Worlds most bio-diverse city, great parks and gardens, Singapore is a city in a garden.

The worlds most bio-diverse city, a “city in a garden” Singapore is far more than a “garden city”. Famous for parks and gardens Singapore has green beauty at its heart, boasting an impressive array of animal and plant species of Singapore. Public parks and gardens are well maintained and horticulturally developed linked via Park Network Connectors (PNC) trails of pedestrian and cycle ways. A high density city Singapore builds upwards and takes its gardens sky ward with building regulations for greened builds of hanging gardens and roof top forests. Urban tree planting has been a constant science the 1960’s making Singapore lush with rain forest trees and gardens in what might have been a concert jungle, despite having no wilderness or farm land.

The images above are urban housing development town of Bedok built in the 1970 by Singapore Housing Development Board (HDB) excavating gravel pits, now know as the “Bedok Reservoir” and reclaim sea land in Bedok South. 200,000 plus people live in 60,000 flats (apartments). The rain tree where planted post construction and the environment is entirely man made. Top left and bottom right are of the publicly owned social complex “Hearbeat @ Bedok” opened in 2018 built on what was a disused skateboard park, includes leisure facilities, two floors of public library, two floors of medical center called a “Polyclinic” a form of hospital out patents used for basic doctor care. On the ground floor is a community center and public space in the internal void area. Top right and bottom left are examples of the public housing garden typical of Singapore, these are in the mature new towns of Bedok on the East Coast.

Days out in Singapore

The Mandai Bird Paradise

Opened in 2023 a new and exciting attraction that showcases the diversity and beauty of birds from around the world. It is located in the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, which also includes the Singapore Zoo, Night Safari, River Wonders and the upcoming Rainforest Wild Park. Immerse yourself in a symphony of colours and sounds as you explore eight different aviaries, each with its theme and habitat. You can see over 3,500 birds from more than 400 species, some of which are rare and endangered. You can also enjoy interactive presentations, feeding sessions, guided tours and wildlife experiences that will bring you closer to these amazing feathered friends. Some of the highlights of Bird Paradise include:

The Hong Leong Foundation Crimson Wetlands, where you can feast your eyes on some of the world’s most brilliantly coloured birds, such as scarlet macaws, scarlet ibises, roseate spoonbills and American flamingos.
The Kuok Group Wings of Asia, where you can discover the fascinating birds of Asia, such as hornbills, spoonbills, storks and ducks. You can also see some of the world’s rarest birds, such as the Baer’s pochard and the black-faced spoonbill.
The Predators on Wings presentation, where you can witness the amazing talents of birds of prey, such as eagles, owls and vultures. You can also learn about their role in nature and how to protect them.
The Wings of the World presentation, where you can enjoy a spectacular show featuring birds from different continents, such as macaws, cockatoos, parrots and toucans. You can also see them perform tricks and stunts that will amaze you.

Open daily from 8:30 am to 6:00 pm. Admission is $48 for adults, $33 for children and $20 for senior citizens. You can purchase your tickets online or at the park entrance. You can also get up to 20% off with WildPass, a membership program that gives you unlimited access to all four parks at Mandai Wildlife Reserve.

Singapore Zoo

The Singapore Zoo is a world-class rainforest zoo that showcases over 2,800 animals from more than 300 species in naturalistic habitats. It is one of the best zoos in the world and has won many awards for its conservation efforts and visitor experience. Offering 11 zones that represent different regions and ecosystems, such as Wild Africa, Australasia, Fragile Forest and Reptopia. Many opportunities for up-close encounters with the animals, such as feeding sessions, behind-the-scenes tours and wildlife experiences. You can also sign up for camps and workshops to learn more about the animals and their care. It has spectacular shows that showcase the talents and behaviours of the animals, such as Splash Safari, Animal Friends and Elephant Presentation. You can also watch the Keepers’ Chit Chat to hear stories and anecdotes from the zookeepers. Here are some reasons why you should visit the Singapore Zoo:

