From forest bathing at the Singapore Botanic Gardens to barbecue feasts on Sentosa, discover the newest ways to enjoy Singapore's great outdoors
Step outside and explore Singapore‘s parks, beaches and historic streets. Whether you’re seeking a meditative nature trail at the Singapore Botanic Gardens, a heritage walk through the city’s legal landmarks or a barbecue feast on Siloso Beach, there’s no shortage of reasons to get outdoors this weekend.
The Singapore Botanic Gardens launches a new nature immersion trail
Take a break and recharge at the Singapore Botanic Gardens, where the National Parks Board (NParks) launched its new nature immersion trail at Saraca Stream, near Tanglin Gate, last month.
Far from being just another walk in the park, the 150m trail was “specially curated to encourage visitors to engage with natural light, sounds, colours and other stimuli for a gentle, multi-sensory journey”, according to NParks.
Earlier this year, it became the first nature immersion trail in Asia to receive certification from the US-based Association of Nature and Forest Therapy. NParks is also conducting a study to investigate the effects of mindful immersion in primary and secondary forests, as well as urban parks.
The wheelchair-accessible trail is conveniently located near amenities such as restrooms and shelters. Along the way, interpretive signs invite visitors to slow down and engage in mindful activities, from taking deep breaths and observing the colours around them to simply pausing to touch a leaf.
More information available here.
Sentosa GrillFest returns with omakase-inspired beachfront dining
The annual Sentosa GrillFest returns from 23 July to 16 August with more than 40 food vendors and a new omakase-inspired Chef’s Grill. This collaboration with the Singapore Chefs’ Association serves an eight-course omakase feast in an air-conditioned dining tent.
Held at Siloso Beach from 4pm to 10.30pm, the festival is divided into three zones: Local Grills, International Grills and Beachside Grills. Feast on freshly shucked oysters, dry-aged beef, Korean barbecue, Taiwanese street food and more, or head to the Marketplace by Indoguna to pick premium ingredients and have them cooked to order on the spot.
Round off the evening with an ice-cold beer at the Sunset Lounge by Asa while enjoying DJ sets and live music.
Admission is free, with food and drinks available for purchase. Tickets are required for the eight-course Chef’s Grill omakase experience.
For the latest pricing and bookings, visit Sentosa’s GrillFest website.
Glamping with nature at Mandai Wildlife Reserve
If waking up surrounded by nature sounds like your idea of a perfect escape, consider a stay at the Reservoir Retreat or Crocodile Lodge glamping sites at Mandai Wildlife Reserve. Both offer two-day, one-night all-inclusive experiences, but cater to different kinds of travellers.
Located within Rainforest Wild Adventure East, Asia’s first adventure-based wildlife park, Crocodile Lodge is designed for thrill-seekers, with access to all Adventure+ activities, guided forest trekking and exclusive after-dark experiences under the stars.
Reservoir Retreat offers a more family-friendly experience, designed for guests looking to reconnect with nature and wildlife. Set against scenic reservoir views, the all-inclusive stay includes admission to the Singapore Zoo and Night Safari, curated dining, guided tours, animal encounters and an overnight stay surrounded by nature.
Prices start from $550 for two persons. More information available here.
Have a picnic at an outdoor cinema in Fort Canning
Mett Singapore, a five-star hotel in Fort Canning, is hosting a line-up of outdoor experiences across its grounds this summer. The Summer at Mett Singapore programme includes an open-air cinema on 1 August, an Alice in Wonderland-inspired afternoon tea, and a wellness experience by Madison House and King Botanics.
For a break from Singapore’s tropical heat, retreat with a cocktail at Italian restaurant L’Amo Bistrò del Mare or head to Canning Bar & Lounge for Ladies’ Night on Thursdays, featuring free-flow cocktails and a rotating line-up of DJs.
More information available here.
Learn about Singapore’s legal history at this walking tour
While it’s not strictly an outdoor experience, this new heritage trail takes visitors through some of Singapore’s most significant legal landmarks, from the former Supreme Court building and The Arts House at the Old Parliament to Hong Lim Park, which housed key law enforcement institutions until 1975.
Titled In Place and Progress: Tracing the Rule of Law Through Singapore’s Legal Landmarks, the trail was launched to commemorate SGLaw200, marking the bicentennial of Singapore’s modern judicial system, established through the Second Charter of Justice in 1826.
Along the way, visitors can delve into Singapore’s legal history through immersive experiences, including sitting in the original seats of the former Cabinet while learning how the building has, at different points in its history, housed all three branches of government: the legislature, which makes the law; the executive, which administers it; and the judiciary, which interprets it through the courts.
The free guided walking tour runs from 11 July until the end of the year. More information available here.
