Amidst the bustling streets of Singapore, a unique rainforest experience has emerged outside City Square Mall. City Developments Ltd (CDL) has introduced the EcoTrain, a repurposed train cabin designed to educate children and youth on climate awareness and sustainability, and we’re here for it!
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An interactive journey through the rainforest
The 30-metre-long upcycled Kawasaki train cabin was opened to the public on 15th March, 2025. It offers an immersive educational experience where visitors step into a vibrant space filled with informative and interactive panels that bring the rainforest ecosystem to life. Through digital displays, they can learn about biodiversity, ecosystem services, and the impact of deforestation.
A key feature is an adventure quest game, which encourages engagement through a mascot named Qwerty. By scanning QR codes and answering questions, visitors progress through different stages of learning.
The EcoTrain also features an activity zone where visitors can share messages about nature and sustainability. A dedicated classroom at the back of the train hosts free weekend workshops.
These sessions, co-created with Just Keep Thinking (JKT), Singapore’s largest science and sustainability social media platform, focus on crafting with recycled materials, identifying native species, and understanding conservation efforts through interactive activities. JKT’s involvement ensures that learning is gamified, making it engaging and accessible for young audiences.
Built from a decommissioned SMRT train cabin, the EcoTrain is an example of CDL’s commitment to circularity and waste reduction. The structure incorporates eco-friendly features such as solar panels, rubber flooring, and low-carbon materials. This initiative aligns with Singapore’s broader efforts to upcycle old infrastructure and integrate sustainability into urban development.
A micro-forest in a city
Complementing the EcoTrain, CDL has also developed a regenerative tropical MicroForest outside City Square Mall. Spanning 2,800 square feet, this urban forest showcases native flora and demonstrates the benefits of urban greening.
Developed in collaboration with researchers and the National Parks Board, the MicroForest aims to improve thermal comfort, air quality, and biodiversity in high-density urban areas. Sensors placed within the MicroForest and surrounding urban spaces measure environmental factors such as temperature and humidity.
This data-led approach will provide future insights into how nature-based solutions can enhance the city’s liveability. By integrating education with tangible sustainability efforts, CDL’s EcoTrain and MicroForest serve as innovative models for climate awareness and urban resilience.
These initiatives highlight the importance of preserving and integrating green spaces within rapidly developing cityscapes, ensuring future generations remain connected to nature and sustainability.
Visiting hours
If you’re interested in experiencing the EcoTrain and MicroForest, here are the visiting times:
EcoTrain:
- Weekdays: 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Weekends and Public Holidays: 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
MicroForest:
- Open 24 hours daily.
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