Tucked away at the edge of Nanyang Technological University, Jurong Eco-Garden is a hidden park. The tranquil green space is also home to playgrounds where kids can have some fun climbing and different areas for exploring including a forest area that exudes magical Ghibli vibes.
Part of the CleanTech Park, Jurong Eco-Garden serves as an outdoor spot for those who are working in the surrounding buildings. It is also a favourite spot for bird watchers and those simply looking for a quiet spot to getaway.
To reach the park, if you drive, you can park your car at a car park at the end of Lorong Twas. Alternatively, there is parking at the Surbana Jurong Campus car park, adjacent to Jurong Eco-Garden.
And once you reach Jurong Eco-Garden, you will largely have it to yourself (except perhaps when there are wildlife photographers in the area).
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Jurong Eco-Garden: CleanTech Park’s Park
The “garden in an industrial park” opened back in Jun 2014. It occupies an area which was once a secondary forest.
Multiple areas make up Jurong Eco-Garden and it is great to pair a visit to the park with a visit to its “neighbour” Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle.
Jurong Eco-Garden Playground: Climbing Nets, Swings & Sand Pit
Families will gravitate towards the new Jurong Eco-Garden playground that can be found at the park’s Central Plaza.
The Jurong Eco-Garden playground is divided into two play areas.
Older kids will be awed by the chance to challenge themselves on the towering rope pyramid set in the middle of a sand pit.
Scaling up the ropes, they can head upwards towards the goal of the platform on top.
On the way to the top, they can get a good view of the park.
This platform is linked by a rope bridge to a second elevated platform where an enclosed tube slide awaits.
Younger kids are not forgotten either. They have a playground area that is set under the shade of mature trees just beside the amenities at Central Plaza.
This wooden play structure is where they can practise their climbing and balancing skills while enjoying some fun.
You will also be able to find play equipment like a see-saw at this playground area. Seating at the fringe of the sand pit provides a spot for parents and care-givers to watch over the kids.
Thoughtfully, there is a water point for kids to rinse off after playing in the sand too.
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Other Play Equipment at Jurong Eco-Garden
Additionally, you will find other play opportunities at the Jurong Eco-Garden playground.
There is a set of four swings at the sand pit, just beside the tall rope pyramid. These swings are set facing each other, encouraging communal interaction while swinging back and forth.
There is also a sheltered merry-go-round. Up to four persons, whether kids or adults, can pile into this cute contraption and spin themselves about using the wheel in the centre.
There are also musical drums for those who want to play a beat.
We loved how these various pieces of play equipment at the Jurong Eco-Garden are designed for communal use. It encourages parents to join in the fun together with the kids.
The playground at Jurong Eco-Garden is the work of playground provider CT-Art Creation.
Nature at the Jurong Eco-Garden: Butterfly Garden & More
Beyond play, there are more opportunities for kids and parents to explore around different areas of Jurong Eco-Garden.
A short walk away from the Central Plaza is the Butterfly Garden where fluttering insects can be spotted flying around the plants and flowers.
Or view the sculpture called Another Way to Perceive the Rain of the Forest. This work by sculptors Yeo Chee Kiong, Tay Swee Siong, Lim Soo Ngee, Chua Book Kee and Baet Yeok Kuan and curated by Tay Swee Lin reflects on the cycle of life by putting the ideas of rain droplets and stone together in one work.
An interesting fact is that the stones are made out of boulders quarried from the Jurong Rock Caverns.
This is not the only sculpture in the park. Another one is The Singapore Spirit, a piece inspired by the old school game or goli or marbles. This was a community project in collaboration with JTC Corporation, Thow Kwang Clay Artists and the public. It represents the energy, determination and can-do Singapore spirit.
You will also find a Composting Station, made up of four barrels, close to the Butterfly Garden.
Freshwater Swamp
Another feature of Jurong Eco-Garden is its freshwater swamp.
You can take a walk around the water body and at its far end, you will find the Swamp Pavilion where you can cross from one side of the swamp to the other.
Summit Forest: A Forest With Ghibli Vibes
Looking for more to explore? Then make your way to the Summit Forest at Jurong Eco-Garden.
This spot is located a short distance away from Central Plaza and main part of Jurong Eco-Garden. You will need to go around Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle and cross the Cleantec Loop road and take the walkway that leads up towards CleanTec One.
A gravel side path leads into the forest.
The first spot that you will come to is a lookout point.
Venture further and you will arrive a spot at the top of the hill where the Summit Forest hides a little spot known as the Sculpted Maze. Clay mounds have been sculpted and stand mysteriously amongst the trees, making the place look quite magical and Ghibli-ish.
The artwork was created in the Thow Kwang Dragon Kiln by ceramist Steven Low Thia Kwang.
Visiting Jurong Eco-Garden
Jurong Eco-Garden is a relatively unknown and less visited park.
If you do visit, we suggest pairing your visit with a stop at the Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle and its a dragon kiln. If you do have young kids with you, you may wish to keep a close eye on them because of all the fragile items inside the Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle.
The Surbana Jurong Campus also has a modern-looking dragon playground too.
It is also useful to know that the Surbana Jurong Campus has a food court and a KNS restaurant, as well as a 7-Eleven. However, these only open on weekdays and not on the weekends.
If you wish to explore another park at NTU, you could head over to Yunnan Garden.
