Exploring Singapore’s Botanical Gardens: What to See & How to Plan Your Visit

What could be better than an urban oasis that offers acres of lush, vibrant gardens and spectacular floral displays a stone’s throw from the heart of the city?

Singapore’s Botanical Gardens is currently the only tropical gardens on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list. In this fascinating guide to the gardens, we’ll explore what’s special about Singapore Botanical Gardens and share tips to help you plan your day and make the most of your visit.

The first thing you notice about Singapore Botanical Gardens is the beauty and vibrancy of the plants, trees and flowers on display, but this natural wonder is so much more than a garden. City gardens and parks play a crucial role in enhancing and preserving biodiversity and nourishing the health and well-being of their residents.

If you’re visiting Singapore, the Botanical Gardens are a must for your itinerary. 

Singapore Botanical Gardens dates back to the 1800s. After the gardens were founded in 1859, they were developed by British horticulturists and botanists based at Kew Gardens near London.

The gardens aided the development of agriculture in Singapore. Over the years, they have bloomed and blossomed into a stunning oasis, which not only looks spectacular but also has an important role to play in championing biodiversity.

Today, the 82-hectare site is managed by the National Parks Board. Singapore Botanical Gardens was classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in July 2015. It was Singapore’s first World Heritage Site and remains the only tropical garden in the world included in the list. 

A serene sanctuary, a hop, skip and a jump away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Singapore Botanical Gardens is five minutes from Orchard Road.

The park covers a vast area and it’s packed with attractions, with plenty to see and do for the whole family. If you’re visiting for the first time, here are some highlights you won’t want to miss:

Singapore Botanical Gardens is famous for its captivating collection of orchids. The National Orchid Garden boasts over 1,000 species and 2,000 hybrids and is one of the most dazzling orchid displays in the world.

Orchids have been associated with the gardens since the early days. The hugely successful orchid breeding programme launched in 1928. Visitors can enjoy guided tours of the Orchid Garden or stroll through the gardens at their leisure. There are also talks and events if you’re eager to learn more about the collection.

Check the website for more details about upcoming events and to book tickets. Highlights include the world’s largest orchid species, the tiger orchid. 

The Rainforest Trail is one of the most popular attractions at Singapore Botanical Gardens. Stretching over 6 hectares, the rainforest is home to more than 300 species of plants and flowers.

This area was part of the original blueprint of the gardens and has been instrumental in its development and evolution. More than 80% of the flora species on show are endangered or rare. The trail is around 600 metres long and takes 30-40 minutes to walk. Examples of species you can expect to see here include common red-stem and strangling figs, tree ferns, Kempas, white gutta trees, leaf litter trees, lianas and forest giants.

The rainforest offers an exciting, hands-on way for children and adults alike to learn about diverse flora and fauna, as well as the vital role of forest preservation and species conservation. Guided nature tours provide an engaging experience tailored for families, adults, teens, and school groups, creating memorable educational adventures amidst stunning natural surroundings.

The Ginger Garden, launched in 2003, is an experience for all your senses. The walking trail guides you through a wonderland of all things ginger, providing an exploration of edible ginger plants as well as ornamental species. There are more than 550 species here, some of which are endangered.

The garden is divided into zones, which cover different regions, including Africa, Asia, the Pacific and Tropical America. There’s also a waterfall and a Ginger Shelter. Ginger species on show include Red Ginger, Bamboo Ginger and Traveller’s Palm.

The Evolution Garden invites you to take a step back in time. An educational experience, a walk through this garden takes you on a journey from the first days of Earth’s existence to the development of its first living organisms. 

Education is a priority at the Singapore Botanical Gardens. There’s an emphasis on learning, with incredible exhibits and informative displays on offer throughout the park. The gardens also run educational programmes and events with options for families with children of all ages. This website is the best resource for checking events. Children can also download an activity booklet to complete during their visit. 

The best way to explore the gardens and make the most of every moment is to get involved in the activities and experiences on offer. Examples include:

Guided tours: Guided tours are an excellent way to enjoy all the best bits of the gardens, learn more about the history and development of the site and find out more about the species on display. You can ask questions, take advantage of your guide’s extensive knowledge and get around the park with ease if you book a tour. You can choose from different options including free walking tours on Saturdays (check the website for details), private tours and hop-on, hop-off bus tours.

Photography opportunities: Singapore Botanical Gardens is a dream location for professional and novice photographers alike. There are incredible opportunities around every corner, but the best locations include the National Orchid Garden, Swan Lake and The Rainforest. Tree-top canopies and walkways adorned with flower arches make a stunning backdrop for family photos. For the best shots, aim for clear, bright days when the sun illuminates the gardens and enhances the vivid colour of the flora.

Workshops and educational programmes: Singapore Botanical Gardens offers educational activities and programmes, workshops and events throughout the year. Examples include treasure hunts and natural trails for children and families, orchid garden guided tours, learning forest tours and nature sketching workshops.  

• Location: 1, Cluny Road, Singapore
  
  
• Opening hours: 5am to 12am (some attractions close earlier)
  
  
• Ticketing: The National Orchid Garden is the only ticketed attraction. You won’t need to buy tickets for any other areas. 
   

Best time to visit: 

Singapore Botanical Gardens is a year-round destination. February to April is the dry season. The gardens tend to be quieter early in the morning and late in the day. Visiting at these times is also advisable on hotter days.
 
Facilities and accessibility:

Most areas are pram and wheelchair-friendly. Wheelchair hire is available.  

Getting to the gardens:

There are several bus services as well as nearby MRT stations. You can catch the bus to either the Tanglin or Bukit Timah entrances. The closest MRT stations are Orchard and Napier for the Tanglin entrance and Botanic Gardens station for the Bukit Timah entrance. Car and bike parking are available and there are also EV charging points. 

Where to eat: 

There are many places to eat within the gardens, including The Garage, which houses a cafe and a restaurant, Fusion Spoon and Halia at Botanic Gardens. There are also outlets selling snacks and drinks dotted around the site. 

Singapore’s Botanical Gardens is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Singapore. A popular choice for visitors of all ages, there’s a huge range of activities on offer and plenty to see and do.

The gardens provide a blissful oasis a stone’s throw from the heart of the city making them an idyllic base to unwind and relax while exploring and discovering incredible species of plants and flowers. The National Orchid Garden is a must-see, with over 1,000 different species on show.

If you’re looking to take advantage of the natural beauty of Singapore’s Botanical Gardens, why not start planning your trip today and book one of our hotels in Singapore today.