Naturalistic and spacious design that mimics the animals’ natural environments. You can see them roaming freely in their enclosures, which are separated by moats, glass walls or hidden barriers. You can also walk along elevated boardwalks or trails that give you a closer view of the animals.
The diverse and impressive collection of over 2,800 animals from more than 300 species, including some rare and endangered ones. You can see mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish from Africa, Asia, Australia and more. Some of the animals you can see are lions, giraffes, kangaroos, sloths, chameleons, penguins and more.
Many opportunities for up-close encounters with the animals, such as feeding sessions, behind-the-scenes tours and wildlife experiences. You can feed the giraffes, elephants, rhinos and more, or join a guided tour to learn more about the animals and their care. You can also sign up for a wildlife experience that lets you meet some of the zoo’s stars, such as the orangutans, pandas or cheetahs.
Spectacular shows that showcase the talents and behaviors of the animals, such as Splash Safari, Animal Friends and Elephant Presentation. You can watch the sea lions, otters, dogs and more perform amazing tricks and stunts that will entertain and educate you. You can also watch the elephants demonstrate their intelligence and strength.
Kidzworld area features fun activities for children, such as a water playground, a rope course, pony rides and a petting zoo. Your kids can have a blast playing with water cannons, slides and fountains, or challenge themselves on a rope course that tests their balance and agility. They can also ride on ponies or interact with farm animals at the petting zoo.

Night Safari

A unique and exciting attraction that lets you explore the world of nocturnal animals in their natural habitats. With a natural and spacious design that mimics the animals’ natural environments. You can see them roaming freely in their enclosures, which are separated by moats, glass walls or hidden barriers. You can also walk along elevated boardwalks or trails that give you a closer view of the animals. A diverse and impressive collection of over 900 animals from more than 100 species, including some rare and endangered ones. You can see mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish from Africa, Asia, Australia and more. Some of the animals you can see are lions, tigers, elephants, hippos and more.

Opportunities for up-close encounters with the animals, such as feeding sessions, behind-the-scenes tours and wildlife experiences. You can feed the giraffes, elephants, rhinos and more, or join a guided tour to learn more about the animals and their care. You can also sign up for a wildlife experience that lets you meet some of the zoo’s stars, such as the orangutans, pandas or cheetahs. Spectacular shows that showcase the talents and skills of the animals, such as the Creatures of the Night Show, where you can watch otters, civets, binturongs and more perform tricks and stunts, or the Predators on Wings presentation, where you can witness the power and grace of birds of prey such as eagles, owls and vultures.

Choose to take the tram, you will be guided by a live commentary that will take you across six geographical zones of the world, from the Himalayan Foothills to the Southeast Asian Jungle. You will see animals such as lions, tigers, elephants, hippos and more. You can also hop on and off at designated stops to explore some of the walking trails. If you prefer to walk, you can choose from four different trails that will let you see more animals that are not visible from the tram. You can visit the Tasmanian Devil Trail, where you can see the world’s largest carnivorous marsupial, the East Lodge Trail, where you can discover a mix of African and Asian animals, the Leopard Trail, where you can see the largest collection of wildlife native to Southeast Asia, and the Fishing Cat Trail, where you can see how these cats hunt for fish in the water.

You can also catch some of the amazing shows and presentations that showcase the talents and skills of the animals, such as the Creatures of the Night Show, where you can watch otters, civets, binturongs and more perform tricks and stunts, or the Predators on Wings presentation, where you can witness the power and grace of birds of prey such as eagles, owls and vultures. Night Safari web site.

Gardens by the Bay City in the Garden

A nature park in Singapore that showcases the diversity and beauty of plants from around the world. It is also a place where you can enjoy various attractions, events and dining options. Consisting of three waterfront gardens: Bay South Garden, Bay East Garden and Bay Central Garden. Each garden has its theme and design and offers different views of the city skyline and the Marina Reservoir. Prove of concept that Singapore is a “city in a garden” and not merely a garden city.

