Jurong Lake Gardens is a huge and inviting park, beckoning visitors to explore its lush and verdant grounds. With its close proximity to the heartlands, it is convenient enough for those living close by to visit regularly, and yet is also enough of a draw to warrant a visit from those living further away.
Jurong Lake Gardens covers an extensive area. It takes its name from Jurong Lake, which was created by the damming of Jurong River.
The park has something for everyone. Play areas for families and kids, quiet trails for nature lovers and even dining spots for those who wish to grab a bite amidst lush surroundings.
At Glance: Top Highlights at Jurong Lake Gardens
Here’s a guide to Jurong Lake Gardens and its various attractions, especially for families, those with kids or anyone who may be interested in visiting this extensive park.
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We start off with a summary of our top highlights at the Gardens.
| Chinese Garden | Pay a visit to Chinese Garden and its iconic landmarks such as the Main Arch, Twin Pagoda and Stone Boat. Explore the Bonsai Garden and seek out Instagrammable spots like the Bamboo Grove. |
| Japanese Garden | Explore the Sunken Garden and take a walk to the Water Lily Garden to admire the aquatic plants. There also various spots with Japanese inspired structure such as the Teahouse and Wind Chime Terrace. |
| Forest Ramble | This huge nature-themed playground is wonderful for families. The kids can enjoy the many different play areas based on animals found in a freshwater swamp. They can swing, jump and balance their way across the many play elements found at this Jurong Lake Gardens playground. After visiting Forest Ramble, head to the adjacent Butterfly Maze to complete the family adventure. |
| Jurong Lake Floating Wetlands | Enjoy the chance to get out on the waters of Jurong Lake at the Floating Wetlands. Found at the northern end of the park, you can enjoy the views over the water and learn more about the animals that live in the waters of the lake. Next to the Jurong Lake Floating Wetlands is one of the most aesthetic Starbucks in Singapore, with views over the lake. |
| The Grasslands | There are few other places like this Singapore where you can transported to a completely different place. With grassy mounds all around, it is a place to simply soak in the beauty of nature. Be sure to stop by the iconic lone tree as well. |
| Neram Streams | One of the less well known spots at Jurong Lake Gardens is Neram Streams. It offers a naturalistic place where you can take a walk along more natural trails while still in the middle of the park. |
Jurong Lake Gardens Map and Overview
Jurong Lake Gardens extends all the way from Boon Lay Way at the northern end, where the MRT line runs, to the Ayer Rajah Expressway in the south. It is flanked by Yuan Ching Road to the west.
It is made up of three broad areas. On the western edge of Jurong Lake, there is an area also known as Lakeside Garden.
The other major areas of Jurong Lake Gardens are the Chinese Garden and Japanese Garden. These occupy the two islands within Jurong Lake.
The Jurong Lake Gardens map can be downloaded here.
Here are all the features found at Jurong Lake Gardens’ three major areas:
- Chinese Garden
- Japanese Garden
- Lakeside Garden.
Chinese Garden at Jurong Lake Garden
The Chinese Garden includes features such as the Main Arch, Twin Pagoda, Cloud Pagoda, Stone Boat and Bonsai Garden.
White Rainbow Bridge and Grand Arch
For those who are entering Chinese Garden from Lakeside Garden, you will pass over the White Rainbow Bridge and Grand Arch. Within the Grand Arch, you can pay a visit to the Jurong Lake Gardens Gallery or dine at the Canopy restaurant.
Stone Boat and Tea Pavilion
Set around the Lotus Pond are two iconic sights – the Stone Boat and Tea Pavilion. These serve as vantage points to admire the greenery of the Lotus Pond.
Bamboo Grove and Bonsai Garden
These are two picturesque places at Chinese Garden. Walk through a corridor of towering bamboo and pay a visit to a Suzhou-style house that houses a collection of bonsai plants.
Cloud Pagoda
This landmark at Jurong Lake Gardens is currently only open for people to climb when there are official tours. Just beside the Cloud Pagoda is the Pagoda Plaza with an information counter and cafe / eatery.
Cascading Creek
Take a walk along the boardwalk that winds its away around a riverine system based on Southeast Asian rivers.
Read in more detail about Chinese Garden Singapore.
