5 of Singapore’s newest nature parks to check out during the school holidays 2019

We will admit it, school is stressful. Both for the children who are studying for their exams, and their parents who are studying along with them. So when the school holidays roll around, it is a great opportunity to check out some new outdoor spaces to destress, get some exercise, breathe some free air, and explore nature. Because, who wants to check out malls all the time? (Don’t raise your hand.)

If you’ve already climbed Bukit Timah Hill, bird-watched at the Sungei Buloh Nature Reserve, cycled at Pulau Ubin and need a new place to visit, here are some of the newest nature attractions in Singapore.

 

Ethnobotany Garden (Singapore Botanic Gardens)

The Ethnobotany Garden is the latest addition to the Singapore Botanic Gardens.

Located within the Bukit Timah Core, close to the Eco Lake, the Ethnobotany Garden houses some 300 species of plants that are intricately linked to the indigenous communities in the Malay Archipelago, Indochina and South Asia regions.

The garden is divided into four zones – Living, Craft and Construction, Symbolism & Medicinal, which relates to how different wild plants were used.

There is also a Centre for Ethnobotany within the garden, a 2-storey building with interactive displays for visitors to learn how plants shaped different cultures and even world history. The centre is closed every last Wednesday of the month.

Learn more about it here: https://www.nparks.gov.sg/sbg/our-gardens/bukit-timah-core/ethnobotany-garden

 

Jurong Lake Gardens

The Jurong Lake Gardens are the newest national gardens in the heartlands of Singapore. Also known as a people’s garden, it is designed to be a space for families and the community to gather.

The 90ha Gardens includes Lakeside Garden (the former Jurong Lake Gardens West). Chinese and Japanese Gardens (the former Jurong Lake Gardens Central, and Garden Promenade (the form Jurong Lake Gardens East).

Only Lakeside Garden is currently open to public, and offers attractions like Neram Streams, the Forest Ramble play area, Resau Walk, Clusia Cove, Alstonia Island and the Freshwater Swamp Forest. Visitors can also enjoy water sports at PAssion WaVe @Jurong Lake Gardens and exercise at the ActiveSG Park @ Jurong Lake Gardens.

The Chinese Garden, Japanese Garden and Garden Promenade will be completed from 2021.

Check out details here: https://www.nparks.gov.sg/juronglakegardens

 

Nature Playground at HortPark

This is for the young ones. HortPark’s new Nature Playground aims to allow pre-schoolers to enjoy the outdoors and play with nature.

There are 9 play zones, each with its own theme. The Building Huts allows children to build on three open sided teepees using sand, gravel, timber cookies, poles and toy building tools. The Big Fig Adventure provides a space for physical activity and building up gross motor skills. Other play zones include The Kitchen, The Log Valley, The Stream, The Magical Woods, The Singing Seeds and The Treasure Trail.

The park is closed on Mondays for maintenance, and open on other days from 6am to 11pm.

Learn more about it here: https://www.nparks.gov.sg/gardens-parks-and-nature/parks-and-nature-reserves/hortpark/nature-playgarden

 

NParks Coast To Coast Trail

If you want to get more exercise into your outdoor activity, then embark on the NParks Coast To Coast Trail.

The 36km trail runs from Jurong Lake Gardens, through a series of parks, park connectors, nature areas, and places of interest, before reaching Coney Island Park in the Northeastern part of Singapore.

Explore the best of the flora and fauna of Singapore as you complete the trail. You can also download the C2C Mobile App – NParks’ first augmented reality (AR)-enabled mobile application – for an interactive experience.

Get details of the trail here: https://www.nparks.gov.sg/gardens-parks-and-nature/parks-and-nature-reserves/coast-to-coast

 

Floral Fantasy & Serene Garden (Gardens By The Bay)

For those of you who want to enjoy the outdoors and but still need your shot of air conditioning, this one is for you.

Gardens By The Bay opened its latest attraction Floral Fantasy, earlier this year. It comprises four unique garden landscapes, and a 4D ride.

Located at Bayfront Plaza, Floral Fantasy is open from 9am to 9pm daily, and an admission ticket costs $12 for Singaporean adults.

Book your tickets for Floral Fantasy here: https://www.gardensbythebay.com.sg/en/attractions/floral-fantasy.html

Still want to go outdoors?

Then head over to Serene Garden, located close to the Supertree Grove. This outdoor garden is inspired by the minimalist zen gardens found in Japan, with beautiful water features, rock gardens, and featured plants on display. Admission is free.

Learn more about Serene Garden here: https://www.gardensbythebay.com.sg/en/attractions/serene-garden.html

 

 

Are you planning to head outdoors and check out these new park attractions? Share your experience with us at our ZUU online Singapore Facebook page.

(By Gwyneth Yeo)

Related Articles
- 3 best places in Singapore to celebrate the Mid Autumn Festival
- Here are some of the best birthday freebies you can get in Singapore
- A Singaporean mother’s 6 tips to maximise your visit to The Bicentennial Experience