OPTIONAL TOURS
Explore the vibrant beauty of Singapore beyond the congress venue with our optional tours specially curated for the 8th Global Botanic Garden Congress. Immerse yourself in the lush greenery and captivating landscapes as we take you on guided tours to some of Singapore's iconic parks and wild spaces. Discover the harmony of nature and urban sophistication as you traverse through meticulously cared-for green spaces. These optional tours offer a perfect blend of leisure and exploration, allowing you to unwind in the midst of Singapore's natural treasures. Don't miss the opportunity to enhance your congress experience by discovering the enchanting nature that makes Singapore , the City in Nature, a truly unique destination.
THE PLOT THICKENS – Horticulture and conservation in Singapore Botanic Gardens (Code: T1)
The Singapore Botanic Gardens is custodian to many species of conservation value in the Malesian floristic region, and home to heritage landscapes and buildings that date from the 1800s. Visit the Herbarium and the Orchid Lab to learn about the various research, orchid breeding and hybridisation efforts spearheaded by the Gardens,
some of which species can be seen in the National Orchid Garden. In the afternoon, take a peek on what goes on behind the scenes of the only tropical botanic gardens as a UNESCO World Heritage Site; and join our horticulturists who are instrumental in the maintenance and succession of these critically-endangered species in the nursery and Seed Bank. Ensure you have a satisfying breakfast before embarking on the tour!
Photo Credits: NParks
9:00am: Meet at Green Pavilion with the team behind the Singapore Botanic Gardens.
Morning: Introductions to the Botanic Gardens and walking tour around the heritage landscape and collections in the UNESCO site. Visit the Gardens’ Rain Forest and the Learning Forest to check out some of the in-situ conservation and habitat enhancement efforts, before embarking on a tour in the National Orchid Garden. Lunch is catered at 1pm, joined by Botanic Gardens staff.
Afternoon: Proceed to the Plant Resource Centre – the Botanic Gardens’ in-house nursery for conservation horticulture, followed by a walking tour along the Eco Garden to the Seed Bank. Bus departs from the Seed Bank at 5.30pm.
6:05pm: Bus arrives at Suntec City
10 Aug: 25 slots (max)
Itinerary (may be subjected to slight changes):
8:25am : Bus departs from Suntec City (35 mins)9:00am: Meet at Green Pavilion with the team behind the Singapore Botanic Gardens.
Morning: Introductions to the Botanic Gardens and walking tour around the heritage landscape and collections in the UNESCO site. Visit the Gardens’ Rain Forest and the Learning Forest to check out some of the in-situ conservation and habitat enhancement efforts, before embarking on a tour in the National Orchid Garden. Lunch is catered at 1pm, joined by Botanic Gardens staff.
Afternoon: Proceed to the Plant Resource Centre – the Botanic Gardens’ in-house nursery for conservation horticulture, followed by a walking tour along the Eco Garden to the Seed Bank. Bus departs from the Seed Bank at 5.30pm.
6:05pm: Bus arrives at Suntec City
Time & Cost:
8:25am to 6:05pm, $100 (Transport & snack pack provided, lunch is provided)Dates:
5 Aug: 25 slots (max)10 Aug: 25 slots (max)
What to wear/bring:
Comfortable walking shoes, clothing suitable for high humidity; umbrella & drinking waterSungei Buloh Wetland Reserve (Code: T2)
Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve is recognised internationally as an important site for migratory birds. Some 2,000 migratory shorebirds from more than 40 species stop here between August and March every year. They are mainly from the East Asian-Australasian Flyway, the world's largest migratory route stretching from the Arctic through Russia and Alaska to Australia and
New Zealand, encompassing 22 countries. A study in 2011 also showed that Sungei Buloh is a stopover for some birds using the Central Asian Flyway across the Himalayas! Unique wetland flora and fauna and more than half of Singapore's bird species can be found there. This tour will allow participants to learn about Sungei Buloh's biodiversity and appreciate how a wetland originally designated to be an agrotech farm became Singapore's only wetland reserve. Ensure you have a satisfying breakfast before embarking on the tour!
