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Parks and Nature Reserves |
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In
keeping with its reputation as the "Garden City", Singapore is awash
with lush gardens and parklands as tropical greenery carpets the
landscape. Innumerable trees and flowering shrubs line the expressways
and colourful plants hang from balconies and overhead bridges.
The
Singapore Botanic Gardens
epitomises the tropical island's luxuriant parks - a combination of
primary jungle and elegantly laid out flowerbeds and shrubs. Spread
over 52 hectares, the gardens hold about 4,000 species of plant life,
many rare specimens amongst them.
Singapore is one of only two cities in the world to have a significant
area of primary rainforest within its boundaries. The 164-hectare
Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
- just 12 kilometres from the city centre - contains more species of
flora than the entire North American continent. There are dozens of
other gardens and reserves in Singapore, among them the
Chinese Garden
and
Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve,
Singapore's first designated wetland nature reserve and a major
stopping-off point for migrating birds during the months from
September to March. |
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Bukit Timah Nature Serve |
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Singapore is one of
only two cities in the world to have a significant area of primary
rainforest within its boundaries - the other being Rio de Janeiro.
This 164-hectare reserve, only 12 kilometres from the city centre,
contains more species of trees than the entire North American
continent. At the heart of the reserve lies Singapore's highest point
- Bukit Timah Hill, at 164 metres above sea level. Well-marked paths
meander through the jungle, and on the way, walkers can spot exotic
birds, butterflies, monkeys, squirrels and flying lemurs as well as
unique plantlife like the insect-eating pitcher plant. The reserve is
an ideal place for hikers.
Open: 8.30am - 6.30pm (daily)
Admission: Free
Approximate Touring Time: 3 hours
Location: 177 Hindhede Drive Singapore 589333
Tel: (65) 6462 9203
Getting There: Take the MRT to Newton Station (NS21), then take
TIBS bus 171.
Web sites :
Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
(http://www.nparks.gov.sg/parks/n_a/par-n_a-bt_tim_nat_res.shtml) |
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Chek Jawa |
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Located
at the eastern tip of Pulau Ubin is a natural beach that is teeming
with marine wildlife. Chek Jawa is a collection of six distinct
habitats - coastal forest, mangrove, sandy beach, sand and mud flats,
coral rubble and a tiny island called Pulau Sekudu, or Frog Island.
Chek Jawa is unique as all these different habitats are clustered in
an area that is just one sq km in size. The diversity in marine
wildlife can be seen in the sand dollars and other types of starfish,
sea horses and octopi living in the sand and mud flats, the sea-grass
meadows that harbour carpet and peacock anemones, and the coral rubble
that is home to sponges of all hues.
Visits to Chek Jawa is on a first-come-first-served basis and is only
possible at low tides. To book, call the National Parks Board Ubin
Information Kiosk at Tel: (65) 6542 4108. Once at Chek Jawa, guides
will be on hand to take visitors on a 45-minute long walk through a
designated route. Visitors should wear proper footwear and should not
litter, touch nor collect any plant nor animal specimens.
To check the available dates and times for visits to Chek Jawa,
visit the
National Parks Board website. For
more information on Chek Jawa, visit the
Habitat News website.
Admission: Free, but pre-booking is
required.
Approximate touring time: 2 hours
Location: Eastern tip of Pulau Ubin
Getting There: Take the MRT to Tanah Merah station (EW4). |
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Chinese Garden |
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Built in
1975 and designed by Prof. Yuen-chen Yu, a well-known architect from
Taiwan, the Chinese Garden's concept is based on Chinese gardening
art. The main characteristic is the integration of splendid
architectural features with the natural environment. The Chinese
Garden is modelled along the northern Chinese imperial style of
architecture and landscaping.