Japanese Garden at Jurong Lake Garden
The Japanese Garden has both floral and aquatic gardens, as well as pavilions such as a Water Lily Pavilion and the Guesthouse. There is also a Windchime Terrace. Here’s a look at what you can expect at Japanese Garden.
Water Lily Garden
The terraced water gardens at the Water Lily Garden features the largest collection of water lilies in Singapore.
Floral Garden
Set around the centrepiece of a Japanese-style bridge, various smaller gardens showcase interesting plants and flowers.
Sunken Garden
Inspired by a cave system that has been exposed to the element by its roof collapsing, the Sunken Garden is a unique space within the Japanese Garden.
Windchime Terrace
This small garden, located a stone’s throw away from other spaces like the Guesthouse and Teahouse, offers a quiet respite with the twinkling of bells when the wind blows.
For more details on what to expect at this section of Jurong Lake Gardens, read our story on Japanese Garden.
Lakeside Garden
Here’s a look at the various features found at Lakeside Garden, organised from North to South.
Jurong Lake Floating Wetlands
Jurong Lake Floating Wetlands, developed as part of the Public Utilities Board’s ABC Waters (Active, Beautiful, Clean Waters) programme, provides a spot for visitors to enjoy views of the lake as well as to learn about water-based flora and fauna.
This is Singapore’s largest man-made wetlands and serves as a nice spot to enjoy the views of Jurong Lake.
If you are wondering about how it was made, the wetlands was created by using five layers of foam mats. This created a 22 cm thick buoyant layer.
Coconut mats were added on top of the foam mats. Plants were then inserted into holes in the foam mats and allowed to take root and grow. At the bottom of the mats is a netting which the roots can spread out on.
The Jurong Lake Gardens Floating Wetlands occupies an area of 3,850 metres square.
Made up of a series of floating boardwalks, the Jurong Lake Floating Wetlands is divided up into five “enclosures” which are planted with water-based plants to create a wetland habitat. It can be recognised by the distinctive red pavilions around the platforms.
There are signboards situated around the floating wetlands provide information about both the flora and fauna found in the habitat.
The Jurong Lake Floating Wetlands is easily accessible from Lakeside MRT Station.
Starbucks at Jurong Lake Gardens
Just beside the Jurong Lake Floating Wetlands at Lakeside House is a Starbucks. With floor to ceiling glass panes on one end, it offers those sitting inside nice views of the lake. There is also an outdoor deck.
A family room can also be found at the same building as the Jurong Lake Gardens Starbucks.
The address of Starbucks at Jurong Lake Gardens is 106 Yuan Ching Road, Singapore 619616. It is also within easy walking distance from Lakeside MRT Station.
Skate Park at Jurong Lake Gardens
The largest outdoor skate park in Singapore can be found at the northern section of Lakeside Garden, between the MRT line and Jurong Lake. Choose from multiple skate pods.
Other amenities at the Jurong Lake Gardens Skate Park include a 280 metre long pump track.
Sticking to the outdoor adventure theme, there is a parkour area with low walls and rails for parkour enthusiasts to practise the sport. In addition, there is a bouldering wall too.
Also close by to the skate park is a skate-themed cafe. The Ride Side Skate Cafe is housed within the Rainforest Pavilion. The building is constructed out of mass engineered timbre harvested from sustainably managed forests.
The Ride Side Skate Cafe offers food and beverages, as well as services for the skating community and programmes for those who are interested in skating.
The lawn area also has pink flowering plants close to the water.
You can find out more about the Jurong Lake Gardens skate park.
North Promenade Boardwalk and Viewing Decks
A stretch of boardwalk provides a great spot to step out over the water and take in the sights at the northern end of the park. You will be able to spot both the Floating Wetlands and the Skate Park from here.
Close by, there also two viewing decks that overlook the waters towards Boon Lay Way. It is a peaceful place to find some solitude and enjoy the tranquility of the lake.
North Car Park & the Entrance Pavilion
One of two car parks at Jurong Lake Gardens, the North Car Park is suitable for those heading to the Forest Ramble Jurong Lake Gardens children’s playground, Lakeside Field, Clusia Cove and Passion WaVe.
The entrance to the North Car Park is opposite Toh Ching Road.
An Entrance Pavilion at the North Car Park is often used to house temporary artworks or exhibitions.
