Over the past few months, I’ve had the chance to write about my visits to various places here in the city that I often go to. Some are popular tourist spots, while others are hidden gems tucked away in different districts. I enjoy going out to explore the built environment around me, as well as visiting the nature parks in the city. It helps me relax and take my mind off my busy work life.
I believe it’s a great way to relieve some of that work stress, and it also allows me to exercise my creativity through photography and by taking short clips for my TikTok and YouTube pages.
Over these recent months of exploring, I’ve come to realize that a few of these places have become my favorites—and today, I’d like to share the reasons why. Here are my top 5 spots:
- The Rainforest at Singapore Botanic Gardens
- Gardens by the Bay
- MacRitchie Reservoir
- Jurong Lake Gardens
- Millenia Walk
I’ve actually written a blog post for each of these places, and you can check them out through the links below if you’re interested:
Let's start!
1) Singapore Botanic garden's rainforest
The Singapore Botanic Gardens is one of the best places to visit because it’s conveniently located right in the heart of the city. It’s quite ironic that a rainforest like this exists in a place where modernity seems to dominate the urban landscape. Yet, the moment you step onto the trail inside the rainforest, you’ll feel as though you’ve completely escaped the city.
The towering tree canopy almost completely blocks out the sunlight, wrapping you in cool, natural shade. You won’t hear the usual noise of the city; instead, you’ll be surrounded by the soothing sounds of the whistling wind and the chirping of birds. It’s a long but relaxing walk, which is why I often come here for a mindful stroll to disconnect and take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Garden Rhapsody experience at the Gardens by the Bay
This is definitely one of the busiest nature parks in the city, as it’s a must-visit spot for almost every tourist. It’s always part of anyone’s itinerary when visiting Singapore. It’s one of the most high-tech gardens you can experience, and probably the most entertaining nature park in the city.
It features towering Supertrees fully covered with ornamental plants and vines, giving it a truly unique landscape. And at night, you’ll be treated to a light show that’s not only beautiful but also really entertaining.
I’ve seen the light show many times, but honestly, I never get tired of watching it!
MacRitchie Reservoir
It’s less crowded but equally beautiful.
This has to be one of the most serene nature parks that I often visit. It’s a spot mostly frequented by locals, making it feel more peaceful and authentic. The undulating landscape makes it perfect for jogging, and since it’s connected to other nearby parks, it’s also a great spot for hiking if you’re feeling a bit more adventurous.
Some parts of the trail feature diverse flora and fauna, including a variety of animals living in the area. There’s even a friendly group of monkeys that often interact with visitors. I actually wrote a separate post about these monkeys, where I shared a bunch of photos I took during one of my visits.
Jurong Lake Gardens
After its recent redevelopment, Jurong Lake Gardens has become one of my favorite spots. They’ve created a variety of themed gardens, each offering its own unique beauty. I’m really impressed by the amount of effort put into transforming this park—and the work is still ongoing.
Although it’s a man-made park, it feels like it’s growing and thriving naturally. It’s also very well-maintained and incredibly clean. While there are currently only a few amenities available, it’s still a great place for jogging, walking, or even having a relaxing picnic.
The pagodas scattered around the area are the most striking architectural features of the park, adding a unique charm that makes it well worth a visit.
Millenia Walk
Now shifting to a more urban vibe—let me take you along the shaded promenade of Millenia Walk. Beyond the sleek glass walls, you’ll actually find some hidden gems like street art installations that most people just walk past without noticing. There’s also this cozy, family-run Peranakan café just off the main atrium that’s perfect for a quiet break. And if you head all the way up, there’s even a rooftop garden oasis that not many people seem to know about.
I explored the mini-histories of nearby landmarks (like the Suntec City fountains) and suggest a late-afternoon coffee pitstop before continuing on to the adjacent Civic District.
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