Pulau Ubin island

Email: NParks_pulau_ubin@nparks.gov.sg

35 Orchard Road, The Istana

From a simple Ghim Moh hawker stall to a store at The Star Vista; The Headless Baker & Sons makes the most amazing cakes and pastries that will keep you going back for more. 

1 Vista Exchange Green, Unit #01-14 The Star Vista

Tel: +65 9740 0538 Email: theheadlessduo@gmail.com

Orchid Haven, a new 280 sqm space within Gardens by the Bay’s Cloud Forest cooled conservatory is now completed and ready to receive visitors. It is a dedicated space to host Cloud Forest’s changing orchid displays as well as permanent orchid exhibits, with more than 1,000 orchids on show at any one time. This is the first time since 2017 that a major area has been revamped in Cloud Forest.

With the growing popularity of Cloud Forest’s changing orchid displays, which have been bringing to Singapore a plethora of beautiful and sometimes rare orchids from Central and South America to East Asia for the past four years, horticulturists recognised the need to carve out more space to showcase orchids. The new Orchid Haven is about three times the size of the original space for changing orchid displays.

After all, Orchidaceae is one of the largest families of flowering plants, and orchids have a long history in Singapore. Gardens by the Bay also has an extensive and diverse collection of orchids, as well as its own orchid hybridisation programme.

Flight of the Moth Orchid, the first changing orchid display in the new Orchid Haven, is a tribute to the Phalaenopsis orchid, a diverse genus whose floral form resembles that of a moth in flight. In this display, more than 800 Phalaenopsis orchids of 17 taxa are showcased in a breathtaking “waterfall” of cascading blooms.

The Phalaenopsis is a popular orchid among both orchid enthusiasts, as well as breeders whose focus is on producing ever more innovative hybrids. In fact, the orchids in Flight of the Moth Orchid have been arranged to show how the morphology of the Phalaenopsis has evolved through the years, from its original look to the distinct and dramatic characteristics that breeders have coaxed out of hybrids. Phalaenopsis hybrids are known for bright colours, peculiar patterns and markings, as well as floral mutations that result in even more stunning varieties.

18 Marina Gardens Drive, Cloud Forest, Gardens by the Bay

Tel: +65 6420 6848 Email: feedback@gardensbythebay.com.sg

ABC Waters at Jurong Lake, is now open to the public.

Jurong Lake has been transformed into a venue for recreation and community bonding, where a stage and viewing promenade provide a scenic location for community events. One of Jurong Lake’s unique sustainable features is the largest man-made floating wetland in Singapore. The floating wetlands not only play a part in maintaining the water quality in the reservoir but also create a natural habitat for the wildlife. 

Visitors can take a walk along the boardwalk to enjoy the scenic views of the lake and admire the flora and fauna thriving on the floating wetlands. Water activities such as kayaking and dragon boating can also be enjoyed on the lake through programmes by Passion Wave @ Jurong Lake Gardens operated by People’s Association. 

Yuan Ching Road, Jurong Lake Gardens

Tel: +65 6266 4648 Email: pa_water-venture@pa.gov.sg

Go mad for matcha at Matchaya's newest Orchard branch. It is your go-to place for authentic and quality Japanese soft creams, sweets and milk teas.

From the start and at the very core, they focus on great tasting products while redefining flavor and textures that everyone will enjoy. As a responsible company, they maintain their principles of sourcing for small-batch, artisanal tea grown by passionate tea farmers that eat, drink and sleep tea, no less.

Their only core value is people and its derivatives – craftsmanship, passion and connections.

Scoop Wholefoods offer a wide variety of organic wholefoods for their customers at affordable prices combined with flexible quantity and selection. From nuts, dried fruits, spices, rice, pasta, teas, chocolates, freshly made nut butters and so much more. Now available at Paragon. 

The National Environment Agency’s Inland Ash Scattering Garden at Choa Chu Kang Cemetery Complex – Garden of Peace @ CCK – will be operational from 17 May 2021, providing Singaporeans with an additional option for the management of cremated human remains in Singapore. This was developed following the conclusion of a series of engagements conducted in February 2021 with religious groups, the funerary industry, and other stakeholder groups.

The ash scattering garden at the Choa Chu Kang Cemetery Complex adopts an open garden concept, with designated lanes for walkways and ash scattering. It is a secular facility open to all religious faiths, and has the following features:

• The ash scattering garden at the Choa Chu Kang Cemetery Complex adopts an open garden concept, with designated lanes for walkways and ash scattering. It is a secular facility open to all religious faiths, and has the following features:
• Boundary shrubs and vegetation have been planted to clearly demarcate the garden boundary and provide sufficient privacy
• Landscaping and greenery have been used to create a peaceful, serene garden setting, to provide a dignified and respectful environment for ash scattering
• Ash scattering lanes are separated and have been designed intentionally to accord families with privacy
• Ash scattering lanes have been designed to allow ashes to naturally percolate into the soil underneath
• User-friendly features, such as wheelchair access and seating areas, are provided for families to gather, view, and participate in the ash scattering process
• To maintain a clean and serene environment and the secular nature of the garden,religious ceremonies or rites, such as the burning of joss sticks, food offerings, playing of instruments or music, will not be permitted within the garden
• Visitors or next-of-kin can utilise the prayer facility near the North Gate at the Garden of Peace, to conduct any simple rites.  

