The Gallop Extension at Singapore Botanic Gardens is one of less-explored areas of the gardens. For those who are looking for a quieter retreat, it offers a chance to slow and explore a different side of Singapore Botanic Garden along with picturesque spots that will make you feel like you are no longer in Singapore.
The Singapore Botanic Gardens Gallop Extension opened in March 2021 and, at just 8 hectares, it is approximately the size of 15 football pitches. Nonetheless, it manages to pack in a good variety of features and attractions within its perimetre.
What to See and Do at the Singapore Botanic Gardens Gallop Extension
Mingxin Foundation Rambler’s Ridge
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The Mingxin Foundation Rambler’s Ridge is inspired from unique forest habitats on the tropical hills of Southeast Asia.
Some of these environments, for example the Kerangas heath forests, are known for their harsh conditions, with poor soil and exposure to strong winds. This has led to the plants developing adaptations to these landscapes.
You can walk up along the footpath from the Gallop Extension to view flora such as the Ant Plant. Ant Plants have modified roots, stems and leaves which are hollow, serving as tunnels for ants to live in.
The Mingxin Foundation Rambler’s Ridge is quite a short walk but just take note that there are some uneven rocky paths. It can be reached via the footpath next to the Gallop Extension Visitors’ Centre, or from a naturalistic path close to the OCBC Arboretum, or via a HPL Canopy Link that connect the Gallop Extension to the Learning Forest.
OCBC Arboretum
The OCBC Arboretum, a collection of trees, is home to different species of dipterocarps. These giant hardwood trees with winged seeds form the backbone of tropical forests.
COMO Adventure Grove
COMO Adventure Grove is designed around nature with its play equipment taking inspiration from a Weeping Fig tree. Play elements hang down from the sprawling branches of the tree at sandy playground. There are two long tube slides – on that is 6 metres long and the other 11 metres long.
One striking feature of COMO Adventure Grove is the giant chempadak that kids can climb on.
A scattering of giant saga seeds also provide some whimsical fun at another play area.
COMO Adventure Grove is open from 7 am to 7 pm.
Read more about COMO Adventure Grove.
Forest Discovery Centre
From COMO Adventure Grove, climb up the stairs to reach the two black and white bungalows.
At 5 Gallop Road is the Forest Discovery Centre. This space at Singapore Botanic Gardens’ Gallop Extension is where you can learn about Singapore’s forests, its biodiversity and the importance of conserving these eco-systems.
You can explore the understorey of the house (which is raised on stone stilts) where there is a Lowland Forest Terrarium.
You will also find a nursing room at the Forest Discovery Centre.
The Forest Discovery Centre is open from 9 am to 6 pm; closed every last Monday of the month.
Read more about the Forest Discovery Centre.
Botanical Art Gallery
The Singapore Botanic Gardens has a collection of over 2,000 botanical illustrations and hundreds of sketches, line drawings and photographs. These have been acquired over the last 125 years. A curated selections of these artworks are on display with the Botanical Art Gallery.
The first floor space hosts changing exhibitions of botanical art. The second floor houses a permanent exhibition that showcases the significance of botanical art and the process by which it is created.
The Botanical Art Gallery is open from 9 am to 6 pm, last entry at 5.30 pm. It is closed every last Thursday of the month.
Read more about the Botanical Art Gallery.
Gallop Valley
The Gallop Valley is a tranquil retreat which features of a series of switchback earth paths that lead up and down the side of the valley.
It leads to the Woollerton Gate, a small side gate that connects the Singapore Botanic Gardens Gallop Extension to Woollerton Drive and out to Farrer Road.
Read more about Gallop Valley.
Pangium
At the top of the Gallop Valley is Pangium. This tasting menu-only restaurant helmed by Singaporean chef-owner Malcolm Lee with the COMO Group showcases contemporary Straits cuisine. It is named for the pangium tree that springs from the buah keluak seed.
Find out more about Pangium.
Where is Gallop Extension, Singapore Botanic Gardens
Next time that you visit Singapore Botanic Gardens, don’t forget to pay a visit to Gallop Extension too!
Where: Gallop Gate along Tyersall Avenue.
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