Explore the beauty of Jurong Lake Gardens! Photography: Benita Lee

Bid farewell to the city and explore Jurong Lake Gardens, a 90-hectare urban oasis in the heart of Singapore’s western region.

Singapore may be a concrete jungle, but there are plenty of green spaces where you can disconnect from the daily grind and recharge in nature’s tranquillity. Botanic Gardens, MacRitchie Reservoir, Fort Canning Park… the list of parks and nature spots in our little red dot is pretty extensive. If you’re truly looking for some peace and quiet, Jurong Lake Gardens is where it’s at. This sprawling urban oasis in the heartlands isn’t just your average park – it’s home to iconic gardens, outdoor adventures, and IG-worthy corners. After what felt like forever, Jurong Lake Gardens finally feels whole again with the reopening of the Chinese and Japanese gardens. Here’s your guide to getting the most out of this gem in the West.

 

1. Explore the rejuvenated gardens

Singapore’s iconic Chinese and Japanese Gardens are back after a major refresh, and they look better than ever. While the towering pagodas and arched bridges are still there, the revamp introduces several new attractions.

First up: a bamboo grove, which leads to a waterfall. Wind generated from the cascade creates a cool corridor visitors can experience as they walk through the tunnel. Speaking of waterfall, there’s a 3m-high one surrounding a pavilion over at the Water Wall Court. There’s also the stunning Harvest Moon Terrace, aka the perfect spot for lakeside views.

Keep your eyes peeled for Cascading Creek, where you can check out fish in the brock. It’s also a lovely location to take photos, we say. Green thumbs are invited to the edible garden, which grows various plants, herbs, and spices. Pluck and turn your harvest into delish dishes in the outdoor kitchen.

We’ve not forgotten the Japanese Garden – there are plenty of new things here, too. The Water Lily Garden is home to the largest collection of water lilies in Singapore. See if you can spot the over 150 day- and night-blooming varieties sourced from Thailand, France, Britain, and the US. Venture a little further and you’ll come across the Sunken Garden, a new landscape where walled paths feature epiphytes – plants that grow on other plants or structures. Upon exiting, you’ll enter the Floral Garden, designed by students and community members.

2. Discover IG-worthy spots and thrilling adventures

Lakeside Garden is the heart of Jurong Lake Gardens. Here’s where you can snap loads of photos and break a sweat.

Start with Rasau Walk, a scenic boardwalk that winds through lush wetlands and gives you all the nature feels. Your feet will take you to the Grasslands, a dreamy field of tall grasses where the lighting and landscape create the perfect backdrop. Don’t miss The Lone Tree while you’re there! This striking 17m-tall structure made from recycled iron bars stands dramatically in the middle of the field. It’s an IG fave inspired by an old tree that used to stand in the same site. Another cool photo spot is A Bridge Between Habitats. This dome-shaped creation is meant for visitors to watch small birds, though we reckon there’s no harm in striking a pose there.

After you’re done with the chill stuff, it’s time to get down and dirty. The Logs Trail is perfect for those wanting to get closer to flora and fauna. This fun path is made of repurposed logs from fallen trees and runs through lush greenery, making it great for a nature walk with a twist. Kids (and adults) will enjoy hopping from log to log while taking in the sights and sounds of the surrounding forest.

Thrill-seekers, rejoice! Lakeside Garden’s northern section boasts Singapore’s largest outdoor skate park. There are five sheltered skate pods, a parkour park, and a bouldering wall.

3. Fun for the young (and young at heart)

Those with little ones will know of Forest Ramble, the largest nature-themed playground in Singapore. With 13 adventure stations inspired by animals in the freshwater swamp, kids can climb, slide, and swing to their hearts’ content. Of course, we didn’t forget the slides. Who says this outdoor play area is only for children? To hell with adulting! P.S. Please don’t forget your sunscreen (and hats) if you’re here during the day.

After getting hot and sweaty at the playground, head to Clusia Cove to cool off. Now, this is not a typical water play area – it mimics tidal patterns and coastal currents. Tidal gates allow kids to experience controlled water flow, ideal for a playful, educational moment. Changing rooms are nearby, so don’t worry about the little ones getting messy.

4. Stay active and fit

Jurong Lake Gardens is a haven for fitness enthusiasts. With miles of cycling and jogging paths winding through picturesque landscapes, it’s a gorgeous space for a morning run or evening ride. Don’t have a bike? Rent one from GoCycling and pedal around the entire garden.

If you’re looking for activities that require less leg movement, consider kayaking or paddleboarding at Passion Wave. It’s the perfect way to take in the park’s beauty from the water, and rentals are affordable. Hit up ActiveSG on the other side to work out at the gym or clock laps around the swimming pool. Even furry companions can get in on the action by letting loose around the dog run.

5. Refuel at top dining establishments

It’s all fun and games until the hunger pangs hit. Luckily, there are a few cafes within the gardens, which means you don’t need to leave the premises to fill your stomach. Fusion Spoon is a family-friendly restaurant offering a mix of Western and Asian dishes. Situated near the eco-pond, it’s a great place to nom and relax after a day of exploring.

Eden Cafe is a new eatery inviting visitors to take a break and smell the coffee. The menu boasts local and international dishes catering to every palate type. How does creamy avocado and buttermilk fried cod fish pasta sound? If you prefer something more familiar, we recommend the signature Nyonya curry chicken with mantou. Delicious! Whatever you decide to chow on, make sure to pair it with a refreshing coconut drink or honey grapefruit concoction.

You can also pop by Canopy, which has established an outlet in the gardens. Slurp up the wild porcini mushroom soup before digging into a hefty breakfast platter, classic Hawaiian pizza, burgers, and sweet treats like carrot cake and chocolate brulee. After the sun sets, sip on draft beers and wines (remember to take advantage of the happy hour deal on Mondays!). And yes, this pet-friendly cafe welcomes doggos with open arms.

A picnic outdoors sounds lovely, no? Of course, you can do that here. There are tons of scenic spots, but our top pick is near Neram Streams. It’s quieter than the main areas and offers stunning views. Just roll out your picnic mat, dig into your snacks, and let nature do the rest.

6. Participate in fun communal activities

Who knew Jurong Lake Gardens was also a hotspot for events? You can take part in pop-up activities, community gardening workshops, and outdoor fitness classes. Keep an eye out for any ongoing events during your visit to make the most of the garden’s offerings. In case you missed it, the gardens were aglow during the Lights by the Lake festival to celebrate Mid-Autumn in September.

How to plan your day out at Jurong Lake Gardens

Getting there

This expansive park is easily accessible by MRT. Take the East-West Line and get off at Lakeside. From there, it’s a short walk to the park entrance. Driving? There’s plenty of parking, but we recommend hopping on public transport to stay green.

Top tips

• The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon. That’s when you get the best lighting and enjoy cooler weather. if you’re looking for Insta-worthy shots, visit early or late in the day when the lighting is just right for golden hour magic.
• Bring a water bottle, sunscreen, and a portable fan and charger. There’s plenty of shade, but Singapore’s sun doesn’t mess around! Insect repellent is a must if you’re spending time near the water.
• You can visit Jurong Lake Gardens anytime, but some areas like Clusia Cove and Forest Ramble have specific hours, so check in advance.
• The entire space is stroller- and wheelchair-friendly, with clear pathways for easy access.

What are you waiting for? Slap on sunscreen, lace up your shoes, and explore Jurong Lake Gardens!