A Peaceful Self-Guided Walk in Singapore’s Botanic Gardens (via Napier Gate)

While many visitors flock to the central paths and Orchid Garden of Singapore’s Botanic Gardens, fewer venture into the peaceful southern section.

This lesser-known area offers a refreshing escape with its tranquil atmosphere, quiet walking trails, native rainforest trees, and gentle ponds.

Ideal for a slow nature walk or mindful pause, this park part lets you reconnect with greenery without the crowds.

Looking for another quiet green escape in the city? Head to Fort Canning Park for shaded trails and a touch of history.

A Peaceful Self-Guided Walk in Singapore’s Botanic Gardens (via Napier Gate)

Itinerary map

On “Details,” you can download the itinerary in KML or GPX format and use it on apps such as Outdoors Active or Maps Me.

Where do we start?

This walk through the Botanic Gardens in Singapore begins and ends at the Napier metro stop (brown line) at exit 1.

At the Napier metro stop, take exit 1. From there, walk to your right, cross the track, and you will see a large metal gate, the entrance to the gardens.

Upon entering, walk straight until you find Swan Lake.

Tips to follow this itinerary

The walk is a round trip along the same path. Carry enough water to stay hydrated during the walk.

Bring a cap or hat to protect yourself from the sun, as areas along the route lack shade.

The park is open daily from 5 a.m. to midnight, but the part of this tour is only open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Although there is plenty of shade, it is best to go early to avoid the heat.

About this itinerary

On this walk, we will explore the quieter southern part of the Botanic Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enter through the easily accessible Napier entrance on the new Napier metro brown line.

We’ll pass shaded paths with Southeast Asia’s tallest trees and visit a black-and-white house converted into a botanical art gallery.

1. The Swan Lake

Walking the narrow path by the lake, you’ll first see a viewpoint and a sculpture of a mother swinging her child.

Look for the swans from Amsterdam; they are monogamous, choosing a partner for life. At the path’s end, turn right and continue straight to the mural, passing a small stream on your left.

2. The mural “Our Heritage Rainforest”

This beautiful mural has various carved figures that honor our tropical jungle’s rich fauna, flora, and biodiversity.

Turn left and see the Tyersall Gate entrance on your right. Walk a few more steps until you come to a fork. Take the path to the left towards the Walk of Giants.

3. Keppel Wetlands

At a certain point, you will come across a covered area where you can buy drinks from a machine. People also usually come here to do Yoga and meditate, taking advantage of the beautiful view of the lake.

Here you will find some typical wetland plants; these habitats are in danger of extinction.

Cross the walkway in the middle of the water and continue walking.

For a deeper forest experience with elevated walkways, explore the Windsor Nature Park Hiking Guide.

4. The Walk of Giants

Turn left, and you will find an iron spiral staircase at a certain point. Go up there and find yourself in The Walk of the Giants.

You will see that there were originally two giant trees, but only one remains. If you dare walk on the net, avoid letting things fall out of your pockets. 

We continue the walk through the Botanica Gardens in Singapore and exit the Giants Walk to the left.

5. Path towards the bridge

This short path winds through a breathtaking landscape adorned with an astonishing array of giant plants and majestic trees, showcasing a stunning variety of flora.

Continue along the same path until you find a sign with a figure of a log on your left hand, and turn to the right towards the bridge.

6. The Bridge in the Learning Forest

This is one of the most beautiful parts of the walk: cross the bridge with colorful flowers, beautiful ficus, and some species of birds typical of Singapore.

Walk back and forth over the bridge until you reach the point where the sign with the figure of a log was. Turn right and enjoy the walk. Here, there are giant trees that provide shade. Continue and pass over a small wooden bridge until you reach Bambusetum.

7. Botanic Gardens Bambusetum

At a certain point to your left, you will see a garden with a great variety of bamboo.

The Bambusetum boasts a rich collection of more than 30 tropical bamboo species, highlighting a broad spectrum of natural growth forms found in the wild.

Passing the garden, turn left and go up the stairs towards the Canopy link to the Gallop Extension.

8. Canopy bridge to Gallop Extension

The 200-meter undulating bridge, completed in 2022, links the Learning Forest to the Gallop Extension, replacing the less pleasant route through the bus parking lot.

Leave the bridge and take the first path on the left. You must climb some stone stairs and walk along a dirt path. Turn left and follow the sign indicating the Botanical Gallery.

9. The path to the Botanical Gallery

As you head towards the house museum hosting the botanical gallery, you’ll notice a children’s play area on the left.

Keep going to a grassy open area where the first “Black & White” house is on the right. Continue until you reach the second house, which houses the museum.

10. The Botanical Gallery

When I visited the house museum, built in 1906 in the “Black and White” style and once a residence for French ambassadors, it had an exhibition titled “Capturing Nature.”

It’s beautifully preserved and free to enter. The photo shows a drawing by Dutch artist Berthe Hoola van Nooten (1817-1892), renowned for her botanical illustrations from Java, Indonesia.

Prefer coastal views? The Southern Ridges to Labrador Park trail offers lush greenery and scenic sea views.

Walking back to the exit

Return along the same path until you find the dirt path with stone stairs.
At the end of the trail, cross the undulating bridge (HPL Canopy Link) again.

Then turn right, walk straight until you see the Tyersall Gate entrance, and turn right at the stone mural.

Continue until you pass the small stream and reach Swan Lake. There, turn right along the lake and walk straight until the exit of the Botanical Gardens.

Cross the track, and you will find yourself at the end of the walk at the Napier MRT station entrance 1.

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore More Nature Walks & Trails in Singapore

Discover more of Singapore’s hidden green spaces, scenic walks, and tranquil forest escapes. Here are some of our favorite hiking trails across the island.

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