“Hot and humid with a chance of rain…” goes the daily Singapore weather report, but don’t let that put you off! Hit one of the following perfect picnic spots – and remember the umbrella, the picnic blanket, the sunscreen and the insect repellent.
The Botanic Gardens
5am-12pm | 1 Cluny Rd, 259569
One of our all-time favourite spots in Singapore, the gardens are great for sophisticated picnics. You could lay down your blanket almost anywhere, but our favourite patch of grass is probably at Palm Valley and Symphony Lake, especially when they’re staging one the regular free classical music concerts.
MacRitchie Reservoir Park
7am–7pm | MacRitchie Reservoir Park, 297732
A popular destination for nature lovers and exercise enthusiasts, MacRitchie has plenty of convenient amenities such as toilets, drinking fountains and showers, as well as great walking or running trails for those who want to move, and good views across the reservoir for those who just want to sit. Beware of sneaky monkeys, though!
Marina Barrage
Open 24 hours except the Green Roof – 8am to 9pm daily | 8 Marina Gardens Dr, 018951
The Green Roof at Marina Barrage, approximately the size of four football fields, is open to the public for recreational activities. Enjoy panoramic city views while you tuck in.
Chinese and Japanese Gardens ( Temporarily closed)
Closed for redevelopment. Expected completion: end 2021 | 1 Chinese Garden Rd, 619795
For an Asian twist to your French picnic, try the iconic Chinese and Japanese Gardens in Jurong. Among the attractions are a rainbow bridge and a pagoda, inspired by structures in China and modelled on the gardening techniques of Japan. Note: there are ongoing refurbishments being done at the Gardens and some areas may be closed. 1 Chinese Garden Road.
Part of the park will be closed from May 2019. Check for updates here.
Fort Canning
Open 24 hours | River Valley Rd, 179037
Work up an appetite on the steep-ish paths and check out the spice garden and archaeological remains at Fort Canning Park before shaking out your picnic blanket.
Hort Park
6am–11pm | 33 Hyderabad Road, 119578
If you fancy spreading yourselves out on a huge lawn, HortPark’s one-stop gardening hub could be the ideal picnic spot. There’s plenty of shade, too. 33 Hyderabad Road
Gardens by the Bay
5am–2am | 18 Marina Gardens Drive, 018953
There are lots of areas within Gardens by the Bay to picnic in, but we suggest Bay East Garden. This 2km waterfront stretch has sublime views of the Marina Bay skyline, plus open lawns, swaying palm trees and waist-high flowering shrubs.
Esplanade Roof Terrace
Open 24 hours | 1 Esplanade Drive, 038981
The Esplanade Roof Terrace is city central and a great spot to sit back and watch the Merlion in action, against the backdrop of the Marina.
Jurong Hill Park
Open 24 hours | 60 Jurong Hill, 628926
About a ten-minute walk from Jurong Bird Park is Jurong Hill Park and its Garden of Fame. Admire the 27 trees planted by foreign dignitaries such as Queen Elizabeth II, and enjoy the great views.
East Coast Park
Open 24 hours | East Coast Park Service Road
With a scenic coastline that stretches more than 15km, the beach at East Coast Park is an excellent venue for a weekend picnic. Grab a spot under the shade of the casuarina trees, close your eyes, take in the breeze and just imagine you’re on holiday. East Coast Park Service Road
West Coast Park
Open 24 hours | West Coast Ferry Rd, 126978
Another great open space by the sea! There’s a bicycle obstacle course, a sand-play area, plus lots of swings and climbing structures that older kids will have fun on. Take frisbees and sand play equipment.
Pasir Ris Park
Open 24 hours | 136 Pasir Ris Rd 519127
Great for the whole family, it has an adventure play area with a flying fox, swings, a sand area and rope climbing pyramids. There’s a mangrove walk, a horse-riding centre, cycling paths, a maze and a kitchen garden. Keep a lookout for the ice cream uncle.
Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
Saturday/Sunday 7am–6pm | Hindhede Dr, 589318
Trek to Singapore’s highest peak, keeping – 164m! – keeping an eye out for monkeys, lizards, flying foxes, birds and beautiful flowers. Take good supportive walking shoes and plenty of mosquito repellent.
Kranji Reservoir Park
Open 24 hours | 30 Kranji Way, 739440
Grab one of the pavilions or benches and enjoy the panoramic view of the Straits of Johor. Pack your fishing rod. The park has two fishing grounds, so if you’re feeling lucky try catching your own lunch.
Labrador Park
7am–7pm | Labrador Villa Rd, 119187
A peaceful, scenic walk from hilly jungle down to the yachts at Keppel Bay. Plus, check out The Training Shed, an awesome, chilled-out event in Labrador Park that’s staged once a month.
St John’s Island
Open 24 hours, most ferries run from 9am to 5pm
Take the ferry from Marina South Pier for a picnic on Lazarus beach. Join a pre-picnic guided nature tour with the Tropical Marine Science Institute. The island’s natural shores are ringed by coral reefs, so bring your snorkelling gear to swim in the lagoons after picnicking on the beach.
After even more ideas? Try…
Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park (pictured below)
Clementi Woods Park
Dhoby Ghaut Green
Jurong Central Park
Lower Seletar Reservoir Park
Raffles Place Park
VivoCity Sky Park
For more helpful tips, head to our Living in Singapore section.
