The SPH Walk of Giants is one of the main sights at Singapore Botanic Gardens’ latest attraction, Learning Forest. Its elevated boardwalks include an interesting feature, Canopy Web, that allows visitors to get up close to a tree.
Here are 7 things you should know about SPH Walk of Giants and its Canopy Web.
1. The Elevated Boardwalk is About 260 metres long
The elevated boardwalk at SPH Walk of Giants is about 260 metres long. That is slightly less than three quarters of the way around a stadium running track.
It takes visitors to a height of eight metres off the ground.
The boardwalk is designed as a loop with one end connected to the rest of the Learning Forest’s boardwalks, and a spiral staircase leading down to the ground level at the other end.
There is also a path under the boardwalk that affords a ground-level view of the giant trees.
2. Tree Species Are Among the Tallest in Southeast Asia
The trees at SPH Walk of Giants are among the tallest found in Southeast Asia. They can grow up to the height of a 20-storey building.
Among the trees found at the SPH Walk of Giants is the Damar Hitam Gajah, identifiable by it cauliflower-like tree crown. This tree species which can grow up to 80 metres in height.
3. Showcase of Palms
Besides the giant trees, other flora that can be seen at SPH Walk of Giants are palms.
Look out for the Sugar Palm. When the flower head of the Sugar Palm is cut open, a sugary liquid flows out. This liquid can be used to make sugar.
Another palm that is easy to spot is the Endau Fan Palm. It has large leaves that can grow up to 75 cm in width and looks like the fans used by satay sellers.
4. Canopy Web Brings You Up into a Tree, Without the Climbing
Want to get a closer look at a tree trunk? The Canopy Web at SPH Walk of Giants allows you to get right up to four! You can touch the trees but don’t try climbing them.
The Canopy Web is designed to hold up to 900 kg, or 12 people, at any time. Step out on to the cargo net and have a tree encounter. Think of the experience as climbing a tree without having to climb a tree.
To use the Canopy Web safely, children under the age of 12 should be accompanied by an adult. Closed-toed shoes should be worn (no bare feet please) and remove any thing that may drop out of your pockets to the ground below. Articles such as necklaces that can get caught in the cargo net should also be removed.
Remember, the Canopy Web is designed to be walk and crawled on. Don’t go crazy and start jumping on it.
5. SPH Walk of Giants Opening Hours
Pay a visit to the SPH Walk of Giants during the daytime.
To help maintain a conducive habitat for wildlife, the SPH Walk of Giants will be closed from 7 pm to 7 am.
6. Getting to the SPH Walk of Giants
SPH Walk of Giants is part of Learning Forest, the latest attraction at Singapore Botanic Gardens. It is located at the southern end of the Learning Forest, near the corner of Tyersall Avenue and Holland Road. Another landmark close to the SPH Walk of Giants is the Singaore Botanic Gardens’ Swan Lake.
There are two ways to get to SPH Walk of Giants.
From the Keppel Discovery Wetlands, follow the signs along the boardwalks, past the Bark of the Trees and Products of the Forest areas and you will arrive at the start of the elevated boardwalk.
Alternatively, from Tanglin Gate and the Botany Centre, head towards Swan Lake. Cross the little bridge at the end of Swan Lake and you will arrive at the staircase leading up to Canopy Web and the SPH Walk of Giants.
7. Walk of Giants Co-Funded by SPH
The construction of the elevated boardwalk was co-funded by SPH through a donation of $1.2 million. It was officially opened as part of the Learning Forest by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on 31 March 2017.
SPH’s donation was made via the Garden in a City Fund. Thank you, SPH!
