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.
The National Parks Board (NParks) recently unveiled the Forest Restoration Action Plan for the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, Central Catchment Nature Reserve and Nature Park Network. The Action Plan will chart the restoration that will be undertaken over the next 10 years to regenerate the secondary forests in the Nature Parks buffering the two Nature Reserves, as well as disturbed patches within the Reserves. This will assist the forests to regenerate and approximate a mature forest landscape in time.
The Action Plan seeks to strengthen the resilience of our native rainforests by restoring ecological processes, and enhancing the biodiversity and ecological connectivity in these areas. This will improve the habitats for native biodiversity. It is also timely to assist with the succession of the early secondary rainforests to more mature and diverse rainforests over time. This will strengthen the resilience of our forest landscapes to climate change, and will be achieved through a science-based approach that will involve the sustained planting of native rainforest species.
The approach will comprise the planting of a framework of native species that are nitrogen fixing to naturally improve the soil condition, and those that will attract dispersers and pollinators. The regenerating forest will be assisted further by the removal of invasive weed species. Dominant primary rainforest species, which might be limited by dispersal or are rare in occurrence, will also be introduced. In restoring these forests, efforts will also be directed towards the regeneration of riparian vegetation alongside natural streams to further conserve this sensitive habitat.
The Forest Restoration Action Plan is integral to NParks’ habitat enhancement and restoration programme under its Nature Conservation Masterplan (NCMP). Launched in 2015, the NCMP charts Singapore’s plans for biodiversity conservation.
The Action Plan was announced during a recent tree-planting session to mark the commencement of restoration efforts at the upcoming Rifle Range Nature Park, which will be completed in 2020. It is one of the areas to be restored under the Action Plan.
A green corridor adjacent to the Bukit Timah First Diversion Canal (between Holland Green and Holland Plain) is now open.
Reaching almost 1km in length, this green corridor features rain gardens, vegetated swales, and wetland systems. The diverse native plants and forest tree species provide a conducive environment for flora and fauna including the Grey Heron, Stork-billed Kingfisher, Malayan Water Monitor and many dragonflies.
The green corridor runs along Holland Plain and you can get there via Holland Road or Holland Link.
The National Parks Board (NParks) launched Singapore’s first turtle hatchery at the Sisters’ Islands Marine Park in end-September. The hatchery is strategically located on Small Sister’s Island, a protected area zoned for conservation and research. There are two species of turtles that are native to Singapore – the Hawksbill Turtle and Green Sea Turtle – both of which are critically endangered.
Supported by HSBC’s 150th anniversary Community Fund through the Garden City Fund, the hatchery will also provide research opportunities for scientists to study local sea turtle populations. Outreach and education programmes will also be organised at the hatchery.
The turtle hatchery consists of two sections: A turtle field station and an incubation sand pit area. The turtle field station is a hub for hatchery-related activities, volunteer training, as well as curated educational and research programmes. The incubation sand pit area comprises three non-magnetic metal cages, where the turtle eggs will be kept. The cages will be partially buried in the sand and will protect the incubating eggs against predators, such as monitor lizards.
Sembawang Hot Spring, the only hot spring on mainland Singapore, will be developed into a community park 10 times its current size.
The Sembawang Hot Spring was discovered in 1908 on the grounds owned by a Chinese merchant, Seah Eng Keong. Since then, the land has changed hands a few times. It was once a thermal bathhouse for Japanese soldiers, after their occupation of Singapore during World War II.
Sembawang Hot Spring holds many memories for the community that has used it over the years. The design of the new Sembawang Hot Spring Park is shaped by the 'kampung-like' environment and will be kept rustic with various spaces where visitors can gather & enjoy the activities in this unique park. The design will be further refined with ideas and suggestions received from the public.
Work on the park will begin in early 2018 and are expected to be completed by 2019.
Bukit Timah Nature Reserve has just reopened after undergoing a massive $14 million restoration and revamp.
Experience nature in its pristine form at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, which is a mere 12 km from the bustling city centre. By virtue of Singapore’s location on the equatorial belt, the reserve has one of the richest and most diverse ecological systems. Visitors will see an astonishing variety of plant, animal and insect life, typical of a humid equatorial climate.
