Discover Singapore's Secret Parks: A Local's Guide to Hidden Gems

Continue along the Pasir Ris park connector towards Tampines and you’ll come across sprawling greenery formed by open grasslands, freshwater wetlands and a secondary rainforest. You’d never guess that this green space exists, wrapping around one of the most populous neighbourhoods in Singapore.

Wade through the greens as you take on the walking trail within the sanctuary to uncover its rich biodiversity, featuring many species of birds, butterflies, dragonflies and spiders. Sit on one of the rustic wooden benches while you admire the marshes and listen to the unique sounds of wild birds – and the expressway. Only in Singapore, eh?

No cycling is allowed in the park, though, but you can either push your bike along the trail or leave them at the designated parking spots nearby. There is also no public parking at the park so if you're driving, you have to park the car at the nearby HDB estate and make your way by foot. The park is mostly left untouched so you might need to put on some proper trekking shoes to conquer the – sometimes – muddy trails and bring along some insect repellent for pesky mozzies. 

It's one of those parks that don't seem so special at first untill you continue to walk further in. Walk along the Pasir Ris park connector towards Tampines and you’ll come across sprawling greenery formed by open grasslands, freshwater wetlands and a secondary rainforest – you’d never guess they wrap around one of the most populous neighbourhoods in Singapore. 

Hidden in the industrial CleanTech Park in Jurong is a tranquil eco-garden located next to the Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle. Go on an educational journey at this five-hectare park that covers over four main discovery zones – the Summit Forest, the Wildlife Corridor, the Stream Ravine and the Freshwater Swamp Forest. 

There are also some installations around the park that showcase ecological efforts and ideas like recycling rainwater, composting, and more so the young ones can pick up good habits about living in an urban green city. What's a park without some art and sculptures? Go on a stroll to check out the ceramic art around the trails and climb up the viewing platform to get a vast view of the entire park. The eco-garden is also home to plenty of flora and fauna like several butterfly species, birds, and dragonflies.

Hidden in the industrial CleanTech Park in Jurong is a tranquil eco-garden. The five-hectare park covers over four main zones – the Summit Forest, the Wildlife Corridor, the Stream Ravine and the Freshwater Swamp Forest. The eco-garden is also home to plenty of flora and fauna like several butterfly species, birds, and dragonflies.

Shenton Way is full of office buildings – and OUE Downtown 2 is also one but you will also find many retail shops and hip eateries in the building. One of the best areas in the building is the outdoor garden on the fourth floor. The soothing fountain and lush plants and trees make you forget that you're in the middle of the CBD.

While The Oval buzzes with the brunch crowd, adjacent lies the serene Hampstead Wetlands Park. Nestled in an otherwise industrial area, this small oasis of green has been meticulously revitalized, resembling a picturesque English garden complete with a pond adorned with lily pads.

Despite the presence of observatory decks and railings for safety, the park maintains its rustic charm, eschewing excessive polish found in other parks. A brief loop trail winds through the wooded area and along the water's edge, allowing for a leisurely exploration. Within just 30 minutes, visitors can experience the tranquility of the park, but be mindful to maintain its serene ambiance – it's a beloved spot for birdwatchers in Singapore.

Rower's Bay Park, situated at Lower Seletar Reservoir, derives its name from the reservoir's acclaim among kayaking and dragon-boating aficionados. Additionally, it serves as the inaugural segment of the proposed 150km Round Island Route (RIR), an initiative aimed at linking parks throughout Singapore. Envisioned as a comprehensive circuit, the RIR will eventually afford cyclists the opportunity to circumnavigate the entire island.

Rower's Bay Park at Lower Seletar Reservoir earns its moniker from its popularity among kayaking and dragon-boating enthusiasts. Yet, presently, it stands as one of Northeast Singapore's best-kept natural gems. Wander along the park's boardwalk to relish splendid waterside vistas. The surrounding wetlands, teeming with carefully selected plant species, beckon native wildlife, including dragonflies, the majestic grey heron, and the charming copper-cheeked frog.

Facilities within the park cater to visitors' needs, offering shelters, vending machines, a do-it-yourself bicycle repair station, and restrooms, ensuring comfort amidst the tropical climate. Nearby attractions, such as Yishun Dam and Punggol Barat Island, renowned for their tranquility and scenic allure, complement the park's serene ambiance. Additionally, the last fishing village in Seletar adds a touch of heritage to the area's charm.

Nestled between two iconic national monuments, the Thian Hock Keng Temple and the Nagore Durgha Shrine, Telok Ayer Green offers a tranquil escape from the bustling main streets of Singapore. Once the primary landing site for immigrants, Telok Ayer Green pays homage to its historical significance by mirroring the original shoreline in its design.

Within the park, visitors encounter sculptures that vividly depict its rich heritage. These include representations of a sampan transporting goods, a traditional Chinese lantern procession, and an Indian milk trader, all reflecting the diverse cultural tapestry of Singapore's past. Amidst the serene ambiance and historical resonance, Telok Ayer Green stands as a testament to the city-state's vibrant multicultural identity.

Duxton Hill in the daytime is a fine example of traditional shophouse architecture and a good place for a stroll. In the evening, you can enjoy dining at the increasing number of fine restaurants, while surrounded by karaoke joints and lively bars overflowing with very friendly ladies from around the region. 