A fee of $320 (including GST) will be introduced for the scattering of ashes. Interested applicants who wish to apply for inland ash scattering may do so via NEA’s online ePortal, at www.eportal.nea.gov.sg.

Website: https://bit.ly/33BLTbC

Website: www.nparks.gov.sg

280 Joo Chiat Road

Tel: +65 9740 2088 Email: contact@oasis-skin.com

The new Tropical Montane Orchidetum at Singapore Botanic Gardens showcases the most diversity of orchids found in tropical montane forests, in a single location in Singapore. It comprises three display houses – The Sembcorp Cool House, Tan Hoon Siang Mist House, Yuen Peng McNeice Bromeliad Collection, as well as the surrounding outdoor display areas that showcase lowland forest and stream habitats, and a Secret Ravine that emulates habitats that can be found in deep, narrow valleys of tropical mountains. The Sembcorp Cool House in particular, features the largest collection of high elevation montane orchids in Asia.

Designed in a way that allows visitors to see the orchid species and varieties set amid naturalistic landscapes resembling the habitats where they are typically found, the Orchidetum also plays an important role in the ex-situ conservation of these increasingly endangered orchids, as researchers will now be able to study at close range, rare orchids that would otherwise only be found naturally at higher elevations in other countries.

Visitors will be able to enjoy a seamless experience akin to that of one ascending a tropical montane forest as they make their way through the Orchidetum. Each of the display houses within the Orchidetum has been expanded beyond their original size, increasing by almost threefold the combined display area.

The Botanical Art Gallery is housed within Singapore Botanic Gardens' second refurbished conserved building, Gallop House No. 7 (Inverturret), which was built in 1906. The gallery highlights the vital role that art plays in the scientific documentation of plants in Singapore and the region, as well as how art can inspire renewed appreciation of the natural world around us. This will be Singapore’s first permanent display of botanical art, where visitors will be able to see a selection of the Singapore Botanic Gardens’ collection that includes more than 2,000 botanical paintings, as well as hundreds of sketches, line drawings and photographs. The display will also showcase various art forms, from original watercolours and ink drawings to prints and printing blocks.

Some of the iconic artwork on display includes the oldest dated painting in the Gardens’ collection completed in 1890, of Phaius tankervilleae, an orchid which grows in freshwater swamp forests, as well as an illustration of Durio singaporensis, which is commonly known as the Singapore Durian.  

Visitors will also be able to try their hand at the various techniques involved in botanical illustration, such as sketching, mixing colours, and composing scenes. The activity room also offers sweeping views of the forested areas surrounding the house.  

The Botanical Art Gallery will also feature changing exhibitions that complement the Gardens’ permanent artwork collection. The first show, ‘Plants in Print’, will showcase a collection of rare books that records the development of early colonial botany in South and Southeast Asia. Local artists such as Shubigi Rao and Weixin Chong have also been commissioned to offer creative responses to these books and produce a series of contemporary artworks. 

1 Cluny Road, Gallop Extension, Singapore Botanic Gardens

Gallop House No. 5 (Atbara) is Singapore’s oldest surviving colonial era or black-and-white bungalow. Built in 1898, it now houses the Forest Discovery Centre @ OCBC Arboretum, which showcases Singapore’s forest ecosystems, and highlights the importance of conserving them. Through a series of interpretive and interactive displays, visitors can enjoy a bird's eye view of Singapore’s diverse forests, and learn about the Gardens’ historical role in conserving them. Highlights include a photographic installation of forest trees, family-friendly displays and videos featuring three distinctive forest habitats found in Singapore, and their unique flora and fauna. 

The Forest Discovery Centre @ OCBC Arboretum will also host the Singapore Botanic Gardens’ Tropical Forest Ecology Research programme. This programme reprises a historical role for the Singapore Botanic Gardens, which dates back to the late 1800s. One of the Gardens’ early superintendents, Nathaniel Cantley, was tasked to survey the forests in the Straits Settlement in 1882. His report led to the demarcation of the first forest reserves in Singapore in 1884, in order to prevent the ecology and climate from further deteriorating.

Complementing the Forest Discovery Centre is the OCBC Arboretum, which is a first-of-its-kind high-tech arboretum in Southeast Asia. Opened in October 2019, the arboretum plays an important role in the Gardens’ conservation work, housing and displaying the Gardens’ growing collection of rare dipterocarps.

1 Cluny Road, Gallop Extension, Singapore Botanic Gardens

The newest playgarden in Singapore, COMO Adventure Grove is inspired by the distinctive parts of trees found within the Singapore Botanic Gardens, and is a modern interpretation on the timeless experience of climbing and playing on trees. 

At COMO Adventure Grove, children can swing, slide and climb on structures resembling the aerial roots of the Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina), scramble over the warty surface of a giant Cempedak (Artocarpus integer) or roll and hop around the pod and seeds of a Saga tree (Adenanthera pavonina). These adaptive components will help introduce children to nature through play.

The COMO Adventure Grove is set within nature, so children can connect with nature through play and exploration. It will enable children to choose how and what to play with, thus developing a sense of adventure and discovery, and increasing their independence. 

1 Cluny Road, Gallop Extension, Singapore Botanic Gardens

Nestled in the heart of town, Mosscape Concept will bring a slice of nature to our urban city. 

Mosscape Concept is a one-of-a-kind store at Paragon that introduces “HortiTainment” – a combination of horticulture and entertainment. Expect a multi-sensorial experience that will delight every nature lover.

