forest bathing

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when was the last time you felt this earth deeply?

Forest bathing is an immersive walk to connect deeply with earth through our hearts.

In the hurried pace of city life in a highly urbanized environment, slowing down and being fully present has become a challenge for many. Forest bathing offers a gentler way of life by taking intentional breaks from the high intensity of the city and resting in the present. It focuses on the therapeutic effects from intimate interactions with the natural world.

While there are many ways of enjoying nature, forest bathing is a relational practice that seeks to connect us to nature through our bodily senses, to deepen our kinship with nature and remember the rich aliveness within us. It promotes a conscious and balanced way of living, to fully participate in life in the now that is unfolding alongside the living earth.

Learn More:

Benefits

Process

Experience

FAQ

We learn how to simply be in our body, and allow our heart to take us on a discovery.

- gentle walks

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Benefits on Human Health

Forest bathing was first founded in Japan by scientists who were interested in the medicinal value of nature on human health. Numerous studies have provided convincing evidence that humans need nature to thrive.

⸙ Reduces blood pressure

⸙ Lowers stress hormones

⸙ Restores energy

⸙ Improves immunity system

⸙ Decrease inflammation

Physical

⸙ Reduces anxiety & stress

⸙ Improves mood

⸙ Relaxes and empties the mind

⸙ Resets nervous system

⸙ Heightened sense of connection

Emotional

⸙ Awakens the life and spirit

⸙ Sparks joy, curiosity & wonder

⸙ Enhances creativity and clarity

⸙ Strengthens connection with self

⸙ Expands perspectives on life

Spiritual

Philosophies of Practice

⸙ Collective Healing
The practice encourages a slower pace of life, to experience life in the present and to be conscious of earth’s gifts. Nature supports humans’ health, and healthier humans make healthier decisions for the planet.

⸙ Mindfulness, Bodyfulness, Heartfulness
It inspires one to explore the fullness of their life through their mind, body & heart. It raises an awareness of the felt senses and brings about a stronger connection to the self.

⸙ Relational
The practice creates opportunities for tender encounters with nature, bridging a loving & reciprocal relationship with the living world, turning us into stewards and guardians of this earth.

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The Process

An ANFT-certified forest therapy guide is trained to offer the standard sequence of activities which effectively slow the mind down and awaken the five senses (and more). The guide works in partnership with the forest to offer the most ideal trail and unique felt experiences based on what encounters are available for the day.

⬥ a journey into the forest ⬥

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Intro & Senses Awakening
The guide will introduce the practice and begin the session with prompts that gently awakens the senses.

Gentle Wandering
Without any destination or goals in mind, participants will be prompted to wander, letting the heart lead the way.

Story Sharing
The group gathers to share their observations and reflections, practicing authentic expressions and compassionate listening.

Deep Nature Connection
Individuals will be offered guidance and ample freedom to explore personal connections with the Wild World beings.

Tea Sharing
The session will conclude with tea to express gratitude for nature and celebrate togetherness with self, humans and nature.

Join your first walk

Slow down and reconnect with nature through this gentle guided forest therapy experience. Through mindful invitations and quiet wandering, you'll awaken your senses, calm the mind, and experience the restorative power of trees—no rush, just deep presence in nature. Beginner-friendly, all is welcome.

For the curious, begin here ➝

Are there forests in Singapore?

While the practice is termed ‘forest’ bathing, the experience can take place in any green space. In fact, the thoughtfully curated parks of Singapore are great for beginners who might appreciate a safe and comfortable space to begin their journey.

Singapore enjoys warm tropical weather all year around, making it a welcoming ground for flora and fauna to thrive. The encounters with wildlife are aplenty, offering an opportunity to get to know the different nature beings sharing this island. With a rich bank of heritage trees, visitors can also find notable elder trees which may inspire awe, wisdom and curiosity.

The experienced guides seek out therapeutic spaces with their keen senses and curate programs in partnership with the forests to heighten the pleasurable experience of the space. Individuals can be confident to find that the forest bathing experience in Singapore is not any less than what is available abroad. Individuals looking for a full nature immersion may explore Gentle Retreat in Asia.

Our Trails in Singapore

  • Gardens by the Bay, Central

  • Bidadari Park, Central

  • Botanic Gardens, Central

  • Dairy Farm Park, West

  • Pasir Ris Park, East

  • Rifle Range Park, West

  • Jurong Lake Gardens, West

  • Fort Canning Greens, Central

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Hear from the participants

  • Being someone who loves nature and trekking, I was curious how forest bathing might offer a different kind of experience. Thankful to the guide for her gentle and sincere guidance in showing us the benefits of forest bathing. It was a wonderful experience to be able to appreciate simple things that has always been around us. Being able to do it in a group also makes the experience more enjoyable.