With two cooled conservatories: Flower Dome and Cloud Forest. Flower Dome is the world’s largest glass greenhouse and displays plants from Mediterranean and semi-arid regions. Cloud Forest is a mist-filled mountain with a 35-metre waterfall and features plants from tropical highlands. 18 Supertrees, which are vertical gardens that collect rainwater, generate solar power and support a variety of plants. A 128-metre aerial walkway that connects two Supertrees, or watch the Garden Rhapsody, a light and sound show that takes place every night.

The Flower Dome is the world’s largest glass greenhouse and displays plants from Mediterranean and semi-arid regions. You can see flowers from different countries and seasons, such as tulips, cherry blossoms, sunflowers and more. You can also admire the architecture and design of the dome, which uses sustainable technologies to maintain the temperature and humidity.

The Cloud Forest is a mist-filled mountain with a 35-metre waterfall and features plants from tropical highlands. You can see orchids, ferns, carnivorous plants and more. You can also walk on the Cloud Walk and Treetop Walk, which are suspended bridges that give you a panoramic view of the forest.

Singapore Botanic Gardens

A beautiful and historic attraction that showcases the diversity and beauty of plants from around the world. It is located in the heart of the city of Singapore and covers an area of 74 hectares. It is also the country’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site and a leading centre for botanical and horticultural research. Established in 1859 by the Agri-Horticultural Society as a pleasure garden in the English Landscape Style. It later became a colonial economic garden with facilities for horticultural and botanical research, and then a modern and world-class botanic garden, scientific institution and place of conservation, recreation and education.

With 11 zones that represent different regions and ecosystems, such as Wild Africa, Australasia, Fragile Forest and Reptopia¹. You can see over 10,000 types of plants, including the region’s most significant living collection of orchids, gingers, palms and cycads. Some of the highlights of the Singapore Botanic Gardens are:

National Orchid Garden, which boasts the world’s largest orchid display, with over 60,000 plants and orchid plants. You can admire the stunning colours and shapes of these exotic flowers, as well as see some of the orchids named after famous personalities, such as Nelson Mandela, Margaret Thatcher and Jackie Chan.
Heritage Museum & CDL Gallery, which feature interactive and multimedia exhibits and panels that detail the Gardens’ rich heritage. You can learn more about the history, culture and science of the Gardens, as well as see some of the artefacts and specimens from its past.
Walk of Giants is a 260-metre-long elevated walkway that takes you through a mature secondary forest. You can see some of the tallest tree species in Southeast Asia, such as the Jelutong, Kapur and Terentang.
Learning Forest, which is a new extension of the Gardens that showcases freshwater forest wetland ecosystems. You can explore different habitats, such as lowland rainforests, freshwater swamp forests and bamboo gardens.

Open daily from 5 am to 12 am. Admission is free for most areas, except for the National Orchid Garden, which charges $5 for adults, $1 for students and senior citizens, and free for children below 12 years.

Dinning Out at the Botanic Gardens

The Singapore Botanic Gardens is also a great place to enjoy a variety of cuisines, as there are many restaurants in and around the gardens that cater to different tastes and budgets. Here are some of the restaurants that you can try:

Bees Knees: This is a casual café that serves breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. You can find dishes such as sandwiches, salads, pizzas, pasta and burgers. You can also enjoy their cakes, pastries and ice cream. The cafe has a cosy and relaxing ambience, with a view of the gardens. It is located at The Garage, a former garage for university vehicles that has been converted into a dining destination.
The Halia: This is a halal-certified restaurant that serves contemporary European cuisine with Asian influences. You can find dishes such as Singapore-style chilli crab spaghettini, wagyu beef cheek rendang and ginger flower sorbet. The restaurant has an elegant and romantic ambience, with a view of the ginger garden. It is located at the Ginger Garden, a section of the gardens that features over 250 species of ginger.
Botanico: This is a fine dining restaurant that serves seasonal and modern European cuisine with Asian flavours. You can find dishes such as Assam Laksa Ceviche, soy-glazed wagyu beef cheek and coconut panna cotta. The restaurant has a sophisticated and chic ambience, with a view of the gardens. It is also located at The Garage.