The design of the Entrance Pavilion takes inspiration from nature and is designed to resemble the crown of a Malayan Banyan. The pillars of the pavilion resembling the tree’s aerial roots and the “holes” in the ceiling resembling the shape of the Malayan Banyan’s trunk.
While it may be tempting to just walk straight past the Entrance Pavilion, pause for a moment, look up and imagine that you are standing under the restful shade of the Malayan Banyan tree.
The Canyon
As you make your way in to the Gardens from the Entrance Pavilion, you will also come across The Canyon. This is comprised of a walk that runs in between two reddish-orangish walls.
What is significant is that the reddish-orange rocks were salvaged from the excavated materials during the development of Jurong Lake Gardens Lakeside Garden. The red colour of the rocks comes from the high concentration of iron in the rocks.
The salvaged rocks have been repurposed to grow plants such as Bamboo Orchid and Mexican Petunia, giving The Canyon a wonderful burst of colours.
Clusia Cove
Clusia Cove is a water play area where children can wade into the water and have some fun, cooling off from the heat. This water play area at Jurong Lake Gardens is named after clusia plants such as the Balsam Apple.
It is part of an entire water eco-system that includes an eco-pond and cleansing biotope as well. The water circulates around the eco-pond, a cleansing biotope and tidal pool with plants while a substrate helps to keep the water clean.
The tidal pool at Clusia Cove is meant to mimick the rise and fall of the tide. Families and children can wade into the 30 cm deep water and experience the movement of water. Tidal gates provide kids with a way to play with the water.
There is also a pavilion with toilets and changing areas at Clusia Cove.
Find out more about Clusia Cove.
Fusion Spoon and Eco Pond
Located beside Clusia Cove is Fusion Spoon. This eatery offers a range of local options, pizzas and drinks like bubble milk tea.
Fusion Spoon overlooks the Eco Pond, which is part of the self-contained system cleansing the water in the area.
Lakeside Field
This huge field next to the North Car Park is an event space. During the Mid-Autumn Festival, you can often find lanterns on display at Lakeside Field.
PAssion WaVe and Wave Plaza
Want to get onto the lake itself? Rent a boat at Passion WaVe and take to the calm waters of Jurong Lake. Water craft available for rent at Passion WaVe at Jurong Lake Gardens include kayaks and even four seater pedal boats.
Families with young children may be interested to know that there is a diaper changing room within the PAssion WaVe building.
Situated just in front of the PAssion WaVe building is Wave Plaza, another event space. The bridge that links Lakeside Garden to Chinese Garden can also be found next to Wave Plaza.
If you are interested in kayaking as a family, do check out our family-friendly guide to kayak rentals in Singapore.
Forest Ramble – Jurong Lake Gardens Children’s Playground
Based on the theme of animals from a freshwater swamp, the Jurong Lake Gardens children’s playground features many different play areas. The animals that have inspired the various play areas include heron, frogs, butterflies and more.
There is also climbing tower where kids can slither up and down, which has been inspired by a snake at this extensive nature playgarden.
Here are some of our favourite play areas at Forest Ramble:
- Butterfly Play – Fluttering butterflies are the main source of inspiration for the swings at Jurong Lake Gardens. In addition to the regular swings, the Butterfly Play area also features several interesting swings.
- Heron Play – Fly across a zipline and roost at two “nests” at the Heron Play area.
- Frog Play – Kids will have plenty of fun hopping about at the sunken trampolines at the Frog Play zone. They can pretend to be a frog jumping from one “lily pad” to the next.
- Otter Play – Scamper and climb over the logs at Otter Play. It is a chance for kids to put their gross motor skills to use. There is also a simple water play area where kids can pump water into little wooden channels and watch it flow along.
- Snake Play – Climb up the central wooden tower at the Snake Play zone and slide back down to the ground like a slithering snake.
- Squirrel Play – This play area allows kids to bounce about from platform to platform before ending up at a little hideout. It is not just fun, but a test of balance and dexterity and a fun spot to play some games too.
There is a diaper changing room at the Play Pavilion at the southern end of Forest Ramble.
Forest Ramble is open from Tuesday to Sunday and Public Holidays from 8 am to 10 pm. It is closed for maintenance on Monday, unless the Monday happens to be a Public Holiday. It is closed on Tuesday if the preceding Monday is a Public Holiday.
