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Story: Ngoc Nhat
Photos: Shutterstock
A day in Singapore always seems to pass too quickly – a feeling shared by residents, workers, and travelers alike. In this bustling metropolis of towering skyscrapers and hurried footsteps chasing after buses that won’t wait, Singapore never stops moving. And yet, amid the city’s constant pulse, moments of calm still shimmer. Lush green spaces and art-filled enclaves paint a gentler, more unhurried portrait of the Lion City.
Where time stands still
Leaving behind the layered density of urban architecture, we headed toward open skies and leafy retreats, promising relaxation from the very beginning. A 40-minute ride by MRT or bus from the city center brought us to the MacRitchie Nature Trail and Reservoir Park, where we suddenly found ourselves in a primeval rainforest, the path shaded by thick, oversized canopies. Along the park’s longest 11-kilometer looped trail, monkeys darted ahead, seemingly guiding us toward the tranquil MacRitchie Reservoir, Singapore’s first reservoir, constructed in 1867 to provide fresh water for a growing city.
The MacRitchie Nature Park is a verdant gem, its lush jungle revealing Singapore’s original landscape and deepening our understanding of the ambition and industry required to build modern-day Singapore, one of the world’s most sustainable nations.
Returning from MacRitchie Park, everyone carried the joy of our many outdoor activities: picnics on emerald lawns, kayaking, fishing, jogging, exploring the rich plant life on the TreeTop Walk, and climbing the Jelutong Tower for sweeping forest views.
In contrast to MacRitchie’s serene stillness, nature reserves like Sungei Buloh Wetland and Bukit Timah invite visitors to explore Singapore’s wilder side. A visit to these conservation areas allow for a deeper appreciation of the nation’s approach to biodiversity and environmental stewardship.
Even in the city’s core, Singapore is rich with green architecture, its urban spaces designed in harmony with the environment. Walking the 10-kilometer linked trails of the Southern Ridges Walk, one’s eyes are soothed by an unbroken stream of greenery. This system is a series of walking trails that pass through lush green forests, connecting the Labrador Nature Reserve to major parks including Mount Faber, Telok Blangah Hill, HortPark, and Kent Ridge. Like a ribbon suspended in the air, Henderson Waves – a sculptural pedestrian bridge – is a popular rest spot, where locals unwind after a long day and visitors catch golden-hour views of the city bathed in sunlight.
Immersed in contemporary colors
Singapore is a vibrant canvas of contemporary art, where world-class performances, cultural festivals, traveling exhibitions, and themed art weeks unfold throughout the year. No visit to this Asian powerhouse is complete without exploring its dynamic creative scene.
Art exhibitions often lead us on immersive emotional journeys. Often called the ‘crown jewel of Singaporean art,’ the National Gallery Singapore houses over 8,000 prized works of modern and contemporary art from Singapore and Southeast Asia, including masterpieces by 19th- and 20th-century Vietnamese artists. Visitors are encouraged to engage with the art firsthand, attend curator-led talks, and interact with artists in a deeply personal way.
For those seeking a creative spark, the Singapore Art Museum (SAM) is a wellspring of inspiration, showcasing works that span painting, sculpture, installation, and multimedia. Housed in a Renaissance-style building from 1867, the museum has been carefully preserved, providing a window into the golden era of Western cultural and artistic exchange.
Complementing the main museum is SAM at 8Q, a contemporary space devoted to emerging artists and experimental art. Here, new voices, both from Singapore and abroad, are nurtured and given wings. In 2024, the launch of New Bahru added another gem to Singapore’s cultural landscape. This new creative complex hosts hands-on workshops and features artisanal products that highlight the country’s evolving craft scene.
Singapore is well worth experiencing more than once. Its energy doesn’t rest solely on its sleek modernity and fast-paced rhythm but also lives in its gentle pauses: in breathing trees, unspoken emotions stirred by art, and the ever-deepening harmony between nature and the soul.