The Garden's main features include the following:
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Bridge - In the art of
Chinese gardens, bridges play an important role; they are one of the
most important structures and may denote the characteristics of
various periods of civilizations. The 'Pai Hung Ch'iao' Bridge (the
white rainbow, 13-Arch Bridge) at the Garden follows the style of
the 17-Arch Bridge at the Summer Palace in Peking.
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Main Arch Building
- As you cross the bridge, upon entering the garden, you are
welcomed by this renowned and typical Chinese arch building. Its
magnificent and grandiose form has made it very popular for
picture-taking. Inside the main arch building, expect to find two
courtyards, namely the "Early Spring Courtyard" and "Garden
Courtyard". Also, there is a fishpond in the centre which is named
the "Fishes Paradise".
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Stone Boat and Tea House
- A famous traditional feature of Chinese architecture is the Stone
Boat structure. Its unique design and splendid architectural beauty
is a fine art which has long been praised by people throughout the
world. The style of 'Yao-Yueh Fang' (the Stone Boat) in the Chinese
Garden is based on an adaptation of the Peking style design. The
'Ming Hsiang Hsieh' (Tea House) is a miniature structure following
the style of the elaborate, winding gallery at the Summer Palace.
This meandering design is a characteristic and graceful Chinese
architectural feature.
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Pagoda
- In ancient times, the pagoda, originally a simple tower located
beside a temple, was used for the keeping of human bones by
Buddhists. Later, with improvements in architectural skills,
incorporated with the traditional art of building, the pagoda was
developed into a structure of striking architectural beauty. The 'Ru
Yun Ta' (7-storey pagoda) is situated on a small hill in the Chinese
Garden. Its typical pagoda design follows the style of Ling Ku
Temple Pagoda at Nanking.
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Pavilion, Plateau, Tower
- The Chinese Pavilion, Plateau and Tower represent the soul of the
Chinese gardening art. The artistic features, typical of Chinese
architecture have long been appreciated by man. The arrangement of
these structures is very important and one of the essential rules of
the structural arrangement is that the position of each structure
must be balanced by its height and size. Further, the building must
be linked with plants, rocks, a winding stream and footpaths so as
to create a poetical scene. The design of the four (4) pavilions at
the Chinese Garden is based on the style of Northern Chinese
Pavilions, and decorated to blend harmoniously with the Garden.
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Bonsai Garden
- Opened in June 1992, the Suzhou-style Bonsai Garden cost an
estimated SGD 3.8 million to build. This 5,800 sq metres garden with
Suzhou-style buildings (incorporating a main hall of 50 sq metres)
and landscape houses a collection of some 1,000 bonsais imported
mostly from China. This world-class Bonsai Garden has since taken on
a new look. Newly revitalised, after spending an estimate of another
SGD 500,000 - the Bonsai Garden is a wonder that must be seen to be
believed. A Bonsai Training Centre will also be launched where
resident Bonsai experts from Shanghai and Suzhou (China)will teach
on how to prune and care for Bonsais and how to appreciate the
beauty of this unique artistry.
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Garden of Abundance -
You will find 100-year-old pomegranate trees from
Shantung, China, planted alongside sculptures of the 12 Chinese
Zodiac animals. This creative concept of planting materials, with
meanings of longevity, abundance and fulfilment, is designed
according to Chinese tradition and folk culture.
Open:
Main Garden 6am - 7pm (daily)
Bonsai Garden & Garden of Abundance: 9am -
7pm (daily)
Admission: Free.
Admission charges to Bonsai Garden SGD 5 adults, SGD 3 children (3 -
12 years), SGD 3 senior citizens (55 years and above)
Approximate Touring Time:
1 hour
Location: 1 Chinese Garden Singapore 619795
Tel: (65) 6261 3632
Fax: (65) 6261 1390
Getting There: The
gardens are a 5-minute walk from the Chinese Garden MRT Station
(EW25). |
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East Coast Park |
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East Coast
Park, located off the East Coast Parkway, is a favourite play area for
Singaporeans, either at the beach or on its landscaped vistas and
terrains where cycling is much enjoyed. Hire a bicycle or pair of
rollerblades or just laze on the sandy beach. Eat at the many fine
seafood restaurants or amuse yourself at the various leisure
attractions. These include a bowling alley, golf driving range, tennis
and squash complexes, watersports centre, swimming lagoon and the East
Coast Sailing Centre.
