A Hidden Gem: A visit to the Woodlands Botanical Garden

Have you ever visited a place that felt like a secret garden, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city? That's exactly how the Woodlands Botanical Gardes in the north of Singapore feels like. Recently, I had the pleasure of exploring this hidden gem, and it was such a delightful experience.

What Makes the Woodlands Botanical Garden Special?

The Woodlands Botanical Gardens is not your typical manicured garden. It's rustic, overgrown, and unmanicured in some areas, giving it a wild and natural charm. Filled with a variety of flowers and pollinators such as butterflies, bees, and birds, this community garden is a haven for nature lovers. I had the privilege of meeting Ganesh, the man who started this.

Our tour group led by Ganesh (in red) 

The garden is located adjacent to a HDB estate, next to Block 134 Marsiling Road. The start of the garden is at the bottom of a hill, right next to a playground with green slides. 

There is a lovely section at the bottom of the hill which was once empty land. There is also a pathway up the hill lined with shrubs and flowers of various kinds, and there is more at the top of the hill. 

Many of the plants were planted by Ganesh himself. It was interesting to hear his stories about how he obtained the various plants, explaining their properties, the pollinators they attract, their cultural influence, and even their place in history. There were also plants pollinated naturally by the birds and given the chance to grow. 

All in all, I took more than 145 photos until my phone battery went flat! 

Why Should You Visit?

There are many different kinds of gardens. Some gardens focus on edibles, such as fruit, vegetables and herbs. My mother's garden focuses on different kinds of leaves. This garden is for those who love flowers. If you love flowers, taking pictures, or simply looking to explore another part of Singapore, you should visit this place. This was probably the first time in my life I had seen such a wide variety of flowers, along with butterflies, bees and birds, out in the open in one place. I learned that some of the flowers were weeds that were simply given the chance to grow, and it attracted the pollinators.  

Supporting a Community Effort

One of the most heartwarming aspects of the Woodlands Botanical Gardens is that it is taken care of by volunteers from the community. Their dedication and hard work are evident in every corner of the garden, making it a true labour of love. By visiting the garden, you are not only supporting a local initiative but also experiencing the beauty of a community coming together to create something special. 

Plan Your Visit

I suggest going in the morning around 8am, or before the sun gets too hot. Do note some areas may be cordoned off at times as it is prone to theft (it is unfortunate that some people dig out the plants and steal them!)

Located in: Woodlands Town Park East
Address: 134 Marsiling Rd, Singapore 730134

Photo credits: See Ying, Li Cheng and some from me
More information about the garden:
Woodlands Botanical Garden website - I am especially amazed at the catalogue of flowers here! 
Mothership - An article about the gardens and how it started