Marina One, Singapore 018935
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
Admission Fee: Free
“Green Heart” is the best name for this landmark—it’s a spot of greenery in the middle of Singapore. This garden is located in Marina One, which is a cluster of four high-rise buildings that make use of efficient energy.
Spending some time in the Green Heart garden leaves me in awe that such green space can coexist with modern skyscrapers.
Edible Garden City
Address: 107 North Bridge Rd, Floor 7, Singapore 179105
Admission Fee: Free
The Edible Garden City garden in Funan has to be one of the coolest gardens in Singapore. It’s essentially an urban farm that grows and cultivates 50 types of fruits, vegetables, and other edible plants like mushrooms and mint leaves.
This garden is open to the public, so if you want to take a break from the concrete jungle, this is a good spot for that.
In the meantime, you’ll also get to learn about how to plant and harvest vegetables!
HortPark
— From: dan_yelizabeth
Address: 33 Hyderabad Rd, Singapore 119578
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—6 am to 11 pm
Admission Fee: Free
Just like the urban farm operated by the Edible Garden City, HortPark is a gardening resource hub that’s popular among budding gardeners. For them, this is where they learn more about gardening and find the best products.
If you’re not a gardening enthusiast, you can still enjoy HortPark. Its environment is incredibly tranquil, so feel free to stroll and breathe in the fresh air.
You can also exercise here. I’ve hiked and jogged here multiple times (if you do hike or jog here, I recommend branching out and heading to the nearby Southern Ridges).
Ang Mo Kio Town Garden
— From: summerleh
Address:
- Garden East—Junction of Ang Mo Kio Ave 3 and 8, behind Ang Mo Kio MRT Station, 6A Ang Mo Kio Street 53, Singapore 569208
- Garden West—Ang Mo Kio Ave 6, Singapore 567740
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours (both)
The best thing about Ang Mo Kio Town Garden is that it has two sections: east and west. So, you get double the beauty and fun!
Just like the other gardens on this list, hiking is the most popular thing to do in both Ang Mo Kio Town Gardens. In Garden East, there’s a 700-meter loop with a few inclines, making it perfect for hikers who want a bit of challenge.
Many people also come to the two gardens to spot birds. If you’re a bird lover, be sure to bring your spectacles here.
Of the two, Garden West is the more popular one, and it’s also my favorite. I think it’s a lot more scenic than Garden East, and it’s definitely a lot more spacious.
Ng Teng Fong Roof Garden
— From: genolog
Address: 1 St Andrew’s Rd, #05-01, Singapore 178957
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday—10 am to 7 pm
- Friday to Sunday—10 am to 10 pm
Admission Fee: Free
Planning to stop by the National Gallery Singapore? If so, then make sure to head to the rooftop where you can find a garden that looks like an artistic masterpiece as well.
The Ng Teng Fong Roof Garden is a concrete space with green walls and ferns that give off lush vibes. Plenty of benches are available here, so you can sit down and enjoy a few minutes of peace and quiet.
Sometimes, art installations also deck the space, so you get to check out cool art while taking a break—a wonderful combination, if you ask me.