Let’s take an explore and run around the Gardens by the Bay Singapore. It is one of the few nice fully man-made gardens and green spaces in the Singapore marina bay district. The gardens were conceived as part of Singapore’s Urban Redevelopment Authority’s (URA) vision to transform the city into a vibrant and sustainable metropolis.
Today, we are looking to cover 10km run through the Gardens by the Bay (GBB) South and East, then crossing over the Marina barrage into Gardens by the Bay East and towards the Sports Hub via the Tanjong Rhu park connector. Our run starts off from the Gardens by the Bay.
Also, a loop around Gardens by the Bay outer perimeter of Gardens by the bay from the Meadows to Satay by the Bay covers approximately 3.5km, which is good for a sub-5km run in the city area.
Moreover, the Gardens, opened in 2012, the gardens is tad like a garden in the city. It is synonymous with central park in NewYork and Hyde park in London. It is situated on reclaimed land in Marina Bay, a former industrial area transformed into a thriving hub of activity. Also, the gardens were designed by a team of international architects, engineers, and horticulturists, who drew inspiration from Singapore’s rich cultural heritage and the natural world.
Circle around Gardens by the Bay (about 3.5km)
My run starts off from the Meadows carpark which is near the Flora fantasy attraction and home to some public toilets you can use and to wash up at after your run. Also, an alternative is to start from the garden conservatories, namely the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome cooled conservatories. It is home to over 1.5 million plants from around the world, including rare species and stunning floral displays.
Moreover, a loop around Gardens by the Bay east covers a distance of about 5km. From the Meadows sector, I would recommend an anticlockwise loop around the Gardens. The route has nice straight path running alongside the Dragonfly lake, and towards the garden conservatories. Here you can pass by iconic sights like the Marina Bay sands, and the Garden’s interior Heritage Gardens.
Also, it comprises of Four themed gardens celebrating Singapore’s cultural diversity of Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Eurasian communities. Also, the Iconic Supertree Grove peeking out from the distance. These towering man-made structures that harness solar energy and collect rainwater, surrounded by lush gardens and walking trails.
Heading towards the Marina Barrage
Our running route goes east-bound via the conservatories (another toilet stop, albeit one which is more crowded with tourists) towards Satay by the bay and the Marina Barrage area.
From the Marina Barrage, the perimeter of the Gardens by the Bay has a nice quiet route which runs alongside Marina gardens drive. With the southern-most point being Gardens by the bay south and meadows carpark. Also, you might remember the meadows carpark the spot where the south entrance to River Hongbao was held earlier this year too.
Cross the Barrage into Gardens by the Bay East (3km)
Furthermore, the Marina Barrage offers great views of the Marina bay reservoir, Singapore’s 15th fresh water reservoir. On my run, there was a group of canoeists on the river. They are probably served by The Passion wave at Marina Bay Canoe Çenter is located just beside the Benjamin Sheares bridge.
Notably, the route along the marina barrage is similar to the route we took on the last Army half marathon which carries on along Marina East drive. Interestingly there were some wildlife along the run, such as monkeys, jungle fowls and monitor lizards. Though most of them are really shy and do not mind your presence as you give them space when running by on human contact.
Moreover, this linear route at the Gardens By The Bay East runs on a straight after the Marina Barrage. It is good for sprints and speed work. Notably, the route here is clear and devoid of runners and cyclists on the early late afternoon. This is the period from 4-5pm, before the peak crowds typically around the 6pm mark.
Additionally, from here, our running route passes under Sheares bridge and headed into the Kallang basin area. Here you can find views of the Golden Mile Complex as well as the Sports Hub main stadium and indoor stadium across the reservoir.
Notably, the Gardens by the bay east park is currently mostly closed off due to the construction of the upcoming Founder’s Memorial expected to open in 2028. Also, the route running alongside here is a nice and straightforward with separate lanes for runners and bikes.
Here, you get panoramic route along the Marina reservoir with views of the Gardens by the Bay conservatories, Marina bay sands and the Singapore flyer in the distance.
U-turn at Sports Hub Tanjong Rhu
Moreover, to achieve a 10km running distance, you are advised to U-turn at Tanjong Rhụ View road just before the Tanjong Rhų lookout tower and back the same route towards the Marina Barrage again.
Here at this approximately 5km mid-way point, you can catch views of both the Singapore Sports Hub, Indoor stadium and the Kallang Basin before headed back where we came from to wrap up the remaining 5km of our 10km run.
Nice chill straights along Marina Gardens drive (2km)
Running back across the Mariana Barrage, you would had already clocked 8km of 10km of your run, now it’s a homerun back to your start point circling around the perimeter of Gardens by the Bay. Also, from here this finishing route from across the Marina barrage towards Gardens by the Bay South meadows covers the last 2km.
This path back is a nice and quiet route usually free from runner. On this suggested return route back to the meadows, you will hit the path along Marina Gardens drive from the Marina barrage carpark and Satay by the bay hawker center. Here you will pass by the road drop off points and stops by Gardens by the bay MRT station.
It is a brand new MRT station located just beside the satay by the Bay hawker çenter. Also, here, you can find Art and sculpture installations throughout the gardens, adding an extra layer of beauty and meaning.
Moreover, the straights here along Marina Gardens drive are a joy to run. It is devoid mostly of pedestrians and traffic with nice long straights suitable for sprints and speed work.
Homerun back to the meadows (2km)
This route follows parallel along side the road and is illuminated by light posts at night or when dark. Marina Gardens drive will bring you back right to the start point at the meadows. Also, this completes your full 10km run around the gardens south and east parks as well as a sight along Tanjong Rhu and the Sports hub.
All in all, that wraps up our runs here at Gardens by the Bay. I found it a pretty good route for a leisure run, especially if you are looking to go the distance. The route is one which also offers wide paths and breath-taking views and sights urban oasis in the heart of Singapore which you won’t get tried off. It showcases the natural beauty of our concrete jungle in man-made nature. Definitely a nice spot to run when you are in town.
