Visitors can look forward to exploring Singapore’s largest water lily collection, taking serene strolls along the scenic boardwalks, and enjoying the beautiful views once again.
Here’s some thrilling news for nature lovers and garden enthusiasts: the Japanese Garden at Jurong Lake is making its highly anticipated reopening this September. After being closed for redevelopment since May 2019, this reopening marks a major milestone in the ongoing redevelopment of Jurong Lake Gardens, a key part of the Jurong Lake District.
Upon crossing the iconic Japanese Garden Bridge, you will be greeted by a vast expanse of water adorned with a vibrant array of water lilies in shades of yellow, blue, white, pink, and purple—the largest collection in Singapore. This aquatic garden not only boasts a stunning display but also features over 150 varieties of day and night-blooming water lilies sourced from the US, Great Britain, France, and Thailand.
Here’s Everything You Need to Know About the Reopening of the Japanese Garden at Jurong Lake Gardens
Jurong Lake Gardens has been redeveloped to make the most of its beautiful lakeside setting, promote sustainability, and offer a healthy living environment. The goal is to provide more recreational spaces amidst lush greenery, restore wetlands and habitats for biodiversity, and provide vibrant community programs. The Lakeside Garden and the northern section opened to the public in 2019 and 2023, respectively.
This year, the Japanese and Chinese gardens are slated to open in September, marking the completion of the Jurong Lake Gardens. Spanning about 13 hectares, this area will feature “water-sensitive designs” that integrate water cycle management and showcase tropical flora alongside a series of waterscapes interwoven with greenery.
When you arrive from Jurong East MRT, the Water Lily Pavilion will welcome you as the gateway to the Water Lily Garden. This pavilion offers a clear view of the largest water lily collection, including the largest and smallest members of the water lily family. Some varieties will be on public display in Singapore for the first time, including the giant water lily with leaves that can grow up to 3 meters wide—strong enough to support a small child!
If you love walking, the Japanese Garden is perfect for you. Boardwalks extend across terraced ponds, allowing for scenic walks along cascading waters. You can take your time to admire the beautiful water lilies—literally “smell the flowers”—and soak in the serene atmosphere.
But the garden isn’t just about its ornamental flair. It’s also focused on sustainability. In 2021, US chipmaker Micron Technology donated S$1 million to implement a smart water management system that helps clean and restore the water in both the Water Lily Garden and the Japanese Garden.
Apart from that, you can also look forward to the new Sunken Garden, with its immersive, gorge-like landscape surrounded by green walls lined with orchids, ferns, and mosses. At the center, a cenote-inspired water feature will harvest rainwater for recycling.
Truly, the new Japanese Garden at Jurong Lake Gardens is the perfect place to relax and reconnect with nature. It offers a refreshing break after a long week, providing a serene environment to unwind and enjoy the beauty of the natural world. Don’t miss out on this revitalized gem in Singapore’s garden city!
Cover Image: Desmond Lee
