Green Singapore

April 10, 2003 Singapore is probably the greenest city in Asia – a remarkable effort considering the scarcity of vacant land. The one thing heard over and over again by Singaporeans when they talk to visitors to the city, is how green the island is. Approaching the city centre from the airport along the East Coast Parkway (ECP), the expressway is bordered constantly with trees, all beautifully prepared and pruned. If first impressions count, then Singapore is doing a fine job at creating a good one. But it isn't just an impression that Singapore is trying to create - it is a taste of what's to come that the city is really after. Once you've had your fill at marvelling at the skyscrapers and all the modern conveniences that the city provides, it is then time to look deeper still - to the green belts that provide Singaporeans some relief from the hustle and bustle of city life. Another relaxing moment at the Botanic Gardens. The first stop for many tourists looking for nature is the Botanic Gardens. Situated on the corner of Cluny and Holland Roads, these 130-year-old gardens showcase an amazing array of plants in both gardens and wild jungle. Originally the gardens were at Fort Canning Park, but soon the number of species grew too large and they had to be moved to the present location. Today there are over half a million species and the site contains a total of 54 hectares. The Gardens also include the National Orchid Garden where the national flower is nurtured. A monkey wakes up to a new day at MacRitchie Reservoir. At the centre of the island is another gem that is often overlooked by tourist guides - MacRitchie Reservoir. In fact, MacRitchie is only the smallest of three reservoirs that are joined together by an extensive nature reserve dominating the centre of the island. In the same reserve are also the Upper Seletar Reservoir, the Upper Peirce Reservoir and the Lower Pierce Reservoir. MacRitchie is the easiest to arrive at however and you will not be disappointed. At the carpark end are well-kept rolling lawns that stretch down to the water's edge where families gather for picnics. It is here that you'll find monkeys playing in the trees while locals practice Tai Chi in a secluded spot nearby. Further around from the manicured lawns, take a walk up one of the many paths that wind around the reservoir. If you're feeling up to it, there's even a 10km track that goes all the way around, through the surrounding jungle, that you might like to try out your running shoes on. But don't worry, you won't be the only one - amongst runners, MacRitchie is one of the most popular training ground. If you're able to get there early in the morning, the sight of the tropical mist rising up from the water is beautiful and when you finally tear yourself away, the traffic will seem a million times louder! ZOO AND NIGHT SAFARI At the other end of the nature reserve, at Upper Seletar Reservoir, is Asia's best zoo. Constantly voted as even one of the best in the world, the Singapore Zoo and its neighbouring Night Safari are a must see for those into nature. And if you're one of those people that doesn't like to see animals caged up, there's no need to worry. The reason why the Singapore Zoo and Night Safari are so well thought of is that they give the sense that the animals are running wild. The Night Safari is especially worth the entrance fee for the pure value of doing something unique. Arrive after dusk and take a motorised train around the park where a guide will tell you all about the animals you can spot through the artificial moonlight that illuminates the Safari. And when you've had enough of sitting down, get out and go explore the dark corners yourself. More information: You can find more information for the Botanic Gardens, MacRitchie Reservoir, the Singpaore Zoo and the Night Safari in the Central Singapore attractions section.