Photo Credits: Lim Cheng Puay
Photo Credits: Derek Liew
9:00am: Arrive at Sungei Buloh Wetland Center (10 mins)
9:10am: Gallery tour (20 mins)
9:30am: Mangrove Boardwalk Tour (40mins)
10:10am: Main bridge and migratory bird watching at Main Hide (40 mins)
10:50am: Coastal walk to Wetland Visitor Center (1hr)
11:50am: End of tour
12:15 pm: Bus departs (1hr 15 mins)
1:30 pm: Bus arrives at Suntec City
10 Aug: 20 slots (max)
Itinerary (may be subjected to slight changes):
7:45am: Bus departs from Suntec City (1hr 15 mins)9:00am: Arrive at Sungei Buloh Wetland Center (10 mins)
9:10am: Gallery tour (20 mins)
9:30am: Mangrove Boardwalk Tour (40mins)
10:10am: Main bridge and migratory bird watching at Main Hide (40 mins)
10:50am: Coastal walk to Wetland Visitor Center (1hr)
11:50am: End of tour
12:15 pm: Bus departs (1hr 15 mins)
1:30 pm: Bus arrives at Suntec City
Time & Cost:
7:45 am to 1:30pm, $50 (transport & snack pack provided)Dates:
5 Aug: 20 slots (max)10 Aug: 20 slots (max)
What to wear/bring:
Comfortable walking shoes, light loose clothing, insect repellent; umbrella & drinking waterPulau Ubin - The Other Side of Singapore (Code: T3)
Embark on a captivating journey to Pulau Ubin, the hidden gem on "The Other Side of Singapore." The adventure begins at Changi Point Ferry Terminal, where participants are greeted for a unique time-travel experience to the island. Explore Pulau Ubin's rich history and biodiversity at the Nature Gallery, followed by a transfer to Chek Jawa Wetlands for a fascinating tour highlighting its
diverse ecosystems and conservation challenges. Continue the exploration with a visit to Butterfly Hill and Pekan Floating Wetlands, concluding the day with a return to the mainland for a delightful exploration of Singapore's Hawker Center Food. Ensure you have a satisfying breakfast before embarking on the tour!
Photo Credits: Alan Tan
8:30am: Meet and greet participants at Changi Point Ferry Terminal (30mins)
9:00am: Arrival in Pulau Ubin and Tour of the Nature Gallery (30 mins)
9:30am: Transfer to Chek Jawa Wetlands (15 mins)
9:45am: Chek Jawa Tour (1hr 30 mins)
11:15am: Transfer to Butterfly Hill (15 mins)
11:30am: Tour of Butterfly Hilla and Pekan Floating Wetlands (30 mins)
12:00pm: Back to the Future [Transfer back to mainland] (30 mins)
12:30pm :Exploration of Singapore Hawker Center Food (1hr 30 mins)
2:00pm: End of tour
2:15pm : Bus departs (45mins)
3:00pm : Bus arrives at Suntec City
10 Aug: 20 slots (min)
Itinerary (may be subjected to slight changes):
7:45am: Bus departs from Suntec City (45 mins)8:30am: Meet and greet participants at Changi Point Ferry Terminal (30mins)
9:00am: Arrival in Pulau Ubin and Tour of the Nature Gallery (30 mins)
9:30am: Transfer to Chek Jawa Wetlands (15 mins)
9:45am: Chek Jawa Tour (1hr 30 mins)
11:15am: Transfer to Butterfly Hill (15 mins)
11:30am: Tour of Butterfly Hilla and Pekan Floating Wetlands (30 mins)
12:00pm: Back to the Future [Transfer back to mainland] (30 mins)
12:30pm :Exploration of Singapore Hawker Center Food (1hr 30 mins)
2:00pm: End of tour
2:15pm : Bus departs (45mins)
3:00pm : Bus arrives at Suntec City
Time & Cost:
7:45am to 3:00pm, $75 (transport & snack pack provided, lunch at own cost)Dates:
5 Aug: 20 slots (min)10 Aug: 20 slots (min)
What to wear/bring:
Comfortable walking shoes, light colored clothing, hat/cap (good to have) insect repellent, umbrella & drinking water (one bottle 500ml provided)Jurong Lake Gardens Tour (Code: T4)
Jurong Lake Gardens is Singapore's new national gardens in the heartlands. It is a people's garden, where spaces will be landscaped and created for families and the community to come together. The 90-hectare Gardens comprises Lakeside Garden, Chinese and Japanese Gardens and Garden Promenade. Lakeside Garden is open for visitors from end-April 2019. The rest of Gardens
(including Chinese Garden and Japanese Garden) is currently undergoing re-development.
Lakeside Garden has been developed sensitively to retain the serenity of the area whilst incorporating spaces for the community and recreational needs. Capitalising on its waterfront location, Lakeside Garden has spaces for all to enjoy amid nature, greenery and lakeside views. Come on down to Lakeside Garden and learn about the rich biodiversity that you can find here. Breathe in the fresh air and listen to the delightful sounds of nature on a guided tour. Smell the fragrance of flowers in bloom and take in the sights of the variety of plants in the gardens. Ensure you have a satisfying breakfast before embarking on the tour!