Open: Daily
Admission: Free
Getting There: Take a taxi from Orchard Road, or take SBS bus
16 and alight at Marine Terrace. Then use the underpass to cross the
ECP expressway. |
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Fort Canning Park |
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Established in 1859
as an arms store, barracks and hospital, Fort Canning is now a park
overlooking Orchard Road. It contains memorials of
Singapore's early history
dating back to the 14th century and Sir Stamford Raffles' personal
bungalow. Look out also for the Spice Garden, a small replica of the
original 19-hectare tract Raffles established in 1822 as the first
experimental and botanical garden in Singapore. Fort Canning is also a
popular venue for the arts, including sculpture exhibitions, plays and
open-air ballet.
Open: Daily
Admission: Free
Approximate Touring Time: 1 hour
Location: 51 Canning Rise Singapore 179872
Tel: (65) 6333 0510
Fax: (65) 6333 0590
Getting There:
Take the MRT to Dhoby Ghaut Station (NS24) and walk towards Fort
Canning Road.
Click here to
view MRT route map.
Web sites :
Fort Canning Park
(http://www.nparks.gov.sg/parks/loc/par-loc-for_cann.shtml) |
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Labrador Park |
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Labrador Park is an oasis of tranquillity and
natural wonder. Identified by the British as a strategic defence site
to protect the entrance to the harbours of Singapore in 1843, the park
offers a picturesque view of the sea. Nature lovers will be delighted
to find a rich variety of flora and fauna such as the White-crested
Laughing Thrush, the Yellow-vented Bulbul, scurrying squirrels and the
regal White-bellied Sea Eagle. You can also have a glimpse into the
past as you explore the underground complexes used during WWII for
storage of ammunition and supplies.
Open: 24 hours, park is lit from 7pm to 12 am
Admission: Free
Location: Along Labrador Villa Road off Pasir Panjang Road
Tel: 1800-471 7300
Fax: 6472 3033
Getting there: Services 10, 30, 51, 143 and 176. Alight along
Pasir Panjang Road and proceed on foot via Labrador Villa Road Service
10 from Clementi MRT Station.
Click here to
view MRT route map.
Website:
Labrador Park
(http://www.nparks.gov.sg/parks/loc/par-loc-lab.shtml) |
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MacRitchie, Peirce and
Seletar Reservoirs |
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These
reservoirs are surrounded by broad swamps, jungle and greenery, which
run through the central northern parts of Singapore. The reservoirs
are popular for family outings and picnics. They are a quiet contrast
to the bustle of the city and provide a variety of recreational
facilities like paddle boating and golf at Upper Seletar or sport
fishing at Lower Seletar. MacRitchie Reservoir has a 12-hectare park
with a jogging track, exercise area, playground, tea kiosk and
fountain. On most Sundays, local school bands or orchestras play at
MacRitchie (check local dailies for time of performances).
Open: Daily
Admission: Free
Location:
MacRitchie: off Lornie Road
Upper Seletar: off Mandai Road
Lower Peirce: off Upper Thomson Road
Lower Seletar: off Yishun Avenue 1
Getting There:
MacRitchie: Take SBS bus 132 or TIBS bus 167 from Orchard Road.
Lower Peirce: Take TIBS bus 167 from Orchard Road.
Upper Seletar: Take the MRT to Ang Mo Kio Station (NS16) then
board SBS bus 138.
Lower Seletar: Take the MRT to Yishun Station (NS13) then take
TIBS bus 171. |
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 Information
provided by
Singapore Tourism Board. |
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