Singapore may not be as big as some of its neighbouring Southeast Asian countries, but I think this city has so much to offer. Depending on what kind of experience you are looking for, there are plenty of places to explore without travelling very far.
In my case, I usually prefer places where I can stay close to nature and enjoy some calmness. Since I already spend much of my time surrounded by the busy city environment, holidays are the perfect opportunity for me to escape somewhere greener and more peaceful.
Of course, Gardens by the Bay and Marina Bay are incredibly beautiful, but they can also become very crowded during holidays. Sometimes, instead of another busy attraction, I just want trees, water, flowers, and somewhere I can slowly walk around without rushing.
These three places will always be near the top of my list.
First is the Chinese Garden. It is easily accessible from Chinese Garden MRT Station, although you still need to walk for a few minutes before reaching the main areas of the park.
But once you arrive, the walk is definitely worth it.
What I really enjoy about this place is the variety of scenery. It is not just about Chinese-themed gardens. There are beautiful bridges, lotus ponds, landscaped gardens, traditional architecture, cafés, and of course the pagodas that give the place such a unique character.
During sunset, everything becomes even more beautiful. The warm light reflecting across the lotus ponds together with the traditional buildings creates one of those views that makes me stop walking just to appreciate the moment.
Second on my list is Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, which is probably one of the most interesting parks for me in terms of its layout.
When you look at it on the map, the park appears very long and slender, stretching between the Bishan and Ang Mo Kio areas. That shape actually makes it perfect for walking, jogging, or simply exploring from one end to another.
The river and greenery give the entire place a very relaxing atmosphere. There are also plenty of animals to observe around the park, including birds, turtles, monitor lizards and, if you're lucky, otters.
I especially enjoy spending time beside the water in the afternoon. Watching the fish beneath the shallow water while surrounded by trees somehow makes the city feel much farther away than it really is.
Last but definitely not least is the National Orchid Garden.
This is probably my favourite place when I feel like taking photos of flowers. Whenever there is a holiday admission promotion, it becomes an even better excuse for me to visit LOL.
Inside, there are so many varieties of orchids in different colours, shapes and sizes. Some flowers look almost unreal when viewed up close. Walking through the garden can also be educational because there is always something interesting to discover about plants and tropical gardening.
More importantly, the atmosphere is incredibly refreshing.
These are the kinds of places that remind me that I don't always need to travel far to have an enjoyable holiday. Sometimes a peaceful garden, a quiet lake and a camera are already enough to make the day memorable.
