HortPark

If you are looking for a place close to nature yet not ulu like the jungle trails, you can consider going to the hort park. Its pretty accessible with a good carpark that can hold about 50-100 cars and other parking facilities nearby. Buses are also available at the main road which is quite a distance to walk. Its a scenic walk and the place is pretty big.

I particularly enjoyed the main entrance building, especially the lounging area that boast a water feature like a shallow never ending pool and lounge chairs for you to order a cuppa of coffee to laze. Walk down to the park, you can see many local exotic plants that could are planted for food. There are themed vegetable patches that are adopted by farm enthusiast and I spotted lots of edible vegetables that I've never been able to recognise unless packed in Styrofoam plates and wrapped in film at the supermarket trays.

Its very educational and the place is very well maintained with lots of sitting and lazing areas as well as a large compound for those who like to grow, hand make or recycle plant based items. The park is big, airy and is mostly made up of exotic fruit trees, vegetables and herbs. There are also some very interesting sculptures places all over the park like scarecrows and huts covered with beans and peas. A couple of playgrounds allowing children to have fun and some nice grassy slopes for picnics.

The toilet is only available at the main building and have very few cubicles yet its kept pretty clean. Beware, do not just pluck and fruits or vegetables you see, you have to seek permission from the staffs at the main buildings and they will be happy to bring a snipper to give you some fruits. Plucking or trampling on these plants might kill it and spoil the fun for others who visit the park.

Location: 3.5/5 Handicap friendly: 4/5 Cleanliness: 4/5 Fun Factor: 3.5/5 Educational Factor: 4.5/5

Will I visit again: YES

Will I bring my friends: YES

This place showcases various landscape and beautiful garden designs. You will be captivated by the attractive and ingenious garden themes they have created so meticulously. It’s also remarkably clean! This place is beyond doubt a garden hub that combines learning, recreational, leisure and many more for children and adults alike.

At the HortCentre, you will find Kha - a restaurant that serves Thai cuisine for you to savor. Beside the restaurant is a reflective pool that oversees the lush greenery, except for some buildings in the background that is a bit of an eyesore.

While strolling around the park, we chanced upon this dancing plant (Desmodium Gyrans). Dancing plant? We looked at each other with skepticism. Nevertheless, we immediately put it to the test. Small needle-like young leaves actually dance (move) to the song we played through our mobile phone. This is amazing!

You will probably have become more confident in planning your own garden after picking up the abundant of tips here. And, for those who can’t wait to start your own garden, a nursery which sells plants and garden related products is just around the corner.

In doing so, you may have inadvertently done your part in saving Gaia (earth) from global warming. Now, give yourself a pat on the back.

Getting There Bus: 51, 61, 93, 97, 100, 166 and 963