35 Orchard Road, The Istana

Email: istana_feedback@istana.gov.sg

Photo Credit to Nature Guide Singapore FB Page and Mr Jack Yam

Seamlessly integrated with the surrounding greenery, KMEDP features nearly 20,000 square metres of open green rooftop space for community activity and recreation. The plant’s treatment facilities are situated underground, viewable via a private viewing gallery. For its outstanding design features and exceptional Active, Beautiful, Clean (ABC) standards, KMEDP became the first industrial plant in Singapore to be awarded the ABC Waters Certification (Gold) by PUB in October 2019.

KMEDP is one of the first infrastructure projects in Singapore to employ 3D, 4D and 6D Building Integrated Management (BIM) systems. This comprehensive integrated model enhances collaboration among the developer, designer, consultant, suppliers and sub-contractors by allowing them to visualise their plans via 3D modelling.

KMEDP is also the first desalination plant in Singapore to feature the energy-efficient direct coupling of the ultrafiltration (UF) and reverse osmosis (RO) systems, where water filtered from the upstream UF process is fed directly to the downstream RO process, eliminating intermediate break tanks and pumping stages, resulting in significant cost and space saving, and makes the process up to 15% more energy-efficient.

1 Marina East Drive

Whether you want to get started with gardening or are looking to “upgrade” your tools to improve your already blooming green space, Rake Spade at HortPark is an all-in-one destination to get the resources you may need.

Rake Spade also offers workshops and activities suitable for different ages, for you and your family to pick up some basic skills or hone your craft.

Sentosa Golf Club has reopened its championship course, The Serapong, following a major renovation programme. 

27 Bukit Manis Road

Tel: +65 6275 0022 Email: sgc_golf@sentosagolf.com

Therapeutic Gardens are outdoor gardens designed to meet the physical, psychological and social needs of park users, incorporating design principles derived from scientific evidence.

Together with therapeutic horticulture programmes involving plants and nature, visitors can experience a range of health benefits such as the relief of mental fatigue, reduced stress and an overall improvement to emotional well-being.

Website: www.go.gov.sg/therapeuticgardens

Website: www.nparks.gov.sg

National Water Agency PUB and Sembcorp Floating Solar Singapore, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sembcorp Industries (Sembcorp), are pleased to announce the commencement of construction of the 60 megawatt-peak (MWp) floating solar photovoltaic (PV) system on Tengeh Reservoir. This marks a significant milestone in building one of the world’s largest inland floating solar PV systems, which not only helps to reduce dependency on fossil fuels and thus carbon emissions, but also builds national climate resilience for a more sustainable future.

Solar energy is Singapore’s most viable renewable energy source, but large-scale deployment of solar panels is challenging due to its dense urban landscape and limited land. Beyond rooftops and vertical spaces, PUB’s large expanse of water bodies and reservoirs can now serve the dual purpose of water catchment and electricity generation. This follows positive trial outcomes and extensive environmental studies which show that floating solar panels have minimal impact on the reservoir’s water quality and biodiversity.

This large-scale Floating Solar PV System at Tengeh – the first of its kind in the region – will enable Singapore to be one of the few countries in the world to integrate green technology with water treatment. When the project begins full commercial operations next year, the amount of clean energy generated will be sufficient to power PUB’s local water treatment plants, offsetting 7% of PUB’s annual energy needs.

Website: www.SembCorp.com

Bringing farming closer to us; The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has launched nine sites at the rooftops of Housing & Development Board (HDB) multi-storey carparks (MSCP) for rental by public tender. The sites shall be used to farm vegetables and other food crops, as well as for other related purposes, such as the packing/storage of produce. Some of you may soon get to enjoy lush views of locally-grown veggies from your HDB flats!

Websites: www.sfa.gov.sg and www.hdb.gov.sg

Situated close to the hill forest at Telok Blangah Hill Park, the Therapeutic Garden embraces the tranquillity of its natural setting. The lush greenery all around the garden creates a restorative environment to engage the senses and to uplift both mental and emotional well-being while serving as complementary habitat for native biodiversity.

The new therapeutic garden features several new elements that leverage Telok Blangah Hill Park’s natural forest setting. Some of these elements include fruit tree espaliers, planting of lesser-known forest species with therapeutic effects and a 40m long viewing deck which offers an unobstructed, mid-canopy view of the forest. This therapeutic garden is one of the 30 therapeutic gardens which NParks will establish across Singapore by 2030, as they work towards transforming Singapore into a City in Nature, bringing forth benefits to health and well-being through greenery. Its development and programmes are supported by a contribution of around $500,000 in total from Tote Board and Mr Peter Lim through the Garden City Fund.

Telok Blangah Green off Henderson Road, Telok Blangah Hill Park

Flower Matters has moved to a bigger store at Millenia Walk. Shop beautifully handcrafted bouquets for your special someone with carefully selected exotic fresh flowers from all over the world.

9 Raffles Boulevard, Unit #01-82 Millenia Walk

Tel: +65 6737 7302 Email: matters@singnet.com.sg

A 5.6m high waterfall takes centre stage in the newly-rejuvenated Yunnan Garden at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore that now seamlessly integrates with the Chinese Heritage Centre and an expanded Nanyang Lake. Comprising themed mini gardens and nature trails, the new space is now even more inviting for students, staff and nearby Jurong residents to visit and explore the various scenic spots it has to offer.

