The city-state of Singapore is a hectic and lively city, but it still has nice spots to escape from all this. Singapore offers a couple of nice gardens where you can wander about and enjoy the tropical nature.

The extensive Botanic Gardens features trees and plants from tropical climes around the world. Walking and jogging trails are throughout the park. Outdoor sculptures dot the gardens. Look for the girl on the swing that appears to hang from an invisible chain in the air. The Gardens are open daily from 5AM to midnight and admission is free; the main entrance is on Bukit Timah Road.

The National Orchid Garden is a part of the Botanic Gardens, but an admission of S$2 is charged. This is where you can spot Singapore's national flower, the Vanda Miss Joaquim orchid, and many more. Open 8:30AM to 7PM. Accessible by bus or car, parking at the visitor's center.

The otherwise lackluster Chinese Garden and Japanese Garden are worth a visit during the Mid-Autumn Lantern Festival (Sep-Oct), when the garden is lit up with tens of thousands of lanterns, including complex installations with moving figures based on themes ranging from Hello Kitty to Chinese folk tales. The gardens are located next to Lakeside MRT.