In a concrete jungle like Singapore, working from offices can get pretty stressful. Lucky for us, there are plenty of hidden gardens close to the CBD you can escape to for a breather. One such example is Marina One Green Heart, that looks straight out of a sci-fi movie.
If you’ve seen the sci-fi series Westworld, you’d probably recognise the ultra-futuristic residential tower in one of the episodes. But you’d be happy to know that Marina One Green Heart is actually open to the public.
Plus, it’s accessible 24/7, which makes it a perfect spot to unwind once everything else closes in the city. However, as Marina One is also a residence, do be considerate of noise levels if you decide to go at night. Additionally, do note that only Green Heart and accompanying retail outlets are available for public use. Marina One’s Residences and Offices are off limits.
Enter the Green Heart and you will be greeted by more than 350 species of flora and 700 trees. They are all stacked vertically in layers, mirroring Asian rice terraces, which was its source of inspiration. Fun fact: The garden’s ecosystem attracts a variety of smaller animals you often find in Singapore, and you’ll be able to hear birds chirping and butterflies fluttering as you wander around.
Image credit: @marina.one.official via Instagram
A feature you often see in pictures of Marina One is a wooden walkway that snakes around the garden. It’s about 2 km-long, so you can leisurely walk through while appreciating the architecture.
The highlight of Marina One Green Heart, though, is the huge 3-storey waterfall, which serves a bigger purpose than just being aesthetically pleasing. It’s been designed to help cool the place down considering Singapore’s tropical climate. The building also uses a rainwater harvesting system for its lush vegetation, which produces air that’s enough for more than 500 people.
If you want to dabao some food and have a relaxing meal while enjoying the scenery, there are benches around where you can sit.
Besides being an office and residential building, Marina One is also home to many F&B establishments, a Virgin Active gym, and even Cold Storage. This makes it a great place to grab a bite if you’re working in the area, or if you’re just exploring the area.
Image credit: Eatbook
Whether you’re looking to drown your sorrows, take your partner out on a date after work, or just have dinner, check out The Spot. It’s an all-day dining cafe, restaurant, bar and even cigar lounge.
You can start off with the highly recommended Cheese Bread ($10) before trying out their signature Pan-Fried Golden Snapper ($29). For dessert, order the Warm Valholla Chocolate Tart ($18), paired with an Imperial Oolong tea ($6.50).
Image credit: Eatbook
Nuodle is the only Halal-certified F&B in Marina One, specialising in authentic Beef La Mian ($11.70). While prices are already affordable, you can also enjoy more discounts if you sign up for their NUODLE Membership. Their fast service in handing out these dishes ensures that you’ll be able to get back to the office in time.
Image credit: Addictudesg Facebook
Perhaps you’re not looking for a full-blown meal and just want something light. Head over to Addictude and grab their Latte ($8) or pick from their fan favourite Signature Grilled Cheese Toasties (from $10).
Getting to Marina One Green Heart is easy. If you’re taking the MRT, you can alight at the Marina Bay station (Circle and North-South Line), Downtown station (Downtown Line) or Shenton Way station (Thomson-East Coast Line). The latter is just across the street from exit C. The garden is located right in the centre of the building, so you can enter from any side.
If you’re driving, you may park at the Marina One West Tower carpark. There is also free parking at OUE Downtown’s parking lot (10 minutes walk away) from 6pm on weekdays (minimum spend of $10 at OUE Downtown Gallery Mall) and all weekend (minimum spend of $10).
Marina One Green Heart may not be as wild as Clementi Forest or the Avatar Trees, but it’s still a peaceful pocket of greenery hidden amongst our skyscrapers. And with it being so accessible, you can simply pop by at any time. So the next time you feel like you need a change of scenery, stretch your legs and explore this futuristic hidden “forest”.
Address: 5 Straits View, #01-28 The Heart, Marina One Show Gallery, Singapore 018935
Opening hours: 24 hours, Daily
Contact: Marina One Website
For other cool things to do in the CBD, check out:
Cover image adapted from: Stacked Homes and Marina One official
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