10 Secret & Lesser-Known Gardens & Parks In Singapore For Picturesque Walks

By Karmen on 09 Jun 2021

Digital Editor

After a Circuit Breaker, two "phase 2" periods and a whole 1.5 years of travel deprivation, Gardens by the Bay and other well-known parks and gardens have probably been checked off your to-go list.

But Singapore has quite a few secret or lesser known nature retreats that you might not have explored yet.

Keep reading to check out all 10 of them!

#1 Tampines Eco Green

Photo from @mengyoonion via Instagram

This is one of those places that'll give you out-of-Singapore feels with open grasslands, freshwater wetlands and lush forest trails.

Without the usual manicured park features like pavements or even lighting, there's a fairytale-like wonder to the place, with the sense that you're wandering off the beaten track.

Photo from @mengyoonion via Instagram

It's also an ideal spot for bird-watching and spotting different species of butterflies and dragonflies.

This hidden park a little tricky to find as the wooden sign is almost camouflaged among the trees. The entrance is located along Tampines Avenue 12, about a 20-minute walk from Tampines MRT station via Sun Plaza Park.

#2 Bollywood Veggies

Photo from @sbu.trippin via Instagram

Nestled in the quaint Kranji countryside, Bollywood Veggies is one of Singapore's best kept secrets partially because of its ulu location. The nearest bus stop to this vegetable farm is an 18-minute walk away - a hiking experience on its own!

Follow the trail around the farm and you'll see a variety of vegetables, banana trees, a beautiful lotus pond and even a walking trail specifically for ants.

Photo from Bollywood Veggies

Photo from @fatwithin via Instagram

Photo from Nicole @pinkypiggu via Instagram

There's also a cafe, Poison Ivy Bistro, that serves farm-to-table food in a wholesome and hearty cooking style at affordable prices (approx. $10 - $20 per pax). The seasonal menu changes according to the fresh produce available such as banana bread and tapioca & sweet potato chips.

It's located at 100 Neo Tiew Rd. Look out for the cheeky green and yellow signs and you'll find it!

Photo from @sbu.trippin via Instagram

#3 Bukit Batok Hillside Park

Photo from @drrnt via Instagram

While some love open grasslands and manicured gardens, others might prefer the idea of exploring abandoned places. If the latter is you or your hiking partner, Bukit Batok Hillside Park can be your next weekend plan. This hidden park has been overtaken by nature and has a slightly creepy but charming wildness to it.

Photo from @drrnt via Instagram

Photo from @the_clementi_cyclist via Instagram

The easiest route to the park is through a path along Bukit Batok West Ave 2 right beside the Bt Batok road sign. Head through and you'll find a rock stairway which will lead you to the park. You'll find a horror film-worthy well filled with overgrown plants and a path with beams reminiscent of torii gates in Japan.

Photo from @drrnt via Instagram

Photo from @the_clementi_cyclist via Instagram

P.S. Check out MoMiJi Cafe, a Kyoto-style sando cafe with photo ops including "torri gates" with a more pristine aesthetic.

#4 Edible Garden City at Funan

Photo from Funan

Funan reopened in 2019 with much fanfare for their stylish interiors and indoor cycling track, but the mall's lesser-known attraction is a pretty rooftop vegetable farm.

Photo from Funan

Photo from @lilminifarm via Instagram

One of the few urban farms in Singapore that's open to the public, the Urban Farm by Edible Garden City at level 7 has is a space where visitors can learn about indoor and soil-based farming as well as vertical growing and aquaculture.

Edible Garden City also has other veggie farms in the midst of a concrete jungle including OUE Downtown and Raffles City.

#5 Ginger Garden at Singapore Botanic Gardens

Photo from @misskg_diary via Instagram

Singapore Botanic Gardens is no secret, but not many are familiar with their six "hidden" gardens, each with their own individual charm.

The most picturesque one is the Ginger Garden where there's a mini waterfall with a walking path behind it as well as a pool with giant Amazon water lilies.

Photo from Singapore Botanic Gardens

It's also where you can find over 500 species of ginger, many with beautiful leaves and flowers that are worthy photography subjects for the 'gram.

You can find Ginger Garden at the Tyersall entrance of Singapore Botanic Gardens.

#6 Ng Teng Fong Roof Garden at National Gallery

Photo from National Gallery

On the rooftop of National Gallery is a picturesque modern garden with minimalist concrete, greenery and a water feature. The space continually changes with the new installations showcased like the bamboo installation by artist Rirkrit Tiravanija in 2018.

Photo from @melinirodgers via Instagram

While you're there, check out Rotunda Library & Archive. This 2-storey wonder with columns and dome ceiling is located at level 3.

#7 Hampstead Wetlands Park

Photo from NParks

This 3.23-hectare English-style nature retreat has an au natural look compared to other man-made parks in Singapore. Although there are boardwalks set up, the park itself looks like there's little human interference.

Photo from NParks

This freshwater ecosystem is the perfect environment for many flora and fauna species to thrive; You may be able to spot wildlife like birds resting on snags and other nesting spots.

Something that photographers and Instagrammers will be particularly interested in is the lake that's covered in water lilies and flanked by greenery.

Photo from @juniorg5gti via Instagram

To get there, board buses 102, 103 or 117 and alight at Seletar Aerospace Dr before or after Baker Street.

#8 The Mill

Photo from The Mill

The office workers in this stunning all-black gothic tower have it all, from dramatic wall murals and a gothic-style Alchemist cafe to a gorgeous garden terrace.