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From grand greenhouses to ancient gardens, catch your breath at these beautiful green spaces found throughout Asia

Hong Kong Park, Hong Kong

Sitting pretty between Central and Admiralty, Hong Kong Park is a green oasis nestled between some of Hong Kong's most iconic skyscrapers. As well as shady paths and beds of colourful flowers, there's also a man-made lake and waterfall, multiple green houses and conservatories, a six-level outdoor kids' play area, a Museum of Teaware with an adjoining tea house that serves vegetarian dim sum and a spectacular aviary.

The stunning Edward Youde aviary houses a tropical forest and hundreds of birds right in the heart of Hong Kong Park. A tree walk-style path snakes through the aviary, which is encased in beautifully designed netting that blends the outside cityscape and the jungle within. A must for those who enjoy bird watching in Hong Kong. 

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Gardens By The Bay, Singapore

Gardens By the Bay is leading the way for the future of green spaces in urban environments. You might recognise its Avatar-like Supertrees from their cameo in the Singapore-set film, Crazy Rich Asians

The impressive attraction comprises various horticulture experiences, including an indoor cloud forest with a soaring 35-metre man-made waterfall and plans from tropical highlands as high as 2,000 metres above sea level, including a gnarly collection of carnivorous plants. There's also a treetop walk that offers stunning views over Marina Bay Sands.

In the Flower Dome, you'll find flora from Mediterranean and semi-arid subtropical regions. From desert landscapes showcasing rare succulents to the swollen trunks of Baobabs, thousand-year-old olive trees and a vibrant Flower Field that transforms with the seasons. One of our personal favourites is hanami, or cherry blossom, season. 

Singapore Botanical Gardens, Singapore

Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015, the Singapore Botanic Gardens is the first and only tropical botanic garden on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. 

Founded in 1859, Singapore Botanic Gardens features multiple green spaces, walking paths, lakes and ponds and a National Orchid Garden. Beyond being a beautiful space to relax, it has been an important centre for science, research and plant conservation. You'll even spot roosters and otters roaming the grounds. 

Tatler tip: Pack a gourmet picnic and head to the grounds by the Shaw Foundation Symphony Stage for a picnic. It's the perfect place to relax and graze, surrounded by soaring palm trees and with views of the lily pond. 

Garden of Morning Calm, Seoul, South Korea

Located north of Seoul in Gapyeong, Gyeonggi Province, the Garden of Morning Calm takes its name from renowned Indian poet Sir Tagore who, during the Joseon Dynasty, referred to as the "land of morning calm". 

The park is surrounded by rolling hills and forests, and comprises over 30,000 square metres of immaculately kept greenery. The landscape shifts with the seasons - Spring sees the grounds canopied with cherry blossoms and magnolias; Summer brings colourful hibiscus and lush trees; Autumn is perhaps the most spectacular, with leaves turning bold, fiery hues; and in colder months, the snow-covered garden becomes a Winter Wonderland with dazzling light displays. 

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Nezu Museum, Tokyo, Japan

A visit to Nezu Museum in Aoyama is a must when visiting Tokyo, not just for its stunning architecture and unique exhibitions, but for its beautiful on-site 17,000-square metre Japanese garden. 

Here, you'll find a scattering of traditional teahouses, stone lanterns and other objets surrounded by meticulously cared for trees and greenery. The land was first purchased in 1906 by Nezu Kaichirō I, who liked the site for its hills and dales. It burned during the bombing of Tokyo in World War II, but has since been restored with paved walkways for pleasant strolls. 

Tatler tip: Enjoy lunch or tea at the Nezu Cafe, which boasts fabulous floor-to-ceiling views of the garden on three sides of the cafe.

 

Canggu Rice Fields

Little needs to be said about the jaw-dropping beauty of Bali's terraced rice fields. And while we love those found in Ubud, the more central rice fields of Canggu shouldn't go ignored, particularly those found as you head Northwest towards Tanah Lot. 

We recommend renting a scooter or a bicycle, and going for an early morning ride through the stunning and serene scenery. If you've got time to kill - given that you're hanging out in Bali, we'll assume that you do - you can also go for a long and leisurely walk to take it all in.

Tatler tip: Remember to be respectful of the men and women who work and live on the land. While it's tempting to get up close and personal with the beautiful landscape, try and refrain from entering or stepping through the rice fields to avoid destroying farmers' crops. 

Lumpini Park, Bangkok, Thailand

Covering 500,000 square metres, Lumpini Park is one of Bangkok's largest and lushest green spaces. On early morning strolls through this urban oasis, you'll catch groups of locals getting their morning workout in - be it energetic aerobics or gentle tai chi and yoga. There are some great tracks for running and cycling, and even paddle boats for hire if you're partial to getting out on the water.   

Tatler tip: It's worth working up an appetite to enjoy the street food vendors that line the park's trails, including Pad Thai, BBQ specialities and fresh Thai salads. 

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Queen Sirikit Botanical Gardens, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Established in Chiang Mai in 1992 and named in honour of Queen Sirikit, this is Thailands first botanical garden and features 560 acres of lush mountainous vegetation, plants from around the world and 12 greenhouses to explore. 

The Rainforest Glasshouse contains an abundant variety of tropical plants from Asia, while other greenhouses show off stunning orchids, lotus flowers, carnivorous plants and succulents.

Queen Sirikit Botanical Gardens is also home to Thailands longest canopy walkway, the Flying Draco Trail, named after the flying lizard that is native to Chiang Mai.

Penang Botanic Gardens, Malaysia

Penang Botanical Gardens is located in a valley along Jalan Kebun Bunga, and features a plethora of indigenous and exotic plant species as well as an exotic. It is also known as the Waterfalls Gardens, for its spectacular cascading waterfall nearby. 

Set up by the British in 1884, it is divided into 12 sections: the Formal Garden, Lily Pond, Perdana Plant House, Tropical Rainforest Jungle Track, Fern House, Fern Rockery, Aroid Walkaway, Cactus House, Orchidarium, Horticulture Centre, Nursery and Quarry Recreational Park.

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