‘City in a garden’: The must-see greenery in Singapore

When you say the word Singapore it’s easy to conjure visions of another concrete jungle, but in fact, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Much of the city has been consumed by greenery, so much so that it’s now known as Asia’s greenest city.

In 1963, then Prime Minister, Lee Kuan Yew planted a single Mempat tree to mark the beginning of the national greening campaign. The government wanted to transform Singapore from a ‘garden in a city’ to a ‘city in a garden’.

It’s safe to say the campaign worked, as 55 years later the city is home to some of the most vibrant parks and nature reserves in the world. Travellers heading to Singapore for the first time will find themselves in awe of the stunning tree-lined roads and foliage-covered buildings.

However, while the street views are wonderful, it’s Singapore’s lavish gardens that will truly capture your heart.

Gardens by the Bay

You simply can’t go to Singapore without stopping at this incredible, award-winning garden. It spans 101 hectares of land and contains over one million diverse plants, meaning there’s nothing quite like the jaw-dropping views of this natural haven. 

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It’s home to the world’s largest glass greenhouse, a 22-metre-high aerial walkway, and a 35m-tall waterfall inside a dome that’s veiled in mist. Believe us, it’s even more magical than it sounds.

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Singapore Botanic Gardens

You know these gardens are good when they’re listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This 82-hectare site is actually older than Singapore itself and is home to more than 10,000 species of flora. If you need a peaceful day away from the chaos of the city, make this tranquil garden your first stop.

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Southern Ridges

If you’re after the best panoramic views of the city, harbour and the Southern Islands, this 10-kilometre walk along the tree tops is the best way to do it. The elevated walk ways take you through the best parts of Singapore without a guide necessary.

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If you’re good with heights, make sure to stop by Henderson Waves. The 36m-high bridge connects two hilltops and is Singapore’s highest pedestrian bridge. The unique, wave-inspired design of the bridge also makes for a great holiday snap.

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East Coast Park

While people love to pick favourites between the beach and the gardens, this park is where you can get the best of both worlds as the trees meet the sand. With a 15km stretch of beaches, there’s no shortage of incredible natural scenery to spend your time exploring. This park is one of the largest and most popular in Singapore so it definitely requires a whole day trip.

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