Built in the 1950s, the Yunnan Garden was a key attraction of the Nanyang University campus, the land on which NTU Singapore is now situated. With the just-completed revitalisation effort, the Yunnan Garden is seamlessly integrated with the Chinese Heritage Centre and an expanded Nanyang Lake. More than 1,000 new trees comprising over 80 species have been planted in the Garden, enriching its biodiversity. Other enrichments include a new 5.6-metre-tall waterfall, themed mini gardens, a boardwalk, a new stormwater management system, and Wi-Fi connectivity throughout the Garden. 

The result is a 9-hectare heritage precinct – bigger than 12 soccer fields – that preserves the Garden’s legacy while enriching it as an educational and recreation hub, making it a go-to place not just for the NTU community, but also for the residents who live in the wider Jurong neighbourhood.

NTU Students’ Union President Bryan Michael Chiew Sen, a second-year Public Policy and Global Affairs student from the School of Social Sciences, said: “The new amenities in the Yunnan Garden are a refreshing addition to what we traditionally know as a heritage area with historical significance. With the rejuvenation, the Garden is now an invigorating break away from the classroom, and an attractive spot for students to have social gatherings. The spruced up greenery makes the Garden good for deep conversations and long strolls, which I’m certain will be beneficial for students’ mental well-being.”

Learning about plants and the environment is also part and parcel of a walk in the Yunnan Garden, which is designed around sustainability principles. The plant varietals in the mini gardens have been carefully chosen for their educational values, be it for their use as renewable energy sources or as sustainable alternatives to plastics, or their ability to remove pollutants from the air, soil and water.

The water features in the Garden are designed to create a stormwater management system that purifies rainwater before releasing it into larger ponds and reservoirs through drains and canals.

Integrating these lessons into the Yunnan Garden experience is part of NTU’s commitment to raising awareness about environmental sustainability. 

50 Nanyang Avenue, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore)

Email: ccomms@ntu.edu.sg

Located off Gambas Avenue, Sembawang Hot Spring Park features new cascading pools and a water collection point, enhanced accessibility for wheelchair users, and educational panels where visitors can learn about Singapore’s only hot spring park’s history and geology. The park's rustic environment, reminiscent of old kampungs, also holds many collective memories for the community. 

Visitors can enjoy the new Floral Walk and see fruit trees and edible plants commonly found in kampungs, and flowers commonly seen in the 1960s and 1990s. The rustic environment is further enhanced by unpaved paths and naturalised streams flowing from the hot spring, which mimics the freshwater swamp forest landscape. There are seating areas sheltered by planted trellises featuring flowering creepers such as the Elephant Climber (Argyreia nervosa). The public can also learn more about the history of the site and geothermal processes behind the formation of a hot spring through interpretative signs at locations of interest.

If you live in or near Bukit Gombak and love gardening, you can apply for 70 allotment gardening plots at the new Bukit Gombak Park which will be opened in early 2020. Applications will be open for online application from 5 January 2020, 10am to 19 January 2020, 10pm. The park is located at Bukit Batok West Avenue 5, opposite Bukit Batok Driving Centre. Plots will be allocated by computerised balloting.

Bukit Batok West Avenue 5 (opening soon)

The National Parks Board (NParks) has opened the 5.4-hectare Cyclist Park, a new recreational space at East Coast Park. Featuring a longer view corridor of the marina vista, Cyclist Park boasts two new cycling circuits targeted at learners and experienced cyclists, a nature playgarden and F&B and retail outlets for families. 

Located at Area D of East Coast Park, at the previous site of Goldkist Chalets, Cyclist Park is an active node, complementing the tranquillity of the nearby Raintree Cove that opened earlier this year. A one-stop hub for cyclists, visitors can practise cycling techniques at the two cycling circuits, as well as purchase and repair bicycles. It is also a stop along the Round Island Route (RIR).

The two circuits - the Learner Circuit and Advanced Circuit - are conducive spaces for cyclists to hone their skills. Beginners can attempt the 280-metre long Learner Circuit, where gentle slopes, large expanse of flat areas, and a mini BMX adventure trail help improve balance and stamina. The 500-metre long Advanced Circuit, with its undulating tracks, sharp turns, gradual granite steps and narrow bridge, provides a fun challenge for more experienced cyclists. 

Open plazas with multiple entry points have replaced what was once the gated Goldkist Chalets and visitors can now enjoy unobstructed views of the sea. Visitors who seek a more tranquil experience can soak in the coastal ambience while lounging on terrazzo benches under the shelter of ketapang (Terminalia catappa L.) and handkerchief trees (Maniltoa browneoides). There are also two F&Bs, one convenience retail store and a bicycle retail shop that also run bicycle related workshops as well as repair services.   

Families with children can enjoy a new nature playgarden at East Coast Park within the Cyclist Park. The playgarden uses natural materials such as upcycled wood to create curated play features for children to engage in spontaneous play amid nature. Young ones can develop a sense of discovery and train their balance at the simple obstacle course, and older children can try their hand at the 1.5-metre tall mini climbing wall installed with grips, that was fashioned from a log.

The opening of Cyclist Park marks the completion of the second of three phases in the rejuvenation of East Coast Park, which aims to create more open spaces and vistas of the sea, improve accessibility and enhance amenities. This follows the successful reopening of Raintree Cove earlier this year. The enhancement will be completed in 2020 with the opening of Big Splash.

