Singapore Botanic Gardens
Singapore’s oldest garden is a treasure trove for plant lovers, or those who simply want to have a good time outdoors.
Photo by Alaric Sim on Unsplash
A testament to Singapore’s reputation as a City in a Garden, the Botanic Gardens is the country’s first UNESCO Heritage Site, joining the ranks of iconic landmarks such as Cambodia’s Angkor Wat and The Great Wall of China.
Located just at the southern tip of Malaysia, Singapore boasts of being a vibrant city-state that has a mix of different cultures with a Singaporean twist. The small country is known as one of the highest tourist footfalls in Asia. Apart from fine dining, activities, and the hustle and bustle of the city, Singapore also has a calmer, leisurely side. The country is a paradise for anyone who would like to travel to experience the best of both worlds. One day you could be sitting on the Singapore flyer marveling over the Panoramic view of the city the next day you could get immersed with Mother Nature. One such wonderland not to miss would be the Singapore Botanic Garden.
Established in 1859 by the Agri-Horticultural Society, 60 acres of land were transformed from a disused plantation into the popular recreational garden you see today.
As well as being a favourite recreation venue for jogging, dining or just lazing about, the sprawling grounds are also a leading centre for botanical and horticultural research.
Highlights include The National Orchid Garden, which boasts the world’s largest orchid display, with over 60,000 plants and orchid plants.
Meanwhile, the SBG Heritage Museum features interactive and multimedia exhibits and panels that detail the Gardens' rich heritage, while the CDL Green Gallery displays botanical-related exhibits.
Kids will have a blast at the Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden where they can play and learn all about plant life. A host of restaurants and cafes are also available to satisfy thirsty and hungry visitors after a day out in the sun.
And once you’re ready to step back into the concrete jungle, the Orchard Road shopping district is mere minutes away.
Renowned as Singapore’s first UNESCO’s site, and one of the best places to visit in Singapore, The Singapore Botanical Gardens features a natural tropical habitat. Marking its existence since 1859, Singapore Botanical Gardens forms a hub for plant research and preservation. Stretched across a land cover of around 85 hectares, Singapore Botanical Gardens features 10000 plus floral species. With such an extensive range of floral species, it claims itself as a perfect research zone for botany and horticultural activities. Visitors find this place an ideal suit for their jogging, lazing, or dining activities.
There is a mosaic assembly of numerous interconnecting gardens. The entire Singapore Botanical Gardens is bifurcated into six main exhibit zones – Tanglin Entrance, Tyersall Gallop Entrance, Nassim Entrance, Bukit Timah Entrance, Heritage Trees and Sculptures. Within these major ones, there are other interconnecting exhibits to explore. Singapore Botanical Garden’s authorities schedule monthly guided tours for your complete family and friend’s edutainment.
Make sure to add it to your places to visit in Singapore this Weekend because every Saturday, they schedule nature awareness programs aimed at promoting the preservation of the tropical ecosystem. Besides, they have their own research staff, and hence, you can explore their extensive plant research collaboration. Although it makes a right edutainment zone, Singapore Botanical Gardens is nowhere behind in terms of shopping and dining options in Singapore. Bees Knees at the Garage, Botanico at The Garage, Casa Verde, Corner House, Food for Tots, JUJU, and The Provisions are some of the major food and beverage points here.
While returning back from here, do not forget to visit their Garden’s shops located at Nassim Gate, Tanglin Gate, National Orchid Gate respectively. Key chains, fashion accessories, tote bags, t-shirts, botanical paintings are some of the things which you can buy here.
There are significant attractions at Singapore Botanical Garden
1. Tanglin Gate:
The main gate of the Singapore Botanical Garden is known as Tanglin Gate. CDL Green Gallery, SBG Heritage Museum, Botany Centre, Swan Lake, Bonsai Garden, Sun Garden, and Bandstand are the prime attractions beyond this gate.
CDL Green Gallery: Interactive multimedia exhibits.
Botany Centre: Visitor Information Centre
Swan Lake: Home of White Mute Swans
Bandstand: Popular wedding shot
Bonsai Gardens: Home to 48 different bonsai species
Sun Gardens: Plants from arid regions
Tyersall Gallop Entrance: This entrance of the Singapore Botanical Gardens features Ginger Garden, National Orchid Garden, and Learning Forest.
Ginger Gardens: Spectacular ginger species exhibits.
National Orchid Gardens: Homes to around 2000 hybrids of approximately 1000 species of orchids.
Learning Forests: Features 6-hectares rainforest.
2. Nassim Entrance:
Here’s what you can observe after entering the Nassim Entrance –
Nassim Gate Visitor Center: You’ll get to witness the magnificence of the Southeast Asian architecture here.
E J H Corner House: Black and White Colonial House.
Evolution Garden: Journey through the evolutionary phase of plants.
Healing Garden: Introduction to the healing qualities of different medicinal plants.
Rain Forest: Features climbers, herbs, ferns, and shrubs which are some exquisite remnants of tropical rainforest.
Palm Valley and Symphony Lake: Homes palms growing along a gently sloping valley.
Fragrant Valley: Features aromatic and fragrant variants of plants.
3. Bukit Timah Entrance:
This entrance features the following attractions –
Eco-Garden and Eco-Lake: Bird-watching and economically important plants.
Ethnobotany Garden: Outdoor garden featuring 300 floral species.
Foliage Garden: Ornamental Plants Exhibit.
Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden: Good point for children’s educational trip which combines the aspects of learning and discovery.
Trellis Garden: Climber exhibit.
4. Heritage Trees:
Features Tropical Garden City.
5. Sculptures:
Chang Kuda, Chopin, Clock Tower, Cranes, Elephant, Fan Palm Fountain, are some of the sculptures you can find within this region.
Things can you do at the Singapore Botanical Gardens –
Stroll along the Orchid Gardens:
Spread across a land cover of around three hectares, Orchid Gardens homes to about 1000 hybrid varieties of nearly 2000 species. Researchers have a lot of information to collate here.
Visit VIP Flowers:
As you trespass the Burkin Hall, there’s a garden entirely dedicated for VIP flowers. You can capture some flawless orchids and their hybrids here.
Be a part of their event:
Singapore Botanical Gardens is known to host a myriad of events throughout the 365 days of the year. You can be a part of all those events and enjoy guided tours, musical shows, and other activities. The environment here becomes similar to the festivals in Singapore
Plan a children’s picnic:
As Singapore Botanical Gardens is a fun-learning adventurous point, it forms a perfect spot to plan your children’s picnic. This garden has a water play centre inside and also a children’s playing zone where you can find slides, tree houses, and mazes.
Relaxing beside the Saraca Stream:
This is one of the most significant points of Singapore Botanical Gardens, which is adored by most tourists visiting here. The moment you get tired with your visit throughout the garden, make sure to spend some quality time here along the sides of Saraca Stream.
Plan a romantic date at the first paktor spot:
Singapore Botanical Garden’s first paktor has been the first choice of lovers visiting here. Sitting here with your partner is a fun experience for couples looking for a romantic time together. You too can plan out your secret meetings here. Swan Lake Gazebo, Burmese Banyan Tree and Bandstand are some other chief attractions of this point.
12 Things To Do At Singapore Botanic Gardens
1. Nature-themed playground with giant fruit sculptures
Good news to all parents out there, there’s a new spot to bring your little ones. Como Adventure Grove Playgarden is one of the newest additions to the park, included during the recent opening of the Gallop Extension.
Throw aside the stereotypical idea of a playground as this one here looks more like an art installation rather than the cartoony colour-pops we’re familiar with. With artificial branches and hanging swings and slides that blend right into the au-natural aesthetic, this is a #throwback to the kampung days where children used to monkey around amongst the trees.
Regular sized objects may look large to kids but things are elevated yet further with larger-than-life installations. There are huge saga seeds to bounce on and even a giant cempedak that kids can clamber up – y’know, for a fruitful day out.
Opening hours: 7AM-7PM, Daily
Nearest entrance: Tyersall Gallop Entrance
2. New art gallery and discovery centre in colonial bungalows
Another new addition to the park is the new Forest Discovery Centre. It’s housed within Gallop House No.5, which is actually the oldest surviving bungalow from the colonial era in Singapore. Built in 1898, the building has been preserved and turned into a stunning educational centre.
For those who threw all their Geog knowledge out of the window the moment they graduated, this is a good place to start your day when you visit the park. Within, you’ll be able to fall in tune with the identification of forest wildlife, learn more about native trees and refresh your knowledge on mangrove and tropical forests.
There’s also the newly-added Botanical Art Gallery nearby, located with the 1900’s Gallop House No.7. Other than escaping the heat with the cool A/C here, you’ll find more than 2,000 botanical paintings alongside an activity room filled with drawing materials you’re free to use.
Opening hours (Forest Discovery Centre): 9AM-6PM, Daily
Opening hours (Botanical Art Gallery): 9AM-6PM, Daily
Nearest entrance: Tyersall Gallop Entrance
3. 350M ridge trail to the top of the botanical garden
We don’t have any mountains or many hills, so discovering a new walking trail to explore on our island is always good news. Immerse yourself in nature at the new Mingxin Foundation Rambler’s Ridge with rocky steps that lead you past endangered Spike Oak and Braided Chestnut trees.
A mini-Macritchie experience without the sweat, this short 350M route will take you to a 40M-high elevation – the highest point in the whole of the Singapore Botanic Gardens.
Opening hours: 7AM-7PM, Daily
Nearest entrance: Tyersall Gallop Entrance
4. Ginger garden with Bali-like waterfalls
It’s easy to fall for waterfalls, especially when they’re as picturesque as the ones at the Ginger Garden. Find two waterfalls here, one with a cave you can enter to experience the waterfall from behind and snap a photo worthy of one of those IG travel accounts.
Waterfalls aside, there are ginger plants here – lots of them. The one-hectare garden is home to more than 250 species of the spicy medicinal root, sorted according to their region of origin. While you can’t see the ginger root itself, you’ll be able to spot the plant by its vibrant green leaves and flowers.
Nearest entrance: Tyersall Gallop Entrance
5. “Japanese” bamboo forest with > 30 species
Bamboo-zle your friends into thinking you’re in Japan’s iconic Arashiyama Forest at Bambusetum, featuring a dreamy lane of more than 30 species of bamboo. These grow up to 30M in height, creating that picture-perfect frame – no high-level photography moves needed.
Drag your photographer friends here during golden hour for that soft glowy effect in your shots, or bring your furry puppet here for a scenic walk – dogs are more than welcome in this park!
Opening hours: 5AM-12AM, Daily
Nearest entrance: Tyersall Gallop Entrance
6. Giant trees and canopy nets 8M above the ground
Henderson Waves and the HSBC Treetop Walk may get all the glory but little do most know that there’s an equivalent in the Singapore Botanic Gardens as well: the SPH Walk of the Giants. 260M-long, this elevated boardwalk brings you 8M above the ground, where you’ll be able to enjoy the view up in the canopy layer of the forest.
True to its name, the walk takes visitors up close and personal to palms, epiphytes, climbers and giant century-old trees that can grow up to 20 storeys in height, rivalling many of our HDB blocks.
Relax away from the hordes of insects you’d usually find on ground level on their suspended Canopy Webs that surround the giant trees while enjoying the shades provided by the top canopy.
Opening hours: 7AM-7PM, Daily
Nearest entrance: Tyersall Gallop Entrance
7. Garden of tall Vanda Miss Joaquim flowers
Any plant parent will know that it’s tough getting your own flowers to grow in Singapore. However, there’s really no need to go through all the hassle when you can just as easily enjoy gorgeous blooms at the Vanda Miss Joaquim display, a.k.a. Singapore’s national flower.
While not the largest field of flowers out there, this sure looks like it stretches on endlessly thanks to its towering 2M-height that keeps the rest of the park shrouded out of sight.
And of course, the flowers blooming at eye level make for the perfect backdrop for some dreamy shots – we hear it’s a good spot for pre-wedding photography.
Nearest entrance: Tanglin Entrance
8. National Orchid Garden with the world’s largest orchid display
The National Orchid Garden is the only paid attraction in the park but you can consider the nominal fee money well spent. The gated attraction will take you away from the crowds, where visitors can enjoy the world’s largest orchid display of more than 1,000 species and 2,000 hybrids of orchids in some peace and quiet.
No worries, you won’t be getting just flowers upon flowers upon yet more flowers – between the different sections of the garden is a mist garden, ethereal plant arches and floral-decorated fountains to break up the space.
Price: $5/adult, $1/student and $1/senior citizen (above 60 years old). Free for children under 12.
Opening hours: 8.30AM-7PM, Daily
9. Children’s garden with treehouses & flying fox
Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden has an expansive play area for children to run around and explore the great outdoors. Your little ones can live their Tarzan dreams in the low-lying tree house surrounded by vines, or hop on a flying fox for a quick rush of adrenaline.
Dotted around the area are also streams to wander along, balancing beams made of logs and gardening trails for aspiring urban gardeners to explore.
Opening hours: Tue – Sun 8AM-7PM (Closed on Mondays)
Nearest entrance: Bukit Timah Entrance
10. Swan Lake with waterfront pavilions
For those who used to go crazy over Barbie, the Swan Lake at Singapore Botanic Gardens may bring to mind the franchise’s classic Swan Lake movie – both featuring a whimsical pond filled with graceful swans.
This historic lake is also known as Main Lake or First Lake, as it’s considered to be the oldest ornamental water feature in Singapore, having been around for more than 155 years. Take a leisurely 10-minute stroll along the looping path that wraps the lake or enjoy the ambience best by relaxing under one of the romantic waterfront pavilions.
Nearest entrance: Tanglin Entrance
11. Free concerts and picnic ops by Symphony Lake
The most iconic spot within the Singapore Botanic Gardens is probably Symphony Lake, where you’ll find a majestic stage and spacious lawn surrounding it.
While free concerts have been paused due to Covid-19, you can still enjoy this vast outdoor space by bringing along a picnic mat and some snacks for a chill evening out. For rinsing of fruits from your picnic basket – or a quick answer to nature’s call – there’s also a clean public washroom near the southern end of the lawn.
Nearest entrance: Nassim Entrance
12. Bali-like views to go with brunch at The Halia
Among the many things that Bali is known for, one thing that draws many of us up to its town of Ubud is the immersive, lush nature. There’s no need to feel sad over not being able to jet over though, as a brunch sesh at The Halia cuts pretty close.
Order a Smashed Avocado on Sourdough ($13) paired with some fresh brews ($5) as you sit back in their rustic open-aired interior and gaze out into nature all around. Cafe by day, this also turns into a romantic setting for dinner with your boo during the evenings, with a fancier all-day menu featuring steaks (from $38) and Chilli Crab Spaghetti ($26).
Address: 1 Cluny Road, Ginger Garden Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore 259569
Opening hours: Mon – Thu 9AM-8.30PM | Fri 9AM-8.30PM | Sat & Sun 10AM-8.30PM
Telephone: 8444 1148
Nearest entrance: Tyersall Gallop Entrance
Places to Dine & Shop at Singapore Botanic Gardens
Places to dine:
Botanico at The Garage: Head towards Botanico at the Garage to try their European cuisines with an Asian inflexion. This place is best known for its seasonality focused cuisines.
Casa Verde: This Italian greenhouse is known for its wood-fired pizzas and some traditional Italian pasta.
Corner House: Experience the allure of a multi-layered dining experience at the Corner House at Singapore Botanical Gardens. Gastro Botanica, which is a France inspired contemporary cuisine, is a popular delicacy of this place.
Cluny Food Hall: Cluny Food Hall serves you some jaw-dropping Singapore cuisines and delicacies. Try out their chicken noodles, eggs, and traditional toasted bread.
Food for Tot’s Café: This café is one of the best cafes in Singapore and is situated amidst a lush green landscape and features a 40 -seater dining zone and serves all-day brunch stuff.
Forest Pavilion: Gourmet sandwiches, freshly baked pastries, and ice-creams are some of the outstanding delicacies of Forest Pavilion.
Fusion Spoon: Grab some Western or Asian or Japanese platter at Fusion Spoon. Besides, this place also has a kiosk named Waffle and Korean Bingsu Ice Kiosk where you can head for a little treat.
Halia Restaurant and the Villa: Standing beside the Ginger Gardens, Halia Restaurant and the Villa is well-known for its fusion cuisine type where you get to taste a blend of European and Asian spices and flavours.
Juju: This is a takeaway café of Singapore Botanical Gardens where you can try some light snacks and a wide array of refreshing drinks.
The Provisions: The Provisions is located at the entrance of Ginger Gardens. Here, you can try some home-made delicacies and cuisines.
Places to shop:
You have three places to shop at the Singapore Botanical Gardens:
Garden’s Shop (Nassim Gate): The ambience of this shop itself will leave you spellbound. This shop at the Nassim Gate houses a wide array of souvenirs to pick up for your close circle. Pretty floral designs, fashion accessories, and other Singapore delights form unique attractions here.
Gardens Shop (Tanglin Gate): This particular shop is a reader’s paradise where you have a myriad of books to explore. Either pick an educational kit or a picture book, your child is going to love his gift for sure.
Gardens Shop (National Orchid Garden): This shop features some exciting home décor items, curated merchandise, souvenirs, and fashion accessories. Key chains, t-shirts, tote bags, and local treats are some add-ons here.
Places to visit near Singapore Botanic Gardens
Orchard Road:
Orchard Road is considered to be a shopper’s paradise. Right from luxurious shopping articles to finest quality international cuisines – you’ll get everything here. Try ION Orchard, Orchard Central, Ngee Ann City, Tangs, and Far East Plaza for shopping.
National Museum of Singapore:
This is Singapore’s oldest museum in Singapore, which is a hub for inspirational stories of Singapore. Gallery 10, History of the National Museum of Singapore, Growing Up, Modern Colony, Singapore History Gallery, and Story of the Forest are some of the main exhibits of this museum.
SAM at 8Q:
SAM 8Q is a museum which is entirely dedicated to some of the prominent exhibits related to contemporary arts of Singapore. More or less, it is nothing less than an incubator where the local, regional talented art forms are preserved under supervision.
Hong San See Temple:
This is one of the most beautifully preserved architectural attractions of Singapore where you get to witness the magical aura of Chinese artistry. Axial planning, walled enclosures, courtyards, and beam-framed structures are some of the noteworthy attractions here.
Fort Canning Park is recognized as a green space which is encircled by gateways dating back to the 18th century. Also, there are gazebos where you can spend some relaxing time by indulging yourself either in classical music concerts or live stage performances.
This is a traditional wet market of Singapore where you can buy Indian stuff. Right from fresh meat to dry fruits, groceries, and vegetables, you have it all here. This place is best visited during Deepavali festival.
Stroll through yet another beauty of Singapore – the Merlion Park. If you happen to pass through the night, do mark your presence at the light and music show which is one of the best things to do in Marina Bay every night. Also, there’s 1919 Waterboat House to serve you some of the mouth-watering cuisines and delicacies with a tinge of European flavours.
Mint Museum:
This is the first-ever museum built exclusively for collating toys. You have both rare and unique varieties of vintage toys here. Do not forget to try a wide range of premium wines being served at the Museum’s boutique café of Mint Museum.
Essential Information
Location: 1 Cluny Rd, Singapore 259569
Timings: Singapore Botanical Gardens opens sharp at 05:00 am in the morning and closes down by 12:00 am.
Price (for locals and for foreigners): There are no charges for entering and exploring Singapore Botanical Gardens, However, if you are planning to be a part of The Park’s Crown Jewel (National Orchid Garden), you will be paying 3.75 dollars for adult entry and 0.75 dollars for children or senior citizens entry.
Tips for Visiting Singapore Botanic Gardens
Make sure that you put on comfortable walking shoes, a hat, and dress in layers.
Pack some quick to eat snacks and plenty of water with you.
Apply sufficient sunscreen on to your skin to avoid sunburn issues. Also, do not forget to carry one with you.
If possible, do include a plant identification guide in your backpack.
Also, include bug repellent in your backpack. It is a common scenario to have an encounter with the bugs once you step inside the Singapore Botanical Gardens. Therefore, applying bug repellent will ensure your protection from bug bites.
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