Singapore Botanic Gardens

Overview

The Singapore Botanic Gardens is a UNESCO World Heritage tropical garden with a stunning National Orchid Garden housing 1,000+ orchid species, century-old heritage trees, and a lush rainforest in the heart of the city.

Highlights

• National Orchid Garden: 1,000+ species and 2,000+ hybrids — the world's largest orchid display.
• Heritage Trees: Giant heritage trees and a small patch of primeval tropical rainforest.
• Swan Lake: A picturesque lake once a rubber plantation testing ground.

History

Founded in 1859, the gardens played a crucial role in Southeast Asian agriculture — rubber seedlings cultivated here sparked the Malayan rubber industry. UNESCO World Heritage listed in 2015.

Visitor Tips

• Free Entry: The main gardens are free; the Orchid Garden charges $5 SGD.
• Morning Visit: Coolest temperatures and best light before 10 AM.
• Duration: 2 hours.