This 163-ha reserve includes Singapore’s highest hill, Bukit Timah Hill, which stands at 163 m and retains one of the few areas of primary rainforest in the country. The forest on the hill has been a botanical collection ground for more than a century, and the first known specimens of many species of Malayan plants have been obtained here.
Home to around 40% of our nation’s (native) flora and fauna, Bukit Timah Nature Reserve has been a favourite spot for those looking to get close to nature. Some of these flora and fauna species include the Shorea curtisii, Red Dhup (Parishia insignis), Greater Racket-tailed Drongo (Dicrurus paradiseus) and Malayan Colugo (Galeopterus variegatus).
Chestnut Nature Park is Singapore’s first nature park with separate mountain biking and hiking trails, measuring 1.6km and 2.1km respectively. If you are planning to bring the kids for their first taste of hiking, great news - the hiking trail is slightly undulating and pretty straight forward.
Spanning 56.8 hectares (half the size of Gardens by the Bay), Kranji Marshes is the largest freshwater marshland in Singapore. It is home to a combination of lush, marsh, woodland and grass habitats with more than 170 species of birds, 54 species of butterflies and 33 species of dragonflies lies in the north-western part of Singapore.
There are two main areas – one that is open to public and the core conservation area which can only be accessed via guided walks. For the public walk, the start journey begins at Kranji Gate which is located at the end of Neo Tiew Lane 2 (beside D'Kranji Farm Resort).
The walk is a relatively straight-forward linear one, a 1km route which ends at 10-metre tall Raptor Tower which offers a panoramic view of the entire Kranji Marshes.
To complete an educational day out, be sure to head to the nearby Marsh Station where they can learn more about the birds and their respective bills and feet.
Visitors to Science Centre Singapore (SCS) will be able to see more than 500 live butterflies at this new exhibition.
More than 15 butterfly species, imported from countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia and Australia, will be housed in a humidity and temperature-controlled space.
Visitors will also see an endangered species - the common birdwing butterfly - which is among the largest butterflies in Asia.
Called Butterflies Up-Close, the exhibition is a collaboration between SCS and Sentosa's Butterfly and Insect Kingdom.
Apart from live butterflies, other highlights include a "Research Pod" where visitors can observe butterfly specimens under microscopes and learn about their anatomy. They will also be able to learn about the winged creatures' life cycle.
The Rail Corridor is set to be transformed into Lines of Life.
Lines of Life aims to make the Rail Corridor highly-visible, accessible, connected and relatable to communities, not just from north to south of Singapore, but from west to east as well. It also envisions the Corridor as an inspiring and relaxing environment that adds to the high quality of life in Singapore, as well as a catalyst to strengthen community bonding vis-à-vis Singapore’s development.
An inspiring Rail Corridor strong in identity and culture that catalyses and inspires a healthier and more active lifestyle among all Singapore residents through a range of quality and differentiated activities.
An accessible Rail Corridor that is a highly visible, accessible, connected and welcoming public space for people living and working along its entire route.
A comfortable Rail Corridor that is safe for all activities and supports a healthier lifestyle.
A memorable Rail Corridor that recaptures the history and heritage of the Rail Corridor through adaptive reuse of former railway buildings and artefacts.
An eco-friendly Rail Corridor that is sensitively designed and functions as a green spine and encyclopaedia of nature in Singapore.
A growing Rail Corridor in which local stakeholders and the community inspire other Singaporeans to come together to take ownership of the Rail Corridor to ensure its long term sustainability.
The 75-hectare Windsor Nature Park, to be ready by end 2016, will serve as one of the entrances to the Central Catchment Nature Reserve.
It is one of four new nature parks which will serve as green buffers to the Central Catchment Nature Reserve. These parks – which include Springleaf, Chestnut and Thomson Nature Parks – will help to reduce visitorship pressure on the nature reserves by providing interesting alternative venues for the public to enjoy nature-related activities. The development of these nature parks is part of a holistic approach to strengthen the conservation of the biodiversity in Singapore’s nature reserves.
