City of Gardens and Water

Especially for the Singapore International Water Week, we have included in here some of the interesting attractions in the 'City of Gardens & Water' section which you should not miss! We hope you will find your visit here both enriching and enlightening. Have a wonderful time!

• Reservoir
• Nature
• Water Stories

Reservoirs
MacRitchie Reservoir
Lift Your Spirits at MacRitchie

Encompassed by expansive swamps and rich greenery, Singapore’s First Reservoir - MacRitchie Reservoir is a pleasant retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. Housing some 100 ha of primary forests in the Central Catchment Nature Reserve, MacRitchie is one of the last strongholds to some precious patches of primary rainforests left in Singapore today. Rubber trees, nutmegs, oak and other remnants of our native tree species, will bring you back in time to the majesty of the pristine forest ecosystem that once covered the whole island of Singapore in the 19th century. MacRitchie’s many footpaths and boardwalks skirting the edge of the scenic reservoir range in distances from 3km to 11km. Interpretative signboards along the boardwalks allow for a self-guided tour along the fringes of the MacRitchie forest.

The HSBC TreeTop Walk (HSBC TTW) is the highlight of several long hiking routes in MacRitchie that brings you through different stages of mature secondary forest. The first of its kind in Singapore and in the region, this free-standing suspension bridge connects the two highest points (Bukit Peirce and Bukit Kalang) in MacRitchie and offers a bird's eye view of the community of plants and animals that live in the forest canopy. The total length of the walkway is about 250m and its height from the forest floor varies, with the highest point at 25m.

Bedok Reservoir Adventure Day at Bedok Reservoir A water body developed from a former sand quarry, the Bedok Reservoir is located in the eastern part of Singapore. It is now a popular site for water sports activities such as wakeboarding, kayaking, canoeing, and sailing. Aesthetically pleasing and bustling with activities, Bedok Reservoir and its surrounding park are attractive lifestyle destinations with not only water-sports enthusiasts, but also inline skaters, joggers, cyclists and picnickers.

Feeling adventurous? Swing down to Forest Adventure at Bedok Reservoir Park to experience 2hrs of exhilarating fun in the canopy. Feel and touch the trees as you go through a series of obstacle courses comprising of bridges, swings, nets, trapezes and slides. The highlight of the whole course that must not be missed is the flying fox across the Bedok Reservoir. Swing out from the canopy and be embraced by the cool breeze and warm sunlight.

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Nature

Sungei Buloh Wetland and Reserve The Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve is Singapore's first and only protected wetland reserve. Home to over 500 species of tropical flora and fauna, the 130-hectare conserved wetland habitat is also a "refuelling point" for birds on the East Asian Australasian Flyway. Carefully constructed hides and boardwalks through the mangroves provide plenty of opportunities for nature lovers to experience  a close-up view of the floral and fauna in the reserve as well as close encounters with typical denizens of the mangroves, such as tree-climbing crabs, mudskippers and monitor lizards.

Bukit Timah Nature Reserve

It may surprise many to know that the small city-state of Singapore is only one of two cities in the world to have a significant area of primary rainforest within its boundaries – the other being Rio de Janeiro. Only 12 kilometres from the city, this lush 164-hectare reserve contains more species of trees than the entire North American continent.

Trek through the jungle via well-marked paths and look out for exotic birds, butterflies, monkeys,
squirrels and flying lemurs, as well as unique plantlife like the insect-eating pitcher plant. Or hike up Bukit Timah Hill at the nucleus of the reserve – Singapore’s highest point at 164 metres above sea level. With the hustle and bustle that you will encounter in the busy streets of Singapore, it would be refreshing to have a change of environment and go to a place where you can be closer to nature.

Singapore Botanic Gardens The Singapore Botanic Gardens epitomises the tropical island's luxuriant parks. Spacious and beautifully landscaped, with paved walkways winding around the luscious greenery, the 52 hectares Gardens possesses an array of botanical and horticultural attractions with a rich history and a wonderful plant collection of worldwide significance. Some highlights include the National Orchid Garden, the Ginger Garden, and the Evolution Garden. The numerous plant species here, including many rare specimens, reflect the Singapore Botanic Gardens' richness and diversity of plant life. Love orchids? Nestled in the central core of the Singapore Botanic Gardens is the National Orchid Garden with 20,000 orchid plants on display. The orchid enclosure promises sprawling orchid displays, water features, and an exotic bromeliad collection from Central and South America. Or head on down to Symphony Lake where outdoor concerts provide entertainment amidst a lush milieu.

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Water Stories

Wally and The Newater Factory

Familiar with Charlie and the Chocolate Factory? Come visit our ‘magical’ NEWater Factory as we show you how used water can be recycled into raw water to be used again! Learn more about the interesting treatment and purification process with our experienced guides and interactive exhibits.

Active, Beautiful & Clean at Kolam Ayer

The Kolam Ayer demonstration project is part of PUB’s ABC Waters Programme to transform waterways and water bodies into beautiful and clean waters that will be filled with lots of life and activities for people to enjoy. Apart from enjoyment, we hope that as people get closer to the water, they will take ownership of the waters and keep it clean.

The Kolam Ayer project aims to bring the river alive by creating community spaces for the residents to meet, relax and enjoy activities. Designed to reflect the natural characteristic of a river, rocks at the edge and plantings along the riverbank soften the harsh canal walls. In addition, a combination of footpaths, fixed timber decks and floating decks creates a seamless transition between water and land. This aims to connect people to the water even more closely.

Other features include an Archimedes Screw and water wheel that allows interaction with water in a fun and educational way.
Come on down and see it for yourself! It’s as easy as ABC!

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