Cyclist Park is located at East Coast Park Area D and is accessible via East Coast Park Service Road, via the underpass linking Mandarin Gardens to D3 Carpark and via Siglap Park Connector. The nearest bus stop is 90 metres away and is served by bus number 401.

East Coast Park Area D, accessible via East Coast Park Service Road

Pioneers of Singapore’s cafe culture, PS.Cafe opens its eighth outlet, PS.Cafe by the Sea at East Coast Park, making this their first foray out East, away from the hustle and bustle of the city-centre. Inspired by its waterfront location while staying true to the homegrown brand, the menu showcases and celebrates seafood with exclusive dishes, while introducing a special Junior section for the first time.

Starting from humble beginnings in 1999, PS.Cafe began as a cosy cafe hidden within Projectshop clothing store. The charming and understated spot quickly gained a following for its hearty takes on savoury cafe classics, famous truffle shoestring fries and indulgent cakes, puddings and tarts. Since then - over the course of 20 years, PS.Cafe has steadily expanded in Singapore and recently opened up in Shanghai and Seoul this year.

Spanning over 3,000 sq ft, this 120-seater offers a multitude of crowd-pleasers, impeccably suited for friend gatherings, date nights and weekend brunches with loved ones. 

Additional new creations, exclusive to PS.Cafe by the Sea East Coast Park include:

Poached Ocean Trout Niçoise ($27) a modern twist on a classic French salad with string beans, green olives, capers, spinach and tuna aioli for a refreshing start to the meal.

Chorizo & Calamari Stew ($30) a hearty pot teeming with white beans, fire-roasted peppers, spicy chorizo and tender squid topped with black garlic aioli and a side of crusty bread.

Singapore Chilli Crab & Prawns ($32) a nod to East Coast tradition of chilli crab, PS.Cafe's rendition comprises fried soft shell crab and grilled tiger prawns with wok-crisped mantous, fresh chilli crab dip and jade fried rice.

Signature items that are familiar to fans such as PS. Truffle Shoestring Fries ($16), Tiger Beer-Battered Fish & Chips ($32) and Spicy King Prawn Aglio Olio ($29.50) are also available. An array of hand-stretched pizzas and a multitude of Asian delights will also be on the menu for a stellar communal dining experience. 

Adding to the brand's extensive dessert menu, the novel addition of the Banana Surprise Sundae ($16) showcases PS.Cafe's take on the banana split crowned with toasted almonds, chocolate sauce and tangy strawberry compote - a treat to delight any sweet tooth. Also not to be missed are menu stalwarts, Sticky Date ($15) with lashings of decadent toffee sauce and Double Chocolate Blackout Cake ($16) a rich dark chocolate sponge drizzled with dark chocolate sauce.

For the first time, PS.Cafe launches its Junior Menu for children under 12 years old; featuring kid-friendly items such as its iconic Spaghetti Bolognese ($14), Mini Pancake Stack ($12) with maple syrup, bananas and vanilla ice cream, Grilled Ham & Cheese Toasties ($12) with fries, and Cheeseburger and Fries ($13). All items on the Junior Menu come with a complimentary bowl of soft-serve ice cream with chocolate or strawberry sauce. 

PS.Cafe by the Sea at East Coast Park's brunch menu with classic-favourites including eggs benedict and pancakes kicks in on weekends at 9.30am until 4 pm. The restaurant also serves breakfast from 9.30am to 11am Monday to Friday, offering staples such as almond chia seed granola and avocado toast. 

By 2023, national servicemen will be able to access all their National Service (NS)- and training-related activities in a one-stop centre.

Gone are the long queues to "book in", as national servicemen visiting the NS Hub will be able to register themselves at e-Kiosks equipped with facial recognition technology. They will also be able to perform digital transactions through the NS Hub visitor mobile app and receive personalised responses about their appointments. Such technology is expected to reduce the overall waiting time for medical screenings by 30 per cent!

Website: www.mindef.gov.sg

Previously projected as The Mandai Eco-Link, the upccoming Mandai Wildlife Bridge is part of Mandai Park Holdings' (MPH's) rejuvenation project and is the first of their features to be completed. 

In December, the Mandai Wildlife Bridge will be ready and will facilitate safe crossings for local wildlife linking two parts of the Central Catchment Nature Reserve. An important component of the new nature and wildlife destination being developed at Mandai, this bridge is part of a larger plan to facilitate habitat connectivity for wildlife within the precinct and its surroundings. Construction of the bridge began in June 2017. 

The Mandai rejuvenation project, driven by Mandai Park Holdings (MPH), involves the development of two new wildlife parks - a Rainforest Park and the new Bird Park, a nature-themed indoor attraction, accommodation offerings and public green spaces.  These will join the existing Singapore Zoo, Night Safari and River Safari to form a new integrated nature and wildlife destination at Mandai. 

Website: www.mandai.com

Website: www.PanPacific.com/en/hotels-and-resorts/pp-orchard-sg.html

The Gallop Extension is an 8-hectare addition to the Singapore Botanic Gardens. It is located next to the Learning Forest and can be accessed via Tyersall Avenue.

Framed by landscapes composed of native plants and forests, the Gallop Extension contributes to the Gardens’ rich heritage and its role in research, conservation, education and recreation. As a natural extension of the Gardens’ nature area, which covers the Rain Forest and the Learning Forest, the Gallop Extension enables visitors to learn about forest ecology and the significance of conservation.

