Need a breather? Besides going for a jog at a nearby park or visiting lesser-known locales to escape city life, you can also pack a basket of goodies and head out for a leisurely picnic. Whether it’s with your partner or a friend, these quaint venues will be perfect for a relaxing afternoon out.
Bay East Garden
Credit: Gardens by the Bay
The garden with the best view has got to be Bay East Garden. Here, picnic goers can capture photographs of the waters as well as landmarks like Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay and the Singapore Flyer all in one view.
What’s even better is, Bay East Garden is nowhere near large crowds and traffic, as compared to the other places on this list. So whichever spot you pick on that immense plot of grass, you’re going to be treated to some picturesque views, peace and tranquility.
Fort Canning Park
Fort Canning Park is filled with history and gardens—not to mention Instagrammable spots like the Fort Canning Tree Tunnel. But finding the perfect green spot to have a picnic at isn’t the uphill task you think it is. Instead, head straight for Fort Canning Centre, where the odds will be in your favour. In front of the white architecture, after its brick red stairs lay a generous piece of turf that might just bring your picnic plan to fruition. And remember to check the weather forecast—you won’t want any rain on your proverbial parade.
Hindhede Nature Park
Hindhede Nature Park may not be your first choice for a picnic destination, but it should be. Just head deep into the park to check out a playground as well as an open lawn perfect for a picnic feast. We suggest setting up near the Waringin hut in case you need some furniture and shelter.
Hort Park
On the Visit Singapore website, Hort Park comes with a bold promise: picnic on well-manicured lawns. We don’t know about you, but we’re sold. So set up a picnic at either Hortlawn or event lawn (which is close to Hort Park’s irrigation pond); the best part about these spots? There stands a tree that can act as a shade. If it rains though, you’ll have to run.
Sengkang Riverside Park
There are two things in Sengkang. One, a man who warms the cockles of our hearts. Two, Sengkang Riverside Park. Focusing on the latter, the park has several open lawns, groves and even an environmental early childhood education centre (Skool4Kidz) right smack in the middle of it all. Take a closer look, ‘cause that circular turf next to it is the perfect spot for a picnic. Spacious and shady—it doesn’t get any better than this.
Singapore Botanic Gardens
Here’s a popular picnic spot that needs no introduction. With more than 150 years of history spanning 82 hectares of land, roads and bountiful flora, Singapore Botanic Gardens also has an empty, flat and comfortable green arena near every architecture. More prominently, they’ve got the Palm Valley, which is simply sprawling with trees and spaces you can settle into.
But do note that there aren’t shelters at Palm Valley. So check the weather forecast and hope for bright skies before you head over.
West Coast Park
Credit: NParks
West Coast Park may not be as popular as its East side counterpart, but that’s only a plus in our books. Around its amphitheatre, find a large plot of green where many families flock to fly kites. Those who like can, in fact, bring their baskets of food and set up their mats there for a picnic. Should you need more options, there’s even a McDonald’s nearby.
