Stop and Smell the Flowers with Singapore’s Great Outdoors

The Supertrees at the Gardens by the Bay feel like flora from a future (greener) world.

Gardens by the Bay

If there’s one green space with a reputation that precedes itself, it’s likely the Gardens by the Bay. Located by the Marina Bay Waterfront, this is a botanical Eden that’s collectively home to over 1.5 million plants and flowers hailing from every continent (except Antarctica, for obvious reasons).

The Flower Dome is not only the larger of the three conservatories, but it also has the Guinness World Record as the World’s Largest Grass Greenhouse — its leafy denizens hail from five continents, ranging from magnolias to orchids to thousand-year-old olive trees.

The second conservatory is the Cloud Forest. Here, mist hangs over lush, rare vegetation and dramatic vistas. Plants native to tropical highlands adorn Cloud Mountain — the 35-foot-tall structure that steals your gaze again and again. Carnivorous pitcher plants and Venus flytraps are intermingled with delicate ferns and verdant mosses all along the mountainside, while water plummets from the peak of the world’s tallest indoor waterfall.

Right outside the domed conservatories sit the Supertrees — massive, surreal structures that from a distance appear to be specimens from an alien world, but upon closer inspection reveal themselves to be immense (and impressive) vertical gardens. The prime-time of day to visit these is right after dark — the trees come to life for the Garden Rhapsody, a dazzling light and sound show set to enchanting music.

The third conservatory is a fantasy realm — literally. Floral Fantasy is comprised of four distinct zones, each taking inspiration from conventional fairy tales (as well as the Hanging Gardens of Babylon). Between suspended bouquets and creative floral arrangements, you’ll spy dramatic driftwood sculptures and a vivarium populated by tiny (vibrant-hued) poison dart frogs.

All of these could easily be jaw-dropping showstoppers in their own right, but there’s also the surrounding park area, rife with wetlands, sculptures and other points of interest (such as King Dragon Lake). A visit here is a plant-lover’s heaven; you are awash in greenery.

The Forest Walk at the Southern Ridges is the easiest way to traverse a forest.

Singapore Botanic Gardens and National Orchid Garden

An equally verdant outing awaits at the Singapore Botanic Gardens and National Orchid Garden. Established in 1859 from the remnants of a disused plantation, it’s since garnered the distinction of a UNESCO Heritage Site in 2015 as the first and only tropical botanic garden. Over time, this garden has grown into one of Singapore’s most popular recreational spots, perfect for however you wish to admire nature. Can’t-miss highlights include the National Orchid Garden, home to the world’s largest orchid display (over 60,000 plants strong), the Tropical Montane Orchidetum as well as the Sembcorp Cool House within the orchid garden. Additional highlights to be sure to check out include the Learning Garden (perfect for inquisitive minds), the Bonsai Garden (a meticulously curated section of zen), and the Rain Forest (home to over 314 tropical species). When you’ve had your fill of nature for the day and wish to return to the city proper, the Orchard Road shopping district is a simple walk away.

Pulau Ubin Island is an enchanting daytrip from the city.

Island Hopping Around Singapore

The uninitiated may think Singapore is simply one island; the truth is it’s a collection of more than 60 islands orbiting the main island, each harboring a treasure trove of adventure and discovery. Sentosa Island, the largest of the islands, provides a resort respite from the bustle of the city life with exquisite beaches, cafes and restaurants combined with lush tropical trekking adventures. St. John’s Island is home to swimming lagoons, beaches, picnic grounds, and trekking routes. A short bumboat ride takes visitors to Pulau Ubin, where you can be transported back to the 1960s kampong (village) life, and an intertidal walk at Chek Jawa Wetlands, home to Singapore’s richest ecosystems, makes for a perfect Island day adventure. Lazarus Island is predominately known for its fine white sandy shores and clear turquoise waters, making it the prime choice for a beach day. Legend has it that Kusu Island used to be a giant mythical turtle; it’s only fitting that it’s now home to a famous tortoise sanctuary. A visit to the Da Bo Gong Temple caps your day. Truth be told, you could easily spend an entire trip venturing to the offshore islands and forget to explore the mainland!

The SingapoRewards Program

As abundant as the choices are, a trip here is about to get sweeter. The nation of Singapore has rolled out the proverbial red carpet for any and all travelers looking to visit; the SingapoRewards Program promises to enhance any trip or vacation to the country. If you are:

• a short-term visitor to Singapore and not a resident
• arriving by air
• redeeming SingapoRewards for the first time

—then you’re eligible to enjoy a free experience!

*Enjoy a free experience with SingapoRewards, if you are 1. Entering Singapore as a short-term visit, 2. Arriving by flight, 3. Redeeming a free experience under SingapoRewards for the first time. Redemptions for SingapoRewards are on a first-come-first basis and subject to availability.

Ready to make the most of the SingapoRewards Program? Looking to get a jump-start on planning your getaway to this tropical island nation? Just like venturing out into the great outdoors, it pays to have a professional guide — trust your travel agent to point you in the direction of can’t-miss experiences, hidden-gem recommendations and favorite-memory moments as well as supply you with exclusive perks, amenities and savings.

It's not your imagination: The grass is greener in Singapore. Speak with a travel agent today so you can see for yourself.