Restaurants and bars in Duxton Hill:

• The Jackson Plan – Western restaurant with a Brit-pub ambience
• Etna
• Buyan Restaurant Haute Cuisine & Caviar Bar – Russian restaurant and bar
• Wok & Barrel
• Sabio Tapas Bar and Restaurant – Spanish tapas in a stylish setting
• Hanayoshi
• L'Entrecote – Steak Frites in an authentic French experience
• Broth – Western restaurant, acronym for Bar Restaurant on the Hill
• The Universal – Western restaurant
• Celina's Gastrobar – Wine and light bar snacks
• Cumi Bali (Duxton Road) – No-frills Indonesian restaurant

Cafés and dessert places in Duxton Hill:

• The Plain – Chic, Melbourne-style café
• Flor Pâtisserie – Japanese-inspired French pastry shop and café
• Group Therapy – Café hangout with paninis, all day breakfast, wine and beer
• The Pigeonhole – Book café, arts space and intimate music venue
• Restore (Tanjong Pagar Rd) – Vintage furniture store selling homemade bagels and waffles

Arts and culture in Duxton Hill:

• Littered with Books – Two-storey shophouse turned into a bookshop
• L Cube Music Studio – Live music venue
• Kay Ngee Tan Architects – Gallery
• Richard Koh Fine Art Gallery – the KL-based gallery's Singapore gallery

Hotels in Duxton Hill:

• Berjaya Hotel (Duxton Road) – 48-room hotel set in a former Straits Chinese trading house

Known for its buzzy eateries and bars, there's never a quiet or boring day in the Duxton and Keong Saik precinct. If you do need some respite, Duxton Plain Park is a narrow but lush park, flanked by shophouses. There are plenty of benches in the shaded areas where you can sit and watch pigeons or the see the black stray cat who lives in the area basking lazily in the sun. There is also a mysterious and solitary Muslim tomb in the area which is believed to hold special powers. 

Renowned for its array of exceptional restaurants and picturesque heritage shophouses, the Ann Siang area beckons visitors to capture moments worthy of social media acclaim. Yet, venture just a bit further and veer off the beaten path, and you'll stumble upon a verdant oasis of tranquility. Surprisingly nestled amidst buildings and offices, this charming park boasts a diverse array of tree species, including the tamarind, cinnamon, nutmeg, and breadfruit trees. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, these trees offer practical utility, with their fruits and spices serving as valuable ingredients in culinary pursuits.

The former City Hall and Supreme Court buildings have been refurbished to become the National Gallery. It is the largest visual art gallery in Singapore, and mostly dedicated to local and South-East Asian art from the 19th century to today. Many of the works on display will be drawn from the National Collection. 

Here's a first look at the National Gallery.

Yes, it is an austere-looking building that houses a whole lot of important Southeast Asian art but the rooftop of the National Gallery of Singapore is one of the most tranquil places in town you can find. With foliage walls, a reflecting pool, benches and one of the best views of the city, this is a good spot to get some respite in your free time.

Here's what you'll get at Orchard Central: ‘cluster-concept’ shopping divvied up into unimaginatively named sections like The Runway and Indulge, just so you can zone in directly on what seduces you most – whether it is youth-appeal street cult labels, or extravagant, eye-popping timepieces and jewellery along the 140m Discovery Walk that links the mall to Somerset MRT station. And what’s a wall for, if not for climbing? Orchard Central boasts Singapore’s first indoor, five-storey rock-climbing wall.

Who knew you'd find a peaceful pocket of green on the rooftop of a busy mall in one of Singapore's busiest streets? Come take a breather at this park high above the crowd and you'll also find some quirky sculptures by none other than Yayoi Kusama, the Japanese doyenne of visual art herself. 

Built around a reservoir on top of Pearl’s Hill Terrace, this park is quite the hidden spot in the city. Take a short stroll from Outram Park MRT Station and with a little trek, you're on top of a hill where you can relax in the wooded ambience, feed the terrapins in the pond, spot the occasional squirrel, or continue your jog. 

Built around a reservoir on top of Pearl’s Hill Terrace, this park is quite the hidden spot in the city. Take a short stroll from Outram Park MRT Station and with a little trek, you're on top of a hill where you can relax in the wooded ambience, feed the terrapins in the pond, spot the occasional squirrel, or continue your jog. 

Situated within the Botanic Gardens, the Learning Forest was meticulously crafted to seamlessly blend with the existing 6-hectare rainforest, thereby expanding the habitat for local flora and fauna. Diverging from the manicured landscapes of the Botanic Gardens, the Learning Forest exudes a rustic charm, sprawling across distinct zones awaiting exploration by nature enthusiasts.

Traversing the area on foot, visitors meander along a network of boardwalks and elevated walkways, fostering intimate encounters with the surrounding natural beauty. Beginning at the lowlands and gradually ascending, one can immerse themselves in the diverse ecosystems at each level. For panoramic views and moments of tranquility, ascend to an overhead bridge offering an unobstructed vista of the entire expanse below.

Stand at the edge of a freshwater forest wetland at the Keppel Discovery Wetlands and watch the dragonflies on the water, escape to faraway Japan at the bambusetum, walk amongst some of the tallest trees in Southeast Asia SPH Walk of Giants where you can also jump around on aerial nets on the boardwalk.

Located in the Botanic Gardens, the Learning Forest was designed to integrate with the existing 6-hectare rainforest to form an enlarged forest habitat. Unlike the rest of the Botanic Gardens, the Learning Forest is a little more rustic and sprawling, segmented into different areas like the bamboo garden, an arboretum of wild fruit trees, and wetland ecosystems for curious sorts to explore, discover and like its namesake, to learn about Singapore’s rainforests.

While open to the public, reaching this corner of Singapore is an adventure in itself. Fortunately, no ferry is required to access the island; a sturdy pair of walking shoes will suffice. This ecologically sustainable park exemplifies environmental stewardship by repurposing timber from fallen trees for park signage, benches, and the boardwalk spanning the mangrove swamp. Maintaining its rustic charm, the island preserves its natural state, offering visitors the prospect of discovering hidden beaches and encountering wildlife amidst its untouched wilderness.