Singapore Botanic Gardens’ Gallop Extension is quieter part of the Gardens and home to various attractions. A part of the Tyersall-Gallop Core, the Gallop Extension is where you can find a new trail, the Mingxin Foundation Rambler’s Ridge, that leads up to the highest point at the Gardens and the OCBC Arboretum.
Other attractions at the Gallop Extension include a nature-inspired playgarden and galleries housed within black-and-white bungalows. The Gallop Extension added another eight hectares to the Gardens.
Here’s a look at the two features at the Gallop Extension: the Mingxin Foundation Rambler’s Ridge and the OCBC Arboretum.
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Mingxin Foundation Rambler’s Ridge
The Mingxin Foundation Rambler’s Ridge is a short walking trail at the Gallop Extension. Its design is inspired by the forest habitats of South East Asia’s tropical hills.
Rising up along a natural ridge, the Mingxin Foundation Rambler’s Ridge features interesting plants which have adapted to harsh hill environments with poor soil and strong winds.
Ant Plants have modified roots, stems and leaves which are hollow, serving as tunnels for ants to live in.
Keep an eye out for carnivorous Pitcher Plants which use their modified leaves to lure prey for food.
The top of the ridge is about 40 metres above sea level and the highest point in Singapore Botanic Gardens.
A HPL Canopy Link bridge close to the Mingxin Rambler’s Ridge connects the Gallop Extension to the Learning Forest.
OCBC Arboretum
Also at the Gallop Extension is the OCBC Arboretum.
The Arboretum, a collection of trees, will house more than 2,000 specimens of over 200 species of dipterocarps.
These giant hardwood trees with winged seeds form the backbone of tropical forests.
When it opened back in 2019, it was the first-of-its-kind, high-tech arboretum in Southeast Asia using Internet of Things (IoT) sensors to remotely monitor the trees, their growth and the environmental conditions.
Data gathered from the sensors will be enable arborists and ecologists to understand the conditions required for healthy growth of dipterocarp trees.
This high-tech approach to tree research bolsters Singapore Botanic Gardens’ standing as a research, conservation and botanical institution. It also enhances the ability to restore tropical forests in Singapore and the region.
What Else is at the Singapore Botanic Gardens Gallop Extension
Families can head to the COMO Adventure Grove Playgarden within the Gallop Extension. This nature-inspired playground has play structures inspired by a weeping fig tree. It provides children way to play in a nature inspired spot.
There are also two black-and-white conservation bungalows along Gallop Road that are part of the Gallop Extension.
5 Gallop Road, also known as Atbara House, is home to the Forest Discovery Centre. The Centre will have interpretive and interactive displays about the forest ecosystem and conservation efforts.
7 Gallop Road (Inverturret) is a Botanical Art Gallery showcasing the Garden’s extensive art collection.
Artworks in the collection include watercolours, ink drawings and wood block carvings. The displays also highlight the role which art has played in the scientific documentation of Singapore’s flora and fauna.
The Tyersall-Gallop Core – A Different Side to Singapore Botanic Gardens
The Gallop Extension to Singapore Botanic Gardens complements the existing Learning Forest by offering additional ways to explore and appreciate the ecology of tropical forests.
It provides multiple ways to appreciate tropical habitats and the need for forest conservation.
The Gallop Extension is accessible via an entrance located along Tyersall Avenue. This leads to a visitor centre and small carpark.