The new 3.8 hectare extension to the Zhenghua Nature Park near Bukit Panjang New Town is now open.
The new extension's amenities include outdoor fitness equipment and public toilets.
According to the authority, there are about 37 species of birds at Zhenghua Nature Park. Besides birds such as the Olive-backed Sunbird, Flameback Woodpecker and Pink-necked Green Pigeon which are often spotted in parks and gardens, birds which are typically found in forests have also been sighted like the Greater Racket-tailed Drongo and Long-tailed Parakeet. The nature park is also a stopover for migratory birds like the Arctic Warbler.
Sixteen species of birds have been seen at the extension since May this year when habitat enhancements first began, including the Blue-throated bee-eater and the Oriental Dollarbird, both of which are forest-edge species.
More than 30 species of plants were added to the park's extension including bird attracting species like Tembusu, Syzigium polyanthum, Ficus microcarpa, Leea indica, Rhodomrytus tomentosa and Ixora javanica.
With the extension, the total area of Zhenghua Nature Park is brought to 17.3 hectares.
Nestled within the prestigious Bukit Timah residential precinct, The Siena is within an area of lush greenery, upmarket residential developments, quaint shophouses, great dining options and numerous good local and international schools as well as expatriate clubs.
Just a stone’s throw away, residents can embrace 74 hectares of lush exotic greenery due to its close proximity to Singapore Botanic Gardens. The Gardens offer a great respite from the hustle and bustle of the city and an urban oasis of tranquility.
Nature lovers have much to cheer as the ‘Green Belt of Singapore’ offers nature parks, reserves and reservoirs worth exploring. Residents can walk along the nature trail or enjoy a hike at the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, soak in the scenery or take a leisure walk along the Village Trail that leads to MacRitchie Reservoir.
Foreign clubs in the area include the British Club, the Swiss Club, the Singapore Island Country Club, the Bukit Timah Saddle Club and the Raffles Town Club. Come mid-2016, Bukit Timah will be served by Downtown MRT line, connecting residents to the Central Business District and Marina Bay area.
Tel: +65 61001880 , 61002880 or Email: Enquiries@the-siena.com.sg
Introducing Origins - Powered by Nature, Proven by Science - recently opened at ION Orchard.
At Origins, they turn to nature for inspiration and science for validation Origins is dedicated to using potent plants, organic ingredients and 100% natural essential oils.
And these ingredients are carefully researched and proven safe and effective by thier outstanding international team of over 100 scientists including those from the fields of plant science and sustainability.
Innisfree is a natural brand that shares the benefits of nature from the pristine island of Jeju allowing for vibrant beauty and pursues an eco-friendly green life to preserve the balance of nature.
Nature’s Glory was formed in 1991 with the vision and mission to discover the best of Nature, for the betterment of health and lives of Mankind.
Nature’s Glory offers a range of products that are truly unique and distinguished. Their organic and macrobiotic foods, health supplements, ionic water systems, beauty and car health products are among the very best in the world, brought about by painstaking research, and with regional and international representations. Prices are very moderate as part of their health mission.
Right where Singapore meets the world, is the island’s next destination — Jewel Changi Airport. A unique mix of lush nature and urban energy that will bring together a world of ideas in leisure, shopping, and dining. Creating first-class experiences to delight and inspire.
Work has started on Project Jewel, the new retail and lifestyle complex at Changi Airport.
The glass-and-steel complex to be built on the open-air carpark in front of Terminal 1, will be the central hub connecting airport Terminals 1, 2 and 3.
The complex, to open by end 2018, will have five storeys above ground, and five basement levels. It boasts a gross floor area of about 134,000 sq m that will be used for retail, airport operations, attractions and a hotel.
The multi-storey complex will be encased in a distinctive glass and steel dome. It will also feature a waterfall as high as five storeys or 40m within a lush indoor garden. There will be an estimated 270 to 300 retail tenants.
It will connect the three existing terminals and Changi Airport MRT by foot, and add a passenger handling capacity of three million to Changi's current tally of 66 million per year.
