Everyone knows the feeling of navigating the busy crowds of Orchard Road, wishing for just a moment of peace and quiet. And if you’re looking for a rewarding experience like this, there’s a new hidden green oasis waiting to be discovered near Dhoby Ghaut. The under-the-radar uncrowded escape that doesn’t cost a single cent is a massive secret garden. Interestingly, it’s so big it could fit seven entire basketball courts inside it. Wonderfully, the newly expanded Temasek Shophouse Outdoor Community Space quietly opened its gates last month and offers a lush escape that feels miles away from the shopping malls—yet it’s a secret sanctuary hidden among them. Here’s what to expect.
What’s inside the Temasek Shophouse Garden?
Temasek Shophouse’s Outdoor Community Space is located in the heart of Singapore at 28 Orchard Road. It’s a huge 3,000 square metre Living Classroom with an interactive landscape featuring a vibrant kids rock climbing wall, stunning mangrove murals, pet-friendly drinking fountains, and more for urban explorers. In fact, the venue is on track to become Singapore’s first heritage shophouse to achieve BCA Green Mark Platinum Zero Energy certification.
Excitingly, the space beautifully bridges the gap between heritage and modern lifestyle. You can wander past heritage murals depicting the Indian washermen of the old Stamford Canal before checking out the community farm—which is currently thriving with local edibles like laksa leaves and kaffir lime.
Additionally, visitors can discover Bug Hotels cleverly crafted from recycled steel and original shophouse roof tiles, designed to invite local pollinators back into the Dhoby Ghaut neighbourhood. Meanwhile, timber from older trees have been repurposed into furniture to support biodiversity. Plus, there’s an entire outdoor area that’s pet-friendly complete with dedicated drinking fountains, alongside tech-forward elements such as hybrid cooling and solar panels to keep you comfortable on your walk.
Wonderfully, the stunning new garden is completely free to enter and accessible 24/7. Whether you need a peaceful spot to decompress after work with a coffee or a fresh destination to bring children, this aesthetic hidden gem opposite Plaza Singapura is perfect.