    — Hwee, 2025 Oct

  • During the forest bathing, I observed my sense of hearing becoming stronger. It made me wonder if my ears have been fatigued for a while from the buzz of city life in the MRT and malls. I found myself learning to feel joy in seemingly small things such as witnessing a mother sitting by the pond with her three young children. I fulfilled the longing for space and carefreeness and left with a sense of calmness.

    — Feng, 2025 Oct

  • It was my first time forest bathing and I was impressed by the impact it left on me - I felt more connected to the nature and to myself, and felt more energized and peaceful by the end. I became more conscious of the shape of the trees, the leaves falling and the changing clouds in the sky. The guide gave us space to find our own ways to connect with the forest at our own pace, and inspired me with her deep appreciation and passion for the forest.

    — Chloe, 2025 Sep

  • It was an eye-opening experience as the guide helped us open up our senses and appreciation of the sights and sounds around us. Loved the interaction between participants as we shared our insights, especially towards the end over a pot of floral tea and light healthy snacks.

    — Lay Hong, 2025 Aug

  • This was my second time forest bathing with gentle walks. The guide's gentleness and openness makes the entire experience so nurturing, loving and accepting. I feel so happy, relaxed and recharged, even more so than a spa session.

    — Samantha, 2025 July

  • Jovena was an amazing guide. Her calm energy and intuitiveness towards nature really made my first forest bathing walk unforgettable. I truly felt reconnected to nature and have such a fresh perspective towards living slowly and being content. Days after my walk, I still remember her words and insights. Would absolutely recommend this experience.

    — Sue, 2024 Nov

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FAQ

  • The term Forest bathing is a direct adaptation from the Japanese term Shinrin Yoku (森林浴). Walking between the trees, we are ‘bathing’ in the natural compounds floating in the atmosphere. Trees release an active ingredient named phytoncide which has been proven to increase the natural killer cells in the human body which fight infections and support immunity. At the same time, we are bathing in sunlight, fresh oxygen and microbes in the soil that are essential for physical mechanisms of the body.

    Forest therapy and nature therapy are other terms used interchangeably for this practice.

  • There is no destination, no distance to clock, and no educational goals to achieve. We learn how to simply be in our body, and allow our heart to take us on a gentle wander. It provides a great contrast to our usual highly productive daily grind, which can be very restful for most people.

  • Look forward to an idyllic walk down a gentle trail, where we engage our different senses to interact with nature in novel ways through a series of friendly invitations. For most parts of the walk, we are engaging individually with nature, but we gather in multiple short sharing sessions to connect with the circle. We mark off the end of the walk with a tea-sharing experience.

  • Most people experience an improvement in mood, mindfulness, and relaxation. It is great for worn-out souls and tired bodies. The tranquil time also provides space for special reconnections to happen, with ourselves, humanity, and the wider circle of nature. We might be walking down the same trail, but each of our journeys will be unique and special to us.

  • Yes, it is widely studied with numerous researches producing strong evidence that backs the effects of forest bathing on human health. Scientists observe lower blood pressure, reduced stress, mood improvement, increased memory and focus, and an increase in natural killer cells in our bloodstream that fight infected cells and support our immunity. If you are keen to learn more, visit the links on this page.

  • The trained guide partners with the forest to offer an effective sequence, route and conditions to best receive the therapeutic effects of nature. As forest bathing deeply engages the senses and presence, it may not come naturally to everyone.

    The guide will help the participants to slow down, quieten busy thoughts and reconnect with their senses through prompts and invitations. People who experience a disconnect with their body and soul would benefit from being guided deeper into their presence.

    With a guide who is well-versed in nature, one can also be assured of their physical and emotional safety to take a step further into their brave space, and ease into the captivating wonders of nature.

    Of course, one may choose to take the simple slow walks in nature parks and still derive the physical benefits if that's the main goal. This is completely supported and encouraged.

  • Forest bathing is an open practice conducted in a secular manner with the intent to deepen our relationship with nature. Participants are free to draw their own meaning according to their personal faith and beliefs and have full autonomy over their own interpretation.

  • Rain is a friend we welcome in walks as it brings about a unique set of encounters. The program will flow around the weather and be conducted under safe conditions in the absence of lightning.

    It makes a walk even more special as it is a surprise encounter that we cannot arrange in advance.

    Of course, should there be heavy thunderstorms that may make the walk impossible, we will inform in advance on any cancellation or postponement. Participants may use the same ticket for the next walk.

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