About Jurong Lake Gardens
Jurong Lake Gardens is a 90-hectare garden complex located in the western region of Singapore, centered around a 70-hectare freshwater lake and reservoir. It serves as a major recreational and cultural space designed to bring quality amenities and green spaces to the Jurong heartland.
The gardens are designed around the concept of "Biophilia"—the innate human connection with nature—making it an accessible green space for families, nature enthusiasts, photographers, and community gatherings in one of Singapore's most industrialized regions.
Three Distinct Gardens
The gardens are divided into three main areas, each with unique characteristics.
Chinese Garden
Features iconic traditional structures including the seven-tiered Cloud Pagoda (symbolizing harmonious connection between heaven and earth), Twin Pagoda (a replica of China's Spring-Autumn Tower), a Stone Boat pavilion, and a Suzhou-style Bonsai Garden. The Bamboo Grove provides a picturesque corridor of towering bamboo, and the gardens include numerous architectural bridges and pavilions set around a Lotus Pond.
Japanese Garden
Showcases over 150 water lilies (Singapore's largest water lily collection), Japanese-inspired waterscapes, aquatic gardens, a traditional tea house, and a Wind Chime Terrace. The garden integrates Japanese landscape design principles with tropical flora.
Lakeside Garden
The newest section, emphasizing nature, community, and play. It features restored freshwater swamp forest and wetlands on an elevated 300-meter boardwalk where visitors can spot wildlife like Grey Herons and White-breasted Waterhens.
Key Attractions and Activities
The gardens cater to diverse visitor interests, offering play areas, nature trails, and active zones.
Nature & Play
- Forest Ramble: The largest nature-themed playground in Singapore's heartlands, with 13 adventure stations where children imitate animal movements (heron, frog, otter, snake, squirrel play areas).
- Clusia Cove: A free water playground with tidal-pattern water features and natural water recycling systems, ideal for cooling off.
- Butterfly Maze & Therapeutic Garden: Features wheelchair-accessible paths with sensory zones and a maze to explore.
- Logs Trail: A trail featuring fungi-covered wood from rain trees.
- Grasslands: A popular area for photography and bird spotting.
Active & Lifestyle
- ActiveSG Park: Located at the southern end, including a swimming pool, 24-hour gym, and rooftop garden.
- Sports: Singapore's largest skate park and a bouldering wall are available in the complex.
- Dining: Starbucks Lakeside offers scenic dining views.
Visitor Information
Admission is completely free, and the gardens are generally open from early morning to late evening.
Opening Hours:
Chinese Garden: 5:30 am to 12 am
Forest Ramble & Clusia Cove: 8 am to 10 pm (Tuesday to Sunday)
Given the expansive Chinese and Japanese Gardens, comfortable walking shoes and an umbrella are recommended.