The Mingxin Foundation Rambler’s Ridge and OCBC Arboretum at the Singapore Botanic Gardens’ Gallop Extension are now open!

Website: www.nparks.gov.sg/sbg/our-gardens/tyersall-gallop-entrance/gallop-extension

Royalgreen by Allgreen Properties comprises 285 exquisite freehold homes along Anamalai Avenue, just off Bukit Timah Road. 

Royalgreen is easily accessible by both car and public transport. Sixth Avenue MRT Station is within 5 minutes’ walking distance, from there the Singapore Botanic Gardens, Marina Bay Financial Centre, and Newton MRT Interchange are just a train ride away. By car, Orchard Road and the PIE are also readily reachable.

Website: https://royalgreen.com.sg

The National Parks Board (NParks) and the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) have announced that enhancement works for the former Bukit Timah Railway Station and its surroundings as a community node will begin early next year. At a community event at the station, Minister for National Development Lawrence Wong also shared that the Friends of Rail Corridor will be leading the community in activating the reopened stretches of the Rail Corridor along its southern half, and announced plans for a new linear park that is partly elevated above the Bukit Timah Canal – the Bukit Timah-Rochor Green Corridor. The new linear park will add to and complement Singapore’s network of recreational connections, which includes the Rail Corridor, Round Island Route and Coast-to-Coast Trail, and altogether, the connections will provide the public with more recreational options, and more opportunities to explore the outdoors and connect with nature in our City in a Garden. 

Over the last two years, works to enhance Rail Corridor (Central), the 4 km stretch of the Rail Corridor between the Hillview area and the conserved Bukit Timah Railway Station, have been ongoing and guided by three key themes: Heritage and Culture, Biodiversity and Greenery, and Recreation. The works include improvements to trails, restoration works for the truss bridges, construction of a new pedestrian underpass at Hindhede, and habitat enhancements. In early 2020, enhancement of the former railway station and its surroundings as a community node will begin.

The conserved Bukit Timah Railway Station is a distinctive landmark of Rail Corridor (Central) and the community node will feature a strong sense of history, distinctive landscaping and ample public spaces. Works to restore the Railway Station building and the former Railway Station Staff Quarters will be carried out sensitively and in line with conservation guidelines. The buildings will showcase their original railway features, while being repurposed for the public’s use and enjoyment. At the same time, the 8 Mile Platform will be constructed near the Rail Mall to provide amenities such as a shelter and toilet. It will act as a rest stop and an access point to the Rail Corridor.

To provide even more recreational options for visitors, NParks will be developing the Bukit Timah-Rochor Green Corridor. The Bukit Timah-Rochor Green Corridor is envisioned as a journey through a riverine forest and will include a linear sky park elevated above the canal. It will connect to the Rail Corridor near the Bukit Timah Railway Station community node. Visitors, including users of the Coast-to-Coast Trail, can look forward to a unique walking and cycling experience set amidst lush greenery. The first phase of the project comprises 1.4 km and stretches from the Rail Corridor to Elm Avenue. Construction is expected to start in 2021, dovetailing with PUB’s canal improvement works. In the future, the corridor may be extended to Kallang Riverside Park, totalling 11 km.

Located at 39 Ewe Boon Road, Juniper Hill by Allgreen Properties is nestled on higher ground within the exclusive Bukit Timah-Tanglin enclave. Within the freehold development, beautiful landscaped gardens across various levels create an elegant living experience immersed in nature. 

Website: www.juniperhill-allgreen.com.sg

Green up your living or working space with a low-maintenance terrarium that you can easily put together at The Green Capsule. 

Located at Funan, The Green Capsule is founded in 2014 by two green enthusiasts. Together, they want to bring their love for greening to new heights. They aim to be one of the first garden shops to provide customizable and sustainable gifts. 

109 North Bridge Road, Unit #04-11 Funan

Tel: +65 6908 4087 Email: hello@thegreencapsule.com.sg

The Source Bulk Foods at Cluny Court is the first Singapore branch of Australia’s largest bulk foods and zero-waste retailer. They carry a wide range of pantry staples, numbering over 350 products that include premium whole foods and treats, and packaging-free household products. The opening marks a step towards cultivating healthy lifestyles and building a healthier planet, right here on the little red dot!

The newly-opened Singapore Botanic Gardens Seed Bank is an important step in safeguarding plant biodiversity in Southeast Asia through conservation, research and education. Collecting seeds for storage helps to build a valuable resource for habitat restoration and species conservation. But different seeds need to be stored in specific conditions, hence the Seed Bank will advance extensive research in this area. Go learn about seeds and the science of seed storage at a new interpretive gallery and outdoor garden! 

Website: www.sbg.org.sg

Scoop Wholefoods at Tanglin Mall offer a wide variety of raw organic and natural wholefoods for their customers at affordable prices combined with flexible, quantity and selection. From nuts, dried fruits, spices, rice, pasta, tea and chocolates to freshly made nut butters and so much more. 

Specialising in bulk bins, Scoop Wholefoods is committed to reducing peoples dependence on single use plastic. You won't find a plastic bag in their store.

Scoop Wholefoods source their products primarily from certified Australian and New Zealand growers and suppliers. They make every effort to ensure that other products come from ethical and sustainable sources.

