HPL Canopy Link connects two sections of the gardens, improving accessibility for all visitors
The Singapore Botanic Gardens has unveiled a new 200m-long pedestrian bridge, improving connectivity and accessibility across Tyersall Avenue, which previously divided the Gallop Extension from the rest of the gardens. The HPL Canopy Link, officially opened on November 17, enhances visitors’ experience by providing seamless access between the Learning Forest and Gallop Extension, two important sections of the gardens.
With a 2.4m-wide barrier-free pathway, the new bridge is designed to accommodate families with young children and those using wheelchairs, making the gardens more accessible to a diverse range of visitors. This development completes the Tyersall-Gallop Core of the gardens, aligning with the National Parks Board (NParks)’s vision to connect people with nature while promoting greater appreciation for Singapore’s natural heritage.
The HPL Canopy Link also serves as an environmental buffer to protect the UNESCO World Heritage Site from surrounding urban development. Opened in 2015 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Botanic Gardens has now further expanded its offerings to include an 18-hectare Tyersall-Gallop Core, increasing its total area to 82 hectares, the largest in its 163-year history.
The bridge begins at the Learning Forest’s bambusetum, rising to an elevation of 7m and providing stunning views of the tropical bamboo collection. From there, visitors will move into the recreated lowland deciduous forest habitat before crossing over Tyersall Avenue to reach the Mingxin Foundation Rambler’s Ridge, the highest point in the gardens, where ridgetop forest habitats are located.
The Tyersall-Gallop Core, which combines the Learning Forest and Gallop Extension, is designed to preserve and enhance native flora and fauna. The Learning Forest, which opened in 2017, focuses on restoring wetland and rainforest habitats that once bordered the gardens, offering visitors the chance to explore these environments through elevated walkways and boardwalks. The Gallop Extension features a nature-themed playground, an arboretum, and conserved houses, further enriching the visitor experience.