There will be facilities dedicated to the fly-cruise and fly-coach passenger segments to make travel experiences smoother.
Terminal 1 will also be expanded to allow more space for the arrival hall, baggage claim areas and taxi bays.
Focused on freshness and best available produce, MACA underscores the ethos of honest dining in a contemporary setting.
At MACA, modern cuisine is presented alongside an assemblage of fine organic wines, premium sake and signature cocktails put together by the team at Proof & Company. Nestled in the greenery of the old Tanglin Post at the tip of Orchard Road, the destination restaurant-next-door is a hop away from the heart of the city yet cleverly located for an intimate experience. It can host up to 30 guests indoors and another 30 for those who prefer alfresco dining and drinks on the porch.
Set in a raw architectural tone, a pan across the interior captures the unfinished elements of concrete, bricks and marble. A feature wall dressed in graffiti and an origami installation reflects the unexpected flavours on the plates. The open kitchen allows curious patrons to observe the chefs at work. A generous gift to the restaurant from an old friend, a long marble bar marks the importance of the relationships MACA aims to foster around food. Bathed in soft lights, the breezy verdant exterior accented with designer Benta Wiley’s creations also features a communal table for 12. Maître D' Chow oversees the daily operations and ensures that guests are well looked-after.
In favour of communal dining, MACA’s menu offers a humble selection of contemporary entrees and sharing plates. Approaching the protein from different perspectives, Head Chef, Rishi Naleendra carefully grafts the dimensions of flavours to create an equilibrium that convenes between comfort food and experimental cuisine. The seasonal menu this summer includes Chargrilled Baby Octopus with Smoked Miso, Beef Tongue with Zucchini and Soy, Ceviche of Prawns with Black Tomato, Kombu and Buttermilk and Pork with Parsnip, Scallion and Apple Cider. To satiate those with a sweet tooth, desserts include BlackBerry Ice Cream with Coconut Cream and Burnt Pear with Molasses Yogurt.
From USDA and Japanese Matsusaka beef to premium Iberico pork, a selection of premium meats dance across the menu.
MACA’s drinks menu boasts a stable of premium wines from France, Italy, Spain and Australia. Their premium sake offerings would also make any Japanese oyadama very happy. Purists can sample organic wines and award-winning sakes sourced seasonally.
For those seeking the delectable taste of cocktails, a list of classic blends and customised tipple are available. Signature concoctions include the reinterpreted Mexican summer thirst-quencher, Plum Paloma, made of plum bitters and tequila, and the Togarashi Old Fashion, which features a housed-made pepper-infused liqueur incorporated into a traditional Old Fashion.
Premium Japanese malt beer, Suntory, famed for its painfully meticulous transportation and exacting drafting processes, is available in both black and white on tap.
The restaurant is now open for dinner, while lunch service will be available in mid-July 2015.
Housed in a row of 17 two-storey conserved shophouses, the premise is furnished with well-appointed rooms and suites, complemented by thoughtful touches and impeccable service. The hotel is equipped with a total of 88 rooms and suites with six different categories on offer, all of which feature interiors of rich wood and intricately handpicked finishings and plush beds.
Nestled in the vibrant Bugis enclave, known for its colourful past and equally colourful present, you will find much charm in this heritage building. As a serene urban sanctuary, it exudes a sense of relaxed elegance and is an ideal retreat to unwind, recharge and explore in one of the city’s most sought-after and culturally-rich areas.
The hotel’s shophouse exterior draws inspiration from the rich heritage of South East Asia, providing the perfect foil for the hotel’s historic design. The interior consists of matching tones and blends rich, dark brown colour palettes together with warm lighting, contributing to the rustic feel of the hotel. The design is a subtle mix of the serious, fun and quirky. The overall feel is then completed with the contemporary design accentuated with tasteful and historic touches.
The lobby is furnished with textured wooden tables and ottomans, with, nature-inspired design featured in different areas and corners. Be enthralled as you enter the hotel and be greeted with quirky animal-shaped chairs (think Rooster and duck), framed-up seashells and photos of birds - pointing, it almost seems, to the building’s past life as a seafront property.
