Fort Canning Park may not be a secluded nature spot, but there are lots of hidden gems within the park that history buffs and nature lovers would appreciate. Once known as the “Forbidden Hill”, the 18-hectare hill is home to ancient artefacts and attractions. 

Among the historical gems here are: Raffles Terrace, the former residence of Singapore’s founder Sir Stamford Raffles; Maritime Corner, the lighthouse that once guided ships into Singapore’s harbour; and a Mural Wall that depicts important historic events in Singapore. 

Round off your Fort Canning Park excursion with a meal at Le Jardin, a garden-themed restaurant offering diners a green sanctuary away from the city. Its Victorian-era interior stuns with fresh blooms and foliage that hang from the ceiling, evoking the feeling that you are still in the park. The restaurant serves French and European cuisine, and must-tries dishes here are the Ora King Salmon and Grilled Kurobuta Pork Loin. 

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Get directions to Fort Canning Park from PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering

Get directions to Le Jardin from Fort Canning Park

The Ann Siang area is known for its hipster cafes, sought-after restaurants and heritage shophouses. Venture a little deeper, however, and you will arrive at a quiet and lush enclave right at the top of Ann Siang Hill. 

Discerning nature lovers will notice the variety of tree species in this pretty park—from tamarind, nutmeg, cinnamon to breadfruit trees—all of which are helpful in the kitchen!

Leave the tropical foliage of Ann Siang Hill to enter an Autumn-themed paradise at nearby Cafe Kreams at Maxwell. Amber-hued maple leaves blanket the ceiling of this fall-inspired Korean cafe. Sip on the cafe’s signature drink, the Dalgona Coffee, while you snap some Instagram-worthy “Korean holiday” photos.

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Get directions to Ann Siang Hill Park from PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering

Get directions to Cafe Kreams from Ann Siang Hill Park

Hidden at the edge of bustling Chinatown is this sprawling treasure trove of nature. Pearl’s Hill City Park is a lush oasis of peace and tranquility that wraps around a reservoir on top of a hill. Towering Tembusu trees provide welcoming shade, with the park’s pond offering a calming sight.

Peckish after your park visit? Why not pop into Lime at PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering hotel? A modern restaurant offering a wide variety of local and international cuisine, Lime has won multiple awards and accolades over the years. Look out for the spread of fruit-inspired desserts like lime basil mousse cake with strawberry jelly, or milk chocolate passion fruit bar.

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Get directions to Pearl’s Hill City Park from PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering

Mere minutes away from Pearl’s Hill City Park is the Duxton Plain Park, a linear park that runs from Yan Kit Road to New Bridge Road. Take a stroll along this paved pedestrian corridor, flanked by greenery and the backs of shophouses on both sides. 

Interesting sights along the way include a tomb—believed to belong to Sharifah Rogayah, the granddaughter of 19th-century saint Habib Noh—a majestic Indian rubber heritage Tree, and a sundial. 

Cap off your walk with a meal at the Lucha Loco, a vibrant Mexican bar in a garden setting serving contemporary Mexican food and thirst-quenching tequilas.

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Get directions to Duxton Plain Park from PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering

Get directions to Lucha Loco from Duxton Plain Park

Take a peek into the early lives of settlers in the neighbourhood at Telok Ayer Green—a slice of urban greenery bounded by Telok Ayer Street and Boon Tat Street. Standing out among the greenery are statues depicting the everyday lives of the early Malay fishermen who lived in the area. 

Continue your journey with a meal at Merci Marcel at Club Street, which boasts expansive light-filled indoor and outdoor dining spaces. The plant-filled interior gives off a garden vibe, while the alfresco dining area evokes a Parisian feel. And when in “Paris”, enjoy the Marcel cheese charcuterie, pairing it with a glass of French wine.  

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Get directions to Telok Ayer Green from PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering

Get directions to Merci Marcel from Telok Ayer Green

Tucked away in the corner of the city, at the fringes of Bugis and Little India, is Mount Emily Park, a hilly green space surrounded by towering trees. The vast grassy areas make perfect picnic spots, where you can relax and unwind amidst the mature trees that pepper the park; among them is a Yellow Flame heritage tree estimated to be over 70 years old. 

Follow your Mount Emily Park outing with a drink and generous slice of cake at Twenty Eight Cafe, a roomy cafe in a minimalist setting highlighted with giant leafy plants. The eatery serves up good food and even better coffee. 

Prefer a fine-dining experience surrounded by nature? Consider booking a place at Peppermint in PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay itself. Boasting farm-to-table cuisine that includes both local and international favourites, the restaurant’s menu features sustainably and locally sourced ingredients. If you have time after your meal, you can walk through the hotel’s rooftop urban farm, home to more than 60 varieties of edible herbs, flowers, fruits and vegetables.

Get directions to Mount Emily Park from PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay

Get directions to Mount Emily Park from PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering

Get directions to Twenty Eight Cafe from Mount Emily Park

Need more help to plan your nature-based staycation? Send us an enquiry at PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay, or at PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering, Singapore. We look forward to hosting you.