Singapore Botanic Gardens

Established in 1852, the Gardens are a tranquil respite from the city buzz. Highlights include the National Orchid Garden with the world’s largest collection of orchids – some 1,000 species and 2,000 hybrids, including the national flower, Vanda Miss Joaquim. There is also a swan lake where visitors can feed the black Australian swans, and the Evolution Garden Walk, a well-landscaped plot containing the fossilised remains of ancient trees. During weekends, tours to its rainforest patch are available, while outdoor concerts are often held at Symphony Lake.

Things to Do

Sundays
Orchids for Sale
Every first Sun; 8am-6pm A wide variety of orchids are displayed for purchase at the Library Courtyard.

Saturdays
FREE Edible and Medicinal Plants Tour
Every first Sat; 9am & 10am
Let volunteer guides lead you to exquisite plants that you can place on your dinner table. A starter on the incredible healing powers of plants and shrubs. Register 15 minutes before the tour at the Visitor Centre.

FREE Rainforest Tour
Every second Sat; 9am, 10am, 11am & 4pm (Eng)
Every first Sat of the month; 10am (Jap)
This guided tour will expose you to the island’s expanses of luscious tropical rainforest. Register 15 minutes before the tour at the Visitor Centre.

National Orchid Garden Tour
Every third Sat; 9am, 10am, 11am & 4pm (in Mandarin)
Find out facts that are every bit as colourful as the petals themselves on this guided walk through the garden. Register 15 minutes before the tour at the Visitor Centre. ($5)

FREE Evolution Garden Tour
Every fourth Sat; 9am
This tour tells the story of how plants evolve into the myriad and complex life forms we see today. Register 15 minutes before the tour at the Visitor Centre.

See also:
Botanic Gardens were included in our recent One Night Stand feature.