Agricultural Farms

Farms
Farms in Singapore's countryside are arguably the best kept secret of Singapore's attractions!

Do you know there are over 200 real working farms in the six Agrotechnology Parks in Singapore, occupying a total land area of 1,500 hectares? Bounded by the land and manpower constraints, farms practise modern intensive farming that suits the tropical climate. This makes them interesting as unique Singapore nature attractions.

The largest Agrotech Park situated in the north-western part of Singapore, which occupies 858 hectares, about 16 times the size of the Singapore Botanic Gardens! There are farms growing fruit, vegetables, ornamental plants, rearing fish and goats. Some farmers in this area enjoy showcasing their farms to visitors and have come together to form an association called Kranji Countryside to raise public awareness and appreciation for this nature-based asset of Singapore.

Farms under Kranji Countryside Association:
Aero-green Technology
Bollywood Veggies
Dream Fish - Arowana Breeding Farm
Fire Flies Health Farm
Hausmann Marketing Aquarium - Fish Farm
Hay Dairies
Khai Seng Trading & Fish Farm - Fresh Seafood Farm
Kin Yan Agrotech - Organic Wheatgrass
Nyee Phoe Flower Garden (Gardenasia)
Other Farms:
Aqua Fauna Fish Industries
Chengtai Nursery
Farmart
Orchidville
Qian Hu Fish Farm

Bukit Timah Nature Reserve

It may surprise many to know that the small city-state of Singapore is only one of two cities in the world to have a significant area of primary rainforest within its boundaries - the other being Rio de Janeiro. Only 12 kilometres from the city, this lush 164-hectare reserve contains more species of trees than the entire North American continent.

Trek through the jungle via well-marked paths and look out for exotic birds, butterflies, monkeys, squirrels and flying lemurs, as well as unique plantlife like the insect-eating pitcher plant. Or hike up Bukit Timah Hill at the nucleus of the reserve - Singapore's highest point at 164 metres above sea level.

Location
177 Hindhede Drive Singapore 589333

Getting There
Take the MRT to Newton Station (NS21), then take SMRT Bus 171.

Chek Jawa

For environmentalists and conservationists, Chek Jawa is a gem of marine wildlife. Located at the eastern tip of Pulau Ubin, Chek Jawa is a collection of six distinct habitats - coastal forest, mangroves, sand bars, seagrass lagoon, rocky shore & coral rubble. Some of these habitats can be found at Pulau Sekudu, which is considered part of Chek Jawa.

Chek Jawa is teeming with a wide array of marine wildlife - starfish, sea horses and octopi living in the sand and mud flats, carpet and peacock anemones in the sea-grass meadows, and sponges of all hues residing in the coral rubble.

Visits to Chek Jawa are on a first-come-first-served basis and is only possible at low spring 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 or collect any plant nor animal specimens.

Location
Eastern tip of Pulau Ubin

Getting There
Take the MRT to Tanah Merah station (EW4). Click here to view MRT route map. Then take SBS Transit bus 2 or 29 to Changi Village bus interchange. Then take a bumboat

East Coast Park

Looking for a one-stop family fun site? It has to be East Coast Park. Located off the East Coast Parkway, the beach and landscaped terrains make East Coast Park a weekend favourite for Singaporeans.

Work up a sweat on the bike or on rollerblades, readily available for hire. If that's not your cup of tea, there's always the bowling alley, golf driving range, tennis complexes, a watersports centre and the East Coast Sailing Centre.
And don't forget to end your day with a lip-smacking feast of chili crab at a seafood restaurant by the beach!

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. Or take bus 401 to East Coast Park Service Road (Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays only)

Fort Canning Park

Established way back in 1859 as an arms store, barracks and hospital, Fort Canning contains precious 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.

Now a park overlooking Orchard Road, Fort Canning is a popular venue for the arts, including sculpture exhibitions, plays and open-air ballet.

Location
Fort Canning Centre, Cox Terrace, Singapore 179618.

Tel
(65) 6332 1302 , Fax :(65) 6339 9715 ,Email : goh_lili@nparks.gov.sg

Getting There
Take the MRT to Dhoby Ghaut Station (NS24) and walk towards Fort Canning Road.