In order to keep carbon footprint as light as possible, they make minimum use of packaging and chemicals in their activities as part of their contribution to the local community and the long term well-being of our planet for this and future generations.

163 Tanglin Road, Unit #02-17/18 Tanglin Mall

Tel: +65 6235 2739 Email: info@scoopwholefoods.com.sg

UNA is a homage to the art of gastronomy and living well. Its Spanish roots are wedded to the dynamic individualism of Basque cuisine, resulting in a menu of Basque-inspired dishes and popular favourites from the former establishment crafted using the best produce sourced locally as well as from the Basque and Spanish regions.

Fort Canning Park is an iconic hilltop landmark has witnessed many of Singapore’s historical milestones. The hill once sited the palaces of 14th century Kings and served as the Headquarters of the Far East Command Centre and British Army Barracks. The decision to surrender Singapore to the Japanese on 15 February 1942 was also made on the hill, in the Underground Far East Command Centre, commonly known as Battle Box.

Today, Fort Canning Park features nine historical gardens - the Pancur Larangan, Artisan’s Garden, Sang Nila Utama Garden, Jubilee Park (Phase 1), Raffles Garden, First Botanic Garden, Farquhar Garden, Spice Garden and Armenian Street Park.

Accompanying these gardens are wayfinding and trail guides which will allow visitors to plan their own trail and explore the hill at their own pace. Visitors can also download the augmented reality trail, BALIKSG: The Fort Canning Trail. The app will bring park visitors on an interactive journey through Fort Canning Park, revisiting the hill back when it was known as Bukit Larangan or Government Hill. The total length of the trail is about 2.5km, with eight checkpoints placed throughout the park including the various gardens. Visitors can look out for the AR marker in the park and start the app at any point. 

To get to Fort Canning Park, visitors can make use of the covered escalators from Fort Canning MRT station and Bras Basah MRT station to the top of Fort Canning Park.

Fort Canning Park is a venue for celebrations. Its expansive, sprawling lawns play host to concerts, theatre productions and festivals such as Shakespeare in the Park, Ballet Under the Stars, Shakespeare in the Park and Films at the Fort, while weddings, parties and gatherings are a regular sight in the park's venue spaces. Its ancient artefacts are a must-see for history buffs, and its lush greenery and expansive lawns offer a variety of arts, heritage and nature experiences. Whether you are drawn by the park’s ancient artefacts and rich heritage or simply its tranquility, this hilltop park offers something for the whole family.

View here for the map of Fort Canning Park. Click here to read more about the enhanced Fort Canning Park.

River Valley Road, Fort Canning Park

10 Telok Blangah Green, The Alkaff Mansion

Tel: (+65) 6773 0070 Email: eat@txapintxobar.sg

The Alkaff Mansion celebrates, indeed flaunts, all things Basque: capturing its verve and heart; showcasing its produce, cuisine and wine. It does this in truest authenticity through a profound partnership with Basqvium, keeper, curator and tireless advocate of Basque cuisine and culture both in and outside Spain. Hand-in-hand with Basqvium through the shared platform of Basque Culinary Institute, 1-Group unites key facets of the essential Basque to create The Alkaff Mansion.

The deep synergy reflects into the experience in multiple ways, seen and unseen: through the rare Basque wine and spirits served in-house, the exclusive Basque produce and authentic Basque flavours, all the way to the Basque members within the team. The cuisine especially benefits from the inclusion of Basque chefs, Marta Elvira Segalés and Silvana Pascual Romero, into 1-Group’s own Spanish Cuisine Development Team which also comprises 1-Group’s talents such as Head Chef Tom Kung of UNA. Day to day, these key members of this development team also take personal care of kitchen operations at The Alkaff Mansion, so that research and theory becomes real; materialising in plate after plate of Basque cuisine on the plate of The Alkaff Mansion diners.

Seated on its hilltop, the Alkaff Mansion has witnessed the passage of time for a hundred years. This 2-storey Tudor-style building was built in 1918 by a member of the prominent Arab family, the Alkaffs.

In year 2022, residents of Bidadari estate will be able to enjoy a new regional park. This announcement was made by the Housing and Development Board (HDB). Bidadari Park is a multi-agency collaboration between HDB, national water agency PUB and the National Heritage Board (NHB). 

 The 10-hectare Bidadari Park will feature a lake, a 700 metre heritage walk, a 6-km experiential trails and a play area for children. 

Apart from retaining of more than 350 mature trees in the area, the park will also be welcoming more than 2,000 new trees.

“At strategic locations, observation decks, viewing sheds, and pavilions will serve as tranquil rest spots for visitors, offering different views of nature in a rustic and naturalised setting,” said HDB.

Website: www.hdb.gov.sg

Lakeside Garden is the 53-hectare western section of the Jurong Lake Gardens. Visitors can now enjoy the first phase of Singapore’s third national gardens and the first national gardens in the heartlands.

Jurong Lake Gardens is a people’s garden and the design of the garden took into consideration the feedback that was received after extensive consultations with the community. In developing Jurong Lake Gardens, NParks also worked with their partner agencies, Sport Singapore (SportSG) and People’s Association (PA), to enrich the diversity of recreational experiences and programming for visitors.

