GARDENS, PARKS AND NATURE RESERVES

MANDAI ORCHID GARDENS
The blooms here at Singapore's largest commercial orchid garden provide a colourful display all year round. The garden is conveniently located right next to the zoo, and a whole hillside is covered in orchids. Allow one hour.

Opening hours: 8.30am to 5.30pm daily.
Location: Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729825 Tel: 6269 1036

Getting there: Take the MRT to Ang Mo Kio (N9) station, then SBS bus 138.
 

BUKIT TIMAH NATURE RESERVE
Singapore is one of only two cities in the world to have a significant area of primary rainforest within its boundaries - the other being Rio de Janeiro. This 81-hectare reserve, only 12 kilometres from the city centre, contains more species of plants than the entire North American continent. At the heart of the reserve lies Singapore's highest point - Bukit Timah Hill at 162.5 metres above sea level. Well marked paths lead through the jungle. Along the way, walkers can enjoy exotic birds, butterflies, inquisitive monkeys, squirrels, flying lemurs and other wildlife.

The nature reserve is open daily. Allow two hours.
Location: 177 Hindhede Drive, Singapore 589333 Tel: 1-800-4685736.
Getting there: Take the MRT to Newton (N4) station, then take SBS bus 171.
 

CHINESE & JAPANESE GARDENS
These pleasant gardens, situated side by side, reflect very different landscaping styles. The Chinese Garden, with its curved bridges, pagodas, courtyards and fountains, sweeps down to a river edged with weeping willows.
 
The Japanese Garden emphasises simplicity, with stone lanterns, shrubs, hillocks and a tea-house creating a soothing atmosphere. Allow one hour.
 
Opening hours: 9am to 6pm daily.
Location: 1 Chinese Garden Road, Singapore 619795 Tel: 6264 3455.
Getting there: Take the MRT to Chinese Garden (W10).
 

EAST COAST PARK
East Coast Park, located off the East Coast Parkway, is a favourite play area for Singaporeans, either at the beach or in the parklands where bicycle riding is much enjoyed. Hire a bike or go windsurfing, eat at one of the many fine seafood restaurants or enjoy yourself at the various leisure attractions. These include everything from a bowling alley to a golf driving range.

FORT CANNING PARK
Fort Canning Park is a park rich in history - a sacred site where early Malay kings settled and the spot Sir Stamford Raffles chose to build his own bungalow, Singapore's first Government House. Fort Canning Centre, which dominates the park, is now a venue for the arts.

Getting there: Short walk from Dhoby Ghaut MRT (NS24) station.
 
SINGAPORE BOTANIC GARDENS
Spread over 52 hectares close to the centre of the city, the Botanic Gardens combine both primary jungle and manicured gardens which together hold thousands of species of plant life, including many rare specimens. Malaysia's rubber industry had its origins in the Botanic Gardens in the late 19th century when colonial botanist Henry Ridley propagated rubber plants from London's Kew Gardens. A lake adds to the serenity of the gardens, and is home to water fowl, ducks and kingfishers. Outdoor concerts are popular here. Check newspapers for details. Allow two hours.
 
Opening hours: 5am to 12 midnight daily.
Location: Cluny Road, Singapore 259569. Tel: 1-800 479 7100.
Getting there Take the MRT to Orchard (N3), then take SBS bus 7, 105, 106, 123 or 174 from Orchard Boulevard.