Steeped in the mantra of "Simplicity in Luxury" are Hotel Clover 33 Jalan Sultan’s unique Loft Suites (17 units). The 30 – 38 sqm loft suite boasts a private living area on the ground level and an indulgent bedroom with a pair of Siamese daybeds on the mezzanine level. These cleverly-designed loft suites are ideal for not just leisure but also corporate travellers, providing comfortable abodes with leisure-enabling convenience.
For the ultimate indulgence, prepare to be enchanted by the uniqueness and authenticity of Hotel Clover 33 Jalan Sultan’s Garden Suites (3 units). Each unit has a different South East Asian touch with different décor and ornaments to complement the overall feel. Of the three suites, each featuring an elegantly-appointed bedroom and a private garden, there are two Garden King Suites – one is Indonesian-inspired while the other takes on a Peranakan feel. The third Garden Suite, a Garden Lavish Suite, channels a beautiful Thai quality and boasts a built-in hydro bath.
As an urban sanctuary with a rhythm all its own, a great highlight of the hotel is 19 of its uniquely-designed Garden Rooms, featuring an airy patios decked with wood and lush vertical gardens. Enjoy relaxing under the sun at such patios in the comfort of your own rooms. Alternatively, hit the gymnasium for a morning workout or spend an hour or two at their cosy lounge on the ground floor if you are looking for a little space of your own.
Ensconced in warm hues of beige and wooden finishes, the Skyline Room at One Farrer Hotel and Spa, is a breathtaking repose high above the bustle of urban life with stunning vistas of Singapore city skyline. Enjoy a host of privileges, including private access to your own dining, fitness and spa facilities.
Wake up to captivating views of the Lion City in the Skyline Studio's spacious haven. Sit back on the plush sofa in the extensive living area and take in the panoramas from the floor-to-ceiling windows.
Immerse yourself in a sumptuous bubble bath in the luxurious marble-walled bathroom, designed to soothe your mind and body, in your very own spa-styled haven inspired by the calming influences of nature.
Exquisitely appointed with modern European-style furnishings, the Skyline Suite, impresses with its beautiful interiors framed by sweeping metropolitan vistas of Singapore. The expansive suite features a separate living and work space, leading into a tranquil bedroom where you can recharge your energies in an oasis of comfort and elegance.
Bonia will open its first two Natural boutiques in Singapore that feature eco-friendly handbags, in Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 of Changi Airport on this coming April and May.
The brand is marking another milestone by sketching the beauty of nature into the new page of its fashion story- the opening of the first two Natural boutiques in Singapore. The ecofriendly themed boutiques pinned its locations on the nonstop entertainment spot (Terminal 2, Changi Airport) as well as the "green" terminal of Singapore (Terminal 3, Changi Airport), which match the fun and "green" concept of BONIA’s Natural boutiques.
Decorated with a combination of elegant and contemporary furnishings along with the elements of nature, Natural boutiques’ interior design indulges you into the charm of enchanting nature.
To fulfill your desires of shoppers, Natural boutiques are also featuring other remarkable collections of Bonia-for him and for her.
Bonia’s designers infused their love for the Earth onto the new collection of Brianna. The thick leather strips are carefully stitched onto the green leather-made handbags to ensure its durability. Bonia’s thoughtful designers replace the gold logo plaque of its brand into embossed logo, offering you a truly eco-elegant hand-carry experience. To bring out the modernistic stylishness of this collection, Bonia’s designers decided to tag a pair of leaf-shaped charm onto the plain handbags. The variety designs and colours make Brianna handbags a perfect mix-and-match portable vault of your expected needs. Handbags are not all of Brianna collection.
Complete your natural collection with its simple-designed purses and pouches. To meet the requirements and needs, these accessories are designed to be functional with its compartments and variety of sizes. With these practical accessories, you can now farewell to the label of "Lost and Found Department" for your handbag, as every bit and piece of yours can more manageable. More than just practical, the stylish purses and pouches are available in various colours to match your handbag as well as your attires.
