[Updated: 8 Mar 2022]
As we are currently unable to travel, one way to destress and fuel your wanderlust is by going hiking in Singapore or uncovering a hidden spot that you never knew existed. If you're looking to take a mental break and want to get some respite in nature, why not visit a therapeutic garden? The good news is there are several therapeutic gardens in Singapore that you can relax at and get some zen.
What is a therapeutic garden?
Therapeutic gardens are outdoor gardens that use plants and plant-related activities for health and well-being. Together with therapeutic horticulture, visitors can be relieved from mental fatigue, reduced stress and improve their emotional well-being. Though most therapeutic gardens are targeted towards the elderly, it's great for young people too. There are currently 6 therapeutic gardens in Singapore but by 2030, there'll be 30 of them.
Therapeutic gardens in Singapore
1. Punggol Waterway Park
Credit: NParks on Facebook
Opened in November 2020, the Therapeutic Garden at Punggol Waterway Park is the newest. The garden features several plants that are coloured and fragrant like the Red-flowered Sea Grape. The garden also allows you to enjoy scenic views of Punggol Waterway while you rest at the viewing deck.
Address: Punggol Waterway Park near Carpark A
2. HortPark
Credit: NParks on Facebook
HortPark was where the first therapeutic garden was opened! The garden is perfect for resting as it has a few zones, with one called the restorative zone. There's ample shade, wind chimes and water features to keep you feeling relaxed and calm. Not to mention that there's an IG-worthy gazebo that's perfect to hang out at.
Address: 33 Hyderabad Road, Singapore 119578 (Off Alexandra Road)
3. Telok Blangah Hill Park
Credit: NParks on Facebook
You might have seen pictures of Telok Blangah Hill Park covered in gorgeous bougainvillaea flowers against the backdrop of its picturesque stairs. The next time you're there, visit the therapeutic garden instead! It's situated close to the hill forest so you can embrace the peace and quiet in its natural setting.
Address: Telok Blangah Green off Henderson Road
4. Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park
Credit: NParks on Facebook
Situated near the pond gardens, this therapeutic garden was specially designed to engage the senses such as sight, touch and smell. Not to mention that this will attract butterflies, birds and dragonflies which will make you feel like you're one with nature. The garden is divided into 4 zones - Fragrance zone, Biodiversity zone, Edibles and Medicinal zone and Colours and Textures zone.
Address: Along Ang Mo Kio Ave 1 (After junction of Marymount Road, Opp Block 223)
5. Choa Chu Kang Park
Credit: NParks on Facebook
The therapeutic garden at Choa Chu Kang Park has a simple layout for visitors to easily navigate the space. What you can look forward to are features that have restorative effects on your mental well-being and also help to relieve stress. You can find edible and fragrant plants here as well as a calming water feature.
Address: Along Choa Chu Kang Drive
6. Tiong Bahru Park
Credit: NParks on Facebook
For those living in the Southwest of Singapore, Tiong Bahru Park is where you should head to for some zen. The therapeutic garden here has a layout that's similar to Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park and has the same four zones too. Check out the Colours & Textures zone for diverse colours and different textures of flowers and foliage.
Address: Tiong Bahru Road, Singapore 168731 (Along Lower Delta Road, Opp Jalan Bukit Ho Swee)
7. Bedok Reservoir Park
Credit: Sok Yong Teo on Facebook
Bedok Reservoir Park's got a new therapeutic park as of February 2022! The 1650 sq m space has a gorgeous view of the reservoir, along with stones and boulders that reflect the space's heritage, since this garden is the first therapeutic garden to be built over a former sand quarry.
As a therapeutic park would suggest, the activities in the park are aimed to help instil mindfulness and calm through interesting elements, including an interactive rock feature that uses rock balancing therapy to achieve the park's goals.
Address: Bedok Reservoir Park, Carpark B
8. Pasir Ris Park
Credit: NParks on Facebook
Located only 67 metres from the sea, Pasir Ris Park's therapeutic garden offers a beautiful sea view, adding calm to the garden. As you relax to the sound of crashing waves, enjoy the new garden's fitness area, that encourages physical movement and social interaction in seniors, or walk along the swale which runs through the garden.
Address: Pasir Ris Park, Carpark E
So, if you're in need of a respite or short mental break from the stresses of life, head over to these 6 therapeutic gardens in Singapore's parks to unwind. SHARE this with someone who needs it! Love nature spots? You'll love these articles too: