Discover the history, beauty, and diversity of the Singapore Botanic Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers something for everyone.
The Singapore Botanic Gardens is one of the most popular and iconic attractions in the city-state, attracting millions of visitors every year. Established in 1859, the gardens are the first and only tropical botanic garden on the UNESCO World Heritage List, and a testament to Singapore’s reputation as a City in a Garden. Spanning 82 hectares, the gardens are home to over 10,000 species of plants, including the world’s largest collection of orchids. Whether you are a nature lover, a culture enthusiast, or a family with kids, you will find something to enjoy and explore in the Singapore Botanic Gardens.
Highlights of the Singapore Botanic Gardens
The Singapore Botanic Gardens are divided into four main sections: Tanglin, Central, Bukit Timah, and Tyersall-Gallop. Each section has its own attractions and features, but here are some of the highlights that you should not miss:
National Orchid Garden
The National Orchid Garden is the crown jewel of the Singapore Botanic Gardens, and a must-see for anyone who loves flowers. The garden boasts the largest and most diverse orchid display in the world, with over 1,000 species and 2,000 hybrids. The garden is divided into four zones, each representing a different season and color scheme. You can admire the stunning variety of orchids, from the delicate and fragrant to the bold and exotic. You can also visit the VIP Orchid Garden, where orchids named after celebrities and dignitaries are showcased, such as the Dendrobium Margaret Thatcher, the Vanda William Catherine, and the Renantanda Akihito.
Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden
The Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden is the first children’s garden in Asia, and a paradise for young minds. The garden is designed to educate and inspire kids about the natural world, through interactive and fun features. Kids can splash around in the water play area, climb up the tree house, cross the suspension bridge, and explore the farm. They can also learn about the different plants and animals that live in the garden, and how they are adapted to their environment. The garden also offers educational programs and activities, such as guided tours, workshops, and storytelling sessions.
Learning Forest
The Learning Forest is the newest addition to the Singapore Botanic Gardens, opened in 2017. The forest showcases the rich biodiversity of a tropical rainforest, and how it is connected to the water cycle. The forest consists of a network of boardwalks, trails, and bridges, that allow visitors to explore the different habitats and ecosystems. Some of the highlights include the Keppel Discovery Wetlands, where you can see the aquatic plants and animals that thrive in the wetlands; the SPH Walk of Giants, where you can walk among the towering trees and admire their majestic beauty; and the Bambusetum, where you can discover the different types of bamboo and their uses.
Other Attractions and Activities in the Singapore Botanic Gardens
The Singapore Botanic Gardens have more to offer than just plants and flowers. Here are some of the other attractions and activities that you can enjoy in the gardens:
Tanglin Gate
The Tanglin Gate is the main entrance to the gardens, and where you can find the Visitor Centre, the Botany Centre, and the SBG Heritage Museum. The Visitor Centre is where you can get information and maps of the gardens, as well as souvenirs and refreshments. The Botany Centre is where you can learn about the research and conservation efforts of the gardens, and see the herbarium and the library. The SBG Heritage Museum is where you can discover the history and heritage of the gardens, through exhibits and artefacts that trace the development and achievements of the gardens.
Swan Lake
The Swan Lake is the oldest and most iconic feature of the gardens, dating back to 1866. The lake is home to the famous mute swans, imported from Amsterdam in 1910. The swans are a symbol of grace and elegance, and a delight to watch as they glide on the water. The lake is also a scenic spot for relaxation and photography, surrounded by lush greenery and exotic plants. You can see the giant water lilies, the lotus flowers, and the cyads, some of which are over 200 years old.
Bandstand
The Bandstand is the symbolic landmark of the gardens, built in 1930. The bandstand is a charming octagonal structure, supported by white pillars and topped by a red roof. The bandstand was originally used for musical performances and events, such as the Symphony in the Gardens and the Jazz in the Gardens. Today, the bandstand is a picturesque spot for weddings and celebrations, as well as a popular backdrop for photos and selfies.
Visitor Information and Tips
If you are planning to visit the Singapore Botanic Gardens, here are some useful information and tips to make your visit more enjoyable and hassle-free:
How to get to the Singapore Botanic Gardens
The Singapore Botanic Gardens are easily accessible by public transport, such as the MRT, bus, or taxi. The nearest MRT station is the Botanic Gardens station, which is on the Circle Line and the Downtown Line. You can also take the bus to the Tanglin Gate, the Nassim Gate, the Bukit Timah Gate, or the Tyersall Gate. Alternatively, you can take a taxi to any of the gates, or use a ride-hailing app such as Grab or Gojek.
If you prefer to drive, bike, or walk to the gardens, you can find parking and accessibility information on the official website of the gardens. The parking rates are $0.02 per minute on weekdays, and $0.03 per minute on weekends and public holidays. The parking lots are located at the Botany Centre, the Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden, the Bukit Timah Gate, and the Tyersall Gate. The gardens are also wheelchair and stroller friendly, with ramps and lifts available at most of the attractions.
Opening hours and admission fees
The Singapore Botanic Gardens are open daily from 5 am to 12 midnight, with different opening hours for some of the attractions. The National Orchid Garden is open from 8.30 am to 7 pm, the Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden is open from 8 am to 7 pm, and the Learning Forest is open from 5 am to 12 midnight. The last admission for all the attractions is 30 minutes before closing time.
The Singapore Botanic Gardens are free to enter, except for the National Orchid Garden, which charges a nominal fee of $5 for adults, $1 for students and senior citizens, and free for children below 12 years old. You can buy the tickets at the entrance of the National Orchid Garden, or online through the official website of the gardens.
Visitor guidelines and etiquette
The Singapore Botanic Gardens are a place of beauty and tranquility, and a shared space for everyone to enjoy. To ensure a pleasant and respectful experience for yourself and others, please follow these dos and don’ts of visiting the gardens:
Do respect the plants and animals, and do not touch, pluck, or damage them.
Do keep the place clean, and do not litter or leave any rubbish behind.
Do follow the rules and regulations, and do not smoke, drink alcohol, or play loud music in the gardens.
Do not feed the animals, and do not bring any pets or bicycles into the gardens.
Do not enter the restricted areas, and do not climb or lean on the structures or railings.
The Singapore Botanic Gardens also provide various facilities and amenities for your convenience and comfort, such as the restrooms, the drinking fountains, the lockers, and the first aid stations. You can also find services and assistance, such as the wheelchair rental, the lost and found, and the emergency hotline. For more information, you can visit the Visitor Centre, or check the official website of the gardens.
The Singapore Botanic Gardens are a tropical paradise in the city, where you can discover the history, beauty, and diversity of the plant kingdom. Whether you want to admire the orchids, explore the rainforest, or relax by the lake, you will find something to suit your taste and interest. The gardens are also a great place to learn and have fun, with educational programs and activities for all ages. The Singapore Botanic Gardens are a must-visit destination for anyone who loves nature, culture, and adventure.
