Nature walks and tours at HortPark

Follow our bee trail signposts for tips on the best areas to spot wild bees foraging amongst the flowers, or nesting in the hotels. Learn about the roles that bees play in different habitats, and develop a deeper appreciation for our busy, buzzing friends!

Quick facts

Difficulty level: Easy

Distance: 0.5km

Estimated walking time: 40 minutes

Highlights:

• Spot various bee species throughout the trail such as the Broad-headed Leaf-cutter Bee, Broad-footed Carpenter Bee and Asian Honey Bee foraging amongst the flowers, or nesting in the bee hotels.
• Get to know the flowers that attract bees, such as the Red Leea, Singapore Rhododendron and Mexican Coral Vine.
• Stop by the bee hotel to learn more about the fascinating behaviour of bees.
• Learn about the roles that bees play in different habitats.

Step into the butterfly garden and watch colourful, winged beauties fluttering in their natural habitats.

Quick facts

Difficulty level: Easy

Distance: 0.5km

Estimated walking time: 30 minutes

Highlights:

• Spot commonly seen butterflies such as the Tawny Coster, Common Grass Yellow, Blue Glassy Tiger and Painted Jezebel.
• Observe butterfly behaviours and their different habits such as feeding, basking, puddling, laying eggs, courting and mating in their natural environment.
  • Puddling refers to butterflies feeding on salts and minerals from the soil, which they need for reproduction. This behaviour is mostly seen in male butterflies.
• View the selection of host and nectar plants to sustain the butterfly population in the garden.
  • A host plant is one that butterflies lay eggs on as their caterpillars feed on its leaves.
  • A nectar plant produces the nectar for the adult butterflies to feed on.

Go on a learning adventure on this walking trail which showcases 15 species of trees associated with local streets and even housing estates.

Quick facts

Difficulty level: Easy

Distance: 1 km

Estimated walking time: 30 minutes

Highlights:

• Spot and learn about native trees along the trail such as the Keranji, Tampines Tree, Katong Laut and the Sembawang.

Admire Singapore's green and hilly landscapes by hiking through the Southern Ridges - a stretch of green, open space that connects Mount Faber Park, Telok Blangah Hill Park,HortPark, Kent Ridge Park and Labrador Nature Reserve.

Walk across architecturally striking bridges and walkways, and take in the panoramic view of verdant greenery before stopping by HortPark.

Quick facts

Difficulty level: Moderate to challenging

Distance: 10km

Estimated walking time: 3 to 5 hours

Take a stroll around HortPark and learn about interesting plants featured in the themed gardens and display plots as well as pick up gardening ideas from our knowledgeable guide.

Quick facts

Group size: Minimum 15 participants and a maximum of 25 participants per group

Difficulty level: Easy

Distance: Varies for each tour

Duration: 1 hour

Cost: $7 per person

Highlights:

• Visit the Thematic Garden Trail, The Edibles Trail, The Butterfly Garden and the Native Garden Walk during the tour.
• Find out in greater detail the more interesting plants in the park and pick up gardening ideas.
  

How to register

You will have to send an email or call 6471 5601 to register your interest at least 1 month in advance.

Note:

• Even if your group size is smaller than the minimum number required, you will still be charged based on the minimum number of participants.
• National Parks Board reserves the right to revise the rates without prior notice.

Gain a greater appreciation of Singapore's rich diversity of bees and butterflies. Spot the array of bee and butterfly species during this guided tour.

Quick facts

Group size: Minimum 15 participants and a maximum of 25 participants per group

Difficulty level: Easy to moderate

Distance: Varies for each tour

Duration: 1 hour

Cost: $7 per person

Highlights:

• Observe many of the 20 bee species that live in the gardens.
• Learn about the remarkable roles native bees play in our environment.
• Visit 3 different bee habitats, featuring elements and flowering plants that provide shelter and food for docile, native bees.
• Observe the different stages of the butterfly life cycle and the various ways these winged jewels have evolved over time to adapt to their environment.
• Observe the different species of butterflies up close.

How to register

You will have to send an email or call 6471 5601 to register your interest at least 1 month in advance.

Note:

• Even if your group size is smaller than the minimum number required, you will still be charged based on the minimum number of participants.
• National Parks Board reserves the right to revise the rates without prior notice.

Explore the 5 zones in the Native Garden and find out the different native plant species and their function in each zone.

Quick facts

Group size: Minimum 15 participants and a maximum of 25 participants per group

Difficulty level: Moderate

Distance: Varies for each tour

Duration: 1 hour

Cost: $7 per person

Highlights:

• Explore the 5 zones in the Native Garden and find out the different native plant species and their function at each zone.
• See more than 100 species of plants used throughout.

How to register

You will have to send an email or call 6471 5601 to register your interest at least 1 month in advance.

Note:

• Even if your group size is smaller than the minimum number required, you will still be charged based on the minimum number of participants.
• National Parks Board reserves the right to revise the rates without prior notice.

Visit the Valley of the Edibles and My Backyard Kitchen to find out about some of the fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices that are grown in HortPark and explore the various uses of these edibles in your dishes.

Quick facts

Group size: Minimum 15 participants and a maximum of 25 participants per group

Difficulty level: Easy

Distance: Varies for each tour

Duration: 1 hour

Cost: $7 per person

Highlights:

• Go on a trail at the different edible gardens - Valley of the Edibles and Backyard Kitchen - to find out about the various species of fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices that you can use in your cooking.

How to register

You will have to send an email or call 6471 5601 to register your interest at least 1 month in advance.

Note:

• Even if your group size is smaller than the minimum number required, you will still be charged based on the minimum number of participants.
• National Parks Board reserves the right to revise the rates without prior notice.

Embark on a nature exploration journey at the Pitter Patter Potter Garden, a ‘Classroom in a Garden’ specially designed for children to connect with nature and discover its wonders.

The tour is suitable for children from 5 to 8 years old.

Quick facts

Group size: Minimum 15 participants and a maximum of 25 participants per group

Difficulty level: Easy

Distance: Varies for each tour

Duration: 1 hour

Cost: $7 per person

Highlights:

How to register

You will have to send an email or call 6471 5601 to register your interest at least 1 month in advance.

Note:

• Even if your group size is smaller than the minimum number required, you will still be charged based on the minimum number of participants.
• National Parks Board reserves the right to revise the rates without prior notice.

Beginning at Mount Faber Park, this guided walk takes you through the Southern Ridges, a soothing sanctuary of greenery that is steeped in history and unique flora and fauna.

The walk is also open to secondary school and tertiary students.

Group size: Minimum 15 participants per group

Distance: 10 km

Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours

Cost: $10 per person

How to register

You will have to send an email to register your interest at least 1 month in advance.

Note:

• Even if your group size is smaller than the minimum number required, you will still be charged based on the minimum number of participants.
• National Parks Board reserves the right to revise the rates without prior notice.