Today, Singapore is often called a “garden city” thanks to its abundance of lush greenery, beautifully manicured gardens and picturesque parks. Though many residents and tourists might take all the urban greenery for granted, the city-state’s remarkable environment is the result of over half a century of meticulous planning and execution, with the country’s founding Prime Minister Lee Kwan Yew unveiled the garden city vision way back on 11 May 1967.
The original intent of the vision was to transform Singapore into a pleasant urban environment conducive to tourism and the nation’s collective well-being. While photogenicity was not a central part of this vision, in the age of social media, photos of Singapore’s many gardens have brought the idea of garden cities to the global mainstream.
With an astounding blend of tropical greenery and urban landscapes, the city offers numerous photo-worthy spots for locals and tourists alike. Whether you’re an avid photographer or enjoy the serenity of green spaces, we recommend various Singaporean gardens that will capture your imagination. If you’re travelling in a group or need to stay in touch with people overseas, find the cheapest SIM-only plan to stay better connected, as some of these spots are easy to get lost in.
Gardens by the Bay
One of Singapore’s most iconic attractions, Gardens by the Bay, hosts several futuristic gardens filled with stunning displays of flora and fauna. Supertree Grove is a vertical garden with tree-like structures towering between 25 and 50 meters—perfect for providing an impressive backdrop for your photographs. While at Gardens by the Bay, check out Cloud Forest, a garden where the mists cloak subjects in an ethereal glow. And if you’re up for floral photography, visit the Flower Dome, the world’s largest glass greenhouse.
Haw Par Villa
While a bit run-down, Haw Par Villa (formerly Tiger Balm Gardens) is a veritable Singaporean icon with a special place in locals’ hearts. While not a conventional garden, Haw Par Villa is an eccentric (some say nightmarish) park that showcases Chinese mythology and folklore through statues and dioramas. Explore the vibrant Chinese gardens and the sometimes eerie scenes and capture the intricate details of the park’s dioramas.
Jewel Changi Airport Gardens
The multiple distinct gardens at Jewel Changi Airport are doubtlessly among the most remarkable in the world. Anchored by the world-famous Rain Vortex indoor waterfall, the gardens are not just a showpiece for the country’s millions of annual visitors and a peaceful retreat from the bustling city. While everyone has their favourite spot, the Shisheido Forest Valley, Canopy Park, Enchanted Garden, and Butterfly Garden are the most popular.
Chinese and Japanese Gardens at Jurong East
The Chinese and Japanese Gardens in Jurong East blend Far Eastern cultural aesthetics and natural beauty. The intricate architecture, picturesque pagodas, and serene lakes provide a picturesque setting for photography and architecture enthusiasts. While Singapore has many other gardens with Chinese and Japanese themes, the ones at Jurong East may be the most visually arresting in the country.
Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden
If you’re looking for a family-friendly garden that offers photo-worthy moments, head to Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden, the first garden designed for children in Asia. Named for the late Jacob Ballas, an Iraqi-born pillar of Singapore’s Jewish community, the park hosts whimsical play areas, interactive exhibits, and vibrant flora. These create a magical setting for capturing joyful moments with your little ones.
Sky Garden at CapitaSpring
Situated in the heart of Singapore’s central business district, the Sky Garden at CapitaSpring offers easy access to tranquillity amidst the urban jungle. This rooftop garden boasts beautifully landscaped gardens, cascading water features, and stunning cityscape views. Visit the park to capture Singapore’s garden city glory in your photographs.
Labrador Nature Reserve
Nestled along the southern coast of Singapore, Labrador Nature Reserve is a hidden gem for nature lovers, photographers, and birdwatchers. The park features over 70 native bird species, a scenic coastal boardwalk, lush forest trails, and even remnants of a British military fort. Capture the beauty of the coastline, unique flora and fauna, and panoramic views of the sea.
Singapore Botanic Gardens Heritage Museum
The Singapore Botanic Gardens is a showcase of the city-state’s garden-city aspirations. The depth and breadth of the exhibits and the multiple attractions make it virtually impossible to take everything in just one day. Of particular interest are the Heritage Museum and the National Orchid Garden, both of which offer an abundance of subjects to photograph.
Tiong Bahru Park
Tiong Bahru Park is a charming, family-friendly neighbourhood park that offers a tranquil retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle. Just minutes away from the central business district, the park features a unique playground, meandering paths, and a picturesque pond. Capture candid shots of families enjoying picnics, children playing, and other aspects of daily life, as many Singaporeans know it. Singapore’s reputation as the “Garden City” is well-deserved, with its plethora of stunning gardens and parks.
From the iconic Gardens by the Bay to the serene Singapore Botanic Gardens, each location offers a unique experience and countless moments waiting to be captured. So grab your camera or phone, explore these beautiful spaces, and capture Singapore’s natural beauty.