Photo Credits: NParks
9.00am: Meet at South Carpark and head over to Gardenhouse (15 mins)
9.15am: Presentation on Jurong Lake Gardens at Gardenhouse (15 mins)
9.30am: Walking tour: Gardenhouse -> Allotment Gardens -> Alstonia Island -> Rasau Walk (1st half) -> Grasslands -> Rasau Walk (2nd half) -> Neram Streams -> Heron Island -> South Carpark (1.5 hrs)
11:00am: End of tour
11:15am: Bus departs (1hr)
12:15pm: Bus arrives at Suntec City
10 Aug: 15 slots (min)
Lakeside Garden has been developed sensitively to retain the serenity of the area whilst incorporating spaces for the community and recreational needs. Capitalising on its waterfront location, Lakeside Garden has spaces for all to enjoy amid nature, greenery and lakeside views. Come on down to Lakeside Garden and learn about the rich biodiversity that you can find here. Breathe in the fresh air and listen to the delightful sounds of nature on a guided tour. Smell the fragrance of flowers in bloom and take in the sights of the variety of plants in the gardens. Ensure you have a satisfying breakfast before embarking on the tour!
Itinerary (may be subjected to slight changes):
8:00am: Bus Departs from Suntec City (1hr)9.00am: Meet at South Carpark and head over to Gardenhouse (15 mins)
9.15am: Presentation on Jurong Lake Gardens at Gardenhouse (15 mins)
9.30am: Walking tour: Gardenhouse -> Allotment Gardens -> Alstonia Island -> Rasau Walk (1st half) -> Grasslands -> Rasau Walk (2nd half) -> Neram Streams -> Heron Island -> South Carpark (1.5 hrs)
11:00am: End of tour
11:15am: Bus departs (1hr)
12:15pm: Bus arrives at Suntec City
Time & Cost:
8:00am to 12:15pm, $50 (transport & snack pack provided)Dates:
5 Aug: 15 slots (min)10 Aug: 15 slots (min)
What to wear/bring:
Comfortable walking shoes, light loose clothing; umbrella & drinking waterSouthern Ridges Tour (Code: T5)
This tour takes you through the Southern Ridges, a soothing sanctuary of greenery that is steeped in history and unique flora and fauna. Highlights of the tour include the Henderson Waves, Sembcorp Forest of Giants, Forest Walk and The Singing Forest.The Southern Ridges Nature Tour begins at Henderson Waves (nearer to Mt. Faber) and ends at HortPark. Ensure you have a satisfying breakfast before embarking on the tour!
Itinerary (may be subjected to slight changes):
8:00am : Bus departs from Suntec City (45mins)8:45am: Meet at Henderson Waves (15mins)
9:00pm: Southern Ridges tour begins (2hrs)
11:00pm: End of tour
11:15pm : Bus departs from HortPark (45mins)
12:00 pm: Bus arrives at Suntec City
Time & Cost:
8:00am to 12:00pm, $50 (transport & snack pack provided)Dates:
5 Aug: 15 slots (min)10 Aug: 15 slots (min)
What to wear/bring:
Comfortable walking shoes, light loose clothing; umbrella & drinking waterGardens by the Bay: The Gardens Tour (Code: T6)
An integral part of Singapore's "City in Nature" vision, Gardens by the Bay is a national garden and premier horticultural attraction that showcases the best of garden and floral artistry for all to enjoy. Explore the Bay South Gardens in downtown Marina Bay with a guided tour to the key attractions; Supertree Grove, OCBC Skyway, Flower Dome and Cloud Forest and learn about
how it continues to refresh and refine its offerings to be a place that everyone can enjoy – a garden where wonder blooms. Ensure you have a satisfying lunch before embarking on the tour!
Photo Credits: Gardens by the Bay
3:15pm: Meet at Gardens by the Bay (15mins)
3:30pm: Tour at Supertree Grove, OCBC Skyway, Flower Dome and Cloud Forest (2hrs)
5:30pm: End of tour
5:45pm: Bus departs from Gardens by the Bay (15mins)
6:00pm: Bus arrives at Suntec City
10 Aug: 12 slots
Itinerary (may be subjected to slight changes):
3:00pm : Bus departs from Suntec City (15 mins)3:15pm: Meet at Gardens by the Bay (15mins)
3:30pm: Tour at Supertree Grove, OCBC Skyway, Flower Dome and Cloud Forest (2hrs)
5:30pm: End of tour
5:45pm: Bus departs from Gardens by the Bay (15mins)
6:00pm: Bus arrives at Suntec City
Time & Cost:
3:00pm to 6:00pm,$75 (includes guided tour, admission charges to gated attractions, transport and snack pack)Dates:
5 Aug: 12 slots10 Aug: 12 slots
What to wear/bring:
Comfortable walking shoes, light loose clothing; umbrella & drinking waterFort Canning Park Tour (Code: T7)
Heritage on the Hill & Trees of the Fort TourDid you know that the history of Fort Canning dates back to the 14th century? Check out the ancient artefacts from the hill, and join us on a journey that highlights the changing faces of Fort Canning, from the ancient 14th century to the colonial 19th century and beyond!