Take note that no pets are allowed on play equipment and no bicycles, scooters and PMDs are allowed inside either.
Find out more about Forest Ramble, the Jurong Lake Gardens playground.
Butterfly Maze and Jurong Lake Gardens Therapeutic Garden
Go on an adventure through the Butterfly Maze and learn about the lifecycle of the winged beauties.
As kids explore the footpaths at the Butterfly Maze, they will come across various informative signboards about the lifecycle of a butterfly. What is especially great is that the plants at the Butterfly Maze have been chosen to attract the flying insects. Therefore, you will find butterflies surrounding you while you explore the maze.
In addition, within the maze, there are different types of terrain, including wooden logs, for kids to climb up and down. You will even come across slides within the maze.
If you like butterflies, did you know that there are a number of butterfly gardens all around Singapore? You can read more about the butterfly gardens in Singapore.
There is also a Children’s Discovery Area that kids will appreciate.
At the Children’s Discovery Area, kids can get curious and explore a Fragrant Zone, a Sound Zone, a Touch Zone and a Plant Zoo. One of the fun experiences here is a small trellis area where it is set to be a height idea for kids to go inside. Adults will have to bend real low to get in.
We also really like the Sound Zone where there are different musical instruments for kids to engage with sounds in a natural setting. We also love how a piano keyboard design was incorporated into the flooring.
Adjacent to the Butterfly Maze is the Jurong Lake Gardens Therapeutic Garden.
This has been fashioned as a sensory garden where one of the prominent features is a sheltered pavilion with exhibits that provide information about the relationship between humans and nature.
Find out more about the Jurong Lake Gardens Therapeutic Garden and Butterfly Maze.
Logs Trail and Butterfly Field
And extension of the nature play found at the children’s playground and Butterfly Maze, the Logs Trail features a cluster of log that kids can climb up and down on.
This nature trail is made from the wood of rain trees and Senegal Mahogany.
For an added touch of nature, there are some logs where fungi have been left to grow, offering a chance for a close up look for visitors.
Beside the Logs Trail is the Butterfly Field.
Freshwater Swamp and Alstonia Island
A short trail runs through a freshwater swamp just south of the Therapeutic Garden. This include some stepping stones that go across a little stream. The flora and fauna at the freshwater swamp forest have adapted to deal with constant flooding.
There is also a look out point to Alstonia Island, a small habitat found in the waters of Jurong Lake. The island is named after the dominant tree special that has been planted on it, the Alstonia spatulata, commonly known as Marsh Pulai.
Just like a freshwater swamp, you will find Alstonia Island constantly flooded.
The freshwater swamp is beside the Japanese Garden Gate that links Lakeside Garden to Japanese Gardens.
Gardenhouse and Allotment Gardens
Gardenhouse is home to the NParks’ offices at Jurong Lake Gardens. There is a little path that connects Gardenhouse to Grasslands which cuts across a stream. It also has exhibition spaces and a diaper changing room for families with young children.
Beside Gardenhouse is the Allotment Gardens which is used by community farmers to grow plants and vegetables.
Grasslands, the Lone Tree and Rasau Walk
A prominent area in the southern part of Jurong Lake Gardens is the Grasslands.
This picturesque spot will a favourite with photographers. Even though many may think that the grass being grown here is lalang, it is not. Instead, the main species of grass is the Chinese Fountain Grass.
Other species of grass that you can find at The Grasslands are Mission Grass, Vetivergrass, Purple Fountain Grass and West Indian Lemon Grass.
Beside the bird hides found amongst the tall grass, there is also a lone tree that stands out at the grasslands.
The lone tree is made from metal salvaged from the old Jurong Lake Gardens park. It was inspired by the industrial origins of Jurong. The metal sculptures now serves as a photo spot and a place for birds to perch.
Read more about the story of the Lone Tree.
If you love photogenic spots like this, we predict that you will also enjoy this story about other iconic trees found in Singapore.
Head down to the water from the Grasslands and you will come to Rasau Walk, a meandering boardwalk that skirts beside the water.
Keep a look out for plants like the Nibong Palm and Sealing Wax Palm at the restored freshwater swamp habitat along the 300-metre boardwalk.
