What comes to mind when you hear the name Singapore? For me, it’s high rises, global finance, the famed marina and, of course, that huge infinity pool overlooking the city. But, to my surprise, these were not the things I noticed when I first arrived. Instead, what caught my attention was how green and alive with plants the city was.
It started directly at Changi airport, where I immediately spotted the living green wall in the arrivals hall as well on the outside of the car park. Pretty, I thought to myself. I am always impressed when locals put an extra emphasis on greenery in unusual public spaces. I had no idea what awaited me…
Carpark at Changi Airport
The government seeks to actively transform Singapore from a “Garden City” to a “City in a Garden.” Considering the huge investment and resources that are expended on landscaping, it’s clear that this is not just empty talk. There are plenty of parks, gardens and nature preserves here but for the purposes of this journal, I will focus on only three:
Singapore Botanic Garden
Singapore’s botanic garden is over 150 years old and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It boasts over 60,000 plants and also houses the National Orchid Garden, home to the world’s largest collection of orchids species.
You’re also likely to come across a variety of wildlife here, including birds and butterflies. Of course, that includes my favorite, the Asian monitor lizard. It can grow up to 3 meters and is sometimes confused for the far more dangerous komodo dragon. But don’t worry, the monitor is not deemed dangerous and generally avoids people. If you’re lucky though, you’ll cross paths with one here at the garden.
Gardens by the Bay
City in a Garden
The Cloud Forest falls
It’s hard to imagine how to top this experience. Yet somehow Singapore has managed to do it with not one, but two, giant glass domes that house indoor botanical gardens. In the Cloud Forest, visitors are greeted by a spectacular 6-storey waterfall that thunders down through a tropical landscape. Starting at the top of an artificial “mountain,” the treetop path mimics the lush cloud forests of southeast Asia, from underbrush plants all the way to canopy vegetation. Next door, the Flower Dome is a second massive glass and steel dome that houses flora from various global geographies. Tickets can be purchased for each dome separately or as a package. I highly recommend visiting both.
Christmas lights
Fort Canning Hill
Fort Canning Hill park
Today, Fort Canning Hill has been converted into an open botanical and horticultural area. A few remnants of Fort Canning itself are still present, such as the main gate or a few cannons dispersed throughout. A stroll up the 60-meter high hill takes you on several paved trails with historical markers and botanical descriptions. The center of the hill is a water reservoir, strictly off limits, unmistakably indicated by menacing warning signs. The park is also commonly used as a venue for outdoor art and music performances.
If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of Singapore’s financial district, or the massive crowds of tourists (and they are massive), then the park at Fort Canning Hill is an ideal place to refresh your spirits.
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- Gardens by the Bay
Sources for this article:
Some facts and statistics in this article were provided by Wikipedia or the Singapore Tourism Board webpage.