HortPark

HortPark is a one-stop gardening hub that brings together gardening-related, recreational, educational, research and retail activities under one big canopy in a park setting. It is a knowledge hub for plants and gardening and provides the platform for the industry to share best practices and showcase garden designs, products and services. This 23-hectare regional park in South-Western Singapore is also a park connector, connecting Telok Blangah Hill Park to Kent Ridge Park

* learning and education;
* industry partnership and collaboration;
* events and activities.

Location
33 Hyderabad Road, off Alexandra Road, Singapore 119578

Tel
(65) 6471 5601

Getting There
Travel by MRT & Bus from:
MRT: HarbourFront NEL Station (NE1)

Labrador Park

Labrador Park's high vantage point led the British to identify it as a defence site to protect the entrance to the harbours of Singapore in 1843. Now, it is an oasis of tranquillity and offers a picturesque view of the sea. Nature lovers will be pleasantly surprised to find a rich variety of wildlife, such as the White-crusted Laughing Thrush, the Yellow-vented Bulbul and the regal White-bellied Sea Eagle. Also catch a glimpse of the past as you explore the underground complexes used during World War II for the storage of ammunition and supplies.

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. Parks 408: a direct service that plys between HarbourFront Bus Interchange/MRT Station and Labrador Park (Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays from 9.00 am to 7.00 pm). The service departs from the interchange every 30 minutes.

Mandai Orchid Garden

For over 50 years, Mandai Orchid Garden has been a beautiful sanctuary where a diverse array of spectacular hybrids bloom on a gentle hillside. An added delight is the mature landscaped water garden where tranquil paths lead you along, giving a taste of heaven on earth.

Today, the garden is more than just an orchid retreat. Complement your journey with a delightful meal at the newly opened Vanilla Pod restaurant where you can sumptuous gourmet contemporary cuisine while overlooking the picturesque orchid garden.
Located conveniently next to the Zoo and Night Safari, visitors will also find orchid flowers and choice gift items at the Gift Shop to take home. The "Orchid Gift Box Service" will deliver orchids to most parts of the world.

Location
200 Mandai Lake Road Singapore 729827

Tel
(65) 6269 1036

Fax
(65) 6366 1918

Email: enquiry@mandai.com.sg

Getting There
Take the MRT to Ang Mo Kio Station (NS16), then board SBS Transit bus 138. Alternatively, take SMRT Bus 927 from Choa Chu Kang (NS4) MRT Station.

MacRitchie Pierce & Seletar Reservoirs

The three reservoirs are popular sites for family outings and picnics as they provide a quiet respite to the hustle and bustle of city living. Surrounded by broad swamps, jungles and greenery, these reservoirs run through the central northern parts of Singapore, providing a serene backdrop to the cityscape.

Over 100 hectare of primary forest still flourishes around MacRitchie Reservoir. Rubber trees, remnants of the plantations there in the 19th century, can still be seen along the fringes around MacRitchie.
The best way to see the forest is to go on the walking trails that wind through it. Ranging from distances of 3km to 11km, each of the five routes offers different hiking experiences and unique views of the tranquil forest.

Location
MacRitchie: off Lornie Road
Upper Seletar: off Mandai Road
Lower Peirce: off Upper Thomson Road
Getting There
MacRitchie: Take SBS Transit bus 132 or SMRT bus 167 from Orchard Road.
Lower Peirce: Take SMRT bus 167 from Orchard Road.
Upper Seletar: Take the MRT to Ang Mo Kio Station (NS16) then board SBS Tranit bus 138.

Mount Faber

ake in the panoramic views of the harbour, Sentosa and other Southern islands from the top of Mount Faber. Or wait till night falls to see the city lights after dark while you chill out at the cafeteria.

Other F&B and entertainment options are provided at The Jewel Box

Location
off Telok Blangah Road

Getting There
Take SBS Transit Service Parks 409 from HarbourFront Centre, or take a taxi or the cable car from HarbourFront Tower 2. Click here for more details

Pasir Ris Park

Right in the eastern part of Singapore is a favourite family weekend spot. This coastal park of some 71 hectares includes a six-hectare mangrove swamp traversed by boardwalks for visitors to appreciate the rich mangrove flora and fauna. Birdwatching, cycling and swimming are also popular activities here.