Rasau Walk contains over 50 species of plants found in naturally occurring freshwater swamp forests. In addition to the flora, you may also encounter fauna such as the large variety of shore birds, such as the Grey Heron and White-breasted Waterhen while taking a walk along the boardwalk.
Jurong Lake Gardens Dog Run
Between the Grasslands and Yuan Ching Road is the Jurong Lake Gardens Dog Run.
This spacious dog run is the perfect spot for large breeds to be able to run freely within the dog run! It is one of Singapore’s largest dog runs with over 2,200 square metres of grass field for canines to enjoy.
There are water points provided and there are also grass mounds that provide natural obstacles for dogs to enjoy.
Dog owners will also find washing areas and trash bins at the Jurong Lake Gardens Dog Run.
The Jurong Lake Gardens Dog Run is open every day from 8 am to 10 pm.
South Car Park
The Jurong Lake Gardens South Car Park can be accessed by two entrances, one opposite Tao Ching Road and the other closer to Yung Kuang Road. The South Car Park is suitable for those going to the Grasslands, Dog Run, The Oval and Gardenhouse.
The Oval
The Oval is a large event space located just beside the South Car Park. When it is not being used for events, it is recreational lawn where visitors can enjoy the open space.
ActiveSG Park
This is where you can the only swimming pool in a national garden and it also has a gym and hosts workout classes. Even if you are not intending to get a workout, you can take a walk to the rooftop terrace to admire the view.
There is also a small children’s playground at ActiveSG Park.
Heron Island and Neram Streams
This is another nature area where visitors can take a walk along off-road trails within Jurong Lake Gardens.
These unpaved paths will bring you down to the gentle waters of the Neram Streams, tributaries that flow into the Jurong Lake. This area now features 1.3 km of naturalised waterways and was originally a 300-metre long concrete drain.
Southern Promenade
Right at the far south of Lakeside Garden, not far from the Ayer Rajah Expressway, there are viewing decks at this quiet section of the park.
Very few people come all the way to the Southern Promenade, so if you do visit it, you may well find that you have the views to yourself.
The Southern Promenade has been deliberately conserved as a habitat for wildlife. This make it an ideal place for spotting the flora and fauna found at Jurong Lake Garden’s Lakeside Garden.
While visiting the Southern Promenade, you can look out for native birds like the Coppersmith Barbet and Yellow-vented Bulbul. The mature Malayan Banyan and Rain Trees found at this section of the park often provide ideal places for these birds to roost with the aerial roots of the Banyan and umbrella-shaped crown of the Rain Trees offering shelter for the birds.
If you enjoy birds, we think that you will also enjoy our guide to Bird Paradise in Mandai.
Cycling at Jurong Lake Gardens
For those who wish to rent a bike to explore Jurong Lake Gardens, there are bike app bikes available at Jurong Lake Gardens. One area where you can find them is close to the northern entrance of Forest Ramble, close to the Chinese Garden bridge.
Another place to rent a bike is at GoCycling located at the HDB shop houses near Chinese Garden MRT Station. From there, if you wish to explore Lakeside Garden, you will have to cycle along the MRT line to reach the park.
Take note that not all places at Jurong Lake Gardens are accessible by bike. For example, the nature areas such as the Freshwater Swamp is off limits to bikes.
Eventually, Jurong Lake Gardens will be part of Round Island Route.
Jurong Lake Gardens Dining Options
Most of the restaurants and dining options at Jurong Lake Gardens can be found at the northern end of Jurong Lake Gardens. Closer to Boon Lay Way, across from Lakeside MRT Station is Starbucks.
Within Chinese Garden, there are two eateries. One is the Canopy restaurant at the Main Arch while the second is Eden near the Cloud Pagoda.
At Japanese Garden, there is an ice cream shop just next to the Sunken Garden.
However, if you are at the southern end of the park, there are still places where you can get food just a short distance away from Jurong Lake Gardens.
At the junction of Yuan Ching Road and Yung Ho Road, there is Superbowl Jurong with dining options such as McDonald’s, KFC, Pizza Hut and other restaurants.
Around 500 metres westwards from the South Car Park, cutting through the housing estates, there is the Taman Jurong Food Centre, which as quite a fair bit of food options too.
You may also enjoy reading about one of Singapore’s other national gardens, Gardens by the Bay.