In addition, Lakeside Garden was developed with a strong emphasis on nature, community and play, based on feedback received during our public engagement sessions. Jurong Lake Gardens is a green recreational node that leverages on its distinctive lakeside setting. It contributes to the larger plans for the Ju­rong Lake District in promoting sustainability and a healthy living environment by providing more spaces for recreation amidst lush greenery, restored wetlands and habitats for biodiversity and with vibrant programming for the community. With its opening, Lakeside Garden provides the community with a space to gather and bond, and create shared memories.

The 90-hectare Jurong Lake Gardens comprises three segments: 

• Lakeside Garden (Jurong Lake Gardens West/ former Jurong Lake Park) 
• Chinese and Japanese Gardens (Jurong Lake Gardens Central) 
• Garden Promenade (Jurong Lake Gardens East)

Lakeside Garden is centred around the themes of nature, play and the community. The garden has been developed sensitively to retain the serenity of the area whilst incorporating spaces for the community and recreational needs. Capitalising on its waterfront location, Lakeside Garden has spaces for all to enjoy amid nature, greenery and lakeside views. Visitors will have many opportunities to get close to nature in Lakeside Garden.

Children aged between five to 12-years-old will enjoy Forest Ramble, which is the largest nature playgarden in the heartlands. The 2.3-hectare play area comprises 13 different adventure stations for children to explore, and emulate the movement of animals which inhabit a freshwater swamp forest. Read more about the facilities at the newly-opened Lakeside Garden here.

Website: www.nparks.gov.sg/juronglakegardens

The National Parks Board (NParks) has commenced works on the new Bukit Gombak Park. Located at Bukit Batok Batok West Avenue 5, opposite Bukit Batok Driving Centre, the 4.8 ha park will feature a hill trek, a nature playgarden and other recreational facilities amidst nature and lush greenery to serve the different needs of residents. The park is scheduled to be opened in early 2020. 

In planning for the new park, NParks engaged residents to gather feedback on features they would like to have in the park. In response to the feedback received, the new park will feature a Nature Area and an Active Area to meet the diverse recreational needs of the community.

Located on a hill, the Nature Area will allow park goers to appreciate nature up close. The main feature of this area is an inclined looped 400m hill trek modelled after the trails in Bukit Timah. Besides alleviating visitorship pressure on the nearby Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, the hill trek will help residents to stay healthy in nature. 

NParks, together with the community, will be planting more than 2000 trees comprising some 16 species of trees, such as the critically endangered Yellow Flame (Peltophorum pterocarpum), and others like Belinjau (Gnetum gnemon) and Pink Mempat (Cratoxylum formosum) trees.

The Active Area will feature an open lawn for events, an outdoor fitness area, a community garden, a F&B outlet and public toilets. The existing basketball court next to Block 394 will also be incorporated as part of the park.

Other features at the Bukit Gombak Park will include a biophilic playgarden which will encourage children to play amid nature. A slide will be integrated into the natural sloped terrain and there will be nature-inspired play equipment, such as balancing beams set amongst trees and shrubs.

The park will also include a 480 sqm dog run, the first in the Bukit Gombak area. It will be sited on a flat terrain for dogs to run without leash, with benches for dog owners to rest.

Website: www.nparks.gov.sg

Do you enjoy taking nice long walks in lush greenery, or exploring the outdoor spaces around you? Go on an adventure from coast to coast with the launch of the new Coast-to-Coast Trail!

The Coast-to-Coast Trail is a 36 km trail that spans across Singapore. Stretching from Jurong Lake Gardens in the west to Coney Island Park in the northeast, it will take users through a variety of parks, park connectors, nature areas, places of interest and urban spaces. Some of these include Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park in central Singapore, and Sengkang Riverside Park, in the northeast of our island. 

You can choose to explore the trail on your own, using a DIY trail guide or mobile app. Or for a more immersive experience, you can also look forward to participating in activities and programmes that will be organised along the trail. These include experiential and interactive features such as interesting way-finding signs, fun game stations and viewing areas to spot wildlife.

Website: www.nparks.gov.sg

Raintree Cove at East Coast Park has re-opened and it offers scenic views of the sea, plus plenty of areas to rest, lounge, or just hang out with friends and family. Perfect for those who prefer a quieter and more tranquil experience at the park! It is also home to the only pavilion with a green roof in East Coast Park.

Head down to Raintree Cove at Area C for a visit this March!

Raintree Cove is located at East Coast Park Area C and is accessible via East Coast Park Service Road. It is accessible from the underpass linking Marine Terrace to C3 Carpark and via Siglap Park Connector.

East Coast Park Area C, accessible via East Coast Park Service Road

Website: www.Nparks.gov.sg

The Nature Playgarden at HortPark is a biophilic playgarden set within nature and designed with natural materials – perfect for young explorers! Surrounded by greenery and sounds of nature, the Nature Playgarden at HortPark is designed with pre-schoolers in mind to encourage children to spend more time outdoors and reconnect with nature. Let children’s imagination run wild as they explore the nine different play features!

Catered to children between 3 and 6 years old, they can explore a balancing and crossing valley made from logs, hide in a bamboo dome while peeking out to overlook the valley, and work together to build houses and castles using timber cookies, wooden poles, and other natural materials. There are 9 different play features specially designed for children to engage with nature in a fun, free and unconstrained way.

Read more about the various features of the Nature Playground here and plan a trip to check it out soon.

33 Hyderabad Road, HortPark

Website: www.Nparks.gov.sg

Website: www.shiseidogroup.com