Enjoy a barbeque or picnic by the beach. Or make your way to Fisherman's Village by the beachfront for a gastronomic delight of seafood and local delicacies.

Location
Bounded by Pasir Ris Road, Pasir Ris Drive 3 and Sungei Tampines

Getting There
Take the MRT to Pasir Ris Station (EW1), then board SBS Transit bus 403.

Singapore Botanic Gardens

The Singapore Botanic Gardens epitomises the tropical island's luxuriant parks. Spread over 52 hectares and close to the centre of the city, the Gardens showcases many outstanding plant collections. Some highlights include the National Orchid Garden, the Ginger Garden, and the Evolution Garden. The numerous plant species here, including many rare specimens, reflect the Singapore Botanic Gardens' richness and diversity of plant life.

Love orchids? The present orchid enclosure has 20,000 orchid plants on display. The National Orchid Garden promises sprawling orchid displays, water features, and an exotic bromeliad collection from Central and South America. Or head on down to Symphony Lake where outdoor concerts provide entertainment amidst a lush milieu.

Cultivate your child's interest in nature and life sciences by bringing them to explore Asia's first Children's Garden, Jacob Ballas Children's Garden at Singapore Botanic Gardens. The Children's Garden aims to cultivate an appreciation for plants, nature and the environment among the young. Developed along the theme "All Life On Earth Depends on Plants", it is created as a unique and interactive fun place where children up to 12 years of age can discover how plants provide their daily needs.

Shop for ornate sets of orchid brooches and other souvenirs with Peranakan-inspired designs at the RISIS Store located at the entrance of National Orchid Garden. Or drop by Au Jardin, an exclusive little French restaurant by the greens for a fine dining experience

Location
Cluny Road Singapore 259569

Tel :(65) 6471 7361 / 6471 9933 / 6471 9936 / 6471 9956 / 6471 9932 , Fax : (65) 6473 7983

Getting There
Bus services coming to the Gardens are:
SBS Transit No. 7, 105, 123, 174 and SMRT No. 75, 77 and 106 along Holland Road;

The Southern Ridges

Whether you're a sporty runner looking for a good workout and a breath of fresh air amidst the lush nature, or just someone seeking a leisurely stroll to enjoy the rich greenery of Singapore, the Southern Ridges has a lot to offer.

This 9km chain of green spaces spans across Mount Faber Park, Telok Blangah Hill Park, Kent Ridge Park and ends at West Coast Park, each seamlessly linked by foot trails and connection bridges.

Start off with a short walk through the secondary forests of Marang Trail from behind Harbourfront MRT Station to Mount Faber Park, one of the oldest parks in Singapore. Embark on the meandering trail of Faber Walk and take in the panoramic views of Singapore and the coastal seas, dotted by ships and islands.

Experience the giddy heights of the Henderson Waves, an undulating bridge that sits high across Henderson Road and connects Mount Faber Park to Telok Blangah Hill Park. It is also Singapore's highest pedestrian bridge.

From there, trek across Telok Blangah Hill Park through the Hilltop Walk. Brush past the thick canopy of trees and take a bird's eye view of the forest as you continue along the raised walkways of the Forest Walk.

The opened leaf-shaped Alexandra Arch then welcomes you to HortPark - the gardening hub. Enjoy a delightful stroll down the Floral Walk lined with blooming flowers and pick up some gardening ideas at the Hort Park!

Getting There
Marang Trail
By MRT: alight at Harbourfront station Exit D. Click here to view MRT route map.

Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve

The Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve is Singapore's first and only protected wetland reserve. Home to over 500 species of tropical flora and fauna, the 130-hectare conserved wetland habitat is also a "refuelling point" for birds on the East Asian Australasian Flyway. Carefully constructed hides and boardwalks provide a close-up view of the flora and fauna in the reserve for nature lovers.

Tel :(65) 6794 1401 ,Fax: (65) 6793 7271