Did you know that a Cannonball tree is so named for its large, round woody fruits that stick out from its trunk? Our nature-loving guides will bring you on a journey to find out more about our heritage trees and other beautiful trees like Flame of the Forest, the flaky Gelam and magnificent Madras Thorn! Ensure you have a satisfying breakfast before embarking on the tour!
Itinerary (may be subjected to slight changes):
8:00am : Bus departs from Suntec City (30mins)8:30am: Meet at Fort Canning (15mins)
8:45am: Heritage on Hill tour (1hr)
9:45am: Trees of the Fort Tour (1hr)
10:45am: End of tour
11:00am: Bus departs (30mins)
11:30am: Bus arrives at Suntec City
Time & Cost:
8:00am to 11:30am, $50 (transport & snack pack provided)Dates:
5 Aug: 20 slots (max)10 Aug: 20 slots (max)
What to wear/bring:
Comfortable walking shoes, light loose clothing; umbrella & drinking waterExperience the Park Connector Network, Cycling Tour (Code T8)
The Park Connector Network (PCN) of Singapore is an island-wide network of linear green corridors linking major parks and nature areas across Singapore. With more than 300 km of trails, the PCN presents a diverse palette of recreational green opportunities, provides avid outdoor enthusiasts with enhanced accessibility to nature spaces across the island, and serve to
enhance ecological connectivity between our natural habitats. Come in your cycling gears and join us in a ride to experience the park connectors. Ensure you have a satisfying breakfast before embarking on the tour!
Photo Credits: Derek Liew
9:00am: Meet at Venue (15mins)
9:15am: Cycling tour begins (2hrs 30 mins)
11:45am: End of tour
12:00pm: Bus departs from Venue (1hr)
1:00pm: Bus arrives at Suntec City
10 Aug: 10 slots (min)
In case the number of participants does not meet the minimum required, the tours will be canceled, and refunds will be processed.
Itinerary (may be subjected to slight changes):
8:00am: Bus departs from Suntec City (1hr)9:00am: Meet at Venue (15mins)
9:15am: Cycling tour begins (2hrs 30 mins)
11:45am: End of tour
12:00pm: Bus departs from Venue (1hr)
1:00pm: Bus arrives at Suntec City
Time & Cost:
8:00 am to 1:00pm, $75 (transport, bike, helmet, disposable raincoat, snack pack provided)Dates:
5 Aug: 10 slots (min)10 Aug: 10 slots (min)
In case the number of participants does not meet the minimum required, the tours will be canceled, and refunds will be processed.
What to wear/bring:
Cycling shoes and wear; drinking waterSkyrise Greenery Tour (Code: T9)
Skyrise greenery is a term used in Singapore to refer to rooftop and vertical greenery. It is an important strategy to increase greenery in urban environments under Singapore's City in Nature vision. Through the greening of building facades, terraces, and rooftops, skyrise greenery provides various benefits including reducing the urban heat island effect, providing communal green
spaces in built up areas, and enhancing biodiversity in the city.
Come join us to explore some of the best skyrise greenery developments in Singapore. In this journey, you will learn about the benefits of skyrise greenery and how Singapore promotes the development of skyrise greenery in our City in Nature.
Photo Credits: NParks
1.40pm: Kampong Admiralty (50 mins)
2.30pm: Depart from Site 1 (45 mins)
3.15pm: Bedok Food City (45 mins)
4pm: Depart from Site 2 (30 mins)
4.30pm: CapitaSpring (1 hr)
5.30pm: Depart from Site 3 (15 mins)
5.45pm: Suntec City
Come join us to explore some of the best skyrise greenery developments in Singapore. In this journey, you will learn about the benefits of skyrise greenery and how Singapore promotes the development of skyrise greenery in our City in Nature.
Itinerary (may be subjected to slight changes):
1pm : Bus departs from Suntec City (40mins)1.40pm: Kampong Admiralty (50 mins)
2.30pm: Depart from Site 1 (45 mins)
3.15pm: Bedok Food City (45 mins)
4pm: Depart from Site 2 (30 mins)
4.30pm: CapitaSpring (1 hr)
5.30pm: Depart from Site 3 (15 mins)
5.45pm: Suntec City
Time & Cost:
1:00pm to 5:00pm, $50 (transport & snack pack provided)Dates:
5 Aug: 20 slotsWhat to wear/bring:
Comfortable walking shoes, light loose clothing, umbrella and drinking water