It’s the time of the year when pretty pink flowers bloom again—even in Singapore.
Though our tropical island, sadly, does not have native cherry blossom trees, we actually have something similar—the Tabebuia rosea tree, more commonly known as trumpet trees.
They’re in full bloom now, just in time for Japan’s cherry blossom season. So, if that expensive Japan trip just evades you, why not spend a couple dollars on an MRT ride to one of these locations to fulfil your hanami (flower viewing) dreams?
What’s A Trumpet Tree?
Pretty pastel pink flowers aren’t exclusive to Sakura trees—Singapore’s version of Sakura trees, known as trumpet trees, also bloom in these pink hues.
It gets its scientific name, Tabebuia rosea, from its native Brazilian name “tabebuia”, and “rosea” from the rosy hues of its petals.
Similar to Sakura trees, these trees typically flower in March and April too, and again between August and September.
They usually flower during heavy rains that occur right after a long hot and dry spell, since they’re native to tropical areas. In fact, they prefer a tropical climate, unlike most of us.
Standing at around 18m to 35m tall, the trees are adorned with trumpet-shaped pink and white flowers during their flowering season, and their petals are 5-8 cm long.
You can now catch these flowers in full bloom along the streets or in local parks. When these flowers fall, they form a spectacular pink carpet on the ground below, providing a picturesque backdrop for both Instagram photos and heartfelt love confessions.
Where You Can Find Them
So, where exactly can you find the trees?
They’re actually scattered all over the island—you can search for locations near you with this tree tracker provided by NParks. Just use the species search and key in “trumpet tree”.
There have been some notable locations where these trees have been spotted in full bloom, though, as shared by NParks in a Facebook post on 24 March.
The Singapore River
The trees are scattered at different locations along the Singapore River. So, if you’re looking for something to do, maybe it’s a good idea to take a walk along the iconic Singapore River and contemplate your troubles while gazing at these flowers.
East Coast Park
A beloved leisure destination for those living in the East, East Coast Park boasts these trees in full bloom as well, in the KPMG Wellness Garden. Head down for a run in the garden and let the pretty trumpet flowers cheer you on.
Bishan Street 13
The trees are true heartlanders, too—nestled against the backdrop of Singapore’s signature HDBs, they doubtlessly embody their affectionate local title of the Singapore Sakura.
Punggol Central
They’ve been spotted at Punggol Central as well. Go for dinner at one of the coffee shops there, and end your evening by paying a visit to these picture-perfect trees. Maybe if you stare at them long enough, you can even pretend you’re in Japan for a night.
If you desperately want to find real Sakura blossoms, though, you can—but you have to be fast, because your chance ends this weekend.
Gardens By the Bay’s annual Sakura display is now open to the public, but only until 9 April.
Located in the Flower Dome, this year’s Sakura display is inspired by the theme of train travel, emulating a train journey through iconic locations in Japan.
You can book your tickets here on Gardens By the Bay’s website, so head down quickly if you die-die want to see real Sakura trees.