Though leather is made from natural material; however, this fact does not make leather eco-friendly. To make leather, it takes up to 15 steps of chemical process. With the constant effort of 20 years and hope against hope in the Italian manufacturers, they succeed in reversing the 15-step chemical process in making leather- and that’s Green Leather, made from high quality raw leather, natural oils and vegetable dyes.
Bottle Tree Park has re-opened as Orto, one of the largest privately-operated leisure parks in Singapore, covering 51,500 sqm of land in the Northern area of the island.
A treasured green lung bearing an interesting collection of tropical greenery, beds of colorful shrubs and boulders with a beautiful, scenic lake. ORTO introduces an eco-learning journey with a rich array of plants and trees. Embark on a learning escapade into nature and retreat into the fauna and flora experience with a botanical stroll.
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, relax and unwind under the glorious sunshine and summer breeze. ORTO is easily accessible and conveniently located and extensive recreational and social-friendly activities in the park such as prawning, fishing and futsal makes it an ideal place for family and social gatherings. ORTO also features outdoor event venues such as The Lakehouse and The Promenade for school activities, family functions, wedding receptions, corporate events, product launches, and seminars.
The rustic yet elegant feel of the park presents a unique dining setting in this modern, urban city. Delight your senses with the serene ambience, delectable menus and gracious service in a medley of restaurants and cafes beside the lake. From scrumptious seafood to fusion cuisines, light bites or seated dining, ORTO has it all.
Violet Herbs is a new age semi-formal fine dining restaurant located in Singapore’s well known business district, Tanjong Pagar.
Violet Herbs stands true to providing authentic Modern European taste. They differentiate themselves by an extensive use of herbs in all of their food and signature cocktails. A newly opened restaurant, they reflect a sense of novelty, seeking to provide you with a bit of something new, striking a dash of curiosity and interest.
Serving Modern European cuisines, you will get to experience the finest of French and Italian dishes right here in Asia. The menu features delectable and innovative dishes such as Foie Gras Mousse, Marinated Red Miso Cod and Sous Vide 48 Hours Wagyu Beef Cheek using the freshest of ingredients.
Violet Herbs houses a 2-storey, 70 seater restaurant where the interior design surrounds the theme of comfort and elegance.
Feel like a royal without having to be too classy in their purple themed ground floor. Or, unwind yourselves in a more naturesque vibe and experience simplicity in their very own nature themed second floor. Explore their very own herb garden too, featuring up to 20 different kinds of herbs that are grown with extra love and care.
Enjoy their Vegenature salad made of broccoli, mushroom, pumpkin, capsicums, onions, almond and flakes. Perfect for all veggie lovers / vegetarians, it is mixed with their Japanese Sesame dressing. Or their Greek Apple salad made of lettuce, green apples, walnut, raisins, turkey ham, bacon bits and tossed with their home-made Maple Bacon dressing.
You can also create your own salad or enjoy their selection of fresh juices.
A.e.i.o.u. is a newly opened café lifestyle store where nature, food and lifestyle come together.
The café and retail space sits in a shop house at King George’s avenue. Build in the mid 1970, the shop house used to house an antique shop.
A.e.i.o.u. are the vowels of the alphabets we all learn as a child. It is about going back to basics where the theme centers on a lifestyle of green conscious living. It is a space that hopes to inspire you to enjoy life’s simplicity, consume goodly and appreciate nature.
Part café, part restaurant and lifestyle store with touches of nature and herbs, it is a place for inspiration and reflection.
Brunch café by day, restaurant bar by night, Rookery is nestled in the heart of the CBD. Inspired by the Australian and American casual dining culture and the creativity of new age cooking techniques with the finest produce and edgy presentation, Rookery presents a unique dining experience with an emphasis on the raw rustic nature
Rookery is the perfect hangout from the hustle and bustle of your busy world. Start your day with them - grab a coffee and a hearty breakfast prepared with love. Have a casual lunch meeting knowing that you will be well taken care of and end the night with an ice-cold beer chillin' with your friends and colleagues.
Rookery is a place to escape and just be yourself.
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