If you are looking for a green escape in the city, HortPark is the perfect destination. Known as the gardening hub of Singapore, this 9-hectare park offers a unique mix of recreational activities and educational showcases.
It is part of the famous Southern Ridges, connecting Telok Blangah Hill Park to Kent Ridge Park. Visitors flock here to enjoy the tranquility, gather gardening inspiration, or let their children explore the outdoors.
The park is famous for its collection of themed gardens. Specifically, there are 11 gardens that showcase everything from native plants to therapeutic greenery.
Whether you are a serious gardener or a family looking for a weekend outing, this guide covers everything you need to know. We will explore the gardens, the Children’s Playground, dining options, and heritage trails.
HortPark is distinct from other nature reserves in Singapore because it is designed as a “one-stop gardening resource centre.” It isn’t just about wild nature; it is about cultivated beauty and learning.
The park features prototype glasshouses and display plots that change periodically. This ensures there is always something new to see for returning visitors.
It also serves as a connector. You can easily walk from here to the Alexandra Arch and the Forest Walk. This makes it a strategic starting point for hikers exploring the Southern Ridges.
| Feature | Details |
| Admission | Free |
| Opening Hours | 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily |
| Location | 33 Hyderabad Road, Singapore 119578 |
| Size | 9 Hectares |
| Wheelchair Access | Yes, most paths are accessible |
The primary attraction here is the variety of landscaped zones. We have compiled the ultimate list of the 11 gardens you should visit during your trip.
Located near the visitor centre (HortCentre), this garden greets you with a formal style. It features symmetrical layouts and white trellises that evoke a classic English countryside vibe.
Before you venture deeper, take a moment to admire the colorful murals here. They depict the vibrant flora and fauna found throughout the park.
This is the perfect spot for aspiring green thumbs. If you want to start a hobby but don’t know how, this plot offers excellent inspiration.
It features low-maintenance starter plants that are easy to grow in Singapore’s climate. Walking through the archways here feels like the start of a new gardening journey.
For those interested in rare plants, this section is a must-see. It houses uncommon plant cultivars that are rarely seen in other local parks.
It serves as a testing ground for plants that might be introduced elsewhere in Singapore. It offers a glimpse into the future of our city’s greenery.
As the name suggests, this garden engages your sense of smell. Winding paths take you past an array of fragrant flowers and aromatic foliage.
There are seats and tables tucked away in this zone. It is a quiet place to pause and enjoy the delightful scents of nature.
This garden brings the concept of “farm-to-table” to life. It is designed to look like an extension of a home kitchen, showcasing edible plants.
You will see herbs, spices, and fruits used in local cooking. It demonstrates how you can grow ingredients for snacks, beverages, and desserts right in your own backyard.
This area focuses on the restorative power of nature. It is designed to improve the mental and physical well-being of visitors, especially the elderly.
The zone features a restorative area with a small white bandstand. There is also a trellis area that provides shade and comfort during hot afternoons.
Nature lovers will adore this vibrant plot. It is planted specifically with nectar-producing flowers that attract various butterfly species.
It is an educational space where you can learn about the role butterflies play in our ecosystem. It is a great spot for photography enthusiasts.
Maintained by the Orchid Society of South East Asia (OSSEA), this garden is a tribute to our national flower. It showcases stunning blooms, including the Vanda Miss Joaquim.
Originally founded in 1928, the society uses this space to display orchid varieties. It offers great ideas for incorporating orchids into your home garden.
This section is dedicated to the plants that are indigenous to Singapore. It holds a collection of over 100 native species that thrive in our local soil.
Keep an eye out for the “bee hotels” scattered throughout this area. They provide shelter for solitary bees, which are crucial pollinators for our native flora.
Located just across from the playground, this unique garden features a rocky path. It creates a small loop around an alcove filled with interesting textures.
The plants here are unusual and rugged. They are chosen for their ability to thrive in rocky, well-drained environments, offering a different aesthetic from the lush greenery elsewhere.
While technically a play area, this is the 11th garden on our list because of its biophilic design. It was the first of its kind in Singapore.
It encourages children to interact directly with nature. Instead of plastic slides, you find wood, sand, and gravel. We will cover this in more detail in the next section.
Families love HortPark because it offers safe and engaging spaces for children. The play areas are divided into two main zones suitable for different ages.
This area is designed for preschoolers. It allows them to engage with natural materials in a free-form environment.
For a more traditional experience, head to the Children’s Playground. It features a variety of equipment that will keep active kids busy for hours.
You will find a climbing frame that was historically located at the National Museum of Singapore. There is also a play structure for younger children and a mound with a slide.
Don’t forget to look for the statue of Singa the Lion. He stands near the playground, offering words of wisdom about kindness to the little ones.
Beyond the gardens, HortPark is rich in history and culture. There are specific trails and buildings that tell the story of Singapore.
This is a fascinating walk for history buffs. The path features 15 specific trees that have lent their names to famous roads and places in Singapore.
You will see the Keranji tree, the Tempines tree, and the Tamarind tree. Informative signboards explain the connection between the botanical species and the street names.
Located on the other side of the car park is a quaint building. This is HortHouse, a structure that resembles a 1930s English cottage.
It used to serve as the staff quarters for the former Federated Malayan States Railway. Today, it is a training centre for the Centre for Urban Greenery and Ecology and is part of the Queenstown Heritage Trail.
After exploring the 11 gardens, you might want to grab a bite. There are two main dining establishments located within the park premises.
This is an all-day, family-friendly garden cafe. It offers a relaxed atmosphere where you can enjoy brunch or dinner surrounded by greenery.
Pets are often welcome in the outdoor seating area. It is a popular spot for families after a morning walk in the park.
For a more upscale experience, try Vineyard. This restaurant serves French-Italian cuisine and is located at the HortCentre.
It has a romantic ambiance, making it ideal for dates or special occasions. The rustic decor complements the garden setting perfectly.
Planning your trip to HortPark is easy. Here are the practical details you need to ensure a smooth visit.
To make the most of your day, pack the following items:
Is HortPark free to enter?
Yes, admission to the park and all 11 gardens is completely free for everyone.
Are dogs allowed in HortPark?
Yes, it is a dog-friendly park. Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times, but there are plenty of open spaces for them to enjoy.
Can you cycle in HortPark?
Cycling is permitted on the designated paths. It is a popular route for cyclists moving between the various parks in the Southern Ridges network.
HortPark is truly a gem in Singapore’s landscape. It successfully combines the beauty of 11 gardens with the fun of a Children’s Playground and the history of the region.
Whether you want to learn about native plants, enjoy a family meal, or simply take a therapeutic walk, this park has it all.
Plan your visit this weekend to experience the “gardening hub” of Singapore. It might just inspire you to start your own garden at home.
