Living Green in Singapore
Singapore is a place where lush greenery flourishes between towering buildings, and people and nature coexist in harmony. We highlight some of the city-state’s best sustainable draws for your next visit.
Gardens by the Bay
A Boundless Garden Brimming with Energy
Spanning over one million square meters, Gardens by the Bay is a shining example of sustainable urban design featuring themed gardens, observation decks and the two energy-efficient conservatories — Cloud Forest and Flower Dome. The Supertrees are vertical gardens that showcase a variety of plants, complete with environmentally sustainable features such as photovoltaic cells on their canopies, which harvest solar energy for helping to light up the trees at night. The most popular spot is Cloud Forest, home to rare tropical highland plants. Its popularity is driven by “Avatar: The Experience,” inspired by James Cameron’s film Avatar. With sculptures reminiscent of the movie’s setting, lush greenery, waterfalls and immersive lighting, the urban park offers a truly unique experience.
- @gardensbythebay
FURA
Zero Food Waste Meets Creativity
Zero Food Waste Meets Creativity FURA is a sustainability-focused bar in Singapore led by Christina Rasmussen, former head forager at Noma, and Sasha Wijidessa, former head bartender at Operation Dagger. The bar’s menu, titled “Journal of Future Food,” features innovative cocktails and dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. FURA also explores alternative ingredients like insect proteins and cell-cultured milk to reduce its environmental impact. Recognized for its commitment to sustainability, FURA won the 2024 Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award, bestowed by Asia’s 50 Best Bars.
- @fura.sg
GINLEE Studio
Reviving Scrap Fabric Into New Creations
The Singapore-based design house GINLEE Studio is known for its
innovative approach to slow fashion and sustainability. GINLEE Studio’s circular initiative MAKE is the polar opposite of fast fashion. Rather than mass-manufacturing its products, it creates them in-store, on demand. A key part of this is MAKE O, an initiative that involves reducing waste by transforming unused fabrics into uniquely redesigned products, using offcuts, repair and upcycling techniques. A unique experience for tourists is the chance to make their own bags at GINLEE Studio. Customers who join the MAKE Pleat Bag Experience learn the basics of pleating and get to choose the color of their bag.
- @ginleestudio
New Bahru
What If We Could Upcycle Buildings?
New Bahru is a newly transformed creative lifestyle hub in River Valley. Once home to Nan Chiau High School, this space has become a vibrant community destination where creativity and innovation take center stage. Home to over 40 local brands, New Bahru offers a diverse mix of dining, retail, wellness, enrichment, arts and culture. The complex is also a hub for cultural events, art exhibitions and pop-up markets, which give it a lively and ever-evolving atmosphere. Whether you’re a food lover, fashion enthusiast or art aficionado, New Bahru is sure to satisfy, making it an exciting addition to Singapore’s expanding list of vibrant destinations.
- @newbahru
Restaurant Labyrinth
A Culinary Experience Crafted with Local Ingredients
Led by Chef LG Han, Restaurant Labyrinth’s menu is made up of 90% locally sourced ingredients, with produce procured from renowned local farms. The Michelin-starred establishment’s commitment to using fresh, sustainable ingredients helps support local farmers and reduce its environmental impact. Chef Han uses a creative approach to transform traditional flavors, reimagining Singapore’s culinary heritage through innovative techniques and prioritizing sustainability. Diners here can enjoy a taste of Singapore’s diverse food landscape while knowing they are supporting local communities and minimizing their environmental impact.
- @restaurantlabyrinth
- Written by Jocelyn Tan
- Korean Air operates direct flights between Incheon and Singapore 21 times a week.
