Singapore’s streets, markets, and skyline that we explored in Part 1 of Singapore, Unscripted had been exhilarating, but even in a city famed for its ultra-modernity, there were quieter surprises ahead. Beyond Gardens by the Bay, in spaces like the Botanic Gardens, along shaded paths at Fort Canning, the Mandai Reserve zoos, and tucked into other green corners, the city revealed a gentler side — one that invited us to wander and explore.
- Green Escapes: Botanic Gardens and Fort Canning
- Bird Paradise at Mandai Reserve
- A Journey's End at Jewel
- Reflection: The Gift of Returning to Singapore
- From Story to Suitcase
Green Escapes: Botanic Gardens and Fort Canning
SINGAPORE BOTANIC GARDENS
Singapore may be famed for its sleek cityscape, but it also has an extraordinary green heart. Throughout the city, cascades of tropical greenery line every street, creating a calming atmosphere almost everywhere you go — very welcome in the persistent heat and humidity. And there is so much more to the green space than just Gardens by the Bay.
One afternoon, after a brief but dramatic thunderstorm, I visited the Singapore Botanic Gardens — a solo adventure this time while J took some time out to rest. The recent rain made the leaves glisten, looking refreshed and perky, as we do after a welcome cooling shower! Orchids tumble from every corner, their intricate shapes and vivid colours drawing the eye, while ginger plants, magnificent ferns, and huge stands of bamboo formed lush, layered backdrops.
Wildlife was never far away. Chickens, squirrels, birds with their chicks, and otters (which proved elusive) darted amongst the undergrowth. And I was surprised and delighted when a hefty monitor lizard casually strutted across the path in front of me, before disappearing into the greenery.
FORT CANNING PARK
Fort Canning Park has long been a lookout over the city — once the seat of ancient kings, later a colonial outpost and strategic military site, and now a green retreat in the heart of the city. Its shady trees, winding paths and paved steps offer a peaceful escape from the bustle and noise of nearby streets.
Within the park, we found an underground WW2 tunnel and small museum tracing Singapore’s military history. It was sobering for J, whose father had been present during the Fall of Singapore, but it added a layer of depth to our visit.
And of course, there’s the famous “Tree Tunnel” — a spiral stairway crowned by a circle of trees. The tunnel has become an Instagram favourite for influencers, and the queue of visitors waiting to pose for photos on the balustrade made me chuckle. I couldn’t resist taking a photo of the line itself. Sometimes, the human spectacle is just as entertaining as the scenery!
Bird Paradise at Mandai Reserve
On our last full day in Singapore, J was keen to visit Bird Paradise, part of the Mandai Reserve. Zoos aren’t usually at the top of my list, but travelling with a friend means sometimes saying “yes” to something that matters to them — and in the end, I’m glad I do.
The landscaping throughout the reserve made wandering between aviaries a pleasure, and the penguin aquarium offered both entertainment and respite from the sun. It seemed a pity to me that some of the birds were difficult to see — shy, perhaps — tucked away behind wire fences or hidden in foliage. But of course, I reminded myself that the welfare of the birds takes precedence over visitors’ experiences.
A special treat was seeing the American Flamingos and Scarlet Ibis in their huge walk-in aviary, captivating us with their fiery orange colours as they flew around us.
We had fun sharing this day, even if it wasn’t my usual scene. I could see why J had wanted to come — it was vivid, colourful, and immersive in a way that all well-designed animal enclosures should be.
A Journey’s End at Jewel
Before we knew it, our week in Singapore was drawing to a close, and we found ourselves back at Changi Airport, which, true to form, offered more delights. Part rainforest, part shopping and dining wonderland, Jewel at Changi turns a simple airport stop into an experience in its own right. Only in Singapore would an airport include a rainforest and the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, cascading through a ring of glass and steel. It was the kind of sight that makes you momentarily forget that you’re even at an airport. Walking through the lush greenery felt more like a final excursion than a departure lounge.
Dinner in the mall overlooking the waterfall was just what we needed as we reflected on the week. In those final moments, we both felt satisfied — not just with the city we’d explored together, the sights we’d seen, or the meals we’d enjoyed — but in the adventure we enjoyed together.
As we finally headed toward our departure gates and hugged goodbye, we shared that wordless acknowledgment that passes between true friends: the trip had been a success. Singapore had revealed itself to us, its combination of energy and tranquility, leaving us with memories that felt both vivid and personal.
And, above all, satisfying.
Reflection: The Gift of Returning to Singapore
Although I’ve transited through Changi Airport many times over the years, en route to other destinations, returning to Singapore after nearly fifty years felt exciting. The city had changed, yet I could still sense the pulse of the place I first knew.
Travelling with J reminded me that shared journeys are about friendship — the mutual understanding and compromises, the shared laughter, and joy in each other’s discoveries. While I will always enjoy solo travel, these are the things that can make travelling with a friend worthwhile.
Singapore offered all this and more — a city that balances the modern with the traditional. Our week unfolded not as a checklist but as a shared experience shaped by daily small adventures and humour, rather than tight schedules.
Reflecting on the two Singapores — the one I first saw in 1978, raw and unpredictable, and the one I returned to in 2025, polished and thriving — I realise the gift of returning is seeing both the city and yourself in different light, and realising how your life experiences shape who you are.
Singapore, with its vibrant streets, beautiful gardens, and stunning skyline, reminded me that some journeys aren’t just about the destination — they’re about who you travel with, and the memories you create along the way.
From Story to Suitcase
Several readers have asked for something practical to help them plan their own version of this story. So, I’ve put together a flexible, six-day Singapore itinerary inspired by this trip, plus a few practical travel favourites.
You’ll find this in Part 3 of my Singapore, Unscripted series.
If You Missed Part 1…
If you missed Part 1 of Singapore, Unscripted: – Revisiting the Lion City, you can read it here.
Related Posts:
- Singapore, Unscripted: Part 1 – Revisiting the Lion City
- Singapore, Unscripted: Part 3 – A Relaxed Guide to Six Days in Singapore
- How to Plan a Solo Trip – Without Killing the Joy of Discovery
- Not Too Late, Not Too Old: Saying Yes to Solo Travel
Leave a Reply