Where to find Singapore’s green spots and unravel the magic behind its green cloak. 

The greenest city in Asia, Singapore is often called a ‘city in a garden’ instead of the other way around. With cascading indoor waterfalls and tropical rainforests inside glass domes, you’ll be forgiven for thinking you’re on the movie set of Avatar. But behind every seemingly natural green view out of your window lie years of planning, strict implementation and an uncompromising futuristic vision. 

Only 58 years after independence, Singapore is not only one of the most progressive and developed economies in the world, but also one of the greenest. The third-most densely populated country in the world, greenery is integrated deeply into the 700 sq ft island’s blueprint. Skyscrapers have to comply with green standards, and the Green Plan 2030 will ensure there’s a park within a 10-minute walk of any residential area.  

Park connectors zigzag across the island, sky terraces are the norm, urban farms sprout up in unused car parks and school grounds, and vertical gardens are taken for granted. Expect to see trees growing on the 50th floor of buildings, or an unreal yet natural forest inside Jewel, the airport terminal. The green lungs of the city, Gardens by the Bay, transport you to an Avatar-like fantasy and hiking trails interspersed with reservoirs offer respite from city life. Visit these seven spots for an alternative way to get acquainted with green Singapore.

1. Oasia Hotel Downtown

A landmark in the central business district, Oasia Hotel Downtown, Singapore by Far East Hospitality may remind you of the movie, Jumanji. Resembling an urban jungle with 21 different species of creepers weaving over the iconic red mesh, it gives the impression of a living and breathing building. Head to Oasia Hotel Downtown not just for a brilliant photo opportunity but also to check out its sky terrace for the views, sip a beverage at CIN CIN, a craft gin bar at the lobby level or indulge in a delicious meal at The Marmalade Pantry, a homegrown bistro acclaimed for comfort food.  

2. Fort Canning Park

If you love the outdoors, you must include a hike in Fort Canning Park in your Singapore itinerary. A historical landmark where the British surrendered to Japanese forces during World War 2, and from where Malay royalty ruled, this 18-hectare park attracts history buffs, tourists, and locals looking to stretch their legs. Besides hikes, the park is also a popular venue for concerts, theater productions and picnics, with the rolling hills making for a natural auditorium. Find out about upcoming events at Fort Canning Green before visiting. With sunrise yoga, heritage walks, and Shakespeare in the Park theater productions under a starry sky, there’s something for everyone here. 

3. Park Royal Collection Pickering

Embodying the spirit of biophilic architecture, Park Royal Collection Pickering is a sight for sore eyes. Sixteen storeys enshrouded by lush greenery, rooms that open onto sunlit corridors lined with vertical gardens, four landscaped terraces inspired by rice paddies, and a two-storey waterfall make this seem more like a tropical resort rather than a city hotel in Singapore’s business district. Come here and discover more than 50 varieties of flora that help purify the air, cool down the building, and offer visual delight. The wellness floor has an edible garden that grows herbs used in the kitchens of Lime Restaurant which offers a refreshing farm-to-table dining experience. 

4. Funan Urban Farm

Edible Garden City (EGC) has several urban farms across the island and the one at Funan is open to the public during mall hours (10am-10pm), a great chance to explore this 5000 sq ft rooftop growing over 30 varieties of fruits and vegetables, including eggplant, okra, basil, mints, and lemongrass. Visit to explore the first urban farm to be designed into a Singapore shopping mall from the onset, a fine example of how farming can be seamlessly integrated into city development. Find out more about EGC’s workshops and volunteer sessions on their website.

5. NOKA

Sitting pretty on Level 7 of Funan’s rooftop, this modern-Japanese restaurant minimizes its carbon footprint by using produce grown on the farms by Edible Garden City. The menu is crafted to reduce wastage and eat local. NOKA is the first restaurant in Singapore to use a local source for its blue prawn sashimi to reduce food mileage while supporting Singapore’s agri-food industry. Make a reservation in advance and try their omakase menu for a taste of modern Japanese, served in lush surrounds. 

6. Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum 

This natural history museum located within the quiet campus of the National University of Singapore was awarded the Skyrise Greenery Award. Compact enough for a half-day excursion, it houses fascinating dinosaur fossils and a larger-than-life sperm whale exhibit. The museum’s exterior is designed to resemble a moss-covered rock, with its six-storey facade covered in more than 60 species of plants native to Singapore. Children will love exploring the various exhibits that replicate mangroves, rainforests, and even aquatic plants. 

7. PS. Cafe

Food and travel go hand-in-hand and one of the best ways to sit back and take in Singapore’s greenery is by sipping on a cup of coffee at PS. Cafe. Whether you choose the one at Dempsey, nestled into the urban jungle, or the outlet at East Coast Park overlooking the ocean, a meal at PS. Cafe is a great way to experience the outdoors in Singapore. The food menu offers pasta and other crowd favorites but locals throng the restaurant for their mouthwatering desserts. Do make sure you try one.

Originally published in Morning Calm, the inflight magazine of Korean Air.