Discovering the Learning Forest at Singapore Botanic Gardens

Singapore - This morning, my sister and I attended the 9:00am NParks Learning Forest guided tour at the Singapore Botanic Gardens. It was a beautiful way to spend a Sunday morning, surrounded by nature and learning about Singapore's rich biodiversity.

When we arrived, it was immediately obvious that the tour was popular. There were many participants, so the organisers divided everyone into four separate groups to make the experience more manageable. My sister and I were assigned to Group 4.

The tour was led by two enthusiastic student volunteers from National Junior College (NJC). Despite their young age, they were knowledgeable and passionate about sharing information on the various trees, plants, and ecological features found within the Learning Forest. However, what made our group's experience particularly memorable was the presence of a senior volunteer named Mr Goh.

Mr Goh joined our group with a trolley bag that appeared rather heavy. We soon discovered why. As the young volunteers explained the different trees and landscapes along the route, Mr Goh would occasionally chime in with additional information gathered from years of personal study and field experience. His enthusiasm was infectious, and his vast knowledge greatly enriched the tour.

What impressed us most was that he had brought along actual samples of wood, seeds, pods, and other plant materials in his trolley. Whenever a particular tree or plant was discussed, he would carefully take out samples and pass them around for participants to examine. Seeing and touching the real specimens made the learning experience much more engaging and memorable.

During the walk, we were introduced to several fascinating trees and plants. One of them was the Permis tree, an important native species found in Singapore's forests. We also learned about the Simpoh Air, known in Hokkien as "Te-Bak-Heok" or "Pork Leaf." The large leaves of this plant were traditionally used to wrap food, and the nickname comes from pork sellers using this broad leaves to wrapped pork with and sell to customers.

Another interesting species was the Agarwood tree. Highly valued for its fragrant resin, agarwood has been prized for centuries and is used in perfumes, incense, and traditional medicine. Learning about its ecological and commercial significance gave us a greater appreciation of Singapore's efforts to conserve such species.

As we continued our journey through the lush greenery, dark clouds began to gather overhead. Before long, a heavy tropical downpour arrived. Fortunately, the Learning Forest is well-equipped with shelters, and our group quickly took refuge. Rather than dampening spirits, the rain created a refreshing atmosphere. Watching the rain fall among the trees while listening to discussions about plants and wildlife added a unique charm to the experience.

The tour highlighted not only the beauty of Botanical Garden's natural heritage but also the dedication of volunteers like the NJC students and Mr Goh. Their passion for conservation and education was truly inspiring.

By the end of the morning, my sister and I left with a deeper appreciation of the trees, plants, and ecosystems that surround us. The Learning Forest is more than just a beautiful green space—it is a living classroom where nature comes alive through the stories and knowledge shared by passionate volunteers.

Botanical Gardens walk with Dan and Edmund

Singapore - Just as the sun began to soften and the air turned cooler around 6 p.m., I met Edmund and Dan Hakimi for a leisurely walk through the Singapore Botanic Gardens. The park, as always, was alive with gentle chatter, the rustle of trees, and the steady rhythm of joggers tracing their usual paths. It was one of those evenings that seemed made for good company and easy conversation.

As we strolled along, Edmund turned the walk into a small journey through time. Pointing at various old buildings nestled among the greenery, he shared stories of his days studying at NIE (National Institute of Education) when it was still located within the Botanic Gardens. His stories added a nostalgic touch to the evening; it was fascinating to hear the Gardens described not just as a park but as a living classroom that had shaped part of his early career.

Halfway through our walk, Edmund suggested a quick detour. He led us to a familiar spot where he build his biceps. Without hesitation, he jumped up and began his chin-ups, counting steadily as Dan and I cheered him on. True to form, Edmund breezed past 20 repetitions, barely breaking a sweat. We laughed, joking that he was making the rest of us look bad, but it was impressive all the same. The moment added a playful energy to what was otherwise a calm, reflective evening.

From there, we continued towards our dinner destination, Westlake Restaurant. Westlake Restaurant is special for its nostalgic, old-school Chinese "zhi char" (stir-fried) food, which has been prepared with consistent quality since it opened in 1974. Its most famous dish is the Kong Bak Bao, a tender braised pork belly served in fluffy buns.

It was bustling with families and groups unwinding after work. The aroma of sizzling dishes filled the air, mingling with the sound of clinking chopsticks and lively chatter. It was one of those classic Singapore eateries that seem to hold decades of memories within their walls.

Our food choices were, admittedly, a little constrained with Edmund being vegetarian, and Dan has a seafood allergy; so we had to skip many of the house specialties. Still, the meal turned out to be more about the conversation than the cuisine. We shared stories about work, travel, and random bits of life, punctuated with laughter and teasing. It’s remarkable how simple moments like this—an evening walk, a nostalgic story, a shared meal—can feel both grounding and joyful.

A National Day Stroll Through Singapore Botanic Gardens with Edmund

 Singapore - Singapore celebrated its 59th National Day on August 9, 2024, and I couldn’t think of a better way to honour the occasion than a walk through the iconic Singapore Botanic Gardens with my friend Edmund. This cherished green space, steeped in history and natural beauty, provided the perfect backdrop for a day of exploration, reflection, and celebration.

A Brief History of the Singapore Botanic Gardens

Established in 1859, the Singapore Botanic Gardens is a living testament to Singapore’s rich horticultural and botanical heritage. Its role in cultivating rubber trees for commercial use during the colonial era was instrumental in transforming Southeast Asia into a hub for rubber production. Today, it stands as a symbol of Singapore’s commitment to conservation and education. In 2015, the Gardens earned the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage Site designation, making it the first and only tropical botanic garden to receive this honour.

National Day brought a lively energy to the Gardens, with families, friends, and nature enthusiasts gathered to enjoy the special occasion. The air was filled with patriotic melodies, laughter, and the chatter of visitors marvelling at the vibrant flora. Edmund and I were eager to explore the Gardens, particularly as the National Orchid Garden—a jewel within this UNESCO site—was open to the public for free on this day.

Stepping into the National Orchid Garden felt like entering a vibrant tapestry of colours and fragrances. Home to over 1,000 species and 2,000 hybrids, the garden showcases Singapore’s dedication to orchid cultivation and hybridisation.

We admired the “Vanda Miss Joaquim,” Singapore’s national flower, along with other stunning orchids arranged in meticulously curated displays. The garden’s layout, with its cascading terraces and themed zones, provided an immersive experience that left us in awe of nature’s artistry.

We ventured into a lesser-known part of the Gardens—the NUS Law Faculty located at the Bukit Timah Campus. This historic site, nestled within the lush greenery of the Gardens, once housed the University of Malaya and later became the National University of Singapore’s campus. The colonial-style architecture, with its grand facades and verdant surroundings, evoked a sense of timelessness.

The well-maintained paths, picturesque lakes, and diverse plant life offered a serene escape from the urban hustle, while the festive spirit of National Day added a unique touch to our experience.

The Singapore Botanic Gardens is more than just a park—it’s a living museum, a source of national pride, and a sanctuary for all who visit.